The throne room was a chokehold of tension. Despite the tremble in her palms, Anya stood before her father, the King, with her back straight. Word of her meetings with Kael had spread like wildfire, fueling rumors and the King's paranoia.
"You dare defy me, Princess?" The king's words resounded loudly, bouncing off the glossy marble floor. Anger obscured his normally steely blue gaze. "A princess of the king having an affair with the sentry? This is a betrayal of our kingdom and a disrespect to the crown."
Anya raised her chin, her words crystal clear. "Father, have you betrayed me? Forcing your daughter into an unhappy marriage in order to advance your political career does not seem like a good idea. Despite his royal origins, Prince Luthor simply provides duty and lacks affection."
The court officials felt uneasy after hearing her statements, which lingered in the air. Anya noticed a glimmer of worry in her father's eyes. For an instant, his hold on the throne appeared to relax.
"Love is a luxury we cannot afford," the king shot back, his voice beginning to sound somewhat stronger. The union with Eldoria has a purpose. There will be peace because of this union, even though war is imminent."
Anya could not be duped. "Peace without truth is based on deception, Dad. Furthermore, greed-driven conflict will only result in greater misery."
She stepped up and spoke to the king and the whole court. "Do the people of Corhaven really want to live in a world where compelled allies and crushed hopes are the norm? Do we not deserve to be loved and happy?
Many others found resonance in her statements. Encouragement looks were shared amongst ladies-in-waiting, who had for so long been viewed as pieces on a political chessboard. Some advisors appeared to agree, even if they were tired of the King's firm grip.
Anya's statement was met with an overwhelming stillness. At last, a voice came from the rear of the space. It was Lady Elara, the Queen's trusted friend and counselor.
"Your Majesty," she said in a stern voice, "the princess tells the truth." The pleasure of our children cannot serve as the foundation for true peace. Maybe we should look at taking a different route."
Others did the same one by one. A chorus of dissident voices called for change. Anya watched as the court's momentum shifted, her pulse racing with both hope and worry.
With a dejected expression on his face, the king sank back onto his seat in response to this unexpected disobedience. With a flare of something like admiration in his eyes, he glanced at Anya.
His voice was low as he answered, "Very well, Princess." You've stated what you wanted to say. But what remedy do you suggest?"
Anya realized that this was her chance. She exhaled deeply and outlined her plan. Renegotiating the peace treaty with Eldoria was based not just on political expediency but also on mutual respect and understanding. She talked about establishing common ground and forming diplomatic relationships rather than forcing people into marriage.
Although it was a risk, Anya had faith in it. She also noticed a gleam of optimism in her people's eyes as she surveyed the room.
The King said nothing more as he considered Anya's remarks. At last, he said words, his tone worn but unwavering. Excellent. We are going to take an alternative route. However, be aware that you now have a great deal of responsibility for the future of the realm, Princess."
Anya looked him in the eye and realized how serious his comments were. She was no longer only doing this out of love for Kael. It was about laying out a fresh course for Corhaven, one in which duty and love could coexist.
As a king and his daughter, they would face the future together, destined to be together forever due to their decision.