Lila, the maid who had been assigned to Prince Eirik a few months ago, worked quietly on his hair, her fingers weaving through the silken white strands with practiced ease.
Her admiration for her master was evident in every careful touch. She marveled at the way his hair caught the light, shimmering like spun silver, and at the ethereal beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. She had always heard tales of Prince Eirik's beauty, but nothing had prepared her for the reality of it.
But as much as she admired his outward appearance, it was his kindness, his gentle spirit, and the grace with which he carried himself that truly captivated her.
Prince Eirik was more than just a handsome face; he was a beacon of light in the often dark and tumultuous world of the court. He had a way of making everyone around him feel seen and valued, no matter their station.
The day she had been chosen to serve as his personal maid had been the most significant moment of her life.
She remembered the mix of sorrow and joy she had felt at the time, sorrow for the loss of the old maid who had served Prince Eirik for so many years, and joy for the opportunity to serve the kindest soul she had ever known.
Now, as she braided his hair with deft fingers, Lila couldn't help but feel a deep pang of sadness.
The prince had been quiet all morning, and the weight of an unspoken sorrow hung over him like a storm cloud. She could see it in his eyes, those deep purple eyes that usually sparkled with warmth but now seemed dull and distant.
"Your Highness," she said softly, her voice filled with a reverence she couldn't quite hide, "you look as splendid as ever."
Prince Eirik met her gaze in the mirror, offering her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Lila," he replied, his voice gentle and kind as always. "You always do such a wonderful job."
But despite his words, Lila could see the sadness in his eyes, the way his smile faltered at the corners. Her heart ached for him. She hated to see him like this, burdened by a sadness he didn't deserve.
If only there were some way to cancel this marriage without sparking a war, she thought. But she knew it was a foolish dream, an impossible hope. The fate of kingdoms rested on this union, and there was no room for personal desires, no matter how pure.
As she finished braiding his hair, she reached for the sheer veil that had become his signature. The delicate material was light as air, almost translucent, but it did little to hide his beauty. Lila often wondered why he chose to wear it, why he hid his face from the world when he was so breathtaking.
"If I were as beautiful as you, Your Highness, I would flaunt it with my head held high," she said, trying to cheer- up her master, her fingers moving with practiced precision as she tied the veil in place.
"Thank you, Lila," Prince Eirik said again, his voice barely a whisper this time.
Lila stepped back, curtsying deeply. "Your Highness, you are ready."
But even as she spoke the words, she couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't ready at all. How could anyone be ready for what lay ahead? For a life bound to a stranger in a foreign land, away from everything and everyone he knew and loved?
As she opened the door to leave, Lila's breath caught in her throat. Standing in the doorway was Queen Morgana, her regal presence filling the room.
The queen's deep blue gown flowed around her like water, the fabric shimmering with every step. Her white hair, swept up into an elegant chignon, was held in place by a simple, yet beautiful, diamond-studded pin.
Lila quickly bowed her head, her heart racing. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice trembling slightly with respect.
Queen Morgana offered her a warm smile before turning her attention to her son. Lila took that as her cue to leave, slipping quietly out of the room and closing the door behind her.
Inside, Queen Morgana walked towards her son, her heart heavy with the weight of what she was about to say.
Captain Sadiki, who had been standing watch near the window, bowed deeply as she approached. His dark eyes were filled with a protective intensity, a silent vow that he would protect Eirik with his life.
Prince Eirik turned to face his mother, his eyes searching hers for answers. He could see the worry etched into her features, the way her shoulders seemed to sag under the burden of it all.
Queen Morgana reached out, taking his hand in hers. She led him to the bed, sitting down beside him, never letting go of his hand.
"Eirik," she began, her voice soft but weighted with unspoken emotions. She held his hand tightly, as if trying to impart some of her strength to him.
"Mother," Prince Eirik replied, his voice trembling. He could sense the gravity of what she was about to say, and his heart pounded in his chest.
Queen Morgana took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "You are to leave for Zephyros this afternoon."
The words hung in the air like a death knell. Prince Eirik felt his heart sink, his stomach twisting into knots.
The world seemed to blur around him as the reality of the situation set in. He glanced over at Captain Sadiki, who had been his rock through all of this. Sadiki's expression was unreadable, but Eirik could see the flicker of pain and resignation in his eyes.
"So soon?" Eirik whispered, his voice barely audible. He had known this day was coming, but he hadn't expected it to be so soon. There were so many things he hadn't had the chance to do, so many words left unspoken, especially to Sadiki.
"Yes," Queen Morgana replied, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry, my precious flower, but you must leave today. You and Prince Kaelix need time to get to know each other before the wedding."
Prince Eirik's mind reeled, spinning with thoughts he couldn't quite grasp. He felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Everything was happening too quickly, too suddenly. He wasn't ready for this. How could he be?
"But you will go with your personal guard and maids," Queen Morgana added, her voice gentle, as if trying to offer some small comfort. "Sadiki will be with you."
At that, Eirik felt a tiny measure of relief. Sadiki would be by his side, even in this foreign land. It wasn't much, but it was something. It was enough to give him the strength to nod, to force a smile onto his face, even though his heart felt like it was breaking.
"I'm so sorry, my son," Queen Morgana said, her voice breaking. She reached out, cupping his face in her hands, her eyes brimming with tears. "I wish I could prevent this."
"It's okay, Mother," Eirik replied, trying to sound brave, to be strong for her sake. He forced another smile, even though it felt like a lie. "I understand."
Queen Morgana's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her son, her heart breaking for him. She wished she could protect him from this, that she could shield him from the pain and uncertainty that lay ahead. But she knew she couldn't. All she could do was offer him the strength and guidance he would need to face it.
"You must be brave, Eirik," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Remember who you are. You are strong, and you will get through this."
Prince Eirik nodded, but inside, he felt anything but strong. He felt like a child lost in the dark, grasping for something solid to hold onto.
But he knew he had no choice. This was his duty, his responsibility as a prince of Valeidio. He had been raised to put his kingdom before himself, to do whatever was necessary to protect his people. And if that meant marrying a man he had never met, then so be it.
As Queen Morgana offered him words of encouragement and advice, reminding him to bid farewell to his siblings before his departure, Eirik listened with a heavy heart. He hugged his mother tightly, feeling the weight of her sorrow and her love for him. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to. There was no other way.
After Queen Morgana left, the room felt emptier, the silence more oppressive. Eirik sat on the bed, staring at the door through which his mother had just exited. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of emotions, each one pulling him in a different direction.
Sadiki approached him, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright, my prince?"
Eirik looked up at him, the man he loved more than anything in the world. Sadiki had always been there for him, his protector, his confidant, his lover.
But now, it felt like everything was slipping through his fingers, like the life they had built together was crumbling to dust.
"I have to leave today," Eirik said, his voice cracking as the reality of it all hit him again.
Sadiki's expression hardened, a mix of anger and sorrow. "I know," he said quietly. "But I will be with you. Always."
Eirik reached out and took Sadiki's hand, feeling the strength in his grip. "Thank you," he whispered. "For everything."
Sadiki pulled him into an embrace, holding him tightly. "We will get through this," he murmured. "Together."