In the garden of shades of golden twilight. Adela sipped her tea and listened half-heartedly to the same conversation she'd heard a hundred times before: "You must marry, Adela. It's your destiny."
Her mother's soft voice was pleading, but Adela had made up her mind long ago. She couldn't bear the thought of being controlled by a man, and she certainly didn't want to spend her life as a political pawn.
"But Mother, surely there must be another way. I could help rule alongside you, or..." Adela trailed off, knowing full well that her father would never allow such a thing. The kingdom of Saetha had never had a queen, and certainly not one without a king.
"There is no other way, my dear," her father interjected, his tone heavy with disappointment. "You must protect our kingdom and our people, and you can not do that from the shadows.
"Respectfully, Dad, please do not yell at me. How's it my fault you didn't conceive a male child? I've made my perspective clear: I am not ready to entertain any more commands from other men. You're already enough." She said, staring straight into the weak Alpha's eyes.
There was a moment of silence, and then a servant interrupted, "Dinner will be ready in the next ten minutes." He bowed.
"Yeah? Good, because I am tired of listening to these people. Seriously, sometimes I just wish I was born to a more understanding parents."
"That's enough, Adela." Her mom cut in harshly. The queen's eyes flashed with anger at her daughter's disrespectful tone. "Adela, you will not speak to your father in such a way. You are a princess, and you will comport yourself as such."
Adela clenched her teeth, biting back a retort. She knew she was pushing the boundaries, but she couldn't stand the thought of being married off to some man who would treat her like a possession. "Mother, I—"
"I forbid you to say another word if you don't want to experience my wrath. Do you know what it is to have a generous parent like us? Have you ever lacked something in your life? Do you know the number of people who would die to be in your place? I would be grateful I were you."
"That's all right, wife. Take it easy on her."
"Adela here has to undertake that life doesn't always give you what you desire. Sometimes you need not complain but manage. And that she should learn."
Adela clenched her hands into fists, biting her tongue to keep from lashing out at her parents. She knew they meant well, but she couldn't bear the thought of giving up her freedom for the sake of the kingdom. "I understand your concerns, Father, but I must ask you to consider my own desires in this matter."
Her father sighed, his shoulders sagging with disappointment. "Adela, I beg of you to reconsider.
"There are matters of state at play here that you do not understand. The kingdom needs a strong ruler to guide it through these uncertain times. Your marriage is crucial to ensure our safety and prosperity."
Adela stood up, unable to bear the weight of her father's words any longer. "I cannot, Father. You may see me as a tool to be used, but I am a person with my own desires and dreams."
"Sit down, young lady; we are not done with this discussion." Her mom said bluntly.
"I would rather you don't speak for me. Well, I am done here. You can continue with Daddy. The last thing I want now is to lose my appetite."
"Adela, my darling daughter, I remember a time when your mother and I were as young and stubborn as you, my dear. But life has a way of changing our perspectives. We want nothing but the best for you."
"Well, my perspectives won't change, thank you."
"Don't walk out on your parents." Before her Mom could finish her statement, she was already trailing off.
The Queen leaned back into her seat, questioning her instincts where she had gone wrong raising her baby. I guess I must have shown her so much love that I didn't realize she was becoming a rude lady.
With the support of his walking stick, he got up, leaned against it, and stretched out his feeble, shaky hands. "Everything will be alright, come with me to dinner."
Adela swept into the dining room and seated herself at the table, her back straight and her jaw clenched in annoyance.
Adela's parents followed a few minutes later, the king still leaning heavily on his walking stick, and the queen's face a mask of disappointment. They took their places at the table, a sense of unease filling the air like a choking smoke.
As the servants began to bring out the first course, Adela's appetite had vanished, replaced by a knot of tension in her stomach. She knew that the discussion about her future would not be over so easily.
She had to leave immediately, she thought and attempted to stand, but hesitated, her eyes flickering between her parents. Her heart ached with the realization that she was disappointing them, but she couldn't give in. Not now. Not after everything she'd been through.
"Adela, eat your food and then go to ponder on the discussion we've had." Her Dad said softly, chewing on his food like he was having mouthaches."
"I'm sorry, Father. But I must insist. I will not marry simply to secure the throne." With a determined stride, she turned her back on her parents and headed towards her bedroom, her steps echoing down the hall like the beating of a broken heart.
Behind her, the king and queen exchanged a look of defeat. They both drop their fork, shaking their head in unison.
The king and queen sat in silence for a moment, stunned by their daughter's defiance. Finally, the queen spoke, her voice heavy with resignation. "We cannot force her hand, husband. She is too strong-willed and independent."
The king nodded slowly. "You are right, my love. But we must find a way to secure the kingdom's future. Perhaps if we offered her more freedom, a chance to shape the kingdom's policies herself…"
The queen considered her husband's words for a moment, then nodded. "Perhaps if we were to give her a position of real power in the kingdom, not just as a figurehead queen but as a true ruler in her own right, she might be more amenable to the idea of marriage."
The king frowned thoughtfully. "It is a risky proposition. We would need to secure the support of the council, and the nobles might resist such a change. But it may be our only hope."
The Queen called her servant, gesturing her to clear the table. "Bring me two cups of coffee and send another to Adela. She refused to eat anything."
"Right away, Luna." The young maid bowed and left. A few minutes later, the Alpha and the Luna left their room, continuing to discuss ways to persuade their daughter. A servant entered the room with an urgent message.
"Your Highnesses, your brother has arrived. He insists on speaking with you at once."
The king and queen exchanged a look of concern. Blood draining from their face as they looked instantly deflated.
The king stood, his face grave. "Show him to the throne room. I will meet him there." He turned to his wife. "This cannot be a coincidence. Our brother must have heard of our difficulties with Adela."
The queen nodded, her expression grim. "I fear he has come to take advantage of the situation."
The king nodded grimly. "We must tread carefully. My brother is a cunning man. After he leaves, Adela must find a suitor with or without her consent–perhaps an arranged marriage."
"I totally agree with this, wife. My brother has always been a snake in the grass," the king said, his voice low and serious. "Remember what he did to our cousin, the heir to the throne of Meridian? He manipulated his way into the king's favour, only to betray him in the end."
The king and queen exchanged a grave look. They knew that their brother was not a man to be trifled with, and they had no doubt that his arrival was no coincidence. As the servant showed him to the throne room, they steeled themselves for what was to come.