The night was still young, but Adela couldn't bring herself to sleep. Her mind was swimming with thoughts of the enigmatic prince, his sparkling smile, his charming words, and that gentle kiss on her cheek.
For the first time in her life, she felt something stir within her, something warm and tingly that seemed to bring new energy to her veins. And as she drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts were of Maximillian, the intriguing prince who had left her wanting more.
The morning filtered through the light soft curtain, a moan escaped her lips. Adela awoke with a new sense of purpose.
She hummed and reluctantly rose, dressed, and made her way to the throne room where her parents awaited her. As she entered, they turned to her, their faces expectant and curious.
"Well, daughter," the queen said, her voice smooth. "What say you to our proposal?"
Adela paused for a moment, her heart racing as she considered her answer. "No good morning, how was your night? Is this so important to you than I am to you?"
"Baby you're of age now, anyway I'm sorry. I should have asked anyway." Her mom said and she smiled, her eyes shining with newfound resolve. "I believe I am now open to the possibility of an arranged marriage," she said, her voice steady. "However, I would like to have some say in the matter."
The king frowned, but before he could speak, the door to the throne room burst open, revealing Adela's uncle, a stern look on his face. Adela round her eyes.
Adela's uncle stalked forward, his brow furrowed in displeasure. "Niece," he said, his voice harsh and cutting. "What is this nonsense you speak? Your duty is to this pack, not your own whims."
Adela squared her shoulders, undaunted by her uncle's disapproving glare. "My duty to this pack is precisely why I must have a say," she said, her voice unwavering. "For my happiness will surely bring prosperity to Seatha."
The king and queen exchanged a glance, unsure how to respond. Adela's uncle, however, was not one to remain silent. "Happiness?" he spat, his voice like poison. "We are talking about the future of this kingdom, not your petty desires!"
Adela's jaw tightened, her gaze never leaving her uncle's face. "My desires are not petty," she said, her voice taking on an icy edge.
Adela's uncle, Duke Constantine, was a man of traditional values and staunch loyalty to the throne. He had always resented his brother, the king, for not producing a male heir, and Adela's birth had only deepened his displeasure.
As she grew, he saw her as a threat to his ambitions and had done everything in his power to keep her from the throne.
Duke Constantine's eyes narrowed, his displeasure evident. "Your desires are irrelevant," he hissed. "This is a matter of state, not of the heart."
Adela's hands balled into fists, but she forced herself to remain calm. "And it is precisely because it is a matter of state that my voice must be heard," she said, her tone icy. "For I am the heir to this kingdom, and its future is in my hands.
Duke Constantine's lips curled in a sneer. "The pack's future is not in your hands, child," he spat. "It is in the hands of your betters."
Adela's eyes flashed. "And I suppose you consider yourself one of my 'betters,' Uncle?" She scoffed with sarcasm. "Perhaps it would do you well to remember that I am not some helpless girl. I am the heir to the throne, and I will not be silenced."
The queen, who had been watching the exchange in silence, straightened her spine and addressed her brother. "Do not mistake my daughter's passion for weakness," she said, her voice cold and commanding. "She is the heir to this kingdom, and her opinions are to be respected."
Duke Constantine glared at his sister, his jaw clenching. "Respected, yes, but not blindly followed," he finished, his voice low and dangerous. "This is not the time to coddle her whims, sister. This is a time for decisive action."
The queen's eyes narrowed. "Decisive action," she repeated, her voice dripping with disdain. "And what, would you consider decisive action? Marrying her off to the first eligible bachelor, regardless of her feelings?
Duke Constantine shifted, his gaze flicking between his sister and niece. "I am only suggesting that we consider the larger political implications of Adela's choices," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "It would be a mistake to ignore the potential alliances that a carefully arranged marriage could bring."
"And what of Adela's happiness?" the queen asked, a hint of steel in her tone.
"The happiness of an individual," he said, a hint of disdain in his voice, "is a secondary concern when weighed against the wellbeing of the kingdom. As long as the union is harmonious and fruitful, Adela's personal preferences are of little consequence.
Adela's eyes widened at her uncle's words, a spark of rebellion kindling in her heart.
"And what if I refuse?" Adela asked, her voice trembling with anger and uncertainty.
The room fell silent for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
The queen, her expression grave, turned to her daughter. "Adela, you must understand," she said, her voice soft but firm.
"The responsibilities of royalty are often heavy," the queen continued, her gaze unwavering. "They require us to make difficult decisions, to sacrifice our personal desires for the good of our people."
"I will not sacrifice my happiness," Adela whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "Not even for the pack."
The king, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat.
"This is a decision that will affect not only you but our entire kingdom," the king said, his tone measured and careful. "Perhaps it is time to take a step back, to consider all angles before coming to a conclusion."
Adela bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears. "And what if, after all that consideration, I still can not bring myself to wed a man I do not love?"
The king and queen exchanged another glance, the weight of their responsibility heavy on their shoulders.
The king sighed, the lines on his face deepening. "Then you will marry as the heir to the throne requires," he said, his voice resigning. "But know this, Adela—the crown will be yours. Once you ascend to the throne, you will be free to make your own choices."
Adela nodded, and her expression grim but resolute.
"Set the date, and it should be as early as possible. And send him a message, I will be having dinner with him tomorrow at 7pm.