The grand hall of Eldoria Castle was adorned with shimmering banners and fragrant flowers, a dazzling spectacle meant to celebrate the betrothal of Elara and Lord Kaelan. As guests filled the room, laughter and music echoed off the stone walls, but Elara felt as if she were trapped in a gilded cage. Her heart raced with a mix of anxiety and anger as she stood beside her parents, the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like a heavy cloak.Her father, Lord Cedric, stood tall and proud at the head of the hall, his voice booming as he addressed their esteemed guests. "Today, we celebrate not just the union of our beloved daughter Elara with Lord Kaelan of Drakoria, but a powerful alliance that will strengthen our kingdoms against the encroaching darkness!" His words were met with applause, but Elara's stomach churned. She could feel the eyes of the nobles upon her, judging her every move.Elara glanced at her mother, Lady Isolde, whose face radiated pride and satisfaction. "This is what we have worked for," her mother had said earlier that day, brushing a stray hair behind Elara's ear. "You are destined for greatness." But greatness felt like a shackle rather than a blessing.As her father continued to extol the virtues of their union, Elara stole a glance at Lord Kaelan. He stood across from her, clad in rich blue and silver garments that accentuated his noble stature. His dark hair framed a chiselled face that was both handsome and distant. While he smiled at the crowd, there was an air of detachment about him that made Elara's heart flutter with confusion. Did he share her feelings of entrapment? Or was he simply playing his part in this grand performance?When their eyes met briefly, Elara felt a spark of connection—a fleeting moment that sent warmth coursing through her veins. But just as quickly, it vanished as Kaelan turned his attention back to the guests, engaging in polite conversation with a group of nobles. She wondered if he felt as conflicted as she did or if he was simply eager to embrace his new role."Let us raise our glasses!" Lord Cedric called out, breaking Elara's reverie. "To love and unity! May this betrothal bring prosperity and strength to both our kingdoms!" The hall erupted in cheers and clinking glasses, but Elara felt hollow inside.As she lifted her glass mechanically, she caught sight of Mistress Elowen standing at the edge of the crowd. The seer's wise eyes seemed to bore into Elara's soul as if she could see through the facade of celebration to the turmoil brewing within. A shiver ran down Elara's spine; she could almost hear echoes of the prophecy warning her about love intertwined with betrayal.The toast concluded, and soon after, guests began to approach them to offer congratulations. One by one, they expressed their delight at this union—each compliment felt like another chain binding her to a future she did not choose."Congratulations, Lady Elara," said one noblewoman with an overly sweet smile that made Elara's skin crawl. "You are so fortunate to have such a noble husband-to-be!" Indeed," chimed in another guest, "Lord Kaelan is quite the catch! You must be thrilled!"Elara forced herself to smile politely but felt anger bubbling beneath the surface. Thrilled? How could anyone think she was thrilled about being married off like cattle?Finally, as the crowd thinned out for dancing and merriment, Kaelan approached her again. "Lady Elara," he said with a slight bow, his voice smooth yet laced with formality. "I hope you're enjoying this celebration." Enjoying?" she echoed incredulously. "Is that what you call it?" Her tone was sharper than intended, but frustration bubbled over.Kaelan raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his features before he masked it with charm. "I suppose it depends on one's perspective," he replied carefully. "It is certainly an important occasion for both our families."Elara crossed her arms defensively. "Important for them perhaps," she said quietly. "But what about us? What do we want?"He studied her for a moment before responding thoughtfully. "Perhaps we should find out together." His smile held a hint of warmth that made her heart flutter again despite herself.Before she could respond, Lord Cedric called for another toast to honour their future together. As Kaelan stepped back into the fray of festivities, Elara felt an unexpected pang of disappointment wash over her.The night wore on with laughter and music echoing through the grand hall while Elara remained caught in a whirlwind of emotions—anger at being forced into this marriage and confusion over her growing attraction to Kaelan. She longed for freedom yet found herself inexplicably drawn to him.As couples twirled gracefully across the dance floor beneath twinkling chandeliers, Elara stood on the sidelines, feeling more like an observer than a participant in her own life. The prophecy lingered in her mind like an ominous shadow; would love truly blossom from these chains? Or would betrayal tear them apart before they even had a chance?In that moment of uncertainty amidst celebration, Elara resolved to uncover not only who Lord Kaelan truly was but also what this marriage meant for her own heart—and whether it could ever be free.