*CHAPTER 1: Shattered Illusions*
The monotony of the afternoon was shattered by the sudden clamor of horseshoes pounding the earth. I opened my eyes to find myself leaning against a sturdy chest, the rhythmic galloping of the horse beneath us a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within. As I rubbed the haze from my eyes, my gaze fell upon a familiar face – one I thought I'd never see again.
"HIM!" I exclaimed, shock etched on my face. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??!?" I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.
Prince Ryder Vonhaven, son of Emperor Vonhaven from the VEON Empire, gazed back at me with an unreadable expression. A faint frown flickered across his features before he regained his composure. "Escorting you to safety, dear," he replied, his deep voice measured. "Don't you see?"
I sat up straight, my mind reeling. We had grown up together, attending diplomatic functions and state gatherings, but our paths had diverged after childhood. What was he doing here, in my empire, at this critical moment?
The duke of Serein's treachery still lingered in my thoughts. That despicable man! I knew he was up to no good. But Prince Ryder's presence overshadowed my anger. "What are you doing here?" I asked again, my curiosity piqued.
"To safeguard you, of course," he replied, his eyes scanning the horizon.
My thoughts shifted to my family, my palace. "How is the situation back at the palace? Is my family safe?" I asked, a sense of foreboding creeping up my spine.
Prince Ryder's silence was deafening.
"Why aren't you replying? Your Highness!" I pressed, my voice laced with urgency.
His hesitation spoke volumes. I felt the ground beneath me give way, my world crumbling.
"Everyone is dead, right?" I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips.
Prince Ryder's voice was barely audible. "Yes, Your Highness."
The confirmation shattered me. My glass castle, once filled with laughter and warmth, lay in shards. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I processed the loss. My family, my friends, my home – all gone.
As the horse galloped on, the silence between us grew heavier. I couldn't bear to look at Prince Ryder, unsure if I should be grateful for his rescue or wary of his motives.
"Why?" I asked finally, my voice cracking. "Why would you risk your empire's relations with ours to save me?"
Prince Ryder's gaze never wavered. "You're not just a member of the imperial family, Ariana. You're a childhood friend. I couldn't abandon you."
Ariana – he used my name, a familiarity that bridged the gap between our past and present.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape in a warm orange glow, I realized my life would never be the same. The betrayal, the loss, and Prince Ryder's unexpected rescue had set me on a path fraught with uncertainty.
"Where are we headed?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"Somewhere safe," Prince Ryder replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "The VEON Empire will provide asylum until the situation stabilizes."
I nodded, still reeling from the events. As the horse continued its steady pace, I couldn't shake the feeling that my fate was intertwined with Prince Ryder's, and that our journey together was only just beginning.
To be continued.