Lena's heart raced, but she did her best to keep her composure. Standing before Prince Kaelen, she felt like an intruder in a world she didn't belong to. His gaze, cold and intense, bore into her, as if he were waiting for something—some sign of recognition, perhaps, or maybe something more.
"Your Highness," Lena said, forcing herself to speak despite the tightness in her throat. "I… I will do my best to prepare for the wedding."
Kaelen's eyes flickered with something she couldn't quite place. It wasn't warmth—far from it—but there was a brief flicker of curiosity, like he was sizing her up.
"You are the daughter of the Duke of Darrowmere," he said flatly, as if stating a fact. "Your family's honor and reputation depend on this marriage. I trust you understand the gravity of your position."
Lena nodded stiffly, suppressing the anger that bubbled up inside. I understand perfectly, she thought bitterly. I'm a pawn in a political game, just like the rest of this kingdom's nobles.
"I do," she said instead, her voice betraying none of her inner turmoil. Stay calm. Keep your emotions in check.
For a moment, there was silence between them. The wind rustled through the leaves of the garden, carrying the sweet scent of roses. Kaelen didn't look at her again, his eyes now focused on the horizon, as though the conversation was already over.
Lena's heart thudded in her chest. What now?
"Is there anything I should know before the wedding?" she asked carefully, hoping to at least gain some insight into the prince's mind.
Kaelen's gaze finally shifted back to her. His expression remained as unreadable as before, but there was something else lurking there—a tension that crackled between them. He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step closer, his tall figure looming over her, commanding her attention.
"You should know," he began slowly, "that this marriage is not something I entered into lightly. But it is necessary. The kingdom demands it."
Lena's pulse quickened. She had read about the prince's cold, pragmatic nature, but hearing it directly from his lips made it feel all the more real. She was just another duty to him, another political contract. His words felt like a slap in the face, but she fought the urge to react.
"Of course," she said evenly, holding his gaze, trying to show no signs of vulnerability. I'm just a tool in your game, aren't I?
Kaelen's lips twitched, as if he were about to say something more, but before he could, a voice interrupted them.
"Your Highness! Lady Alina!" a young man called from the entrance to the garden.
Lena's stomach dropped as the interruption brought her back to reality. She turned to see a servant, bowing deeply.
"Forgive me, my lady," the servant said. "The queen requests your presence in the palace hall. There are matters to attend to regarding the wedding."
Kaelen's sharp eyes flicked to the servant, his expression unchanged. "I will accompany you, Alina," he said, his voice cool and commanding.
Lena nodded, and with a final glance at the prince, she followed the servant down the path toward the palace. Kaelen moved beside her, his presence impossible to ignore. The space between them was thick with tension, but the silence between them spoke volumes. He was a man burdened by duty—by a kingdom he was destined to rule—and she was just a part of that destiny. A small, fragile piece in a much larger puzzle.
The palace hall was grander than Lena could have ever imagined. High ceilings, golden chandeliers, and the soft murmur of servants preparing for the wedding filled the air. It was beautiful, but it felt like a gilded cage. Everything in this place was a reminder of her new reality—she was to be married to a man she barely knew, a man whose heart seemed as distant as the stars.
The queen, Kaelen's mother, was seated at the far end of the hall, surrounded by advisors and courtiers. She was a regal woman with striking features, her silver hair pulled back into an elegant bun. Her eyes, however, held a sharpness that reminded Lena of a hawk watching over its prey. As Lena approached, the queen's gaze shifted toward her, appraising her with the keen eye of someone who had seen countless daughters of noble houses come and go.
"Ah, Lady Alina," the queen said, her voice smooth and commanding. "I trust you are well?"
Lena bowed deeply, trying to suppress the unease crawling up her spine. "I am well, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern."
The queen didn't immediately respond, her sharp eyes studying Lena. There was something calculating about her, as if she were assessing the young woman before her, weighing her every word and movement. The queen's lips curved into a small, unreadable smile.
"We've been preparing for your wedding for months," she continued, her gaze flickering toward Kaelen. "I trust you are ready to fulfill your role as the future consort to the crown prince."
Lena felt her stomach twist at the words. My role. That was all she was to these people—just a role to play, a pawn in their political games. The thought was suffocating, but she pushed the feeling aside. She had to stay composed, for both her sake and the sake of her family's honor.
"I am ready, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady, though inside, she was bracing herself for the unknown.
The queen's gaze softened slightly, but there was still an edge to it. "Good," she said. "The arrangements are nearly complete. The wedding will be a grand affair. You will be expected to present yourself accordingly."
Lena nodded, trying to ignore the anxiety building inside her. Everything in this place was a performance. Every smile, every word, every glance was calculated. The queen was testing her, just as Kaelen had tested her in the garden. And she had to pass.
As the queen continued to speak, Lena tried to focus on the words, but her mind kept returning to Kaelen, standing silently beside her. He had hardly spoken, his face as cold as ever. She could feel the weight of his presence, even without him looking directly at her.
What kind of man is he, really? Lena thought, her gaze flickering toward him. Is he truly as cold as he seems? Or is there something more behind that mask?
Before she could ponder the question further, the queen dismissed them, and the royal couple made their way back to the palace's grand corridors.
Later that evening, as Lena lay in her chambers, the weight of the day settled heavily on her. The quiet luxury of the room, the delicate lace curtains, the soft glow of candlelight—it was all so beautiful, and yet, it felt suffocating. She was trapped in a world she didn't understand, surrounded by expectations she had never asked for.
But one thing was certain: her fate, now intertwined with the cold prince, was far from over.
And whether she was ready or not, she would have to face whatever came next.