As Queen Isabella approached, Sofia stood up, trying to muster a brave facade. "Mom...I said not to come in," Sofia stammered, her voice trembling.
But Isabella's eyes saw right through her daughter's defenses. She could see the deep sadness and desperation etched on Sofia's face, and her heart went out to her. Without a word, Isabella opened her arms and enveloped Sofia in a warm, comforting hug.
Sofia's resolve crumbled as she felt her mother's embrace. Tears she had been holding back poured down her face, and her quiet sobbing escalated into loud, racking sobs. "Mom...I don't want to marry now," Sofia cried out, her words muffled against her mother's shoulder.
Tomorrow was a day of great significance, one that would change Sofia's life forever. Six princes from neighboring royal families would arrive at the castle, each vying for Sofia's hand in marriage. The event was a strategic move by King Herod, Sofia's father, to secure an alliance with one of royal families.
King Herod, a man feared by many, had amassed vast wealth and resources during his reign. However, with no male heir to succeed him, he felt the weight of his mortality. Marrying off his eldest daughter, Sofia, to a prince would ensure the continuation of his legacy.
And Sofia was a prize worth fighting for. With her raven-black hair, piercing emerald eyes, and skin as pale as alabaster, she was a vision of loveliness. Her slender yet athletic build, honed from years of horseback riding and sword fighting, made her a force to be reckoned with. But it was her inner beauty, her kindness, compassion, and intelligence, that truly made her shine.
As Sofia cried out her objections to the marriage, Queen Isabella held her close, trying to comfort her. But deep down, Isabella knew that the fate of their kingdom, and Sofia's future, hung in the balance.
Queen Isabella held Sofia at arm's length, her eyes searching her daughter's tear-stained face. "Sofia, my dear, I know this isn't easy for you. But you have to understand, your father's decision is final. He wants what's best for our kingdom, and marrying one of these princes will secure our future."
Sofia sniffled, her eyes welling up with tears again. "But why do I have to be the one to marry? Why can't it be someone else?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Isabella's expression softened, and she pulled Sofia back into a warm hug. "You're the eldest, Sofia. It's your duty to our kingdom. But I promise you, I'll be here for you every step of the way. We'll get through this together."
Sofia nodded, feeling a small sense of comfort in her mother's words. But deep down, she still felt trapped and uncertain about her future.
As the night wore on, Isabella tried to reassure Sofia that everything would work out. She reminded Sofia of her strength and courage, and how she would make a wonderful queen one day.
As the hours passed, the room grew quiet, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle. Isabella glanced at the time, realizing it was getting late.
"Sofia, it's almost midnight. You need to get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day, and you want to make a good impression," Isabella said gently, smoothing out Sofia's hair.
Sofia nodded, feeling a mix of emotions: anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. But she knew her mother was right; she needed to be strong tomorrow.
Isabella leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Remember, Sofia, choose the person who makes you happy. Don't worry about what your father or anyone else wants. You deserve to be happy."
Sofia nodded again, feeling a small sense of determination. She would do what her mother said; she would choose the person who made her happy.
With one final hug, Isabella left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Sofia was alone once more, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and doubt. But she knew she had to be strong; tomorrow would bring a new day, and a new future.