KAEL
The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of my chamber, though I barely noticed its warmth. I stood before a full-length mirror, fastening the silver clasps of my black tunic. The sound of footsteps in the hallway caught my attention. A knock followed moments later.
"Enter," I commanded, my voice sharp.
The door creaked open, and a steward stepped inside, bowing low. "Your Highness, the King summons you to the council chamber."
I turned without a word, my boots striking the stone floor with a precise rhythm. The palace was awake now, bustling with activity. Servants scurried to their tasks, and guards stood at attention. As I approached the council chamber, the heavy oak doors were pushed open for me.
The King sat at the head of the long table, his expression as impassive as ever. Alric lounged in a chair to his left, wearing his signature smirk. Other nobles filled the room, whispering among themselves.
"Kael," the King said, his tone devoid of warmth. "Take a seat."
I obeyed, though my presence here was unnecessary. These meetings were a charade, a place for the King to parade his control over the realm.
"The marriage to Elyra has been finalized," the King began, his gaze sweeping the room. "She will arrive tomorrow. The wedding will proceed without delay."
I said nothing, my face a mask of indifference. Marriage was a political tool, nothing more. The girl was a pawn in the King's schemes, just as I was.
"Is that all, Father?" Alric's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Or shall we discuss the war brewing on our borders?"
The King's eyes narrowed, but he ignored the comment. Instead, he looked at me. "Kael, you will handle the arrangements. Ensure everything is prepared for her arrival."
I inclined my head. "As you wish."
The meeting dragged on with discussions of trade routes and military patrols. My mind wandered. I had no interest in these affairs. They were distractions from the true game—the battle for power that simmered beneath the surface of every word spoken here.
When the meeting finally ended, I left without a glance at anyone. My brother's laughter followed me down the hall, a sound I longed to silence permanently.
---
The sun hung high in the sky as I made my way to the stables. I needed air, space to think. As I approached, a stable hand hurried to prepare my horse, but I waved him off.
"I'll manage," I said, mounting the black stallion with ease.
I rode out of the palace grounds, letting the beast carry me far from the suffocating walls. The plains stretched before me, the wind cutting through my hair. Out here, I could almost forget the weight of the curse, the chains that bound me to this wretched life.
But freedom was an illusion.
---
By the time I returned, the palace was abuzz with Elyra's impending arrival. Servants rushed about, preparing chambers, decorating halls. I passed them all, making my way to the secluded garden behind the eastern wing.
To my surprise, Alric was already there, leaning against a tree with a goblet of wine in hand.
"Brother," he greeted, his tone mocking. "Enjoy your ride?"
"What do you want, Alric?" I asked, my patience thin.
He chuckled, swirling the wine in his goblet. "You, married. It's amusing, isn't it? The cursed prince and his merchant bride. A match made in the King's desperation."
I said nothing, my cold gaze fixed on him.
"Careful, Kael," he continued, stepping closer. "Father may have gifted you this marriage, but it changes nothing. You'll never sit on the throne. That crown belongs to me."
"For now," I replied, my voice low.
The smile slipped from his face. He moved closer, his breath reeking of wine. "Don't overstep, Kael. You may be strong, but strength isn't everything. Father keeps you alive because you're useful. The moment you're not…"
His words hung in the air, but I already knew the truth. The King had no love for me. I was a weapon, nothing more.
Alric laughed, clapping me on the shoulder before walking away. I watched him go, a silent vow forming in my mind. His arrogance would be his undoing.
---
ELYRA
The carriage rocked gently as it made its way toward the palace. My hands rested in my lap, but they trembled slightly. I clenched them into fists, willing the nerves away.
"You look pale," my maid, Lila, said, concern etched on her face.
"I'm fine," I replied, though the truth was far more complicated.
I had grown up hearing tales of the cursed prince. A man who felt no pain, no emotion. A man who had killed countless enemies and never once flinched. Now, that man was to be my husband.
My father had insisted this was an honor, a great opportunity for our family. But I knew better. I was a pawn in a game I didn't understand, offered up as a sacrifice for alliances and power.
The carriage slowed, and I peered out the window. The palace loomed ahead, grand and imposing. My heart sank.
When we arrived, a steward greeted me, bowing low. "Lady Elyra, welcome to the royal palace. I will escort you to your chambers."
The halls were a blur of gold and marble as I followed him. Servants whispered as I passed, their eyes darting away when I glanced at them. I could feel their judgment, their pity.
My chambers were lavish, far more than I needed. Lila helped me settle in, her chatter a welcome distraction. But my mind kept drifting to the prince. Would he be as cold as the rumors said?
---
As the sun set, I stood by the window, staring at the gardens below. A figure moved through the shadows, his steps deliberate. It was him. Even from this distance, I could feel the weight of his presence.
My heart quickened, though I wasn't sure if it was fear or something else. This was my future—a cursed prince, a cold marriage, and a palace filled with secrets.
And yet, I couldn't help but wonder. Was there more to him than the stories? Or was I about to step into a life as empty and hollow as the man I was to marry?