Fated To The Fae King

Chapter 5

▪️A L A R I C▪️

After parting ways with Kieran, I made my way towards my brother's chamber.

Letting out a sigh, I thought about Cedric while walking through the hallways, the echoes of our childhood laughter flowing through my mind. My elder brother and I were inseparable back then, our dreams woven together withthe promise of shared destinies. Being only three years apart in age, we would play for hours, imagining the day when he would be crowned King and lead our people, with me at his side as his second in command.

But then, as I prepared to face him, I could not help but wonder how we had arrived at that point. It was like a shadow cast over those cherished memories, a divide that had widened over the years. How had our once unbreakable bond fractured into such opposing beliefs?

I knew the answer all too well.

Cedric had felt cheated when the crown was placed upon my head, and honestly, I could not blame him. I never aspired to be King, but that choice was wrested from my grasp.

To make things worse, the very notion of war had never appealed to me. Yet, Cedric held an unshakable belief that it was the sole means by which the Fae could secure their dominance over the Isle of Wrobel. Our differences on this critical matter had driven a wedge between us over the last few years, a chasm of conflicting ideologies that seemed insurmountable.

I often pondered the paths our lives had taken, the twists of fate that had led me to this precipice. I, who never sought the mantle of kingship, now found myself burdened by its weight. Meanwhile, Cedric, whose desire for the crown burned fiercely, stood embittered by the turn of events.

In the silence of my contemplation, the gravity of our divided convictions hung heavy in the air. The very foundation of our shared heritage seemed to tremble under the burden of our disagreement. The question remained: could I find a way to reconcile our opposing beliefs, to steer our people toward a future untainted by the horrors of war?

Could I find a way to reach my brother, to make him understand the vision I held for our people? The weight of responsibility felt heavier than ever, knowing that I bore the burden not only of our kingdom's future, but also the hope of rekindling the closeness we once shared.

As my footsteps resonated down the hallway, I carried with me the echoes of our shared past, hoping that somewhere within those memories lay a thread of understanding that could bring us back together. It would not be easy, but for the sake of our people and the bonds we once held dear, I had to try.

"Family quarrels really are bitter things..." I mumbled.

My doubts continued to linger as I neared the door to his chamber. What if I could not convince Cedric? What if my vision for peace shattered in the face of his unwavering opposition? The thought gnawed at me, a relentless phantom of failure lurking in the shadows.

Nonetheless, I was hoping that me finding my fated mate would help him see reason.

I knew that now was not the time to let doubt consume me. I had to find the right words, the unassailable arguments that would pierce through Cedric's convictions. It was a battle of ideals, a clash of principles that threatened to define the course of our kingdom's future.

The stakes were higher than ever before. Our people looked to me for guidance, for a beacon of hope in turbulent times. To falter then, to let fear dictate my actions, was not an option. I owed it to them, and to myself, to stand resolute in the face of that monumental challenge.

As I approached the meeting with Cedric, I reminded myself that this vision for peace was worth fighting for, worth every ounce of effort and conviction. I might not have had all the answers, but I had to have faith in the righteousness of my cause. It was a battle of hearts and minds, and I would not let fear be the victor.