The Queen

╰┈➤𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏

It was not the first time in the lands of Emberglow that a marriage proposal was turned down.

"How can I consort someone I do not love? I can not enter into a wedlock for the sake of alliance of realms", I say to Eleanor, my most trusted maiden.

And she replies like she always does, " Of course, Princess Zayra. I support you".

Eleanor always stood by my side with unwavering loyalty, her actions a testament to the bond of trust that bound us. Adorned with the simplest of jewels, she embodied humility and grace. Her hands, hardened by years of service, not just bore the weight of my burdens but also safe guarded secrets. Though we share the same tender age, it was Eleanor's steadfast companionship that I found the true essence of kinship and trust.

A sudden knock on the door startles us. "That's an odd time for someone to knock", I tell her. "Yes, Indeed".

"Enter, please", I called out.

Cassandra entered with a sweet smile, her eyes beaming with impishness. "My lady, Queen Seraphina awaits you in her chambers".

"I'll be right there. You can leave", I said. Giving Eleanor an anxious smile, I leave my room and follow Cassandra.

As I approached my mother's chamber, my heart hammered in my chest like a thousand drum beats, each one echoing my growing apprehension. I knew what awaited me behind those ornate doors- a confrontation which I dreaded since the moment I defied her wishes.

With trembling hands, I pushed open the door. The creaking hinges sounded like a thunderclap in the stillness that surrounded. Stepping in, I was immersed in the rich tapestry adorned walls and the scent of perfumed candles.

At the far end of the room sat my mother in a throne-like chair. Her eyes glaring at me, stripping off any pretense of confidence that I might have mustered. I swallowed hard trying to quell the anxiety that overwhelmed me. "Mother", I whisper. My words were barely audible. "Mother, I couldn't accept the proposal. I know it was expected of me but... but I couldn't bear the idea of exchanging rings with someone I do not love".

A heavy silence filled the room broken only by the soft flicker of the candlelight which danced upon the walls. I held my breath bracing myself up for the storm that would follow.

After an eternity of silence, she finally spoke. "Do you have any idea how much this alliance could have benefitted our Empire?" I didn't look up. I did not have the courage to face her. "Tell me, Zayra?", her voice dreadful. But I remained silent as even though I disappointed her I knew that I would disappoint her over and over again. For I had made my choice- to follow my heart no matter what the cost is.

"Go back to your room", her voice pierced my ears. Opening the door, I saw Cassandra who acted as if she was standing there, pretending that she did not hear anything. I head back to my room where Eleanor stood with a face full of fret. "Is everything okay, My lady?" she demanded with a trembling voice. "Yes, there's nothing to worry about", I say. "She has been upset with me since I declined but it's alright I am going to disappoint her again...and again. Nothing new!"

Time flew like it always does...

And this time I was called upon by my father, the High King. In the grand hall of the royal palace, bathed in the soft glow of a thousand flickering candles and adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of ancient valor, a heavy silence spread in the room.

His voice echoed with solemnity as he addressed me. "Princess Zayra", he began, with eyes heavy with expectations, "a suitor has come forth seeking your hand and this time we are not listening to a NO for an answer".

My heart sank with a familiar sense of dread that engulfed me settling in a pit of my stomach. With a heavy sigh, words barely heard, I said, "Yes, Father". I watched as the stern look on his face softened. I watched a sense of regret crossing his face before he composed himself once again. "Very well", he said, "I shall arrange for a formal announcement to be made".

Alone in the grand hall, I closed my eyes feeling the weight of the decision which was pressing me down like a heavy burden. Duty demanded that I accept the proposal for the sake of Emberglow and my family legacy.

In that moment, I longed for open skies, a whisper of winds through the trees, the warmth of the sun upon my face....

P.S. I already turned down 47 suitors so far. This one is 48th. Please don't curse my father ;)

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