𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄, sokeefe

ONE

𝐀𝐓𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐒, 𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐀

𝟑𝟗𝟖𝟗 𝐂𝐄

SOPHIE ELIZABETH FOSTER GRIMACED AS she glanced down at her troops.

"Number 89, I see you over there! Speed up, this isn't cutting it."

Number 89–a teenager called Tam, with silver bangs falling into his eyes—scowled right back at her as he resumed practice with more intensity just to spite her. He's get back at her later, she knew this—even though she was a princess and he was a soldier, she had a tendency to form the most unlikely friendships, and Tam was one of them.

Though that was not something she should have been thinking about.

At this stage, they'd never be ready for war—should it come to that. Her grip tightened around the table, whitening her knuckles. She didn't even want to consider the only other option they had. 

Prince Fitzroy. He was the dream of every girl under his kingdom's rule—and Sophie knew many girls within her own kingdom who fanatized about him too.

So of course he just had to pick the one girl who couldn't love him back.

Sure, she was attracted to him. No girl wouldn't be. With his broad shoulders and dark hair that swept across his forehead, drawing attention to his startling teal eyes, he was the definition of handsome.

She could still picture his earnest gaze as he asked her to do him an honor by courting him, and she, much against her will, had agreed.

Not because she wanted to lead him on.

But because she hoped that she could grow to love him.

It would make everything so much easier. No war, no dead citizens, two peaceful kingdoms ruling together and leaning on each other.

But of course her stupid heart refused to listen to logic. No matter how much he kissed her, how many gifts he presented, it still refused to feel nothing other than a silly girlish flutter.

She knew she was being ridiculous. She was a princess, after all. She would take over the throne one day. She would carry her parents' legacy on.

She needed the best alliances possible to do that—not let love get in the way of things.

Love.

What a cruel emotion—hardly ever convenient or directed towards the right person.

Her brain told her she should marry the prince: it'd be easy that way, pleasing everyone and maintaining the most stability between their kingdoms then there had been in years. After all, the fact that his son was ridiculously enamored with Sophie was the only reason King Alden wasn't declaring war.

But in her heart—her foolish, reckless, heart—she knew she was incapable of ever loving him the way he loved her. And she couldn't do that to him.

Not Fitz.

She still remembered the day they had been strolling through the sunlit meadow when he first told her, in an adorably shy voice, to call him Fitz.

And his entire face had lit up when she agreed.

Her heart ached as she thought of how she was betraying him, letting him think she loved him. But it wasn't really her fault her emotions refused to comply, that her heart refused to feel anything when he showed up bearing gifts.

Sophie knew her true love was out there somewhere.

But she also knew it wasn't Fitz.

She dreaded the day she'd have to tell him that, see all the hurt and betrayal and anger on his face, harboring the war that would tear their kingdoms apart. 

It wasn't fair that a stupid relationship could cost so many lives.

Or maybe she'd marry him to save herself—selfish as that may be...

"Your Majesty?" Linh's voice snapped her out of her stupor. The pretty maid nervously twirled her silver tipped hair around her finger. She'd come to the palace with her brother, Tam, seeking employment as a maid. She and Sophie had been inseparable since.

Which was why Sophie rolled her eyes and said, "How many times do I have to tell you to call me  Sophie?"

Linh's mouth twitched. "That would not be appropriate at this time."

"Why, what's the big occasion?" Though Sophie was teasing, she saw Linh wince. "Linh," she said gently, touching her arm, "what's wrong?"

Linh sighed. "Her Majesty Queen Edaline has requested an audience with you. It's urgent and requires your attention—immediately."

"But the supervision—"

"Lord Dex will take over that. Quick—I fear we don't have much time left."