Crown of two hearts

Chapter One: The Beginning of a Secret

The sun had barely risen above the castle walls, casting a soft glow over the courtyard. Princess Elizabeth stood by her chamber window, looking out at the sprawling grounds below. From her vantage point, she could see the servants bustling about, preparing for another day. But her eyes weren't on them. They were on Mara, the young servant girl who always seemed to move with a grace that belied her station.

Elizabeth had known Mara since they were children, but their bond had changed as they grew older. What had once been childhood friendship had deepened into something else, something unspoken but undeniable. Elizabeth had kept her feelings locked away, a secret even from herself for a time. After all, she was the crown princess, and her father, King Edmund, had made it clear that her future was not her own to decide.

"Eliza," a soft voice called from behind her.

Elizabeth turned quickly, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of that name—Mara's name for her. It was a secret, something only Mara called her when no one else was around. She smiled, her heartbeat steadying as Mara entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast.

"Good morning," Mara said with a warm smile, her dark hair falling loosely around her shoulders as she set the tray down on a small table by the window. "You've been up early again."

Elizabeth glanced back out the window, suddenly feeling self-conscious under Mara's gaze. "I couldn't sleep."

Mara's expression softened. "The meeting with your father?"

Elizabeth nodded, her throat tightening. "He wants me to marry Prince Alistair from the neighboring kingdom of Talandar. The alliance would strengthen our borders and bring peace, he says."

Mara's hands stilled as she set down the silverware. "And what do you want?"

Elizabeth looked up, her green eyes meeting Mara's dark, steady gaze. There was no hesitation in her response. "Not him."

Mara's lips twitched into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Your father... He won't take 'no' for an answer."

Elizabeth let out a slow breath, sinking into the chair by the window. "He's never had to. But this time, I don't think I can go through with it. I don't want to marry someone I don't love."

Mara knelt beside her, taking one of Elizabeth's hands in her own. Her touch was soft, comforting, but there was a tension there too, one that they both understood but didn't dare speak aloud. "You'll find a way," Mara whispered. "You always do."

For a moment, Elizabeth felt the weight of her crown lift, just a little. With Mara by her side, the impossible seemed possible. But reality quickly returned as a knock on the door startled them both.

Mara rose to her feet, stepping back into the role of servant. Elizabeth straightened, her royal composure snapping back into place as the door opened and one of the king's advisors entered.

"Princess Elizabeth, His Majesty requests your presence in the throne room," the advisor said, bowing slightly.

Elizabeth nodded, her heart sinking. The conversation with her father was inevitable. "I'll be there shortly."

The advisor left, and once the door was closed, Mara stepped closer again, her voice low. "Be careful, Eliza."

Elizabeth looked at her, the longing she felt barely concealed beneath her calm exterior. "I will. But Mara... if I could choose—"

"You can't," Mara interrupted, though her voice was gentle. "Not here, not now. Not yet."

Elizabeth swallowed hard, hating the truth in Mara's words. "Will you wait for me?"

Mara's eyes softened. "Always."

With that, Elizabeth stood, her heart heavy but her resolve firm. She knew what she wanted, but she also knew that her father was not a man who easily accepted defiance. As she made her way down the castle halls toward the throne room, her thoughts were consumed by the impossible choice ahead of her: to follow her heart or her duty.

But deep down, a seed of rebellion had already been planted, and it was only a matter of time before it grew into something the king could no longer control.