Crowned In Thorns

6. Act of Duty

"Marry to whom?"

"Lord Hieron," Kalyna's father declared firmly. The name struck a chord within Kalyna, recalling distant memories of a pompous lord whose arrogance knew no bounds.

The news that she was being forced to marry this man felt like a noose tightening around her throat. She couldn't, for one moment, fathom spending her life with such a dreadful man.

"As I recently looked at our audit of the kingdom's economy, they are growing quite well since my sister wed the prince from Ashbourne lineage. What is the purpose of this?" She asked in a collected tone.

Her father's stern expression wavered for a moment, his eyes flickering with a combination of irritation and resignation. "Economic growth is commendable," he replied. "But a marriage isn't solely about financial matters. It's about alliances, legacy, and honor."

He stepped closer, his tone taking on a sharper edge.

"This decision has been made. You will marry Lord Hieron, and that is final."

She raised herself from kneeling as her stoic emerald eyes bore to her father's gaze. "Legacy? You just saw me as some kind of baby machine?"

Her gazes were sharp as she had enough. She had to find some way to get away from it. "I'll prove to you that Lord Hieron is not really a good asset, Father." She turned her back as she walked out of the room.

Her father watched her walk out, an irritated scowl on his face. "This is not over, Kalyna! You will marry Lord Hieron, you will fulfill your duty to this family," he called after her, his voice filled with determination.

Outside the chambers, the halls of the palace thrummed with the daily bustle of court life. Nobles chatted in hushed tones while servants hurried to their tasks. The air was suffused with the scent of freshly polished floors and the muted light of flickering torches.

She closed the door behind her as she sighed deeply. She began to walk in corridors.

As she walked through the corridors, her mind raced with thoughts and frustrations. The prospect of marrying Lord Hieron seemed unbearable, a cage that would steal away her freedom.

As if sensing her distress, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Kalyna."

Aurelius's voice was a low murmur but carried a certain gravity that drew her attention.

She stopped in her tracks as she straightened up to look behind her. "Your Grace."

Aurelius met her gaze, his midnight eyes filled with concern and a hint of something deeper. His voice was a gentle whisper, carrying a sense of understanding.

"Kalyna, I can see the burden weighing upon your heart," he began, taking a small step closer. "What troubles you?"

What is this gentle feeling? She heaved a subtle breath. He doesn't have to know the exchange between her and her father. She has to find a way on her own.

She smiled. "Nothing much. I'm just here for a stroll."

Aurelius's eyes searched hers, his expression filled with tenderness. "I'll walk with you, if you would like some company?" he asked, an invitation in his tone to continue the conversation.

He offered his arm, a silent gesture extending more than just a friendly escort.

"I've often found that a good companion makes even the most troubled thoughts bearable."

She chuckled a little on his words as her gaze softened. She took his arm gently. "We both made promises, after all." Kalyna uttered.

Aurelius's heart fluttered at her small chuckle, his grin widening.