Fated To Love | GeminiFourth

11. An Unwelcome Arrangement

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Fourth was awakened by a firm knock at his chamber door. 

Still groggy from sleep, he rubbed his eyes and called out, "Come in."

The door opened, revealing his mother, Empress Mix, with an expression that was both stern and resolute. 

"Fourth, we need to talk." she said, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

"Mae, is everything alright?" Fourth asked, sensing the tension in her voice.

His heart raced, a nagging feeling in his gut.

"It's about your future kha." she said, crossing her arms. "The court has been discussing your upcoming marriage."

Fourth's stomach dropped. "Marriage? But I-"

"You are a prince, Fourth. It is time for you to fulfil your duties na." she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. 

"Your father and I have arranged a marriage for you."

"Arranged? But... who is it?" Fourth's voice trembled, a mixture of fear and disbelief washing over him.

"Prince Phuwin from the neighbouring kingdom." she replied. "He is of noble blood, and this union will strengthen our alliances. It's for the good of the realm, Fourth."

Anger and frustration bubbled up inside him. "But I don't love him! I don't even know him!" Fourth protested, feeling trapped. 

His thoughts immediately turned to Gemini, the one person who made him feel alive, and the thought of losing that connection was unbearable.

"Love will come with time. You cannot let your emotions cloud your judgment. Your responsibilities as a prince outweigh your desires." Empress Mix stated firmly.

As her words sank in, Fourth felt his heart shatter. The reality of his position was suffocating. 

"What if I refuse?" he challenged, his voice rising with desperation.

"Refuse?" His mother raised an eyebrow, her expression hardening. 

"You will not refuse. The Emperor has already agreed to the union, and the preparations will begin shortly. You are expected to present yourself at the court this evening to formally announce your engagement."

Fourth felt a wave of nausea wash over him. "This isn't fair! What about my happiness?"

"I understand that this is difficult for you, but you must think of the greater good. Your happiness is secondary to the kingdom's stability." she replied, her voice softening slightly. "You are a prince, Fourth. This is your duty."

As she turned to leave, Fourth's heart ached with helplessness. 

"What if I can't do it?" he whispered, barely audible.

"You will. You can and you must." she said without looking back, leaving him alone in his room with the crushing weight of his fate.

The days that followed were a blur of anxiety and heartache. Fourth struggled to keep the news from Gemini, wanting to protect him from the harsh reality of their situation. 

He found himself stealing glances at Gemini during their stolen moments, wishing he could freeze time and remain in that blissful bubble forever. Each secret meeting became more precious, but the tension weighed heavily on Fourth's heart.

He spent sleepless nights replaying his mother's words in his mind, grappling with the reality that soon he would be bound to another, his heart chained by duty.