'A Princess and a Commoner: Star Crossed Lovers'

The Prophecy

(ISADORA'S POV)

I sat in the dim light of the chamber, my heart heavy as I watched my father lying on the bed, his chest rising and falling steadily. I felt a mix of worry and longing as I traced the lines of his face, hoping for a sign of his awakening.

The quiet was broken by a soft knock on the door. "Come in," I called, my voice barely above a whisper. The door creaked open, and Julian stepped inside, his expression shifting from concern to relief as he saw me.

"How is he?" Julian asked, glancing at my father.

"Still asleep," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "I don't know how long it will be until he wakes."

Just then, my father stirred, his eyelids fluttering open as if feeling the weight of our gazes upon him. "Isadora? Julian?" he murmured, blinking against the light. Relief washed over me as I rushed to his side.

"Father! You're awake!" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of joy.

He pushed himself up slowly, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What happened?"

"We were at the ball, and there was an attack," I explained quickly, my voice laced with urgency. "But we're safe now."

As he sat up, I noticed the tension in his features. "I need to talk to you both," he said, the gravity of his tone making my heart race.

"About what?" Julian asked, moving closer.

"I've had visions," my father confessed, his voice hoarse but steady. "Visions of a kingdom seeking our destruction. A war is coming, and it's imminent." He paused, looking between us with a seriousness that made the air feel thick with foreboding. "When the planets align, it will happen. We have at least a week to prepare."

Julian's brow furrowed as he processed this information. "We'll get the troops ready."

"No," my father interrupted, shaking his head. "This isn't just about gathering troops. There's a prophecy that has been passed down for generations—a warning about a rival kingdom known as the Kingdom of Thorns. They are coming for us, especially now that you and Isadora are to be united in marriage. That alliance makes us a powerful force."

The mention of the Kingdom of Thorns sent a chill down my spine. I had heard whispers of their dark magic, and fear crept into my thoughts. "What do we do?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"We need to find a lost kingdom, and retrieve a sword" my father declared, his voice firm. "But it won't be easy. It's said to be hidden in a place where you'd least expect it to be. I can't do this without you Julian.But I can't force-"

"I'll go," Julian said immediately, his determination evident. Nodding I say "If this is what we need to do to protect our kingdom, I'll do it."

"No, Isadora," my father said sharply, turning to me with a serious expression. "You're not going."

"Father, if you're going to face this threat, I need to be there," I insisted, feeling the fire of defiance ignite within me.

"I've already made arrangements," he continued, pulling a scroll from his pocket and unrolling it. "I've assigned a few trusted individuals to accompany Julian on this journey." He nodded to the butler, who stepped forward and handed me a list. As I looked down, my eyes widened. Gabriel was one of them.

"Why is the Gabriel on this list?" I blurted out, a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach.

"Because I've assigned him to a small group with Julian—one of the few we can trust in this palace," my father explained, his tone calm but firm. "Not everyone should know. This group was not compulsory; it was voluntary, and of course, he agreed. They will undergo training before they leave. It won't be easy, but they should be prepared for what lies ahead."

"What?" I exclaimed, shocked. "Father, he's just a baker!"

"He's more than that," Julian interjected, stepping forward. "He's resourceful and brave. He knows the palace and its secrets, which is vital for this mission. Besides, we can't afford to have a large group; we need to move quickly and quietly."

"But what if something happens to him?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Then we'll protect him," Julian assured me. "We'll all watch each other's backs."

My father nodded, the weight of responsibility heavy in the air. "Time is of the essence. We have to prepare. The Kingdom of Thorns will not wait for us to gather our strength. We must leave soon."

As we finished our discussion and prepared to leave the room, Julian pulled me aside, his eyes searching mine. "Isadora, there's something going on between you and him, isn't there? Don't lie to me. You've never been so conflicted."

I hesitated, my heart racing at his words. "I'm with the kingdom, with you," I replied, but the uncertainty lingered.

"Don't say that. Don't you dare say that," Julian replied, his voice low and intense. "Look, I just... I'll respect whatever decision you have, but I need you to know, Isadora, my heart is with you. Always. I hope you do choose me. I know it's selfish to ask, but it's not just for your father's sake or the kingdom's sake, but because you truly want to be with me."

I felt the weight of his words settle between us, a painful truth I didn't want to confront. "Don't make me look like a fool, just because you can't pick. I deserve better than that, Isadora. It's not cool to lead someone on."

His eyes softened, and with a gentle sigh, he added, "But know that I'm doing this for you. Gabriel will be safe."

He leaned in, and for a moment, I felt my breath catch, my heart racing. Just before our lips touched, he hesitated and gently kissed my forehead instead.

I stood there, dumbfounded.
Oh, Julian...As he walked away, leaving me in a swirl of confusion and longing, I couldn't help but feel torn.

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