Cursed By Fate

palace

Chapter 7: Tensions in the Palace

The royal court of Ardyn buzzed with rumors and speculation about the cursed girl, Aria, whose extraordinary powers had stunned everyone. Word of her dangerous abilities had reached the highest levels of the palace. King Thorne listened carefully to his advisors, who seemed divided about her.

“She’s dangerous,” one of the older councilmen said, his voice trembling with concern. “No one chosen by the cursed gods can be trusted. They bring nothing but destruction.”

“The gods marked her for a reason,” countered another advisor, a younger woman with a keen mind. “We must understand her power before we make any rash decisions. It could be a gift we have yet to see.”

King Thorne sat quietly, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as his advisors argued. His sons, Ryker and Kael, stood nearby, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Ryker, his cold eyes fixed on the floor, was deep in calculation, while Kael’s expression remained one of amusement.

“Father,” Ryker finally spoke, his voice cutting through the noise of the council’s debate, “she is a threat. You’ve heard the reports—blood, chaos. If we let her grow unchecked, she’ll bring ruin to everything we’ve worked for.”

Kael, lounging casually by the window, chuckled. “Oh come on, Ryker. Don’t be so dramatic. She’s just a girl with a bit of power. She hasn’t destroyed the kingdom yet.”

Ryker’s icy gaze shot to his younger brother. “It’s not a matter of ‘yet,’ Kael. It’s about control. Power without control is dangerous.”

Kael shrugged, not wanting to engage in a serious debate. He twirled a piece of parchment in his hands, a light smirk playing on his lips. “You always think everything is a matter of control. Maybe she just needs someone to show her how to wield it. You’re so focused on her being a problem, you can’t see the potential.”

Before Ryker could respond, King Thorne raised his hand for silence. “Enough,” he said, his voice steady but authoritative. “The girl will remain at the Academy for now. But we will keep a close eye on her. If her powers become a true threat, we will take action.”

Ryker clenched his jaw, unsatisfied with the king’s decision. He had no patience for risks. And Aria was too unpredictable to be left alone.

Kael, on the other hand, grinned. “Well, this should be fun to watch.”

---

Meanwhile, back at the Academy, Aria’s reputation had already spread through the student body. She didn’t care about the fearful glances or the whispers behind her back. The gods had chosen her, and she was growing stronger every day. The instructors seemed to notice her potential too, though none dared to speak to her directly about her curse.

Swordsmanship lessons had become her favorite. It reminded her of the brief, happier days when her father’s friend had trained her. She felt powerful with a sword in her hand, and her movements were precise and deadly.

Master Kaelan, the Academy’s top instructor, observed her with a mix of caution and curiosity. “You’ve improved,” he said, his tone measured. “But don’t let your power make you arrogant.”

Aria nodded but said nothing, her face remaining expressionless. She didn’t need his approval or anyone else’s. Her strength came from within, and she was only beginning to understand the full extent of it.

Her fellow students, however, weren’t as silent. During their breaks, Aria overheard the others talking in hushed voices.

“She’s the one who was chosen by the cursed gods, right? I heard she made her stepmother cough up blood…”

“I’d stay far away from her if I were you. No one cursed like that can be trusted.”

But the gossip didn’t bother her. As long as they stayed out of her way, she had no interest in them. Her focus was on mastering her powers, unlocking the curse that had made her stepmother suffer and had the potential to make anyone who opposed her crumble.

Aria spent her days in a quiet corner of the Academy, training harder than anyone else, learning how to blend her swordsmanship with the dark magic inside her. She was determined to become stronger, not for recognition, but because she knew that someday, those who had looked down on her would regret it.

---

In the palace, Kael had grown increasingly fascinated by the cursed girl. He had always been intrigued by power, especially when it came in unexpected forms. He leaned back in his chair, casually flipping through reports of Aria’s progress, smiling to himself.

“She’s going to cause quite a stir,” Kael said aloud, glancing at his older brother, who was deep in thought. “You sure you don’t want to meet her, Ryker? See the danger up close?”

Ryker didn’t answer. His mind was already working, planning his next move, knowing that he would need to keep a very close watch on this girl. The day of reckoning was coming.

And when it did, he would be ready.