Cursed By Fate

The day of the ball

---

As the days passed, anticipation buzzed through the academy like a live wire. Whispers filled the halls as students prepared for the upcoming coronation. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and nerves, especially as news spread that the ceremonial dresses for the girls would soon arrive from the palace.

On the morning of the delivery, Aria stood with her fellow students in the courtyard, the sun shining brightly above them. A sense of unease lingered in the air as they all speculated about the dresses and what they would symbolize for each of them. The girls chattered eagerly, their faces lit up with anticipation.

“I heard they’re going to be magnificent!” one girl exclaimed, twirling a strand of hair. “Like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”

“I can’t wait to try mine on!” another chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Aria listened quietly, her expression neutral as she observed her classmates. While the others gushed over the prospect of wearing beautiful gowns, she felt detached from their excitement. She had never been one to care much for lavish garments or royal pomp.

A carriage pulled up to the academy entrance, its horses adorned with the royal crest. The air shifted as everyone turned to watch. The doors swung open, and a royal attendant stepped out, holding a scroll and a delicate box.

“Students of the academy,” the attendant announced, “the dresses for the coronation have arrived. Each of you will receive your assigned attire.”

Gasps of delight filled the courtyard as the girls clustered together, their excitement palpable. The attendant called out names one by one, handing each student their dress, carefully packed to preserve its elegance.

As the last name was called, Aria felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Would her dress be like the others, lavish and intricate? She couldn’t help but wonder what the palace had chosen for her.

“Aria Evernight,” the attendant said, holding out a beautifully wrapped box.

Aria stepped forward, taking the package with a sense of trepidation. She carefully unwrapped the delicate layers, revealing a gown that shimmered like moonlight. The fabric was ethereal, flowing gracefully with a design that was both powerful and elegant, a stark contrast to her usual attire.

“It’s stunning!” one of her classmates exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. “You’re going to look incredible in that!”

Aria merely nodded, a slight frown creasing her forehead. The dress felt heavy with expectation, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that it came with unwritten rules of conduct—rules she wasn’t sure she wanted to follow.

As the students began trying on their gowns, Aria retreated to a quiet corner, the fabric of her dress soft against her fingertips. In that moment, she was lost in thought, contemplating her place in the events to come and how much she wanted to prove herself beyond the dress she wore.

Meanwhile, whispers of admiration for the eldest prince echoed in the background. “I hear he’s going to be watching the coronation closely,” a girl said, blushing at the thought. “Imagine if he notices you!”

Aria’s thoughts were interrupted as another student approached her. “Are you going to wear it like that? You should really let your beauty shine through.”

Aria met the girl’s gaze with a steely resolve. “I don’t plan to change who I am for anyone. I’ll wear it as I see fit.”

With that, she turned her back to the group, stepping away from the chattering girls. She had no desire to seek validation from the princes or anyone else at the academy. Her focus was on the challenges that lay ahead, not the glamour of a coronation.

---

---

The grand hall of the palace was a spectacle of luxury, adorned with intricate tapestries and golden accents that shimmered under the warm glow of chandeliers. Nobles, dignitaries, and students from the academy filled the space, their excited whispers mingling with the soft music playing in the background. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation for the coronation ceremony, where the new royal guards would be announced.

At the head of the hall, the king and queen sat on their thrones, regal and imposing. King Alaric, with his commanding presence, surveyed the crowd with keen eyes, while Queen Seraphina radiated grace beside him, her smile warm and inviting.

“Welcome, esteemed guests!” the announcer called, stepping forward with a scroll in hand. “Today, we honor the students of the academy who have proven themselves worthy of becoming royal guards!”

As the announcer began to call names, the excitement in the hall grew. Students stepped forward one by one, proudly accepting their titles. Lena was named the royal protector, her cheeks flushed with joy, while Marcus was appointed as the royal strategist, earning hearty applause from his classmates.

The crowd erupted into cheers with each announcement, and the girls present stole glances at the princes seated in the front row, hoping to catch their attention. Kael, the youngest prince, leaned back in his chair, a playful grin on his face as he whispered with a few friends. Meanwhile, Ryker, the eldest prince, sat stoically, his eyes scanning the hall with a cold intensity.

As the ceremony continued, Aria stood among her classmates, her heart racing. She hadn’t thought much about the coronation or what title she might receive. Her focus had been on her training, not on the attention she would attract. The thought of being recognized in front of everyone both thrilled and unnerved her.

The announcer’s voice rang out once more. “And now, we have Aria, chosen as Prince Ryker’s royal guard!”

Silence fell over the hall, and Aria’s heart skipped a beat. She had never expected to be chosen, let alone for such a prestigious title. Shock washed over her, and she felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The eyes of the entire room turned to her, a mix of surprise and envy evident in the whispers that rippled through the crowd.

As she stepped forward, she could hear the hushed conversations around her, especially from the girls who had hoped to be chosen. “How did she get that?” one whispered, while another remarked, “I can’t believe it! She’s not even trying!”

Aria held her head high, trying to mask her unease. As she approached the throne, she caught Ryker's gaze. His expression was unreadable, but there was something almost challenging in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of her newfound status.

“Congratulations, Aria!” the announcer proclaimed as she stood before the king and queen. The applause that followed was a mix of genuine admiration and jealousy, and she could feel the weight of their gazes on her.

As she accepted her title, Aria couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider among her peers. She would have to prove herself worthy of this honor, especially in a role that would bring her closer to the enigmatic prince.

The ceremony continued, but Aria’s mind raced with thoughts of the challenges ahead. This was just the beginning, and she was determined to rise to the occasion, no matter what it took.

---