Cursed By Fate

Coronation Ceremony

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The coronation ceremony flowed into a grand celebration, the hall transformed into a vibrant scene filled with laughter, music, and the soft glow of candlelight. Nobles and students alike filled the floor, twirling and dancing to the enchanting melodies played by the musicians. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of clinking glasses and joyous cheers echoing throughout the palace.

Aria stood slightly apart from the festivities, feeling a strange sense of detachment as her classmates reveled in their new titles. She watched the others dance, their faces lit with excitement, while she grappled with her own thoughts. Being named Prince Ryker’s royal guard had thrust her into the spotlight, yet the weight of expectation settled heavily on her shoulders.

Kael, ever the charmer, swept across the dance floor, effortlessly captivating those around him. The girls giggled and blushed as he spun them around, his carefree laughter mixing with the music. Ryker, on the other hand, maintained his distance, observing the celebration with a dispassionate gaze, as if the revelry were a distant spectacle meant for others.

As the night wore on, Aria felt a familiar pull inside her, a yearning for purpose beyond the role she had been given. She wanted to prove herself, not just as Ryker's guard but as a formidable warrior in her own right. Yet, the buoyant atmosphere only emphasized her isolation.

After a while, the music faded, and the royals began to mingle with their guests, greeting students and nobles alike. The announcement of a dance filled the air, and couples took to the floor, laughter ringing out as they swayed together. Aria felt the longing to join in, but she remained rooted in place, her heart heavy with uncertainty.

Finally, as the festivities began to dwindle, the time came for the students to be escorted to their rooms. The royal attendants led them through the ornate hallways of the palace, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Aria followed closely behind her classmates, who were animatedly discussing the evening’s events and their new roles.

“Can you believe we’re actually here?” Lena exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “This is a dream come true!”

“Yeah, and now we’re guards,” Marcus chimed in, grinning widely. “I can’t wait for our first assignments!”

As the group reached their designated rooms, the attendants bid them goodnight and stepped away, leaving Aria standing in front of her door. She took a deep breath, feeling the remnants of the celebration still thrumming in the air. The noise faded into silence as she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was lavishly decorated, with rich fabrics and elegant furnishings. Yet, despite the beauty surrounding her, Aria felt an overwhelming sense of solitude. She moved to the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens of the palace, her thoughts swirling.

While the other students celebrated and enjoyed their newfound titles, Aria was left contemplating what it meant for her future. She knew she had to step up to the challenges that lay ahead, to earn her place not just as Ryker’s guard but as a warrior worthy of respect.

As she stared into the night, a sense of determination began to take root within her. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and she was ready to face them head-on.

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The next morning, Aria woke early, the sunlight streaming through her window and casting a warm glow across the room. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, the excitement of the coronation still fresh but overshadowed by her apprehension. She was now a royal guard, a title that felt foreign and intimidating.

As she prepared for the day, a knock interrupted her thoughts. An attendant entered with a neatly folded uniform draped over her arm. “Your guard’s uniform, Lady Aria,” she said with a bright smile, placing it carefully on the bed. “It’s tailored just for you. You’ll be expected to wear it for your first assignment today.”

Aria's heart raced as she approached the uniform, the fabric gleaming with hints of silver and deep blue—the colors of the royal family. She traced her fingers over the intricate designs, feeling the weight of what it represented. A guard. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

“What does it really mean to be a royal guard?” Aria mused aloud, her reflection staring back at her in the mirror. The idea of standing by Ryker's side felt both exhilarating and daunting, yet the details of the role remained elusive.

After a moment of hesitation, she began to change into the uniform, the fabric feeling strange against her skin. The outfit was designed to be both functional and regal, a blend of armor and elegance. As she fastened the last strap, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back felt powerful yet unfamiliar.

Dressed and ready, Aria took a deep breath and exited her room, stepping into the bustling corridors of the palace. The halls were filled with other students, many of whom were also donned in their new roles, chatting excitedly about their assignments.

As she moved through the palace, she overheard snippets of conversation about what it meant to serve as a guard. “You’ll be trained to protect the royals, especially during official events,” one girl explained to her friend. “You have to anticipate their needs and be ready for anything!”

Aria's stomach twisted with uncertainty. Protect the royals? Anticipate their needs? The pressure began to weigh heavily on her. She had never imagined herself in such a role, and the responsibility seemed immense.

Finally, she reached the training courtyard, where several instructors awaited the students. The courtyard was bustling with activity; guards sparred, others practiced formations, and a few were engaged in drills.

One of the instructors, a stern-looking man with a commanding presence, stepped forward as Aria and her classmates gathered. “Welcome to your first day as royal guards! Today, you will learn the basics of your duties, from combat training to etiquette for royal events. Being a guard is not just about strength; it’s about intelligence and poise. You will serve the crown with honor.”

Aria swallowed hard, her heart racing. She looked down at her uniform, feeling the weight of expectation bearing down on her. She had always trained hard, but this was different. This wasn’t just about her; it was about the legacy of the royal family.

“Let’s begin with some combat drills!” the instructor shouted, drawing the group’s attention. Aria steeled herself, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, even if she felt a surge of uncertainty about her new role.

As the group broke into pairs to start practicing, Aria couldn’t shake the feeling that she was stepping into a world she had yet to fully understand. But there was no turning back now. She was determined to rise to the occasion, even if she had to figure out what it truly meant to be a royal guard as she went along.

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