Cursed By Fate

seperate words

Chapter 22 (Continued): Separate Worlds

Aria tried to blend into the luxury of the royal dining room, but everything about the environment felt foreign to her. Ryker, however, seemed entirely at ease, his gaze sharp as he cut into his food with precision. The servants moved silently around them, refilling glasses and adjusting plates, but the tension was unmistakable.

Aria could feel Ryker’s eyes on her, even as he ate. There was an air of scrutiny about him, a silent judgment that made her uneasy. He may have teased her earlier, but his aura was far from playful now. There was something cold in his gaze, something that reminded her exactly why his reputation preceded him.

“You’re eating like you’ve never had a decent meal in your life,” Ryker commented, his tone lacking warmth. It wasn’t a joke—it was a subtle jab, a reminder of her place compared to his.

Aria didn’t rise to the bait. “I’m used to simpler meals,” she replied, keeping her voice steady.

Ryker leaned back in his chair, his smirk barely hiding the edge in his voice. “You’ll have to get used to more than just the food. Being a royal guard is more than just following orders. You’ll have to anticipate threats, fight battles you might not survive... and all the while, you’ll be expected to serve me without question.”

Aria met his gaze, her face as expressionless as ever. “I’m not afraid of what’s required.”

“You should be,” Ryker said, his voice lowering. “Those who get close to me don’t last long.”

There was something dangerous in his tone, a reminder that Ryker wasn’t just some privileged prince—he was ruthless, willing to do whatever it took to maintain power. His cold demeanor made it clear that, in his eyes, Aria was just another tool to be used.

“I don’t fear anyone,” Aria responded calmly, her expression unwavering.

Ryker’s eyes narrowed, studying her for a moment. Then, he chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. “We’ll see about that, Little Shadow. We’ll see how long you last.”

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence, Ryker’s cold and calculating presence looming over every bite. As the plates were cleared away, Ryker stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the marble floor.

“Follow me,” he commanded, not waiting for her response.

Aria stood immediately and followed him, her footsteps quiet as they left the dining hall. Ryker’s demeanor hadn’t softened, and she could feel the weight of his expectations hanging over her like a storm cloud. Whatever came next, she knew one thing for certain: being Ryker’s royal guard wasn’t just a title—it was a test, and failure wasn’t an option.

Aria trailed behind Ryker as they navigated through the grand halls of the castle. The tension in the air was palpable, and despite her composed demeanor, she couldn’t ignore the unease swirling inside her. Being Ryker’s royal guard wasn’t just about protecting him—it was about enduring his ruthless, unpredictable nature.

Ryker walked with purpose, never glancing back at her. His broad shoulders and confident stride exuded authority. Every servant they passed quickly averted their eyes, knowing better than to linger in the prince’s presence. Aria had heard the stories of his cruelty, of the way he handled disobedience with an iron fist. The man before her was not one to be trifled with.

He led her into a small, private room off the main hallway. Unlike the rest of the castle, this room was simple, almost stark in its decor. A single table stood in the center with two chairs, and a dim chandelier hung above, casting muted light across the space.

Ryker turned and gestured for her to sit. Aria obeyed, lowering herself into one of the chairs, her eyes never leaving his.

“So,” Ryker said, sitting across from her. His voice was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it. “You’re my royal guard now. You’re expected to serve me, to protect me from any threats. But tell me—what makes you think you can do that?”

Aria met his gaze, her expression unreadable. “I’ve trained for this. I won’t fail you.”

“Won’t fail me?” Ryker’s lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes remained cold. “Do you know how many people have made that promise before you? How many have said those exact words, only to fail spectacularly?”

Aria didn’t waver. “I’m not like the others.”

“No, you’re not,” Ryker agreed, leaning forward slightly. “But that doesn’t mean you’re any different. You may be skilled, but this isn’t about just fighting. It’s about surviving in my world. And my world is ruthless.”

“I can handle it,” Aria said, her voice steady.

“Can you?” Ryker’s eyes bored into hers, searching for any sign of weakness. “You’ve barely been here a day, and already you’re lost in this castle. You don’t know the politics, the dangers that lurk in every corner. You’re in over your head, Little Shadow.”

Aria clenched her fists under the table, but her expression remained stoic. “I’ll learn.”

Ryker’s smirk widened, though it still didn’t reach his eyes. “Maybe you will. Or maybe you’ll get crushed like the rest.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of Ryker’s words hanging in the air like a noose. Aria could feel the challenge in his voice, the thinly veiled threat that came with being in his service.

“You’re here because you’ve been chosen,” Ryker continued. “Chosen to serve me, to stand by my side. But that doesn’t mean I trust you. Trust is earned, and you’ve yet to prove yourself worthy.”

“I will,” Aria said, her voice firm.

Ryker stood, towering over her. “We’ll see. There’s no room for weakness in my guard. If you can’t keep up, you’ll be cast aside. Understood?”

Aria rose from her chair, standing tall despite the intimidation in his words. “Understood.”

Ryker gave a curt nod, his eyes narrowing as he studied her for a final moment. “Get some rest. Tomorrow, your training begins.”

With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Aria standing alone in the dim light. As the door closed behind him, she let out a slow breath, her mind racing. She knew that serving Ryker would be dangerous, but now, the reality of her situation weighed heavily on her. There would be no room for error, no room for hesitation.

She would need to be as ruthless as he was.