Cursed By Fate

chapter 27

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Chapter 27

In the grand dining room of the palace, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The king and queen, along with Prince Klea, gathered around the table, discussing the future of the royal family. Ryker leaned back in his chair, his usual expression of indifference masking the swirling thoughts in his mind.

“You need a bride, Ryker,” the king said, his tone firm but laced with affection. “There are plenty of princesses eager to be your queen. It’s time you take your responsibilities seriously.”

Klea, sitting across from Ryker, couldn’t resist chiming in with a smirk. “I can see it now—‘Prince Ryker, the king of eternal bachelorhood.’ The ladies must be heartbroken, you know,” he teased, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Ryker’s gaze darkened, and a flicker of yellow electricity sparked in his eyes, a telltale sign of his rising annoyance. “Marriage is a cage, Klea. I have no intention of being trapped by some princess who thinks she can wear a crown and rule by my side.”

The queen interjected, sensing the tension. “Ryker, a strong alliance through marriage could benefit our kingdom. Think of the power and unity it would bring.”

Klea leaned forward, enjoying the show. “Maybe he just hasn’t found the right princess yet. Or perhaps he’s waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape the throne altogether.”

Ryker shot him a glare, the energy around him crackling. “Keep it up, and you’ll find out just how ruthless I can be, little brother.”
(Later the king and queen left to get things ready)
Before Klea could respond, the door swung open, and Aria entered the room, her presence immediately commanding attention. She was dressed in her guard attire, ready to accompany Ryker wherever he went.

Ryker’s expression softened slightly as he looked at her, grateful for her unwavering loyalty. “You’re just in time, Little Shadow,” he said, a teasing tone creeping into his voice. “We were discussing my imminent nuptials.”

Aria tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “Nuptials? What does that mean?”

Klea burst into laughter, relishing the chance to poke fun at Ryker. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough! The crown needs a bride, and it looks like Ryker is the last one to realize it.”

Ryker shot him a warning glance, then turned his attention back to Aria. “It means that some people think I should get married, but they’re wasting their breath. I have no interest in that nonsense.”

Klea leaned back, his expression smug. “What if the princesses are beautiful and charming? What if they sweep you off your feet?”

Ryker rolled his eyes, but Aria sensed the tension in the room. She could see how much the topic irritated him, and she quickly stepped in. “If you don’t want to get married, then you shouldn’t have to, right?”

Ryker’s gaze shifted to her, surprised by her boldness. “Exactly, Little Shadow. You understand.”

“Besides,” she continued, “you have me to protect you. I doubt any princess could match my skills.”

Klea snorted, trying to stifle his laughter. “That’s rich, considering you just started training. But it’s cute that you think you can defend him from a potential bride.”

Aria straightened, a hint of determination in her eyes. “I might be new, but I’m still the best at what I do.”

Ryker’s lips quirked into a small smile, appreciating her confidence. “See? At least someone here understands my priorities.”

As the discussion continued, Aria felt a sense of belonging amidst the royal banter. It was clear that Ryker had no intention of changing his stance on marriage, and she felt a surge of pride knowing that she was the one by his side—ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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Here’s a continuation of the chapter where Aria and Ryker leave the dining room, with Aria expressing her thoughts about the situation:

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After the lighthearted banter in the dining room, Ryker stood and gestured for Aria to follow him. As they exited, Aria felt the weight of the royal family’s expectations lingering in the air behind them.

“So,” Aria began, matching her stride to Ryker's, “they really want you to get married, huh?” She looked up at him, her brow furrowed with concern. “Do you ever think about it?”

Ryker shrugged, his expression cool and distant. “Not in the slightest. I have my duties, and that’s enough for me. A marriage would only complicate things.”

Aria nodded, contemplating his words. “I understand, but what if you find someone who could help you with your duties? Someone who could stand by your side?”

He cast her a sideways glance, his eyes sparking with interest. “Like you?”

“Not exactly,” she replied, shaking her head. “I mean someone who could match your royal stature—another royal. Besides, I’m just your guard.”

Ryker paused, turning to face her fully. “You don’t see yourself as more than that? You’re proving yourself to be quite capable, Aria. Strong, intelligent… and you don’t back down easily.”

Aria felt her cheeks warm at his compliment, though she quickly masked it with a dismissive wave. “I appreciate that, but I’m not looking for a title. I just want to do my job well. You have a kingdom to protect, and I’m here to ensure that nothing threatens you.”

“That’s the spirit of a true guard,” Ryker said, a smirk playing on his lips. “But I wonder if you’ve considered what you truly want.”

“What I want?” she echoed, her heart racing. “I want to be the best guard you’ve ever had. I want to protect you and serve the kingdom. That’s my purpose.”

Ryker’s gaze softened, and for a brief moment, the ruthless prince seemed almost human. “And what if I don’t want you to just be my guard?”

The weight of his words hung in the air between them, and Aria’s pulse quickened. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Maybe I want you to have a choice,” he replied, his tone serious. “You’ve earned that much.”

“Ryker, I—” she started, but he held up a hand to stop her.

“Let’s focus on the present. We’ll deal with those princesses later. Right now, we have training and our duties.”

Aria felt a mixture of disappointment and relief. She understood Ryker’s need to keep things professional, but a part of her yearned to explore what he had hinted at.

As they walked through the corridors of the palace, the atmosphere shifted, and Ryker returned to his usual aloof demeanor. “Let’s head to the training grounds. I expect you to keep up, Little Shadow.”

She smirked, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “I wouldn’t dream of falling behind.”

With each step, Aria felt her resolve strengthen. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, not just as Ryker’s guard, but as someone who would carve her own path alongside him.

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