Cursed By Fate

chapter 29

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Chapter 29

The royal dining room was alive with chatter, the air rich with the aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread. Golden chandeliers illuminated the faces of the royal family as they gathered for dinner. At the head of the table sat Ryker, his demeanor relaxed but his eyes alert, a silent testament to his responsibility as the kingdom's future king.

As the meal progressed, the conversation shifted to Ryker’s future, the king glancing at him with a mix of pride and expectation. “You know, Ryker, there are many princesses eager for your hand in marriage,” the king remarked, his tone urging.

“Why would I want to marry a princess?” Ryker replied dismissively, his gaze momentarily flitting to a portrait of a particularly haughty noblewoman that adorned the wall.

Klea leaned in, enjoying the moment. “Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet. Who wouldn’t want to marry the most handsome prince in the kingdom?”

Ryker’s eyes flashed electric yellow, a warning growing in his voice. “I don’t need your advice on my love life, Klea. I’ll marry when I see fit—if ever.”

The queen interjected softly, “Ryker, we just want what’s best for you. A wife could help you in your duties as king.”

“Or she could complicate things,” he shot back, irritation creeping into his voice.

The conversation continued, but Ryker’s thoughts shifted, focusing on Aria, the fierce new royal guard who had become an unexpected presence in his life. Her dedication and skill impressed him, but he also worried about her safety.

Once the meal concluded, Ryker stood and pushed his chair back. “I have other matters to attend to,” he announced. Turning to Aria, he beckoned her. “Come on, Little Shadow. We need to talk.”

“About what?” she asked, curiosity piqued as she followed him out of the dining room.

“Just to my room,” he replied, his expression serious as he led her through the dimly lit corridors.

Once inside his chambers, Ryker closed the door behind them and leaned against it, crossing his arms. “Before we get to anything else, I want to make sure you’re safe out there.”

Aria raised an eyebrow, taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“I mean the forest incident. I don’t want you to underestimate the dangers lurking outside the castle walls. You’re not just a guard; you’re my guard,” he said, his voice firm yet concerned. “I need you to stay vigilant. If anything happens, I want you to promise me you’ll come to me first.”

“I can handle myself, Ryker,” she replied, her tone defiant. “I’ve trained for this.”

“Still, things can turn dangerous in an instant,” he insisted, his eyes softening slightly. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, Aria was struck by the sincerity behind them. “I won’t let anything happen to me. I promise.”

Ryker nodded, a hint of relief crossing his features. “Good. Now, onto more pressing matters,” he said, a playful smirk returning to his lips. “What if I asked you if you wanted to be my bride?”

Aria’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? That’s ridiculous!”

Ryker chuckled, leaning closer, his shirt casually unbuttoning. “Why not? You could have a life of luxury, adoring fans, and endless parties.”

“I’m not interested in being a princess!” she snapped, crossing her arms.

“Really?” he teased, leaning back with a glint in his eye. “But think about it: a future full of jewels and fine gowns.”