Cursed By Fate

chapter 37

In the days that followed the council’s decision to delay war, the atmosphere within the palace shifted. While the nobles engaged in hushed conversations about the impending threat, Queen Seraphina found herself increasingly troubled by the bond developing between her son Ryker and Aria. She had watched the two grow closer during their training sessions and had even noticed the way Ryker looked at her—a flicker of something deeper in his yellow eyes that made the queen’s stomach churn.

Seated in her opulent chamber, surrounded by silks and gold, Seraphina paced restlessly. The lavish decor of the palace felt suffocating as her thoughts spiraled. What if Ryker became too distracted? What if he let his guard down because of her? The thought gnawed at her, urging her to take action.

Determined to prevent any further closeness, the queen summoned Aria to her chamber, an icy resolve in her heart. When Aria entered, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. Seraphina regarded her with a cold gaze, masking her apprehension with a veneer of regal authority.

“Aria,” the queen began, her voice smooth yet edged with steel. “I appreciate your bravery during the attack at the ball. You fought valiantly alongside my son.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Aria replied, her expression calm but wary. She sensed the undercurrent of displeasure emanating from the queen.

“But,” Seraphina continued, her tone shifting to a more serious note, “I must insist that you reconsider your involvement in our upcoming operations. You are not of royal blood, and I cannot allow you to accompany my son into battle.”

Aria’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But I can fight. I want to protect the kingdom, and Ryker—”

“Protecting the kingdom is not your burden to bear,” the queen interjected sharply, her patience wearing thin. “Your presence alongside Ryker could prove distracting. The last thing I need is for my son to be preoccupied with his feelings when lives are at stake.”

Aria’s expression hardened as she fought against the queen's dismissive attitude. “I can assure you, Your Majesty, that I am focused on the mission. Ryker and I are a formidable team. We can handle ourselves.”

The queen’s eyes narrowed, her displeasure evident. “It’s not merely about your capabilities. This isn’t a game. Your connection with my son could endanger not only him but the entire kingdom. I won’t have it.”

“What do you propose, then?” Aria challenged, her voice steady despite the growing tension. “To keep me sheltered while others fight? I refuse to sit idly by while my home is under threat.”

Seraphina stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You will remain behind. I will not allow you to go to war. The risks are too great, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that my son’s heart remains untainted by distraction.”

Aria clenched her fists, a surge of anger rising within her. “You think I am a distraction? I am not the one who needs protection!”

The queen regarded her with cold indifference, the weight of her authority pressing down. “This is not a debate. You will obey my command. Your place is not on the battlefield, and I will make certain of it.”

Realizing the futility of her argument, Aria straightened her posture, refusing to show weakness. “I will not abandon my duty. I am ready to fight.”

“Then you will fight me on this,” Seraphina declared, her eyes glinting with determination. “If you dare to defy me, you will find yourself isolated, removed from all royal affairs. You will be nothing more than a soldier, far from my son.”

With that, the queen turned away, her decision final. Aria felt a mix of frustration and helplessness wash over her as she left the chamber. The queen would not let her close to Ryker, and the thought of being kept away from him ignited a fierce resolve within her.

As Aria walked through the corridors of the palace, her mind raced with strategies. She refused to let Seraphina's decree dictate her fate. She would find a way to fight, to protect Ryker and the kingdom. No matter what the queen thought, she would not be a pawn in this game; she was a warrior, and she would prove her worth, no matter the cost.