Cursed By Fate

chapter 38

Days turned into weeks, and Ryker found himself in the throes of political maneuvering far from home. Sent to a neighboring kingdom to forge alliances and secure support for his family, he was burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. But the only thing on his mind was Aria, and the nagging worry that she was being sent into a war that could claim her life.

During his travels, he received only sparse updates from the palace, each letter weighed down with the heavy air of secrecy. The queen had kept her plans under wraps, but Ryker knew her well enough to understand her intentions. She would use every tool at her disposal to eliminate any threat to her plans for the crown.

After what felt like an eternity, Ryker finally returned to his kingdom, eager to see Aria and to protect her from whatever danger the queen had orchestrated. The moment he stepped foot into the castle, he sensed an unsettling atmosphere. The halls were quieter than usual, the usual buzz of court life replaced by a tense silence.

“Where is Aria?” he demanded of a passing servant, his voice sharp with urgency.

The servant glanced at him nervously, clearly caught off guard by his return. “My prince, I… I’m not sure. I haven’t seen her since the day you left for the alliance talks.”

Panic surged through Ryker as he stormed down the corridors, searching every corner of the castle. Each empty room and deserted hall fueled his anxiety. He stopped to question guards, nobles, and even the kitchen staff, but no one had seen Aria.

“Where could she be?” he muttered to himself, desperation clawing at his heart. “She wouldn’t just disappear.”

Finally, he found his mother in her private chambers, her demeanor as composed as ever. But Ryker's eyes were filled with fury and concern. “Mother, where is Aria?”

The queen looked up from her desk, feigning surprise. “Oh, Ryker. I assumed you’d heard. Aria has been sent to the frontlines to aid our forces in the war.”

His heart sank. “You sent her to war?” he asked incredulously. “You—”

“It was necessary,” she interjected, her voice cool and unyielding. “With you away, I needed someone to maintain order at the borders. Aria’s skills will prove invaluable.”

“Necessary?” Ryker’s voice trembled with a mix of anger and disbelief. “You’re risking her life for what? To further your ambitions? She’s not just a soldier!”

“Enough, Ryker!” The queen’s tone hardened. “You will not speak to me that way. I’ve done what is best for the kingdom.”

Ryker took a step back, feeling the weight of his mother’s words. He knew he couldn’t change her mind. She had made her choice, and now Aria was in danger because of it. “I won’t let you put her in harm’s way,” he said, determination hardening his resolve.

Before the queen could respond, he turned on his heel and stormed out of her chambers. He raced through the castle, his heart pounding with urgency. He had to find Aria before it was too late.

As he gathered a small group of trusted soldiers, Ryker made his way to the stables, his mind racing with plans. He would not let the queen’s ambitions dictate Aria’s fate. He would gather every ounce of strength and power he had to bring her back.

“Prepare ur mounts!” he ordered, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. “We’re riding to the frontlines.”

His men exchanged glances but quickly fell into line, knowing that when Ryker set his mind to something, he would not back down. As they mounted their steeds, Ryker felt a flicker of hope ignite within him.

He would find Aria. He would bring her back. And he would ensure that the queen's machinations would not claim her life.

As Ryker and his soldiers mounted their steeds, a surge of determination fueled his every move. He felt the familiar warmth of his mystical mount beneath him, a powerful connection that reminded him of his bond with Aria. “Let’s ride!” he commanded, urging the horse forward.

But before he could leave the castle grounds, a voice rang out, piercing through the cool evening air. “Ryker!”

He halted his mount and turned, his heart sinking at the sight of his mother approaching, her expression a mix of authority and concern. “You cannot go,” she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“Mother, I have to find her!” Ryker's voice was strained, desperation creeping in. “Aria is out there, and I won’t let her face this alone.”

The queen stepped closer, her presence imposing. “And what do you think you will accomplish?” she asked, her eyes cold and calculating. “You’re not a soldier, Ryker. You’re a prince. Your duty is here, not on the battlefield.”

“Duty? My duty is to protect Aria!” he retorted, anger flaring within him. “You sent her into a war to eliminate a threat! Don’t you see how wrong that is?”

The queen’s gaze hardened. “This is bigger than you or her. The kingdom needs to be united, and Aria’s presence at the frontlines serves a purpose. You cannot let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

With a swift motion, she placed a hand on his arm, her grip firm and unyielding. “I am your mother and your queen, and I will not allow you to jeopardize everything we’ve worked for. Stay. You must prepare for your role as the future king.”

Ryker felt his heart race with frustration. He longed to defy her, to ride into the unknown and find Aria. But standing before him was not just his mother, but the embodiment of the kingdom’s expectations and rules.

“Let me go,” he said, his voice low but filled with resolve. “I can’t sit here while she is out there fighting.”

“No,” she replied, her tone brooking no dissent. “You must understand that this is a sacrifice for the greater good. We cannot afford to lose you as well.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their confrontation hanging heavily in the air. Ryker felt the tension coil within him, but he also knew that arguing further would only drive a wedge between them.

“Please, Ryker,” the queen softened, her voice almost pleading. “Trust in me. Trust in our plans. Aria is strong. She can handle herself.”

With that, the queen turned and walked away, leaving Ryker alone with his thoughts, his heart heavy with the uncertainty of Aria’s fate. As he sat on his mount, he felt a fierce longing to break free from the palace’s confines, to protect the one person who mattered most to him.

But he had no choice. He had to trust her strength and pray that she would return safely from the war that threatened to tear them apart.