Cursed By Fate

chapter 40

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Days Later: Ryker’s Perspective

Ryker stood on the balcony of his quarters, staring out at the horizon. The distant sounds of the war preparations echoed in the background, but all he could think about was Aria. It had been days since she had left to join the army, and the gnawing anxiety in his gut only grew with each passing moment.

His brother, Karl, sauntered into the room, a smirk playing on his lips. “Still staring off into the distance like a lovesick puppy?”

Ryker shot him a sharp glare, his hands clenching into fists. “This isn’t a joke, Karl. Aria is out there fighting, and I’m stuck here.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not like you can just run out there and rescue her every time you start to worry,” Karl replied, leaning casually against the wall. “She’s tougher than you give her credit for. Besides, we both know if anyone can hold her own in a fight, it’s Aria.”

Ryker huffed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s not just that. I should have been there with her. I should have—”

“Look, I get it,” Karl interrupted, his tone shifting to something more sincere. “You care about her. But she’s doing what she needs to do. And you’re doing what you need to do here. You can’t protect her all the time.”

“Protecting her is all I want to do,” Ryker said, his voice low but filled with intensity.

“Then let her fight. Let her show the world who she is. Trust me, when she comes back, you’ll be the one they’re all talking about—the Crown Prince who supports his fiancée in battle,” Karl teased, a grin breaking out on his face.

Ryker shot him another glare, but a small smirk betrayed his annoyance. “Very funny.”

“Besides,” Karl continued, “you’ll have a perfect chance to impress her when she returns. She’ll probably be too busy boasting about how she took down half an army to notice how worried you were.”

Ryker rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the hint of a smile. “You’re ridiculous.”

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Aria’s Perspective: In the Camp

Meanwhile, Aria stood in her tent, preparing her mount for the night. She ran her fingers through the creature's mane, her thoughts drifting to Ryker. Every time she closed her eyes, she imagined his fierce yellow gaze and the way he had stood protectively beside her during the chaos of the ball.

But now, surrounded by soldiers and the distant sounds of battle, the emptiness felt suffocating.

As she adjusted her armor, she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching—their father's old friend, who had joined them in the campaign. His presence brought her a sense of comfort, but her heart still ached with longing for Ryker.

“Everything alright, Aria?” he asked, noticing the distant look in her eyes.

“Just thinking about home,” she admitted, forcing a smile. “And... someone special.”

“Your prince, I assume?” he said with a knowing glance.

She nodded, her expression softening. “He’s strong, but I can’t help but worry about him.”

“Worry won’t change the outcome,” he replied gently. “Focus on your duties, and when this is over, you’ll be back at his side.”

Aria took a deep breath, trying to push aside the swirling emotions. “You’re right. I need to concentrate.”

But as the night deepened, her thoughts would always return to Ryker—his determination, his strength, and the way he made her feel like she could conquer anything.