Cursed By Fate

The Queen Challenge

Chapter: The Queen's Challenge

The grand hall was a place of cold beauty—gleaming marble floors, towering stone pillars, and gold accents that sparkled under the chandeliers' glow. But for Aria, it was nothing more than a stage where power games were played. And today, she was the unwilling pawn.

As she walked forward, her boots clicked against the floor, echoing in the silence of the room. Queen Seraphina sat atop her throne, her icy gaze fixed on Aria. At her side stood Princess Layla, dressed in resplendent royal garb, her golden hair and perfect posture framing her like a painting. She looked down at Aria, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips, making it clear that this was no friendly audience.

Aria stopped several paces away, bowing low, as was expected when addressing the queen.

"Your Majesty," Aria said, her voice steady, though her stomach churned.

"Aria," the queen began, her tone cold and measured. "I hear you’ve been spending quite a bit of time in my son's company."

Aria remained silent. She knew better than to respond too quickly, to give anything away. The queen’s words were laced with meaning, every syllable a calculated strike.

The queen continued, a sharp edge to her voice. "Ryker needs a future queen, someone of noble birth. Do you think, for even a moment, that you, a commoner, could ever fit that role?"

Aria’s jaw tightened, but her expression remained unreadable. She could feel Layla’s gaze burning into her, the princess practically glowing with smug satisfaction as her mother wielded words like a sword.

"It is no secret, Aria, that Ryker will marry for the good of the kingdom. A match with Princess Layla would unite two powerful nations. It’s what’s best for us all," Queen Seraphina said, her lips curling slightly as if the matter had already been decided.

Layla finally spoke, her voice sweet yet dripping with condescension. "Do you really believe someone like you could ever hold Ryker’s attention for long? Let alone become his queen?"

Aria’s hands clenched into fists behind her back, her knuckles whitening. The insult was clear, but she refused to rise to it. She wouldn’t let Layla see the effect her words had, wouldn’t give the queen the satisfaction of knowing they had struck a nerve. It didn’t matter what they thought. She knew Ryker better than they ever could.

"You’re a mere guard, nothing more," Layla added, stepping forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Loyalty to the crown won’t get you any closer to him."

Queen Seraphina watched Aria closely, waiting for any sign of defiance. "What makes you think Ryker would ever choose you? What hope do you have of gaining his favor, let alone his love?"

The word love hung in the air like a dagger. Aria remained perfectly still, her face a mask of calm. They had no idea. Ryker had already chosen her, even if he hadn’t said it out loud. His actions spoke for themselves—the stolen glances, the way his touch lingered longer than necessary, the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching. The queen could scheme and push her royal match all she wanted, but it didn’t change what was between them.

Aria bowed her head slightly, her voice calm as she finally spoke. "I serve the prince and the kingdom, Your Majesty. That is my duty."

Queen Seraphina narrowed her eyes, sensing the defiance hidden beneath Aria's words. She knew what Aria was truly saying, though the girl’s tone remained respectful.

Layla, however, wasn’t so subtle. She laughed, the sound high and disdainful. "Duty," she repeated mockingly. "Loyalty may be admirable, Aria, but it will never make you a queen."

Aria met her gaze with unflinching resolve, her silence speaking louder than any retort she could offer. Layla might have her crown, but Aria had something far more important—Ryker’s trust, his loyalty. His heart.

"That will be all," Queen Seraphina said, dismissing her with a wave of her hand, her voice cold and final.

With a respectful bow, Aria turned on her heel and left the hall. Her chest burned with unspoken words, but she pushed them down. There was no point in wasting energy on their petty games. Her heart had always been focused on one thing: Ryker.

As she made her way through the corridors, her mind whirled. The queen's challenge, her attempts to humiliate her, were merely a test—a final gambit to drive a wedge between her and Ryker. But Aria knew the truth. Nothing the queen or Layla said would change what was already there.

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