Kaidën walked out of the grand hall, escaping the mournful faces and sorrowful whispers. He needed solitude, needed to process the overwhelming grief.
The moonlit garden beckoned, its shadows and silence a refuge.
Calantha watched him leave, her heart heavy with concern. She followed, her footsteps quiet on the stone path.
As she turned a corner, she saw Kaidën's slumped figure. His hands clasped his knees, his face buried in his hands.
Sobs wracked his body, the sound tearing at Calantha's heart.
She approached softly, sitting beside him on the bench.
Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.
Kaidën's cries intensified, his body shuddering against hers.
Calantha held him tighter, her own tears falling.
"Let it out, Kaidën," she whispered.
His arms encircled her, clinging to her as if she were his anchor in a storm.
Together, they weathered the tempest of grief.
Kaidën's sobs gradually subsided, his grip on Calantha relaxing.
"Arin..." he whispered, his voice cracking.
"My trusted advisor, my friend... my brother."
Kaidën's eyes welled up again.
"Always guiding me, advising me. He knew the weight of the crown better than anyone."
Calantha listened intently, her expression empathetic.
"I remember how he'd challenge my decisions, push me to be a better leader," Kaidën said.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"His counsel was invaluable. I trusted him with my life."
Kaidën's voice cracked.
"And now he's gone. Taken from me by... by..."
He couldn't bring himself to say King Charles's name.
Calantha's hold tightened.
"We'll find out what happened, Kaidën. Together, we'll ensure justice is served."
🍂🦋
A week passed, and Kaidën's grief transformed into resolute determination.
Day and night, he strategized with his generals, fortifying defenses and readying the army for war.
Calantha watched with growing concern as Kaidën's exhaustion deepened.
"Kaidën, you need rest," she urged, her voice soft.
"I'll rest when Charles is brought to justice," he replied, his eyes burning with resolve.
Calantha's worry intensified.
"You're not yourself, Kaidën. You're pushing too hard."
Kaidën's gaze didn't waver.
"I'm doing what needs to be done, Calantha. For Arin, for our kingdom."
The castle's halls echoed with the clamor of preparations.
Soldiers drilled, blacksmiths hammered, and messengers rushed between allies.
As night fell, Calantha found Kaidën hunched over maps and battle plans.
"Come with me," she said gently.
Kaidën followed, his mind still on strategy.
In the garden, under starry skies, Calantha took his hand.
"Remember who you are, Kaidën. You're not just a warrior, but a leader.
Your people need you whole, not broken."
Kaidën's gaze met hers.
"I'll make sure Charles pays for what he's done."
Calantha's grip tightened.
"At what cost, Kaidën? Your own life?"
Kaidën's face contorted in anguish.
"AT ANY COST!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the garden.
Calantha's grip on his hand tightened.
"Kaidën, no! Think of your people, your future!"
Kaidën's eyes blazed.
"Arin's death will not be in vain! Charles will pay!"
The sound of his rage sent birds fleeing from the trees.
Calantha's expression softened.
"Arin's memory deserves justice, but not at the expense of your soul."
Kaidën's chest heaved, his anger wavering.
"Leave me, Calantha. I need to prepare."
Calantha's eyes filled with tears.
"I won't lose you too."
The dinner table was shrouded in silence, the usual warmth and laughter absent.
Emilia, ever the bright spark, sensed the tension and tried to lighten the mood.
"Uncle, have you heard from the eastern lords? Will they support our cause?"
King Maric's eyes, etched with concern, turned to Kaidën.
"Kaidën, how are preparations faring?"
Kaidën's expression remained resolute.
"It's going well, Your Majesty. We're ready for any surprise attack."
Calantha's gaze met Kaidën's, her eyes searching.
"But are we prepared for the cost?" she asked softly.
Kaidën's jaw clenched.
"We'll do what's necessary to protect our kingdom."
Emilia's brow furrowed.
"But at what expense? Our allies? Our people?"
Kaidën's gaze didn't waver.
"We'll protect them, Emilia. I promise."
The king's voice interrupted the tension.
"Enough. We'll discuss this in council tomorrow."
The silence returned, heavy with unspoken worries.
YOU ARE READING
The Reluctant Bride
Fiksi Sejarah"When duty demands sacrifice, can love conquer all? In a world of royal politics and ancient alliances, Princess Calantha Valtania is forced into a marriage with Prince Kaidën Valorian of Eldrida. But Calantha's heart rebels against the arrangemen. ...
