Cursed By Fate

fujb

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Chapter [X+7]: A Tension Unveiled

In the solitude of her room, Aria sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts swirling like the storm brewing outside. The shadows that had haunted her since her encounter with the queen felt more menacing now, whispering dark possibilities that gnawed at her resolve. What would Ryker think if he knew the truth about his mother? Could she bear to be the one to tear apart their fragile bond?

Her mind wrestled with the consequences of betrayal when suddenly, a sharp metallic rasp broke the silence—a sound that sent chills down her spine.

Aria’s instincts kicked in. In one swift motion, she reached for her sword, the familiar weight of the hilt grounding her amidst the uncertainty. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she drew the blade, its edge glinting ominously in the dim light of her chamber.

“Show yourself!” she commanded, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

The air grew thick with tension, the shadows dancing in the corners of her room. Then, from the depths of the darkness, emerged a figure—a tall silhouette stepping into the light. It was Ryker, his features etched with concern, but his presence radiated strength and familiarity.

“Ryker!” Aria gasped, her sword poised defensively. “What are you doing here?”

He raised his hands in a placating gesture, a small, teasing smile breaking through the worry on his face. “It’s just me. I didn’t mean to startle you, but seriously, can you blame a guy for wanting to see his favorite girl?”

Aria lowered her sword, her heart still racing but warmth creeping into her chest. “You shouldn’t just barge in like that! I could’ve—”

“I know, I know. You could have sliced me in half with that fancy sword of yours,” he interrupted, a playful glint in his eyes. “But look at me. I’m just a poor prince, buried in work and missing my favorite distraction.”

Ryker pouted, dramatically pointing to his lips as if begging for a kiss. “I’ve been so busy, Aria. My heart is breaking over here!”

Aria couldn’t help but roll her eyes, the tension dissipating as laughter bubbled up. “You’re such a drama king,” she teased, but a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re not going to win me over that easily.”

He pressed a hand to his heart, feigning deep hurt. “Oh, the betrayal! Here I was thinking we had something special.”

Aria crossed her arms, unable to suppress her grin. “Oh really? You must be confusing me with someone who actually cares about your whining.”

“Whining?” Ryker feigned shock, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. “I’m simply expressing my undying affection! A simple kiss for a prince might help heal the wound of neglect.”

“Neglect? You mean your endless duties?” she replied, shaking her head. “Maybe if you didn’t spend so much time with your nose in the royal scrolls, you wouldn’t feel neglected.”

“Touché,” he admitted, stepping closer, his expression softening. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss you. You have to know that, right?”

For a moment, the atmosphere shifted, the playful banter melting away as sincerity washed over them. Aria’s heart raced, a mix of emotions swirling within her. “I… I know. But it’s complicated.”

Ryker’s gaze intensified, concern replacing his earlier jest. “What’s really going on? You’ve been distant. I can feel it.”

The moment hung in the air, thick with unspoken words, but just then, a sudden noise from outside broke the spell. Aria’s instincts kicked in again, but she didn’t draw her sword this time; instead, she took a step closer to Ryker.

“Whatever it is, I’m here for you,” he promised, a fierce determination in his eyes.

Before she could respond, he leaned in closer, tilting his head slightly as if to steal that kiss he so desperately craved.

But just as their lips were a breath away, Aria’s heart sank with a reminder of the turmoil outside. “Ryker, wait. We can’t…”

“Not even a little peck?” He pouted, his tone teasing, yet beneath it lay an earnestness that made Aria’s heart flutter.

“Okay, fine. Just a quick one,” she conceded, unable to resist his charm. As their lips met, a warmth spread through her, dispelling some of the darkness that had been creeping in.

But as they broke apart, a loud commotion erupted from the courtyard. Ryker’s expression shifted, the seriousness returning. “Stay here. I’ll find out what’s going on.”

With a final, lingering look, he stepped out of her room, leaving Aria standing alone, breathless and yearning.

In the silence that followed, she could feel the weight of the secrets pressing down on her, the shadows whispering in the corners of her mind. But for that brief moment, in his presence, everything had felt right.

Yet deep down, she knew the calm was merely the eye of the storm. The chaos outside was far from over, and soon, they would have to face it together.

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