Chronicles: Silent Breath

Chapter 14

I felt the sun rising on my face, the gentle warmth pulling me from the restless sleep that had claimed me late into the night. I opened my eyes and immediately panicked. Helies was lying beside me. Oh shit! I had fallen asleep in his room.

"I have to go," I said urgently, moving his arm from around me and jumping out of bed.

"Wait!" he called, his morning voice low and alluring. He sat up, grabbed my arm, and pulled me toward him, kissing me deeply. What a kiss! My body ignited, and the world faded away until we broke apart. I bolted from his room, heart pounding, and dashed to mine just in time to see the maids approaching.

"Princess, we came to ask you if you want help dressing?" one of the maids said, bowing. "We believe this time you will need help, as it is a big dress."

"Thank you," I said, trying to smile as much as I could, so they don't notice what I was wearing. "Today I will definitely need your help."

I walked inside the room and went straight to the bathtub to take a bath while the maids were getting my dress. The warm water helped to soothe my nerves, and I took a moment to collect my thoughts. After my bath, the maids spent hours working on my hair and makeup, transforming me into a picture-perfect bride for the insufferable prince I was marrying. More maids arrived, bringing food, and I carefully nibbled on bits and pieces, trying not to disturb their hard work.

The time passed quickly, and before I knew it, they were helping me into my dress. Each button and lace felt like another lock sealing my fate. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had to do this, not just for the kingdom, but peace, not war, peace not war... As I remember myself.

"All done, princess. You look perfect," one of the maids said, trying not to get emotional. "May your marriage be as lucky as our beloved king and queen."

I nodded, grateful for her kind words as she and the other maids left me alone in the room. The silence felt heavy, filled with the weight of everything that was about to happen. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Soon, the king would come to escort me, and there would be no turning back.

"Princess, are you ready?" A rough voice came from the other side of the door. I opened it to see a guard standing there, "I will take you to the king. He is waiting for you."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest as I followed him down the corridor. We turned left instead of right, away from the direction of the throne room where the ceremony was taking place.

"Are you new? The throne room is on the right," I questioned, suspicion creeping into my voice.

Suddenly, he grabbed my arm with surprising strength and started pulling me along. "What are you doing?!" I protested, trying to break free, but his grip was firm.

He didn't answer, dragging me through the palace halls until we burst into the kitchen. The staff paused their work, their eyes wide with surprise as they watched us rush past. We emerged into the courtyard, the sudden burst of sunlight blinding me for a moment.

Then, the guard stopped and removed his helmet.

"HELIES! What the actual fuck?" I shouted at him, my voice echoing in the courtyard.

"You are my breath. I can't live without you," he said softly, grabbing my hand.

"But... what about the queen and king? We can't leave them," I said, stepping closer to him. "They have done so much for us."

"This is hell, having to sacrifice our happiness for others. I want to be selfish, for you," he said, kissing my forehead gently. "I have clothes for you in the stables. Let's go there."

"And then, go where?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Find a place where we can be ourselves," he said, leading me towards the stables. But before we could move far, a group of guards approached us, blocking our path.