Of Ashes and Dreams

Chapter 2 (a year later)

Chapter Two - Acheronios 

"Irida Inicia, step forward."

She emerges from behind the guards, stepping into my view. Her hair is a tangled mess, tears glisten on her cheeks, and her green evening dress is torn, evidence of her struggle. The bracelet I gave her nearly a year ago still clings to her wrist, its golden clasp magically fused. Scars and scratches mar the skin around it—old and fresh alike, signs of her desperate attempts to remove it.

When she looks up at me, I see a mix of hatred and fear in her eyes. A wave of guilt washes over me. I hate putting her in this position, but I know I have no choice. Her kingdom has collapsed, her sister is hiding, and her parents have fled. I need to act decisively, or she might die because of my inaction.

I watch her closely, waiting for her to say something, but she remains silent, her gaze wary. Then I notice she's not looking at me; she's focused on my sword. Does she think I've called her forward to execute her? The thought almost makes me laugh. I could never do that to her. I thought she understood my feelings. Does she really believe I tricked her?

I've tried to push her from my mind—the sound of her laughter, the way she spoke, the way she looked at me. I never thought something so seemingly trivial could become my greatest weakness. But I ruined everything when I destroyed her kingdom, her home. Now, I'm king, and it won't be long until we've conquered the continent. I fought in this war for her—only her. There was nothing I wouldn't have done to reclaim her.

I keep telling myself this is about revenge, but deep down, I know it's more complicated than that. I'm not just acting for revenge; I want her to marry me, even after everything that's happened. But here she stands, looking at me as if I'm her enemy.

The guards are noticing the tension, and the general subtly signals them to remain quiet. It's usually the newer recruits in the throne room who are the most reckless. The last guard who spoke out against my wishes faced serious consequences.

"Kneel before the king," one of the guards barks, his tone harsh. Anger surges through me. Who does he think he is to speak to her like that?

"No," I say firmly, my voice low and commanding. "She doesn't have to kneel. All of you are dismissed. Leave. Now."

Irida shifts slightly, fear etched on her face. I lock eyes with her, a silent understanding passing between us. "You are going to be my bride," I say slowly, watching her reaction closely. Her eyes widen in shock, then fill with dread. But just as quickly, she adopts a calm demeanor. "Of course, your Majesty. When is the wedding?"

I recognize this facade; she adopts it whenever she's terrified but can't show it. She never acted like that with me before. I shake my head, pushing my feelings aside. I can't afford to think like this—not with a kingdom to govern and a war to fight. She is marrying me. This is final.

"Your rooms will be in the queen's chambers of the palace. The maids outside this hall will escort you there." She nods shakily, her resolve faltering for a moment before she turns to leave. I watch her walk toward the grand doors, her movements hesitant. Just before they close, she glances back at me, as if expecting me to change my mind, to condemn her to a fate she fears.

If only she knew. I wouldn't let her go again. I can't. She may see me as a monster, but in my heart, I still hold onto the hope that we can find a way through this darkness together.

The weight of the crown feels heavier than ever as I watch her leave. My heart is a battlefield, torn between duty and desire, and I know the war for her love has only just begun.