"Hera, wake up. It's been two days. Are you still set on calling off the wedding?"
I peeked through the bars. My eyes were heavy and my mind was overwhelmed with all sorts of thoughts.
I observed the Emperor as he stood there, surrounded by his guards, and waited for a favourable reply.
I couldn't help but let my gaze drift to the corner where the prisoner hid in plain sight, like a ghostly apparition no one else noticed.
"I made up my mind, Your Highness... in favour of the marriage. But only on one condition."
"Condition?"
"Before the royal wedding there's a place beyond the borders I must visit. That's my condition."
A deep scowl etched across the Emperor's face. "Are you trying to run away, Hera?"
"No, I don't, Your Highness. I ask that you have faith in me."
"May I inquire about the place that you must visit?"
"That," I said, my words trailing off as I hesitated. "I can't disclose. Please, take my word for it, Your Highness. I'll return to the Empire as soon as I can and then... you'll have your way."
"Do you believe I'm forcing you into this marriage, Hera?"
"No, Your Highness," I countered, "only I believe that you think too low of your son. Forcing him into an unwarranted marriage... the pain inflicted upon him will far outweigh any discomfort I may experience."
"Hera—!"
"So, what's your answer, Your Highness?"
"Even if I grant your wish, I can't allow you to leave on your own."
"I won't be alone," I said, pointing at the corner. "I'll bring that person along."
The Emperor turned around. His eyes widened as he noticed the prisoner who appeared just as taken aback by my sudden request.
"With- with him?"
"With him."
YOU ARE READING
The Labyrinth of Negrastir
RomanceNineteen-year-old Hera, an immortal from the Four Heavenly Kingdoms, is sent on a desperate mission to the past to stop the rise of the Demon God and save her people. But as she steps through the time portal, the Demon God himself appears-marking th...
