A Heart Divided

Chapter 34

The Rebel Leader

The village was eerily quiet. As they entered the ruins, Eliza couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The houses, some half-destroyed by time and neglect, had been cleared to make way for a small camp. Several men and women stood guard, their eyes sharp, their postures tense. Eliza could see weapons—swords, bows, daggers—at their sides, ready for a fight.

James led them toward a small, half-standing building that appeared to be the heart of the camp. The door was guarded by two soldiers, both women, with hardened faces. They exchanged a brief look before stepping aside, allowing Eliza, Alden, and James to enter.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of smoke and food, and the dim light from the small fire flickered off the walls. A table sat in the center, covered with maps, scraps of parchment, and weapons. At the far side of the room, a figure stood, watching them closely.

Eliza's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of him. He was tall, his features sharp, his dark eyes filled with an intensity that seemed to pierce through her. He wore the plain, weathered clothes of a rebel, but there was something about his bearing—his confidence—that suggested he was no ordinary fighter.

"James," the man said, his voice low but strong. "I see you've brought guests."

James nodded. "These are the ones I told you about. The princess and her... companion." He turned to Eliza. "This is Elias. He leads the group."

Elias's gaze never left her as he studied her intently. "I've heard much about you, Your Highness," he said, his voice sharp but not unkind. "But I need to know something. Why should we trust you?"

Eliza swallowed, her heart racing. She had prepared herself for this moment, but now that it was here, the weight of her words seemed almost too much to bear.

"I've been running from my own family," she said, her voice steady but tinged with the gravity of her words. "My father wants me married to a prince to secure a political alliance. I was never meant to be queen. But I won't stand by and let him use me as a pawn any longer. I need to fight for my future. And for the kingdom."

Elias's eyes never wavered, but something in his expression softened. He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded slowly.

"Very well," he said, his tone firm. "Then welcome to the rebellion, Princess Eleanor. We'll fight together. But be warned—once you take up arms, there's no turning back."

Eliza looked at Alden, her resolve hardening. This was the moment. The future they had dreamed of, a future where she could choose her destiny, was within her grasp.

And she would fight for it—with everything she had.