Warrior Love

Chapter 5

Another day passes, filled with meetings, duties, and endless royal matters. I’m still reeling from everything that has happened—the betrayal, the broken engagement, the political fallout. But the kingdom can’t stop moving forward, and neither can I.

I sit in the royal chambers, listening as my advisors present the situation. The people of Kaelen’s kingdom are in turmoil, and the nobles are watching closely to see how I will respond. There is no room for weakness, not now.

I’m still trying to process everything, but there’s no time for that. I have to keep up appearances, for my kingdom, for my family.

The King and Queen, my parents, have been quietly observing from the sidelines. My father, King Aldric, has been buried in his own duties, as always, his wisdom the backbone of our kingdom. He hasn’t said much to me about the situation with Kaelen, but I know his heart weighs heavy with the political implications. My mother, Queen Aeliana, has been more present, though, always by my side when I need advice. She’s been a constant source of support, but even she hasn’t been able to help me with the mess that Kaelen’s betrayal has caused.

I can hear their voices in my mind now, as if they’ve been guiding me, even when they’ve been distant. My father, with his deep, booming voice, always reminds me that duty comes first. That the kingdom must remain strong, no matter what happens with my heart. My mother, gentle and wise, often tells me that true strength is not just in what I do but in how I choose to face my challenges. I wish I could hear their voices more clearly now, but I’m alone in these decisions.

The King, my father, hasn’t said much about my engagement being broken. He’s the type to keep his emotions close to his chest. But I know he’s disappointed—he believed in Kaelen, in the future we would build together with him as my husband. I don’t know if he still believes in me.

My mother, on the other hand, is more open, her nurturing side always present. She’s always been the one to ask if I’m truly okay, to hold me when the pressure of being a royal gets too heavy. But even she knows that there are things a mother cannot shield her child from. My duties, my decisions, are mine alone to make.

I push the thoughts away, focusing instead on the tasks at hand. There’s no room for self-pity now.

-+-+-

Later that day, I make my way to the throne room to speak with my father. The King has been sequestered in his study most of the day, handling matters of state, but I know he’s waiting for me to come to him.

The doors open, and I step into the chamber, my footsteps quiet on the polished stone floors. My father is at his desk, looking over maps of our borders, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“Father,” I say, my voice calm despite the tumult inside me.

He looks up, his expression unreadable. “Zara. I trust all is well?”

“Not exactly,” I reply, taking a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the situation with Kaelen and what our response should be.”

He leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “I’ve already sent word to the other kingdoms that we will be taking no immediate action. We must appear strong, but we must also act with wisdom. Patience is key.”

I nod, but there’s a part of me that wishes I could be more decisive. “But what about my future?” I ask before I can stop myself. “The people are questioning my ability to lead. They’re saying I’ve been dishonored.”

My father’s eyes soften, just for a moment. He gets up from his chair and walks toward me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re not defined by their opinions. You’re defined by your actions. The kingdom will follow you, Zara. You are a strong woman, and I have no doubt you will lead us with honor.”