Crowned in Crimson Cinders

Chapter: Darian and Unknown

 If one thing was for certain, it was that Aleah absolutely hated me. I was only walking past the library when I heard her voice and decided to go in. I never expected to run into her. Not only that, the book she was carrying was very intriguing as well.

I believe it was about Shadowfire, an ancient power I was only tought about as a legend. But why would she be so interested in such a thing?

The walk back to my room was silent as the moonlight pouring in from the windows guided me. I was tired and the search for my brother had come up with no results so far. Perhaps I'm in way to far over my head. Searching the entire castle alone while trying not to be suspicious is a lot harder than I initially thought. There are guards everywhere and none of them seem to take a liking to me, though I suppose that is only natural.

Before I could turn a corner, a hooded figure appeared. I jumped back, startled by their sudden appearance. They were only a few steps away but by the looks of it, the figure appeared to be a woman.

"Who are you?" I asked.

She didn't reply but she started taking steps closer.

I was considering stepping backwards. I had no idea if she had weapons. However, I stood my ground. She stopped a step away from me.

"I know why you're truly here, Prince Darian," the woman said, a mere whisper.

"What are you talking about?"

She chuckled.

"Don't play the fool with me. I know you have other motives to come here other than just a wedding."

"How would you know such things?" I pressed.

"Lets just say, if you don't listen to me, you're brother will die."

I froze. My brother? Alive? How could she know about him? And how did she know I was here for him?

My confusion must have shown because she started laughing.

"Thats right, Prince Darian. I have your brother and you can have him back, but you need to agree with me on one condition."

The woman started circling me now, like a predator around prey.

"You can have your brother back, but only under the condition that you marry me."

I was stunned into silence.

I was already betrother to Princess Aleah. I can't just go off marrying some random woman who I don't even know.

"I'm already betrother to—"

"---that filthy excuse of a princess?" She interrupted. There was disgust in her words. She knew Princess Aleah and for some reason, had it out for her.

"That's correct. If I were to break my engagement, war will resume."

"And so what? Isn't getting your brother back more important? Or do you value that miserable excuse for a bride more than him?"

My brother, Flynn, was the main reason I agreed to coming here. But how can I trust this woman.

"How do I know you're not lying? Is he even still alive?"

"He is very much alive and if you don't agree, his life is about to get a hell of a lot worse."
It seemed like there was only one right answer being put ion front of me. Either I agree to marry this woman or Flynn dies or worse, tortured. I couldn't concernt myself with Aleah. I didn't have any true feelings for her and I never will.

"I... I'll agree to your terms. Bring me to my brother now and I'll leave with you to go to Trithia. We can—"

"No," she said, "I have plans that I must see to. I will tell you when the time is right. If you tell anyone about this conversation, I will kill your precious brother. Do we havea deal?" She asked,s ticking her arm out.

I reluctantly took it and shook her hand, solidifying our agreement.

"Wonderful," she said, turning to walk back down the hall.

"Remember," she said after a few steps, "no one can know, or he dies."

I was alone in the hallway, wondering if the decision I made would be worth it in the end. The only thing I know is that I would do anything for my brother.