Captive By The Curse

ce you can make. Most especially on your wedding day." His mother protested. "Do you know what you are asking of

rown prince. You are not a boy anymore to indulge in these childish whims." "I am not indulging in whims. I am being forced

Your decisions are not your own, they belong to this kingdom, to its people." He clenched hi

s final, but there was a flicker of something else-something that almost resembled pity. "You will marry Princess

oice was never yours, Kaelos. The choice was always the kingdom's. You would do well to remember that." He took a d

ueen snapped. Her voice thundering across the the room." "You will live the way you must, Kaelos. For Aldovia. For your father. For this kingdom. Your personal feelings, I am sorry but you can no longer af

there was no room for rebellion or defiance. Not if he wanted to protect the kingdom. As the door closed softly beh

moment, he sat in silence, the weight of the crown feeling heavier than ever. He hated this-hated the cold, detached path his life h

en, and Athena stepped inside, her presence instantly filling the room with warmth. She was a woman of beauty and confidence, her

didn't demand anything from him, who accepted him as he was, flaws and all. He didn't want this. Not t

e never did. "Well," she said coldly, "I suppose congratulations are in order. Kaelos's face softened as she walked toward him. "Athena-" "Don't

he tilted her chin, daring him to lie again. "Is that why you're slipping a ring onto another wom

peace. I didn't choose this." "You didn't fight it either." "What would you have me do? Throw away the alliance? Start a war? You think I don't hate

e." "But you are everything I want," he said fiercely. "I don't love her, Athena. I never will. It's you-only you." She t

hat belongs to you. Always has. Always will." Athena closed her eyes tightly as she said. "Then

rned then, slowly, her face composed but her voice low and shaking. "After tonight, everything changes. You will lie with her. Wake with her. And every

ork. For us." Kaelos pleaded. She stared at him for a long, silent moment. Then stepped

ward realised he had interrupted a moment and he turned his back on them. "Forgive me y

re she walked out, the door slamming quietly behind her. Kaelos took in a deep breath. As much a

prince. Kaelos reached for the door. Outside - the corridors stirred with life, flowers were carried and wedding

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as her maid rigged at the corset of her dress. "It's your wedding day, My Lady." Kalynda chuckle

sently, letting the cool beads distract her from the tightening across her ribs. "Are you nervous?" Ka

fe is not born, she is made. Learn his ways. Please his eyes." Words spoken like a blessing.

Prince had not chosen her. This marriage was duty, bound in ink long before they were old

and lowered the veil over her face, her voice was gentle. "You look like a queen." Elara stared at her reflection. Pale an

her way to marry a man who did not know or love her. And yet.