Captive By The Curse

His jaw clenched and his eyes flicked once to the door Elara h

t warning-a sharp slap across his cheek. Kaelos staggered back half a step, his eyes widen

iliating your father. For humiliating your wife. For humiliating this kingdom. People saw

ence." His voice cracked like thunder between them. The a

aded around like a badge of rebellion for years? That distra

the room. "You've always known. And instead, you caged me in this gilded

e a spectacle of yourself. Do you think that because you feel something, you

"I call it honesty. I never lied about who I

en you strength? Has it united a divided nation? No!, it has left you torn between two women

on and speak to you as I would any other man who disgraces his crown." Kaelos took a step back, his eye

she couldn't breathe. She thought of Elara's face as she spoke. She had told Elara to see her like a mother and now, she

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stirred the lavender bushes, carrying the scent of rosemary and sun-warmed stone. I

ze fixed on the horizon. She had been there a while-long enough for the hem of her gown to soak up d

find you here," Queen Alaina said gently. Elara turned her head

the silence settle between them. After a beat, she spoke again-quieter now. "Elara... I owe yo

fine, Your Majesty. I understand. You're doing your duty. You're protecting the crown. And

things, we forget the weight they place on others." Elara didn't answer.

"that if I stand here long enough, I might see Alde

tly. And the fireflies. In summer, they'd fill the air like falling stars. My mother used to say t

ers-light and grounding. "I've watched you since you were a girl, Elara. I knew even then you'd wear that crown. But I al

ative and uncertain behind her eyes

understood it at once. Her voice softened even more. "I know things with Kaelos are... difficult. And I'm not blind to what you'

fe. One day, you will be queen. And you are not someone to be cast aside. Work with him.

nd her chest ached as if holding something too heavy. But the words

r eyes were already brimming. She blinked fast, but a tear slipped down

-for him, even when he won't fight for me. But what if it never matters? What if I'm always... invisible

She began to sob. More than she expected. Queen Alaina said nothing at first. Then she reached out, Her

m see you. And do it over and over again until he

ara didn't speak again. But she leaned just slightly toward Alaina, and the older

ery of one man -