The soft morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the princess's chambers. Her loyal servant, Anna, gently approached the bedside.
"Milady?" Emma whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
Amelia stirred, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Yes, Anna?"
"Prince Zarin of Ashwood has arrived, Milady," Anna announced, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and formality. "He awaits you in the grand hall."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. She had been expecting Zarin's visit, hoping he would prove worthy of her hand in marriage. She threw off the covers and began her morning routine, Anna assisting her every step of the way.
As they descended to the grand hall,Amelia's thought turned to Zarin.Would he prove charming and worthy, or would he falter under her parents' scrutiny.
The grand hall's doors swung open, revealing Zarin standing tall, his smile confident. Amelia's heart fluttered as their eyes met, and she wondered what the day would bring.
Amelia and Zarin stood before the altar, ready to take their vows. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation. Guests smiled, and tears of happiness were shed.
As Zarin conversed with Amelia, a commotion erupted outside the grand hall. The doors burst open, and a tall, imposing figure strode in.
"King Alexander of Eldoria," he declared, his voice commanding attention.
Amelia's father, King Adren, paled, his eyes darting nervously between King Alexander and his daughter.
"Your Majesty," King Aren stammered, "what brings you to our court?"
King Alexander gaze locked onto Amelia. "You know precisely why I'm here, King Adren. The debt you owe me, the promise you made... it's time to settle."
Amelia's eyes widened as she grasped the situation. Her father's dark dealings had put her in King Alexander's sights.
"What debt?" Zarin asked, stepping forward.
King Alexander's smile was cold. "A matter between kings, prince. This concerns the princess's fate."
Amelia's heart raced. Would she be forced into marriage with King Alexander, or could she find a way to escape her father's predicament?
Zarin's eyes narrowed, his grip on the hilt of his sword tightening. "I won't stand idly by while you threaten the princess, King Alexander. Whatever debt you claim King Aren owes, it doesn't justify forcing her into your hands."
King Alexander's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, but the princess is collateral, Prince. Her father promised her to me in exchange for my aid. The debt has come due, and I'm here to collect."
Amelia mind reeled as she turned to her father. "Father, is this true? You promised me to him?" King Aren's face twisted in anguish, but he remained silent.
Zarin stepped forward, his voice firm. "The princess won't be forced into any arrangement against her will. If there's a debt to be settled, find another way, King Alexander."
King Alexander's expression darkened. "You'd do well to mind your own affairs, Prince. This is between kings. The princess will accompany me, one way or another."
Amelia stood tall, her voice steady as she addressed King Alexander. "Your Majesty, I understand there's a debt between our families, but I'd like to know more about it. What exactly does my father owe you?"
King Alexander's eyes burned with anger as he gazed at Amelia. "Your father murdered my father to claim the throne," he accused, his voice low and menacing. "Now, you will pay the price."
Amelia's eyes widened in horror. "No, this can't be!" she exclaimed.
King Aren's face paled, his guilt evident. "I...I did what was necessary," he stammered.
King Alexander's expression turned cold. "Your daughter will be bound to me, forced to endure a loveless marriage, and bear the weight of your betrayal."
King Alexander's words cut deep, his voice dripping with malice. Queen Sia eyes widened in horror as she realized the true extent of her husband's debt.
"Your daughter will be my slave, and she'll suffer for your family's transgressions."
Queen Sia face paled, and she took a step forward, her hands clasped together in a desperate plea. "Please, King Alexander, have mercy. Don't punish my daughter for my husband's mistakes."
But King Alexander's expression remained unyielding, his heart hardened by years of anger and resentment. "Mercy?" he spat. "You should have thought of that before your husband took everything from me."
Queen Sia's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her daughter, her heart breaking with sorrow and regret. She knew that she had to find a way to protect her daughter.
Alexander's voice was cold and commanding as he turned to his guard. "I want you to ensure that no one obstructs me. Kill anyone who tries to intervene, including the Prince and his men. I will marry the princess today, no matter the cost."
The guard nodded, his face expressionless, and drew his sword. Amelia's eyes widened in fear as she realized the gravity of the situation.
Zarin stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "You won't take her without a fight, King Alexander," he said, his voice firm.
King Alexander sneered. "I'm not afraid of you, Prince. You're no match for my guards. Take him down."
The guards moved forward, their swords drawn, Zarin prepared to defend himself. Amelia knew she had to act quickly to prevent bloodshed.
Amelia stepped forward, her voice clear and resolute. "Wait, Prince Zarin. Stop. I'll go with King Alexander. I'll marry him."
Zarin's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back, his face etched with concern. "Princess, no," he whispered urgently. "You can't mean that. He's not worthy of you."
King Alexander's face lit up with triumph, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Ah, the princess sees sense," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You'll make a fine queen, Princess. Let's proceed to the altar."
The princess's gaze met Zarin's, and she saw the worry and doubt there. She hoped he would understand that she was trying to protect him, to prevent further bloodshed. But as she turned to follow King Alexander, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into a nightmare.