Chapter 33 Their demands
Aloria
The sun dips low in the sky, casting an amber glow through the arched windows of my chamber. I stand before the ornate mirror, my reflection a stark reminder of the royal duties that await me. The gown I wear is a deep sapphire, the fabric flowing around me like water, accentuating my form in a way that feels foreign and surreal. I touch my hair, intricately braided and adorned with delicate silver clips, but every touch feels like a reminder of the weight that now rests upon my shoulders.
Servants bustle around me, their faces alight with joy as they prepare me for the council meeting. A young maid with bright, eager eyes holds a jeweled tiara above her head, the gems sparkling like stars. “Oh, Princess Aloria, you’ll be the most beautiful sight in all of Valenor!” she exclaims, her voice a chorus of excitement.
I manage a weak smile, but inside, I feel like an imposter. Every act of service, every bow and curtsy directed at me, sends a ripple of discomfort through my core. They treat me like royalty, but I feel like an outsider looking in. “Thank you,” I say softly, trying to match their enthusiasm, but my heart races with unease.
Is this how Lycan royalty is? Distant, almost cold? My parents’ demeanor lingers in my mind like a shadow, and I wonder if I will ever understand them… or even if I want to.
As I step away from the mirror, the maids finish their last touches, stepping back to admire their work. I take a deep breath, the scent of jasmine still lingering in the air. It’s intoxicating yet suffocating, reminiscent of the expectations that loom over me like storm clouds.
“Princess, it’s time,” an older servant announces, her voice steady and commanding. She gestures for me to follow her, and I nod, my pulse quickening as I leave the sanctuary of my room.
We walk through the grand hallways adorned with tapestries depicting battles and victories of our ancestors. The walls echo with whispers of the past, yet all I can think of is the future I’m being thrust into. Each step feels heavier than the last as we approach the throne room, the grand doors looming before me like the mouth of a great beast.
With a gentle push, the doors swing open, revealing the imposing throne room bathed in golden light. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, and I can feel the eyes of the council members upon me. They stand in clusters, their voices hushed as they turn to witness my entrance, a mix of curiosity and expectation in their gazes.
At the center of the room, my parents sit upon their thrones… my mother, the queen, regal and composed, while my father, the king, wears an expression that is both proud and inscrutable. I swallow hard, stepping forward, my heart pounding loudly in my ears.
“Aloria,” my father’s deep voice resonates through the room, commanding attention. “You have returned to us, and today marks a new chapter for our kingdom.”
I bow my head slightly, feeling the weight of his words. “Thank you, Father,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
The council members murmur amongst themselves, some nodding in approval while others appear skeptical. I catch the queen’s eye, and she offers me a curt nod, her expression still distant, as if she remains detached from the moment. The air is electric, and I can sense a shift in the atmosphere as my father continues.
“Today, we welcome King Alaric of Eldoria,” he announces, and my heart skips a beat. I hadn’t realized the king was here, and the thought sends a shiver of anxiety through me. “He seeks to strengthen the bond between our kingdoms, and I believe a union between our families would serve us well.”
My breath hitches as a tall figure steps forward… a man with striking features, hair as dark as midnight, and eyes that gleam with authority. King Alaric approaches, his presence commanding, and the room falls silent in reverence.
“Princess Aloria,” he greets me, his voice smooth like silk, yet with an underlying strength that draws me in. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”
I curtsy, feeling my cheeks flush under his gaze. “The honor is mine, Your Majesty.”
“Your return brings hope to our realms,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine. “A union between us could solidify the peace we desire. Your strength, as a Lycan princess, is exactly what we need.”
A union. The word reverberates in my mind, and I glance towards my father, who looks expectant, almost eager. I can feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on me, and I instinctively take a step back. “But…”
“… but it is a strategic alliance,” my mother interjects, her voice icy as she cuts through my hesitation. “Alaric’s son is a fine warrior, and together, you would be a formidable pair.”
I feel the room shift around me, the council members leaning in, their eyes filled with intrigue. I am acutely aware of my heart racing, the fear of losing myself in this new role clashing with the hope of making a difference. I have to force myself not to think of River or I would cry. “And what if I refuse?” I ask, the defiance creeping into my voice.
Alaric raises an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “Refusal is not a choice we can afford,” he replies, his tone firm yet respectful. “The kingdom’s future depends on this alliance, Aloria.”
My gaze darts between him and my parents, their expressions unyielding. I feel trapped, caught in a web of obligation and expectations. I want to scream, to run back to the life I left behind, even if River is gone, it still seems a better life, but the reality is that I am here, and I must face whatever comes next.
“Very well,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “If this is what must be done for the kingdom…”
“Then we will forge a new path together,” Alaric interjects, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “I will send for my son, Princess Aloria.”
As the council members erupt into conversation, my heart races with uncertainty. I glance at my parents, their pride palpable yet their coldness still stings. Is this truly what it means to be a part of this world? A world where my heart and desires take a backseat to duty and alliance?
I take a deep breath, forcing my feet to remain steady beneath me. The stakes are high, and though doubt gnaws at my insides, I know I must find a way to navigate this treacherous path ahead. For better or worse the future of our kingdoms rests on my shoulders. Oh how I wish River was here.