Chapter 18: Lingering Shadows

Two years had passed since Alina and Lyra had left the kingdom of Elaria. In that time, the palace had seen many changes. Rian, now King, sat at the head of a grand table in the council chamber, deep in discussion with his cabinet. General Marston was present. The room was filled with the murmurs of serious debate on matters of state alliances, trade agreements, and the ever-present threat of border fracases.

Rian's mind, though focused on the matters at hand, often drifted to thoughts of Alina. The weight of the crown had settled heavily on his shoulders, and he missed the simplicity and sincerity of the love they once shared.

"Your Majesty, regarding the trade routes with the neighboring kingdom of Thalor, it is crucial we—"

The doors to the council chamber burst open, and a small figure darted inside. Rian's two-year-old daughter, Ava, ran toward him with unrestrained joy. The cabinet members, initially startled, softened their expressions as the little girl reached her father.

"Papa!" Ava exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement.

Rian's stern demeanor melted away. He stood, scooping her up into his arms. "My little star, what brings you here?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

The sight of the king playing with his daughter brought a rare moment of lightness to the somber chamber. The council members exchanged smiles, witnessing a side of their ruler they seldom saw.

Ava giggled, wrapping her tiny arms around Rian's neck. "I… see…, Papa!" She baby-talked.

Rian kissed her forehead, his heart swelling with love. He pressed his nose against hers, "I'm glad you came. You're always welcome, little one."

Genevieve entered the room, her presence bringing a chill to the air. She watched as Rian held their daughter, a mix of emotions playing across her face. The tension between her and Rian was noticeable, a silent acknowledgment of the distance that had grown between them.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said stiffly, approaching to take Ava back. "It's time for her nap."

Rian reluctantly handed Ava to her mother, his eyes lingering on the child. "Goodbye, my star. I'll see you soon," he said softly as he poked her nose softly.

Ava giggled. As Genevieve carried her out, the cabinet resumed their discussion, but the warmth from the brief interruption lingered. Rian sat back down, his expression hardening as he refocused on the matters at hand.

"So, where were we?"

That night, in the quiet solitude of his chambers, Rian stared out the window at the starry sky. A soft knock at the door broke his daze.

"Come in," he called, expecting one of his attendants.

Genevieve entered, holding Ava's hand. "Ava wanted to say goodnight," she said, a forced smile on her lips.

Ava ran to Rian, climbing into his arms. "Goodnight, Papa!"

"Goodnight, my little star," Rian said, hugging her tightly. "Sleep well in Papa's arms."

As Ava drifted off to sleep in his arms, Genevieve watched them, her eyes betraying a deep sadness. When she was sure Ava was asleep, "Rian," she began hesitantly, "we need to talk."

He nodded, placing Ava gently on his bed. "Of course, Genevieve. What is it?"

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I… I feel like a stranger in this palace. You're so distant, and it's affecting Ava. She needs her parents."

Rian's gaze was steady but cold. "I don't understand. We are both here for Ava. You are here for her. I am here for her."

She closed in a bit. "You know that's not what I mean." She uttered.

"Listen, Genevieve, I will always be here for my daughter and she will always have me. This is her home. She is my princess and, as her mother, you will always be welcomed here, but… you and I… we were brought together by circumstance, not love. I can't pretend otherwise."

Genevieve's eyes filled with tears. "But we have a child together, Rian. Can't we try to make this work for her sake?"

Before Rian could respond, she placed her hand on his face. "I love you. Surely that can make us work. I'll be everything you want me to be. Everything and anything. I just want you to see me. I know you don't because of her. But it's been two whole years since she left, and you have not as much as looked at me with affection, let alone wanting to lie with me again. Am I that bad?" She expressed softly.

Rian gently took away her hand from his face and held both her hands. "You are a beautiful woman, Genevieve. One of the most beautiful and elegant women I've ever seen. My sisters picked well." He let go of her hands and walked to the window. "But I can't lie to myself." He turned and glanced at her, "I can't marry you. That would be the second-greatest mistake of my life."

Genevieve gasped, devastated, and she turned away, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She immediately ran out of Rian's chambers.

"Genevieve…," Rian tried to stop her. He heaved a sigh and walked over to the bed. He climbed on it and his eyes lit up with joy as he watched Ava sleep. He gently stroked her hair, his touch tender and filled with love. The soft rhythm of her breathing matched the gentle movement of his hand, a silent promise of protection and care. She was the most important person in his life right now. But he couldn't do what her mother wanted.

A week later, Elara came over from her quarters to have tea with her brother, the king. Elara entered the room with grace, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she saw her brother. They embraced briefly and then settled at the table, exchanging pleasantries and enjoying the refreshments served by the palace staff, who then discreetly withdrew, leaving the siblings alone.

After a few moments of light conversation, Elara's expression grew serious. She reached out and gently took her brother's hand. "Rian," she began softly, "there's something I need to ask you."

Rian nodded, "Of course, Elara. What is it?"

She hesitated for a moment, then spoke with gentle earnestness. "Why haven't you married Genevieve? She is the mother of your child, and it seems only natural for her to be your wife."

Rian sighed, his gaze drifting to the window as he gathered his thoughts. "I understand why you ask, Elara." He paused, looking back at her with sadness. "But the truth is, I don't love her. Genevieve is a beautiful woman and a devoted mother, but my heart does not belong to her in the way it should for a marriage."

Elara squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with empathy. "But don't you think it would be best for your child, for the kingdom? To have a queen and a united family?"

"I've considered that too," Rian replied, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "But I believe that marrying without love would do more harm than good. I wouldn't want to subject Genevieve or myself to a life of duty without affection. I'm king now and I will no longer do things that do not please me. Our child deserves to see what true love looks like, not a hollow imitation of it. I will always care for her as my child's mother, but that's all I can offer."

Elara nodded, understanding the weight of his decision. She knew she couldn't contend it. "I see. It's a difficult choice, but I trust you know what's best."

With that, they continued their tea, the conversation shifting to lighter topics, but Rian felt the complexities of his heart pressing down on him. The shadows of his past and the duties of his present intertwined, leaving him to navigate a path filled with both responsibility and regret.