The Ties That Bind

The journey back to the capital was long and filled with silence. Arianne sat in the carriage, her fingers curled into her lap, her mind restless with thoughts of Rian. The warmth of his touch, the urgency in his voice the night before—it all lingered, haunting her like a dream she wished she could return to.

Kael sat beside her, arms crossed as he watched the passing scenery. He had barely spoken since they left the border, but Arianne knew him well enough to sense his frustration.

"You're upset," she finally said.

Kael scoffed, shaking his head. "Upset doesn't even begin to cover it. Do you realize how reckless that was?"

Arianne turned her gaze toward him. "You mean saying goodbye to the man I love?"

Kael let out a sharp breath. "No. I mean sneaking off in the middle of the night when the entire kingdom is watching your every move. If anyone had caught you—"

"They didn't."

"That's not the point." Kael ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. "Do you even understand what's waiting for you at the palace?"

Arianne's stomach twisted. She had been avoiding the thought, but deep down, she knew the truth. Her father had summoned her back for a reason, and whatever it was, it wouldn't be good.

---

### **The King's Decision**

The capital was just as she remembered—grand, bustling, and suffocating. As the carriage rolled through the gates, Arianne felt the weight of her old life pressing down on her.

They were escorted directly to the palace, where the king awaited them. Arianne stepped into the grand hall, her heart pounding. Her father sat on his throne, his expression unreadable.

"Arianne," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You have returned."

She bowed her head. "As you commanded, Your Majesty."

His gaze swept over her, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, with a wave of his hand, he dismissed the attendants. Only Kael remained at her side.

"I received troubling reports," the king said. "Whispers of a soldier at the border who bears a striking resemblance to my daughter."

Arianne forced herself to remain calm. "I was merely learning the ways of the people I am meant to rule."

The king's eyes darkened. "A queen does not need to understand war. She needs to understand duty."

She clenched her fists. "And is that why you called me back?"

"No." The king stood, stepping closer. "You are to be wed."

Arianne's breath caught in her throat. "What?"

"The arrangements have been made. Your engagement will be announced at the royal banquet tomorrow."

Arianne felt the world tilting beneath her. This wasn't just about controlling her—it was about taking her away from Rian forever.

"To whom?" she asked, barely able to force the words out.

The king's gaze was cold. "You will meet him soon enough."

Her heart pounded. She wanted to argue, to fight—but she knew it would be useless. The king's word was final.

She had to find a way out.

---

### **A Desperate Escape**

That night, Arianne paced in her chambers, her mind racing. There had to be a way to stop this. A way to reach Rian.

A soft knock at her door made her spin around. Kael slipped inside, his expression grim.

"I have news," he said.

She swallowed hard. "Tell me."

Kael hesitated before speaking. "Your betrothed… It's Rian."

Arianne's heart slammed against her ribs. "What?"

Kael nodded. "The king has chosen him. He doesn't know the truth, of course. He only sees him as a loyal general. But fate may have just handed you a way to be together."

Arianne pressed a hand to her chest, her mind spinning. If Rian was here, if he was part of this—then maybe, just maybe, they still had a chance.

---

### **Reunion at Midnight**

Arianne could barely contain her emotions. She wanted to see Rian immediately, but she knew she had to be careful. If the king suspected anything, he might change his mind.

Hours later, long after the palace had settled into quiet, Arianne donned a cloak and slipped through the halls. She knew the way to the training courtyard, where Rian was likely stationed.

As she approached, she saw him standing alone, gazing at the stars. The sight of him stole her breath. He looked regal even in his simple soldier's attire, his strong jaw set in deep thought.

"Rian," she whispered.

His head snapped toward her, eyes widening in shock. "Arianne?"

She stepped closer, her hands trembling. "It's true, isn't it? My father has chosen you."

Rian took a deep breath, his expression unreadable. "I received the decree today. I thought it was a mistake."

She laughed softly, though there was no humor in it. "It's no mistake. My father thinks he's securing the kingdom by binding me to a man he can trust."

Rian studied her for a long moment before he spoke. "Then he's given me a gift I never thought I'd have."

Tears pricked her eyes. "But he doesn't know the truth about us. What if he finds out?"

Rian stepped closer, his voice tender. "Then I will fight for you, Arianne. I will fight for us."

Arianne felt the weight of everything pressing down on her, but as Rian reached for her hand, a warmth spread through her. Perhaps, against all odds, they had been given a second chance.

She would not waste it.