Chapter 3- A Glimpse Beyond The Palace Walls

The sound of her footsteps echoed softly through the stone corridors of the palace as Amelia returned from the marketplace, her heart still racing from the night's events. Her mind replayed the moments she had shared with Kael—the way he had spoken to her without fear or pretense, the way his smile had warmed her in a way she hadn't felt in years.

But as she approached the towering oak doors leading to her chambers, reality came crashing back. The palace walls, with their intricate tapestries and gilded chandeliers, suddenly felt suffocating. She was Amelia, the princess of Eldoria, heir to the throne. She had no place sitting on rough wooden benches or talking to blacksmiths.

"Where have you been?"

Amelia froze. The sharp voice belonged to her mother, Queen Isolde, who stood at the end of the corridor, her piercing blue eyes narrowed in disapproval.

"I went for a walk," Amelia replied, keeping her tone steady.

Isolde's lips tightened. "A walk? Alone? At this hour? Do you realize how reckless that is? What if something had happened to you?"

"I was careful," Amelia said, though the words felt weak even to her own ears.

"Careful isn't good enough," Isolde snapped. "You are the future queen, Amelia. Your actions reflect not just on yourself but on this entire kingdom. You cannot afford such foolishness."

Amelia clenched her fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I just needed some air. Is that so wrong?"

Isolde's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "I know this life is not easy, Amelia. But you have responsibilities, and you must embrace them. The people of Eldoria depend on us."

Without waiting for a response, the queen turned and walked away, her footsteps fading into the distance. Amelia stood there for a moment, staring at the empty corridor.

Her mother's words echoed in her mind. Responsibilities. Expectations. Duty. They were the chains that bound her, the invisible weight she carried every day. And yet, for the first time, she found herself questioning whether those chains were truly unbreakable.

The next morning, Amelia sat by the window of her chambers, staring out at the city below. The marketplace was already bustling with activity, the colorful awnings of the stalls fluttering in the breeze. Her mind drifted back to Kael and the easy confidence with which he had spoken.

Her gaze shifted to the palace gardens, where her father, King Alden, was meeting with a group of advisors. Among them was Prince Cedric, her betrothed.

Cedric was everything a future king was supposed to be—charming, intelligent, and ambitious. But to Amelia, he was also distant and calculating, more interested in political alliances than in her as a person. Their engagement was a strategic move, a way to solidify the kingdom's power.

Amelia sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of her future.

"Daydreaming again?"

The voice startled her, and she turned to see her lady-in-waiting, Eleanor, standing in the doorway with a knowing smile. Eleanor had been her confidante since childhood, the one person she could trust with her secrets.

"Just thinking," Amelia replied.

Eleanor walked over and sat beside her, her expression turning serious. "You've been restless lately. Is something bothering you?"

Amelia hesitated, then decided to confide in her. "I went to the marketplace last night."

Eleanor's eyes widened. "You? Alone? Are you mad? Do you realize how dangerous that is?"

"I wasn't alone for long," Amelia admitted. "I met someone."

Eleanor's jaw dropped. "You met someone? Who?"

"A blacksmith," Amelia said, her cheeks flushing.

Eleanor stared at her, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. "Amelia, you can't just—"

"I know," Amelia interrupted. "It's reckless and dangerous and completely inappropriate. But for one night, I felt… free. Like I wasn't just a princess trapped in this palace. I was just me."

Eleanor sighed, her expression softening. "I understand, Amelia. I do. But you have to be careful. If anyone finds out…"

"I know," Amelia said quietly.

For the rest of the day, Amelia tried to focus on her royal duties, attending meetings and reviewing documents with her father. But her mind kept drifting back to the marketplace, to the way Kael had looked at her as if she were just another person, not a princess.

By the time night fell, she had made up her mind. She would return to the marketplace, just once more.