Chapter5- The Unseen Bonds

Amelia's absence from her chambers the previous night did not go unnoticed. By morning, the palace was abuzz with whispers and speculation. Servants scurried through the halls, casting glances at her door, while guards exchanged murmured words about the princess's whereabouts.

But when Amelia emerged from her chambers, dressed impeccably and wearing a calm, regal expression, no one dared question her directly. To them, she was the perfect image of composure, a princess who carried the weight of the kingdom with grace.

Except for Eleanor.

"You were gone again, weren't you?" Eleanor asked in a hushed voice as she followed Amelia down the corridor.

Amelia glanced at her lady-in-waiting, her lips tightening into a thin line. "Keep your voice down."

Eleanor's eyes widened in exasperation. "Amelia, do you know what could happen if someone finds out? The queen already suspects something, and if the king—"

"I was careful," Amelia interrupted, her voice firm but tinged with guilt. "No one saw me."

Eleanor sighed, her steps slowing as they entered the royal gardens. "I don't understand why you keep doing this. What is it about that place—about him—that makes you risk everything?"

Amelia paused, her gaze drifting to the vibrant blooms that surrounded them. The garden had always been her sanctuary, a place where she could breathe amidst the chaos of court life. But even the beauty of the roses felt dull compared to the fire she had felt in Kael's forge.

"He makes me feel… normal," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eleanor frowned. "Normal?"

Amelia nodded, turning to face her friend. "When I'm with Kael, I'm not a princess. I'm just me. He doesn't see me as a symbol or a duty. He sees me as a person."

Eleanor's expression softened, but her worry remained. "That's all well and good, Amelia, but it doesn't change the fact that you're playing with fire. If anyone finds out about this… this blacksmith, it could ruin everything."

Amelia knew Eleanor was right. Her clandestine visits to the forge were dangerous, reckless even. But they were also the only moments when she felt truly alive.

That afternoon, Amelia was summoned to the council chamber. The room was filled with nobles and advisors, their voices blending into a low hum of conversation. At the head of the table sat King Alden, his presence commanding and unyielding.

"Amelia," he said as she entered, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "Come, sit."

She took her place beside him, her posture straight and her expression composed. But her mind was racing. The king rarely summoned her to council meetings unless it was something of great importance.

"We have received word from the neighboring kingdom of Meridios," Alden began, his tone measured. "Their prince, Cedric, has expressed a desire to expedite the union between our two houses."

Amelia's stomach dropped. Cedric. Her betrothed.

"Expedite?" she repeated, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

"Yes," the king confirmed. "He believes it is in both our nations' best interests to solidify our alliance sooner rather than later. They propose that the wedding take place within the next three months."

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest. Three months. It wasn't enough time—not to prepare, not to reconcile herself to the idea of marrying a man she barely knew.

She glanced at her mother, who sat silently beside the king, her expression unreadable. Queen Isolde had always been a proponent of the match, viewing it as a strategic necessity.

"What do you think, Amelia?" Alden asked, his gaze piercing.

Amelia hesitated, her mind racing for an answer that wouldn't betray her inner conflict. "I… I understand the importance of this alliance," she said carefully. "But three months is a very short time to prepare for such a significant event."

Alden nodded, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "True. We shall negotiate for a later date if necessary. But keep in mind, Amelia, this is not just about you. It is about the future of Eldoria."

Amelia forced a smile, the words bitter on her tongue. "Of course, Father. I understand."

That night, Amelia returned to the gardens, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's words. She sat on the edge of the fountain, staring into the rippling water.

"Thinking again?"

The familiar voice made her jump. She turned to see Kael standing in the shadows, his arms crossed and a crooked smile on his face.

"What are you doing here?" she whispered, her eyes darting around to ensure no one was watching.

"I could ask you the same thing," Kael replied, stepping closer. "You seemed troubled when you left last night. I wanted to make sure you were all right."

Amelia's chest tightened. His concern was genuine, but his presence here was dangerous. If anyone saw him—

"You shouldn't be here," she said, her voice trembling.

Kael shrugged, his green eyes glinting in the moonlight. "Maybe not. But here I am."

Amelia sighed, her resolve crumbling. "They want me to marry Prince Cedric within three months."

Kael's expression darkened, the easy humor fading from his face. "And what do you want?"

She looked away, her voice barely audible. "I don't know."

Kael stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "Amara, you don't have to let them decide your life for you. You're stronger than that."

His words ignited something in her—a flicker of defiance, of hope. For the first time, she dared to imagine a future where she chose her own path.

But such dreams came at a cost.