Chapter 16- Love, War, and Fate

Amelia's heart pounded as she sat in her chambers, staring at the moonlit sky through the window. The weight of everything threatened to suffocate her. The battle wasn't over—only delayed. The King would strike, and when he did, it would be brutal.

She had done everything she could to buy Kael time, but was it enough?

A knock at her door made her jump.

"Amelia."

Edric.

She rushed to open it, pulling him inside before anyone could see. "What is it?"

His expression was grim. "Your father is growing suspicious. He's sending scouts to the rebel camps by dawn."

Her stomach clenched. "We have to stop them."

Edric's voice was soft but firm. "Amelia, there's something you're not seeing."

She frowned. "What?"

His eyes searched hers. "The King is not just trying to crush a rebellion. He's using it as an excuse."

Her breath hitched. "For what?"

Edric hesitated before answering. "To get rid of anyone who could threaten his rule—including you."

A cold chill ran through her.

"No," she whispered. "He wouldn't—"

"He would." Edric's jaw tightened. "He knows you're powerful. That people would follow you if you ever chose to oppose him. The rebellion is just a distraction."

Amelia shook her head, panic rising. "Then we have to stop him. We have to—"

A sudden noise outside made them freeze.

Footsteps.

Edric pulled her into the shadows just as the door burst open.

Three guards stormed inside.

"The King requests your presence, Princess," one of them said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Amelia exchanged a look with Edric before nodding. "Very well."

She followed them down the dimly lit corridors, her mind racing. Had they been discovered? Was this a trap?

When they reached the throne room, King Aldric sat at the head of the long hall, his expression unreadable.

"Daughter." His voice was calm, too calm.

Amelia curtsied. "Father."

He gestured for her to step closer. "I have received troubling news. It seems someone within the castle has been aiding the rebels."

Her hands clenched into fists. "That is unfortunate."

His gaze darkened. "Yes. It is. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

A test.

She forced a confused expression. "Why would I?"

King Aldric studied her for a long moment. Then, without looking away, he nodded toward one of the guards.

The doors opened again.

Kael was dragged inside, blood staining his tunic.

Amelia's breath caught.

"No," she whispered.

Kael's eyes met hers, and even in pain, there was no regret in them.

The King stood. "Do you deny knowing this man?"

Amelia's heart thundered in her chest.

She had a choice.

Lie, and Kael would be executed anyway.

Tell the truth, and…

She exhaled sharply. "I love him."

Gasps echoed through the hall.

King Aldric's face hardened with fury. "Then you are a traitor as well."

Guards moved toward her, but before they could reach her, Edric stepped forward.

"Wait."

The King turned to him, brow raised. "You have something to say?"

Edric's voice was steady. "If you execute Amelia, the people will turn against you. She is beloved. Killing her will not end the rebellion—it will fuel it."

A murmur rippled through the court.

The King hesitated.

Amelia saw her chance.

She straightened, lifting her chin. "You don't need to fight, Father. There's another way."

His eyes narrowed. "And what is that?"

"Unite the kingdom." Her voice was clear. "Through marriage."

Gasps filled the room again.

King Aldric's face twisted. "You expect me to let you marry a rebel?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "Because if you don't, this war will never end."

The court fell silent.

King Aldric's gaze bore into hers, but for the first time, doubt flickered in his eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply. "Very well."

Relief flooded her.

"But know this, Amelia," he added coldly. "If he ever betrays you, I will kill him."

Amelia turned to Kael, her heart swelling with emotion.

He reached for her hand, gripping it tightly. "I will never betray you."

And in that moment, she knew—no matter what happened next, they had won.