Chapter 7:Bold Proposal

The palace was draped in golden tapestries, each embroidered with intricate designs that spoke of Khaliri's rich history. Yet, beneath the ornate beauty of the walls and the soft murmurs of courtiers, there was an air of tension, heavy with anticipation. Prince Cassius Aurelius had arrived in Khaliri to discuss matters of diplomacy, but his intentions had shifted the moment he laid eyes on Amara.

It wasn't the way she carried herself—graceful, poised, a princess. No, it was her boldness that had captivated him. She had dared to challenge him, to speak to him as if he were any other man. There was no bowing, no false flattery. She had been direct, confident, and unfazed by his power. No one had ever dared to treat him like that before.

The more he thought about it, the more it intrigued him. The more it unsettled him.

But one thing was certain: He couldn't get her out of his mind.

Now, standing in the royal chambers of Khaliri, Cassius was prepared to make his move.

King Rami sat at the head of the table, a warm fire crackling behind him. Beside him stood Prince Khamir, his demeanor calm and collected, as always. And at the far end, Princess Amara stood, her expression unreadable.

Prince Cassius stepped forward, his eyes unwavering. He met King Rami's gaze first, his voice confident but respectful.

"Your Majesty, I have come with an offer—an alliance between our kingdoms that would ensure peace and prosperity for both of us."

The King nodded, his face stern. "We have always welcomed diplomatic ties, Prince Cassius. But what is it that you ask of us?"

Cassius turned to Amara, his gaze locked on hers. "I request the hand of your daughter, Princess Amara, in marriage."

A hush fell over the room.

Amara's brow furrowed, but she said nothing. She hadn't expected this—not so soon. But Cassius's words had been direct and sincere, his eyes holding a challenge she couldn't ignore.

King Rami's expression remained neutral, though there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "You ask for her hand in marriage… Why?"

Cassius took a step forward, his voice unwavering. "Because of her boldness. Her courage. I have never encountered a woman who speaks so plainly to me, who does not fear my presence. I see strength in her—a fire that no one else possesses. And that is the kind of woman I need at my side."

Khamir's jaw clenched. The air in the room was thick with tension. But Amara, unfazed by Cassius's proposal, spoke up, her voice calm but sharp.

"You speak of my boldness as though it is a gift. But know this, Prince Cassius—if you think that my mind can be bought with a crown and a title, you are gravely mistaken."

Cassius's lips twitched in amusement, though his gaze remained steady. "I do not wish to buy your mind, Princess. I wish to respect it."

For a moment, there was silence. And then, King Rami spoke, his voice grave.

"Amara is no ordinary princess, Prince Cassius. She is not a prize to be claimed."

Cassius nodded, his respect for the King evident. "I understand, Your Majesty. But I believe that in her, I see the potential for a strong partnership. I ask for her hand, not out of desire for power, but because I truly believe we would be better together."

Amara studied him for a long moment, her intense hazel eyes piercing.

"I will not be forced into this union, Prince Cassius," she said, her tone firm. "If you think that boldness will win me over, you are mistaken."

Cassius did not flinch. "Then prove me wrong, Princess."

Her lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Perhaps I will, Prince."

The room was thick with tension, the battle of wills between them palpable. Cassius had asked for her hand in marriage—not because he wanted to rule over her, but because he was intrigued by her strength, by the fire that burned within her. But Amara's response was clear: she would never be someone's pawn.

King Rami looked at his daughter, then back at Cassius. "We will consider your proposal, Prince. But know this—Amara will make her own choice."

Cassius bowed his head respectfully, his gaze never leaving Amara. "I would not have it any other way, Your Majesty."

With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Amara standing in silence.

And though she hadn't yet given him her answer, one thing was certain: The game had just begun.