Chapter 18: A Game of Power and Betrayal

Prince Cassius stood before his father, expecting yet another lecture on duty, honor, and choosing a more suitable bride. Instead, the king leaned back on his throne, staring at him with an unreadable expression.

"You may marry Princess Amara."

Cassius blinked. "What?"

His father smirked slightly, his gaze sharp. "You heard me. The wedding is allowed."

Cassius stepped forward, his body tense. "What made you change your mind? You were furious just yesterday."

The king simply shrugged, his tone dry. "Let's just say… your princess is persuasive."

Cassius's jaw clenched. He knew his father well—something had happened. And knowing Amara, she had likely found a way to force his hand. The realization made his lips twitch into an amused smirk.

"She's full of surprises."

The king scoffed. "She's a woman who plays the game well. Be careful, my son. A queen like that can make or break a king."

Cassius left the throne room, his mind racing. Amara had won—but at what cost?

---

A Bitter Discovery

Meanwhile, Amara strutted through the palace halls, victorious. Servants bowed as she passed, nobles whispered her name, and she felt the power shift in her favor. She had forced the mighty King Octavius to bend to her will.

But her triumph was short-lived.

As she turned a corner near the gardens, hushed laughter reached her ears.

"He was insatiable last night," a woman whispered, giggling. "Prince Cassius always comes back to me, no matter who he's promised to."

Amara's blood turned to fire.

She stepped forward, her sharp gaze falling on a stunning blonde woman surrounded by ladies-in-waiting. She was draped in silk, her fingers lazily tracing the rim of a golden goblet. Amara recognized her instantly—Lady Evelyne, one of Cassius's known mistresses.

Evelyne's eyes flickered to Amara, and for a brief moment, fear flashed in them before she recovered.

"Ah, Princess Amara," Evelyne said, feigning surprise. "I was just speaking of my dear Cassius. He does have a way of making a woman feel desired."

The other women exchanged glances, barely hiding their smirks.

Amara's fingers curled into fists at her sides, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of an outburst. Instead, she tilted her head, a slow smirk forming.

"How unfortunate for you, Lady Evelyne," she said smoothly. "It must sting to realize that despite all your efforts, you are nothing more than a pastime. A distraction. Because, at the end of the day, he chose me."

Evelyne's face twitched.

Amara gave her one last amused glance before spinning on her heel, walking away with her head held high.

But her fury bubbled beneath the surface.

How dare Cassius humiliate her like this?

---

A New Player Enters

Blinded by rage, Amara stormed through the palace, barely paying attention to where she was going—until she collided with someone solid.

Strong hands caught her by the waist, steadying her before she could stumble.

"Careful, Princess."

Amara looked up, irritation flaring—until she saw who it was.

Prince Darius, Cassius's cousin.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with piercing emerald eyes and dark auburn hair, he was just as striking as Cassius but with a more refined air. Unlike Cassius's arrogant smirk, Darius carried himself with a quiet confidence, a subtle charm that drew people in.

His eyes studied her intently, curiosity flashing across his face. "You seem troubled. Did someone upset you?"

Amara exhaled sharply, regaining her composure. "No one of importance."

Darius chuckled. "Ah. Then allow me to offer some advice—whatever it is, do not let them see you lose control. That's how they win."

Amara narrowed her eyes at him. "And what makes you think I would ever lose control?"

Darius smirked, his gaze lingering on her a little too long. "Because you feel too much, Princess. And men like Cassius… they take advantage of that."

His words sent an unexpected chill down her spine.

For a moment, they simply stood there, the air between them charged.

Darius's eyes flickered to her lips before meeting her gaze once more. "I look forward to seeing how this all plays out."

And with that, he stepped aside, allowing her to pass.

Amara walked away, her mind spinning—not just with fury toward Cassius but with something else entirely.

Because for the first time since arriving in Aurelia, she realized she might not be playing this game alone.