Chapter Five

Miyaa sat in her chambers, staring at the pale moonlight filtering through the delicate silk curtains. She had no choice—she had to leave.

Her father had made it clear that he would sacrifice her for the sake of peace. The wedding would happen, whether she wanted it or not. Damien had tried to help her before, but now he was under strict watch. She was alone.

Or so she thought.

From the corner of the room, a flicker of movement caught my eye. Lily, my lady-in-waiting, was standing quietly, her expression tense.

"You plan to run," Lily said softly.

I exhaled sharply. "You know I must."

Lily hesitated. "If they catch you—"

"They won't."

Lily looked unconvinced, but before she could argue, a quiet rustling came from the hallway. Someone was listening.

I instantly turned away, pretending to smooth my dress. Lily followed my lead, adjusting the pillows on the divan.

A shadow passed beneath the door. Someone had been spying on us.

My heart pounded. Annie's mother. It had to be.

---

The next night, I slipped into the hidden corridors beneath the palace. Dressed in a plain cloak, i moved quickly,my breath steady despite the danger. Freedom was just beyond the walls.

i had arranged everything—the guards' patrol shifts, the secret exit near the servant quarters.

But as I reached the garden, torches flared to life.

Guards surrounded me.

My stomach dropped. I had been betrayed.

A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the night.

Annie stepped forward, a triumphant smirk on her lips. Behind her stood her mother, eyes filled with quiet satisfaction.

"How disappointing," Annie mused. "Running away like a coward?"

I clenched my fists, refusing to show fear. "Better than being a traitor in my own home."

Annie tilted her head. "You wound me, dear sister."

Before i could retort, a voice rang out.

"Take her to the King."

My blood turned cold as my father stepped into view, his expression unreadable.

---

The throne room was eerily silent. Miyaa knelt before her father, her wrists bound by silken cords.

"You have shamed this family," the King said, his voice devoid of warmth.

I lifted my chin. "You have condemned me."

The King's jaw tightened. "You are my daughter. I have given you everything."

"You have given me chains."

The room fell deathly still.

My father's gaze darkened. "You will be confined to your chambers. No visitors. No letters. No escape."

My breath hitched.

Damien.

I wouldn't even be able to see him.

I struggled to keep my composure. "You are afraid," I whispered. "Afraid that I will fight back."

The King turned away. "Take her away."

My heart pounded as the guards dragged me back to my chamber.

---

Far from the palace, another battle was unfolding.

Prince Rex's sword clashed against his enemy's blade, the sharp ring of steel piercing the air. Blood stained his armor, his breathing heavy as he fought through the chaos.

The Western Empire had always been ruthless in war, but this was different. This wasn't just a battle—it was treason.

Aldric, his elder brother, had been gathering forces in secret. This was an ambush.

Rex gritted his teeth as he parried another strike. "You always were a coward, Aldric."

A figure emerged from the shadows, golden armor gleaming under the moonlight. Aldric.

"I prefer the term 'opportunist,'" Aldric said, smirking. "Did you really think you were the rightful heir?"

Rex's grip tightened on his sword. "Father chose me."

Aldric's expression darkened. "And he was a fool for it."

The battle raged around them, soldiers clashing in brutal combat. Rex had no choice—he had to survive.

And then, as quickly as it had begun, the tide shifted.

Aldric's forces retreated.

Rex frowned. This wasn't a defeat. This was a message.

Aldric was biding his time.

And when the moment was right, he would strike again.

---

Back in the palace, Miyaa sat in silence.

Her chambers were grand, filled with silk cushions, gold embroidery, and the scent of fresh jasmine. But they may as well have been a prison.

I had no visitors.

No messages.

Nothing but silence.

I had underestimated Annie's mother. The spy in my chamber had overheard everything and alerted them before she could escape. They had planned this perfectly.

But i would not be broken.

I rose, walking toward the window. Beyond the palace walls, the world continued.

I closed my eyes. This was not the end.

It was only the beginning.