Elise flung open her bedroom door, slammed it shut, and let out a frustrated growl.
She wasn't a spoiled princess—or at least, she liked to believe that. She just hated being forced into things she didn't want. Especially… this.
Marry him?
How could I? I don't want to. He's a monster. Has father finally lost his mind?
She groaned again, the sound raw with disbelief.
Storming over to her vanity, she caught her reflection in the polished mirror. Her striking red hair tumbled down her back in soft waves, fiery and untamed, just like the storm brewing inside her. Her emerald eyes shimmered—not just with frustration, but with the sting of unshed tears.
I don't want to marry anyone. Not like this. Not for duty.
Why couldn't she choose for herself who to love? Why did being born a princess come with chains disguised as crowns?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door—but whoever it was didn't wait for permission.
The door creaked open, revealing her mother—the Queen. Her rich brown hair was swept into a flawless bun, with a few elegant strands framing her graceful face. Her emerald eyes, so much like Elise's, were calm but laced with concern.
Her mother always looked so effortlessly composed. Elise often wondered if it ever exhausted her—always being so… perfect.
"Sweetheart," her mother said gently, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.
Elise sank onto her massive bed, gripping the silk sheets. "I know… I know it's for the kingdom, for peace… but what about me?" Her voice cracked. "What if he...hurts me? What if he's cruel?"
The Queen crossed the room, sitting gracefully on the edge of the bed. Her hands folded neatly in her lap.
"Elise… did you know… that when your father and I married, we didn't love each other?"
Elise blinked. "What?. No way. You two are always… so lovey-dovey with each other."
Her mother smiled softly, a trace of amusement in her eyes. "It's true. Ours was an arranged marriage, too. Meant to strengthen the alliance between our kingdoms. And believe me… I didn't like your father back then."
Elise stayed quiet, processing.
The Queen continued, her gaze distant, lost in memory. "At first, we ignored each other. Two strangers bound by duty. He did his thing, I did mine.But… something changed. I realized it would never work if neither of us tried. So… I made the first move. Tried to know him. Opened my heart, just a little."
A smile tugged at her lips. "And somewhere somehow, in between it all… we fell in love."
Elise sighed, raking her fingers through her hair. "Okay, Mother… the story is sweet, but it doesn't make this make my situation any less miserable."
Her mother didn't flinch. "Then you're not truly listening." Her voice was soft but firm. "Elise… I know you're upset. And you have every right to be. But don't judge the young king before you even meet him."
Elise scoffed. "Mother… he's rumored to be a monster."
"Exactly." Her mother leaned in slightly. "'Rumored.' You don't know him, not really. People say many things—most of them half-truths or twisted lies. You owe it to yourself to at least see who he is before deciding what he is."
She reached out, brushing a thumb over Elise's cheek. "And… this will help the kingdom, Elise. It will save lives. Our people. I know it's not fair. But sometimes… duty demands more of us than we feel we can give."
Elise stared into her mother's earnest eyes, her resolve flickering. Maybe… maybe her mother was right. Maybe she was being too harsh.
But still…
She was only twenty-one. Her life had barely begun. And now… it felt like it wasn't hers anymore.
"Fine," Elise whispered, voice heavy with resignation. "I'll… give him a chance. But let's not pretend it matters. It's not like I have a real choice."
Her mother sighed and pulled her into a warm embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You may not have a choice in the marriage… but you do have a choice in how you face it."
Elise clung to her for a moment longer, allowing herself the comfort.
For all the weight of being a princess… she was grateful.
Grateful for parents who, despite everything, loved her deeply.