CHAPTER 10 -Something is changing
In the marble throne room of the neighboring kingdom, King Aldren sat reviewing documents when a royal messenger rushed forward and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, a letter from the Kingdom of Nightfall."
Aldren raised an eyebrow. "Nightfall? What business do they have with us now?"
He broke the seal casually… but as he read the first lines, his expression shifted from curiosity to astonishment.
He read the letter twice.
"An arranged marriage… between my daughter and Prince Kira of Nightfall?"
He stared at the page again, completely surprised.
"That cold and distant prince agreed to this?"
He immediately called out, "Guards, summon Princess Emily at once!"
Within moments, Princess Emily entered, her gown sparkling, her posture elegant yet spoiled. Being the second child, she had always been pampered and adored—so she walked in wearing her usual confidence.
"Yes, Father?" she asked, already expecting something pleasant.
King Aldren took a breath, still slightly stunned.
"Emily… Nightfall has agreed to the marriage alliance."
Emily blinked. "Marriage… alliance?"
"You will marry Prince Kira," Aldren said, almost disbelieving his own words. "Prince Kira of Nightfall."
There was a brief silence.
Then Emily gasped so loudly the guards flinched.
"What—Prince Kira? The Prince Kira?"
Her eyes sparkled, excitement exploding across her face.
"All my life—Father, all my life—I've dreamt of this!" she cried.
"I always knew we were destined! He's perfect. Cold, calm, strong… everything I've imagined in a husband."
King Aldren chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Well, your dream seems to be becoming reality. But I am shocked he agreed. Prince Kira isn't known for welcoming proposals."
Emily didn't care. Her thoughts were already racing.
"I need new gowns. I need new jewelry. Oh Father, I need to prepare immediately! Everything must be perfect when he sees me again."
Aldren watched her whirl around in excitement, still amazed by the unexpected agreement from Nightfall's famously distant prince.
---
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Nightfall, Helena slowly opened her eyes. Her fever had faded, and the royal physician was packing his herbs.
"You're recovering well," he said gently. "Prince Kira will be relieved."
Helena froze.
"Prince… Kira?"
The physician nodded.
"He personally ordered me to take care of you until you were stable."
Helena stared at him as though she had misheard.
"Prince Kira? The same Prince Kira who—"
She stopped, unable to finish.
Even the servants whispering in the hallway sounded shocked.
"Did the prince really send the royal physician for her?"
"He never does that for maids."
"Something is changing…"
Helena sat up slowly, a puzzled ache forming in her chest.
Why would he, of all people, show concern?
Why her?
She lay back down, confused and shaken, unable to understand the prince who had been so harsh to her… yet the same person who secretly ensured her safety.
Nothing about Prince Kira made sense anymore.