Chapter 3: Before Our Worlds Collide

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Aiza's Pov:

*her dress*

"I have decided," I said, my voice steadier than my heart

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"I have decided," I said, my voice steadier than my heart. "I am accepting this proposal."

I felt them freeze.

But I continued.

"I know I am walking toward the storm..."

"But I will go."

It took them a few seconds to understand my words. Mother moved first.

"No, you are not." She stood and held my face in both her hands. "I know you are afraid, dear. Don't be. We will get through this."

"Mother, I won't lie. I am afraid... but I will do this for the kingdom."

I gently lowered her hands. I could see she wanted to argue, to beg, to command — but she did not know how.

I turned to Father. His eyes carried the same storm as Mother's.

I walked to him and took both his hands in mine.

"Father, remember when I was five? You told me that we live for the kingdom."

Pride. Sorrow. Hurt. Fear.

They all lived inside his gaze.

He held my head and kissed my forehead.

"Are you certain, dear?" he asked. I saw the tears he tried to hide.

"Yes, Father."

He pulled me into his arms.

Then he opened one arm, and Mother joined us.

I wrapped myself around them, crying in their embrace.

Afraid of leaving them.

Afraid of the Mountain Empire.

Afraid of its cold lands.

Afraid of its ruthless court.

And most of all...

Afraid of him.




Author's Pov:

It was mid afternoon in Mountain Empire.

King Zain, Queen Amina & Princess Ailiya were having lunch in the royal dining room.

Abdurt never had any meal with his family.

Like always today was not an exception

Queen Amina sighed as she finished her dessert.

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