A Dangerous Proposal
602 Words
Lyra barely heard the congratulations echoing through the council chamber.
The words Crown Prince Kane repeated in her mind like the tolling of a bell. She had dreamed of leaving the palace one day, living quietly beyond the reach of her family's cruelty. Marriage to the heir of the Lion Empire had never been part of that dream.
"Father..." she said softly. "Surely there has been a misunderstanding."
Duke Alaric's expression remained unreadable.
"The Queen has spoken. We do not question a royal decree."
Lyra lowered her eyes.
She knew arguing would only anger him further.
The royal messenger stepped forward once more.
"Lady Lyra, preparations for the wedding will begin immediately. A royal escort will arrive in three days to accompany you to the Lion Palace."
With that, he bowed and departed.
The heavy doors closed behind him.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Beatrice laughed.
"A rabbit becoming Crown Princess?" she sneered. "How amusing."
Lady Selena gently placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, pretending to calm her.
"Beatrice, mind your manners."
"But Mother," Beatrice replied sweetly, "I'm only worried about my dear sister."
She turned toward Lyra with a smile that never reached her eyes.
"The Lion Palace is full of dangerous traditions. They say Prince Kane has never shown mercy to anyone who disappoints him."
Several nobles exchanged uneasy glances.
Rumors about the Crown Prince had spread across every kingdom.
Some claimed he had defeated an entire army alone.
Others whispered that he was cursed, destined never to know peace.
Lyra swallowed hard.
The masked warrior she had met in the forest had seemed fierce, but beneath his anger she had seen pain not cruelty.
Could they truly be the same person?
Before she could gather her thoughts, Beatrice stepped closer.
"I'd like a moment alone with my little sister."
The nobles quietly left the chamber until only the Everhart family remained.
The smile vanished from Beatrice's face.
Her eyes turned cold.
"You should refuse the marriage."
Lyra looked at her in surprise.
"Refuse?"
"You're not worthy of standing beside the future king."
"I never asked for this."
"That doesn't matter."
Beatrice leaned closer, lowering her voice.
"If you become Crown Princess, I'll make sure you regret it."
Lady Selena folded her arms.
"You've embarrassed this family long enough, Lyra. Don't think a royal title will protect you."
Lyra clenched her fists.
"I've never wanted to compete with either of you."
"Then prove it," Beatrice snapped. "Disappear before the royal escort arrives."
Silence filled the room.
For the first time in years, Lyra met her sister's gaze without looking away.
"No."
The single word stunned them both.
Beatrice's eyes narrowed.
"What did you say?"
"I said no.”
Lyra took a deep breath.
"I've spent my whole life running from you. If this marriage is my destiny, I'll face it."
A flicker of determination shone in her blue eyes.
Beatrice's smile slowly returned.
"So be it."
She turned toward the window, hiding the fury burning within her.
"If Lyra won't run..."
"then she'll never make it to the wedding."
Outside the palace, hidden among the trees, a royal knight watched the Everhart estate from afar.
Ludwig tightened the reins of his horse.
"The prince was right," he murmured.
"I've found the girl."
But before he could approach the palace, a hooded figure stepped into his path.
"You'll go no farther," the stranger said.
A dark aura spread across the road.
Ludwig reached for his sword.
"Who are you?"
The hooded figure smiled.
"Someone who intends to keep the Moon Rabbit away from the Lion Prince.”
- Writer
