CAN YOU DIE FOR ME

Rain was falling, but the sun was still shining. Sophie stood by the window, watching the strange sky. The rain drops slid down the glass slowly, while golden light spread across the garden outside. It should have been beautiful. But it wasn’t. It felt wrong. Just like today. “Princess…” Emily’s soft voice came from behind her. “Your father is asking for you.” Sophie closed her eyes. Her chest tightened. She didn’t turn around immediately. If she turned around, it would become real. When she finally faced Emily, tears were already falling down her cheeks. “I don’t want this,” she whispered. Emily’s eyes were already red too. She had been trying not to cry. “I know,” Emily said, her voice breaking. “He is not thinking about me,” Sophie continued. “He is thinking about money. About power. About how people will praise him. I am just… part of the deal.” Emily shook her head quickly and walked forward, holding Sophie’s hands. “You are not a deal. You are my sister.” That word made Sophie’s heart hurt even more. Emily was not born into the palace like her. Emily’s mother worked here. When they were little girls, Emily followed her mother to work every day. Sophie refused to play with other noble children. She chose Emily. They grew up together. They learned to read together. They shared secrets. They protected each other. Sophie hugged her tightly. “I don’t want to leave you,” she whispered. Emily hugged her back just as tight. “I don’t want you to go either.” For a moment, they just held each other while the rain tapped softly against the window. But reality did not wait. “If we don’t go, he will come here himself,” Emily said quietly. Sophie nodded slowly. They walked toward the stairs together. Each step felt heavy. Business marriage. That was what they called it. Not love. Not choice. Just business. Sophie held the railing as she walked down, her thoughts racing. She didn’t even know where she was going. She didn’t know the man. She didn’t know what kind of life was waiting for her. Her vision blurred from tears. Her foot slipped. She gasped as her body moved forward— Strong arms caught her. Her body crashed gently into a firm chest. One hand held her waist. The other held her arm steady. Her breath stopped. Slowly, she looked up. He was tall. Muscular. His face was calm but serious. Not smiling. But his eyes— They were bright. Sharp. Like fire hidden behind control. For a second, neither of them moved. Sophie suddenly remembered the tradition. In her country, if a man touched a woman who was about to be engaged without permission, it was a serious crime. Her heart started beating fast. He didn’t look afraid. He didn’t look guilty. He just looked at her. “Be careful,” he said quietly. His voice was deep and steady. He slowly let go of her. And walked away. Just like that. No name. No explanation. Sophie stood there, shocked. “What just happened…” she whispered. Emily came rushing down the stairs. “Sophie! Are you okay?” Sophie nodded slowly. “Yes.” Emily noticed her strange expression. “What happened?” “A man caught me,” Sophie said quietly. Emily’s eyes widened. “What? Who?” “I don’t know.” Emily looked around nervously. “Did anyone see?” “I don’t think so.” Emily grabbed her hand tightly. “That is dangerous. You know the rules.” Sophie nodded. But her mind was not on the rules. “He was…” she hesitated. “He was what?” Emily asked. Sophie looked away slightly. “Handsome.” Emily stared at her. “You are about to be married and you are talking about another man?” Sophie gave a sad little smile. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll never see him again.” She sighed. “Let’s go.” They continued walking. The gathering room doors were open. Voices filled the air. Deep voices. Important voices. Sophie’s stomach twisted. She stepped inside. The room was full of unfamiliar men dressed in dark, expensive clothes. They looked powerful. Serious. Her father stood in front of them, smiling widely. That smile made her chest hurt. He looked proud. Victorious. Like he had achieved something great. Sophie felt small under everyone’s eyes. Then— Her gaze shifted. And she froze. Standing among the strangers… Was him. The man from the staircase. Her heart stopped. No. It can’t be. He stood tall and calm, his expression unreadable. His eyes found hers. And this time… He did not look surprised. Sophie felt something cold run down her spine. The room suddenly felt too small. Too quiet. Too heavy. She didn’t know what this meant. She didn’t know why he was there.