Desired Fate

Familiar Offer

Elay POV

Elay descended the long, winding stairs of the grand palace, her regal gown trailing behind her like a waterfall of silk. The dress was a deep shade of royal blue, with intricate gold embroidery that glimmered in the light. She couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious as she descended the stairs, the eyes of the waiting crowd fixed firmly on her.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she took in the grand ballroom. It was an impressive sight, with towering pillars and sparkling chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The room was filled with guests, all dressed in their finest attire, and the sound of lively chatter filled the air.

At the centre of the room stood her uncle, Trevor, a tall and imposing figure dressed in his finest suit. He caught her eye and gave her a warm smile, gesturing for her to join him. Elay hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of all the eyes in the room upon her, but then gathered her courage and walked towards him.

Trevor offered her his arm, and Elay took it hesitantly, feeling a mix of nerves and anger. As they walked through the ballroom, the guests turned to look at them, some offering warm smiles and others discreetly whispering to one another. Elay couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, but tried not to show it. Not to the crowd, nor to her uncle.

“Uncle,” she said through clenched teeth, keeping her smile wide for people staring. Music filled the room as Trevor put his hand on her side and returned a beaming smile.

“You look ravishing,” said the man inappropriately; something that made her slightly nauseous.

“I'm not sure what to say to that,” she said aloud.

Elay felt nervous as Trevor led her onto the dance floor. Her gown swished softly against the polished marble as they began to move to the gentle waltz music. Trevor's arm was steady around her waist, guiding her every step of the way.

She could feel his grip on her waist tighten as he tried to guide her movements. She tried to keep a polite smile on her face, but inside, she was repulsed. She didn't like dancing with him, but she had to go along with it because there were so many people watching them.

The grand chandeliers sparkled above them, casting a warm, golden glow on the room. The guests were all dressed in their finest attire, their eyes fixed on the royal pair as they danced gracefully.

Elay reluctantly followed her uncle Trevor's lead as he guided her through the dance floor. She felt disgusted by the way his hand felt on her waist and couldn't wait for this dance to be over. She knew she had to maintain her regal composure, but all she wanted was to run away from him. The guests around them were watching, but she didn't care. She just wanted to escape this horrible situation.

As the dance came to an end, Trevor offered her his arm and she took it hesitantly, eager to leave his presence as soon as possible. He led her through the crowd by her arm, toward the balcony of the throne room.

“So, do you feel twenty-one yet?” he asked an impossible question. She shook her head gently and looked around, hoping to see someone who could lead her away from her uncle. But before she found someone, she was already taken outside.

It was dark outside, but the large, majestic balcony was lit up with all sorts of dancing lights. Candles floated in thin air, clearly applied by magic. There were a number of people outside, but as soon as they saw the two of them come out, they smiled and walked back inside.

Something that made Elay feel extremely awkward.

“Listen, Elay,” her uncle said. “Now that you're twenty-one, there's something I want to tell you.”

A knot formed in her stomach.

“All your adult life I've watched you grow into a strong, beautiful woman,” began the man, who was her father's younger brother.

He reached into his pockets and continued, “I know there are all kinds of rumours that can turn into drama. And I have the ideal solution for it.”

He took a black velvet box from his pocket.

“Uncle Trevor,” she gasped as he flipped the box open and a large ring appeared. It was a square diamond, lined on either side with smaller ones. “No…” she exclaimed immediately. “We're family.”

To her chagrin, he shrugged. “What difference does it make?” he interrupted. “There are people who support my accession to the throne and there is a camp behind you as well. This way we make everyone happy and make sure that no struggle is necessary. Isn't that your duty, as a princess?”

She looked at him bewildered. “But… we are family,” she said again, dumbfounded. “That… that can't be done at all.”

She had never even considered this option before. The man was much younger than her father and therefore only ten years older than her. But his parents were her grandparents. It would be absurd.

“Who says it can't be done,” said her uncle. “You are a woman. I'm a man. It's not like you're going to explode when I put my d.ic.k inside of you.”

She stumbled back and clapped a hand over her mouth, attempting to stifle the laughter bubbling up inside her. She wasn't sure if she was laughing from nerves or if she found the situation genuinely funny, but the sound of her own laughter only made her feel more self-conscious. Despite her efforts to control herself, she soon found herself giggling uncontrollably. Something her uncle clearly didn't appreciate.

“I understand this is a no?” her uncle grumbled, but she couldn't answer. The laughter was too strong.

“Take some time to think about it, Elay,” the man said grumpily, then turned away from her and strode back into the party.

With tears of laughter in her eyes, she stared at her uncle's back as he walked away. No, this was clearly not an option. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and turned her gaze to the bright moon on the horizon.

“I think I’ll have to follow your advice now, Rue,” she said, still tearing up with laughter. And sooner rather than later, she added in thought. She knew her uncle and he was a proud man. Her rejection would only ignite his fire… And that could mean only one thing... War.