Bound by Fate

Chapter 1 - Mateo POV

As I settled into my room in the Eldoran palace, the weight of my kingdom rested on my shoulders. I stared out at the sprawling gardens, vivid with crimson tulips and white lilies, a stark contrast to the turbulent thoughts that clouded my mind. Today was different, however, as I awaited a familiar and cherished presence—my daughter, Victoria.

The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, a vision in the soft morning light. At 23, Victoria had blossomed into a remarkable young woman, her confident strides and graceful poise bringing a smile to my lips. “Papa!” she exclaimed, her voice bright. “I’ve missed you.”

“Ah, my dear Victoria,” I replied, rising to embrace her. “You look as radiant as ever. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“I’ve missed you Papa,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in so long.”

I chuckled, motioning her to sit. “Maybe you should visit more often, hmmm.”

Soon after catching up, we moved to the balcony.

We shared a warm meal, talking up a storm.

“Papa, I think I’d like to move back here if that’s okay.” she stated, a nervous glint in her eyes.

“Oh sweetheart, I am so happy to hear that.” I replied with a grin.

“Thank you Papa.”

I wanted to say no for her safety but I was a selfish man so I agreed.

“How are the suitors going along?”

“Honestly, Papa, they are all so dull.”

“Sometimes, my dear, if you actually try,” I said, a knowing tone lacing my words. “You will actually find yourself surprised by one.”

After an hour filled with jokes and heartfelt exchanges, I began to sense her energy waning.

“Shall we take a break?” I suggested. “You could rest in your room and we’ll continue later.”

“Sounds perfect,” she said with a soft smile, stretching like a cat before standing. “I will see you later.”

As the door closed behind her, a strange sensation settled in my gut. I needed to act quickly. I picked up the ornate phone on my desk, dialling a number I hadn’t dialled in years, my fingers trembling slightly.

When Darius’s voice came through, it was laced with a familiarity that sent jolts of nostalgia through me. “King Mateo? What a surprise.”

“Prince Darius,” I began, trying to keep my tone light, “I have a matter of utmost importance to discuss.”

“What’s going on?” he asked, the seriousness of my voice evidently piquing his interest.

“It’s about Victoria,” I said, watching the sunlight flicker through the blinds like the shadows of my guarded intentions. “I believe your father has found a suitor for her.”

There was a pause on the other end. “A suitor? Why would that concern me?”

“Because I am asking for you to come to Eldora and hand her over to your father.” I pressed.

“Are you suggesting I leave my duties for what? To fetch a Princess who can make her way to her suitor herself.” Darius’s scepticism was evident, but I sensed a flicker of hope.

“No dear boy,” I replied, pushing the narrative gently. “I just want you to take her to your father, he will do the rest. Please do this old man a favour.”

He hesitated again before admitting. “Old man my arse.”

“So will you help me?” I asked, allowing a tone of sincerity to seep into my voice.

After a few more exchanges, I could feel the gears turning in his mind. “Fine. I’ll come. But only because it would be good to see Eldora again.”

“Excellent Darius. I will have my staff prepare a warm welcome for you.” I said, relief washing over me as we exchanged our goodbyes and hung up.

As I cut the call, the air in the room seemed to shift. Suddenly, I felt a presence I couldn’t quite place. A chill swept through me, and I instinctively turned to face the doorway.

“Who’s there?” I called out, my heart quickening.

A figure stepped from the shadows, cloaked and still. I caught a glimpse of a face cloaked in darkness but felt no doubt.

“I am not surprised that it is you.” I muttered, realization dawning.

Before I could react, the figure sprang forward, a glint of steel flashing in the dim light. A gasp escaped my lips, but it was too late. The world around me dulled as the blade found its mark, plunging deep into my side. Pain radiated through me, a sharp lance of betrayal coursing through my veins.

Everything slowed as I struggled to comprehend what was happening. I locked eyes with the figure; the shadows obscured most of their features, but the sinister intent was unmistakable.

“You can’t protect her now.” they hissed, voice low and filled with malice, and in that moment, I realized the gravity of my failure.

As my vision blurred and darkness began to claim me, I felt a sense of regret wash over me. I had done everything to safeguard my daughter, but had I underestimated the depths of betrayal lurking within our ranks?

The figure stepped back into the shadows, silently slipping away as I sank to the floor, the weight of my own kingdom, my own bloodline, heavy against my heart. As darkness enveloped me completely, my final thought was a desperate hope: may Victoria find the strength I could not in these treacherous times.