FATE REBORN

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Strain of Duty and Desire

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Ivory paced restlessly in her new chambers, the weight of the golden rings and delicate fabric of her wedding gown feeling like a heavy chain rather than a symbol of union. The palace, with its tall stone walls and sprawling halls, seemed even colder now that the ceremony was over, and the expectations of her new life loomed like a dark shadow.

She was married. To Vichen.

The cold king who barely spared her a glance during the wedding, only to return to his customary indifference afterward. Their marriage had been a necessity—a calculated move on both her father’s part and Vichen’s, and it was clear that both of them treated it as a political game rather than a union.

The thought of their so-called “marriage” sent a shiver down Ivory's spine. She had hoped, foolishly, that something might change. That perhaps Vichen would see her as something more than just a tool to gain power. But no. Since the moment they exchanged vows, he had remained aloof, as distant as the cold, unforgiving king he was.

Ivory's thoughts were interrupted by the soft knock on her door. Without waiting for a response, the door creaked open, and Vichen entered, his tall figure filling the doorway. His dark eyes briefly flicked over her before he stepped inside, his usual stone-cold demeanor intact.

"I trust you slept well," Vichen's voice was flat, without a hint of warmth or curiosity.

Ivory didn’t bother to reply immediately, her gaze cold as she met his eyes. "You’ve made your intentions clear from the start, Vichen," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "We are nothing more than pawns to each other. So, let’s skip the pleasantries."

Vichen’s lips twisted into the faintest of smirks, though there was no humor in it. "As you say. But you’re forgetting one thing."

Ivory tilted her head slightly, not understanding.

"You’re married to me now, Ivory. Your duty is no longer just to your kingdom, but to this one as well. And that means obeying my commands." His tone was sharp, commanding.

Ivory felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The realization that her life was no longer her own hit her all over again. "You don’t understand," she snapped. "I didn’t marry you for your kingdom. I didn’t marry you for political gain. I’m a prisoner in this life, and you’re just another chain in the shackles."

Vichen’s eyes darkened, but there was no anger there. His indifference was more cutting than any rage could ever be. "If you think this is prison, you haven’t seen anything yet."

The words stung. But Ivory held her ground. "So, tell me, Vichen, when does the 'prison' part of this marriage start? When do I start playing the role you so desperately want me to?"

For the first time, there was the faintest flicker of something in his gaze—something that looked almost like regret. But before Ivory could catch it, he masked it with his usual coldness.

"You’ll play your role when you’re needed," Vichen said firmly. "For now, focus on learning what it means to be the Queen of Gretel. Your duties as my wife are far from over."

Ivory stood her ground, but she could feel the unease growing inside her. The man before her was not the one she had hoped for. He was colder than she ever imagined, colder than her father’s icy heart. But there was a part of her that couldn’t deny the subtle magnetism of his presence, the power he exuded effortlessly.

She wasn’t sure if it was his authority, his unspoken control, or something deeper, but there was something undeniably stirring about him.

But Ivory quickly buried that thought, turning away from him with an air of defiance. "I’m not here to please you, Vichen," she said, her voice stronger than she felt. "I’ll do what I have to, but I won’t become a puppet in your game."

He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he lingered by the door, his gaze lingering on her, as if weighing her words.

"Very well," Vichen said, the coldness returning to his voice. "But remember, Ivory, you don’t get to choose the rules of this game. I do."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Ivory to stare at the empty doorway, the weight of his words pressing down on her like a heavy fog.