FATE REBORN

chapter 3

As I stepped out of the palace—the place that had been my home for as long as I could remember—I felt a strange emptiness settle over me. I was leaving it behind… forever. I had never imagined this moment would come so soon.

But here I was, dressed like a queen, being driven to meet a stranger I was now expected to call my husband. I didn't even know his name, let alone the kind of man he was. I silently prayed he would be kind. And even if he wasn’t, I had already made up my mind—I would avoid him at all costs. When I arrived, I would request my own room. I had no intention of sharing a bed with someone I barely knew. That way, if he turned out to be dangerous, at least the chances of being murdered in my sleep would be lower.

As we crossed into the Kingdom of Gretel, I immediately felt a heavy aura surrounding the place. It was colder than I expected, and a chill ran through my spine. I didn’t like it. I hadn’t even seen much yet, but something about it unsettled me.

Then we arrived.

The palace stood before me—grand, ancient, and intimidating. From the outside, it looked like a relic from another time, cold and distant. But once we stepped inside, I was left speechless. The interior was breathtaking, like something out of a dream. It was elegant, radiant, with an enchanting blend of gold, crystal, and the gentle touch of nature. It was, in every sense, heaven on earth.

“You’re here,” a deep voice startled me out of my thoughts.

I turned quickly, and there he stood.

Tall, commanding, with the build of an athlete and the grace of someone born into royalty. He was striking—undeniably handsome. There was something about the way he held himself that made it impossible to look away.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” he said, his voice calm yet confident. “This will be your new home. Feel free to settle in—the servants are at your service.”

I could only nod, still taking in the surreal moment. As he turned and walked away, I found myself watching him. There was a presence around him—something mysterious I couldn’t quite place.

The maids led me to my room. Yes, my own room. I had made it clear—I wouldn’t be sharing space with him, not yet. The room was beautiful and warm, with soft colors and a massive bed that called to me. I was just about to sit when I heard the door creak open.

He walked in.

He leaned against the doorframe, a playful, unreadable smile tugging at his lips. My heart skipped.

What is he doing here? I thought. I was suddenly tense, every muscle alert. The door was shut. The windows too. If I screamed… no one would hear.

He stepped forward.

I took a step back, my heartbeat quickening. My back met the wall and I froze, eyes shut tight. His presence closed in, his breath close to my neck. Then, gently, his finger traced along my collarbone—slowly, teasingly.

I was terrified. But… something about his touch sent shivers down my spine—not of fear, but of something strange, something I couldn’t describe. It was soft, deliberate… almost like he was testing me.

Then he whispered into my ear, “The bathroom is over there… in case you want to freshen up.”

And just like that, he turned to leave.

“Your highness,” I said quickly, gathering my courage. “I… I would appreciate having my own room. Some privacy, please.”

He paused, turning to face me. I could see the smirk spreading again.

“Ivory,” he said smoothly, “you’re married now. In marriage, there’s no such thing as privacy.”

He stepped closer, holding my gaze.

“And drop the ‘your highness.’ My name is Vichen. And you… are my wife.”

With that, he walked away, leaving me breathless and unsure of what had just happened.