Chapter -3
1259 Words
King Alistair's eye narrowed... disappointment clouding his stern features. his tone grew sharper... carrying the weight of authority. ". Ciora...you have no choice in this matter. you are the princess, your duty is the kingdom, not to yourself. this marriage will strengthen Eldoria's to Drakensberg. it will secure our future."
Elena's heart pounded...but she shook he head weakly. " but father..."
" No excuses," Alistair cut her off ...his voice like iron. "You will marry Leonhert. that is final.
His words were clear and unyielding, leaving no room for argument.
Elena set frozen...her father's words echoing like a heavy in her ears.
It's just like the novel... father will send me to Drakensberg to marry the crown prince. but Leonhert will never accept me . and in the end when the true female lead appears...when he falls in love with her I....I die.
Her throat tightened...fear pressing hard against her chest. No . I can't let that happen. I have to find a way to change the story. somehow.... somehow i need to survive in this world.
she let out a long sigh.... forcing herself to meet king Alistair's steady gaze. then she nodded. " Alright... Father. I'll marry Prince Leonhert. "
The king gave a curt nod of approval...as if her obedience was only natural.
but inside... Elena's thought ran wild . I can't deny him now it would only cause suspicion... maybe even danger. but later... I'll need a plan. a way to free myself from this engagement without creating chaos. yes....I can do it. I have to .
Her lips curved into a faint smile for her father's sake...but her heart whispered a different vow.I will not die the way the novel says. not this time when I know what happened in this story.
King Alistair's expression hardened...his voice carrying the weight of command .
" Listen to me carefully... Ciora. In one week .... envoys from Drakensberg will arrive to escort tou there.
Elena's eyes widened. " But ...father we're not even married yet ..!! why so soon ..?? " she asked frustration slipping into her tone.
Inside..her thoughts spiraled. It's just like the novel...if I go there.. I'll meet him. and once I meet Leonhert..my fate starts racing toward death. no ....no that soon. i don't want it to happen yet .
Alistair's gaze remained steady, unmoved by her protest.
" You will go the engagement. it is custom for a future queen to spend time in the prince's kingdom...to learn it's ways and prepare yourself for the role you will one day take . they want to you to know Drakensberg not as a stranger...but as your future home. you prepare yourself for what's to come."
Elena lowered her head ...her lips pressed into a tight line . Future queen...?? what the f**k . if story stays the same, I won't live long to see that day . I have find a way to change my ending in this story.
"I understand... Father..may I excuse myself..?? " Elena said softly...her head still lowered.
Alistair studied her for a moment, then gave a firm nod ." Very well . You may go. But remember my words."
She turned and walked swiftly back to her chambers. as soon as the heavy door closed behind her...she collapsed onto her bed ... pressing her palms to her face . What do I do...?? everything is unfolding exactly as it did in the novel. how can I change my fate...??think... Elena...think...
Her mind raced. then...sunddly...an idea struck her. wait...in the story...princess ciora was destroyed because of her jealousy. she hated the main heroine... tormented her...even tried to kill her . that was what sealed her doom. but what if I don't follow the path.
Her eyes lit with a spark of determination. If...instead..I welcome the heroine...if I make her my friend...protect her...and even support her love with leonhert...then the story will change. she'll take her rightful place as the prince's beloved..and I...I'll be free.
A small smile tugged at her lips . "Yes . that's it. "I'll survive. i can do it. I will live.
Her inner voice rang strong and clear... This time...I'll rewrite my own fate...or I said the princess ciora fate.
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One week later
The envoys of Drakensberg arrived to escort princess Ciora.
That morning..the maids dressed her as though she were a goddess descending from the heavens. she wore a gown of sunlit yellow slik...it's febric shimmering like liquid gold with every step. sliver embroidery traced the hem in my patterns of blooming lilies..and a wide sash of white lace woven loose curls... adorned with a circlet of tiny pearls that caught the morning light.
when she was ready... Elena (Ciora) walked toward her father with hesitate steps. "Father...may Mia come with me...??" she asked...her voice filled with quiet hope .
King Alistair's expression softened...but his tone remained firm. he let out a slow sigh." No...my child. without the king of Drakensberg's permission...we cannot send her with you. if you wish it...you must ask him yourself. and if he agrees then Mia accompany you."
Elena lowered her gaze...her heart sinking . Mia is the only one who truly know Ciora....the real owner of body..if I go without her ..how will I survive in that kingdom Alone..??
But she forced a small smile. "I'll understand father." she replied gently.
The hall soon stirred as the Drakensberg envoys entered.. their armor polished to cold shine. their leader bowed deeply. " your highness...it is time to go. "
Elena turned..her eyes meeting Mia's tearful once. " princess... please take care of yourself," Mia whispered..her voice trembling.
Elena reached for her hand ... squeezing it softly . "don't worry. I'll ask their king as soon as I can. then...you'll come to me ."
Mia smiled through her tears...nodding.
" princess, we must depart,"the envoy reminded her .
Outside...a grand carriage awaited it's body painted in deep black with golden trim...it's wheels gleaming...and the royal crest of Drakensberg emblazoned on the door...their bridals glittering with silver.
Taking a steadying breath...Elena lifted her skirts and stepped inside the carriage. the door shut with a heavy thud...sealing the beginning of her uncertain fate.
The journey began. the royal carriage rattled steadily along a winding forest road...guarded on all sides by Drakensberg knights in polished armor. their sharp eye scanned every shadow... every rustle in the trees.. determined to protect the princess entrusted to them .
Inside the carriage
Elena (Ciora) trapped in another's fate sat in silence..her. mind wandering back to the story she read .
In the novel..they described prince leonhert as tall, with eyes as sharp as a hawk's and red...and hair dark as midnight. a man both noble and cold... feared on the battlefield..yet adored by women for his beauty. but the pages only gave words... not a face. I can only imagine how he truly looks.
Her lips pressed together. Handsome or not...it doesn't matter...he is a man who kill me. and why I am the one who dies in his story.
She exhaled slowly...a spark of resolve flickering in her chest. If I want to live..I need to change everything.tge first step is to find the heroine the true female lead. if I can make her my ally..if I can stay by her side instead of against her...then maybe.... just maybe... I'll survive.
Three long days passed on the road. at last, the carriage rolled through the towering gates of Drakensberg. the massive iron doors opened with a deep groan , revealing the city beyond.
- Writer
