The soft light of dawn filtered into the chambers. I stirred, sitting up in the quite, the thick silence of the morning wrapping around me. My bed in the changing room was comfortable, far more than I was used to, yet sleep had come and gone in restless waves. My thoughts drifting to him
Prince Davis.
I brushed the sleep from my eyes, and glanced through the door separating my space from his chambers. He had been gone when I retired for the night, I hadn't heard him return.
Curiosity tugged at me, Quietly I slipped out of bed, my bare feet padding softly against the cold stone floor. The door creaked slightly as I opened it, peering into his chambers .
There he was.
Lying on the bed, his dark hair tousled, his face serene in sleep. The tension he carried, the weight of his title seemed to vanish, replaced by something softer, almost boyish.
I lingered by the door, my heart fluttering in my chest. He was beautiful in a way I rarely allowed myself to acknowledge. Here in this quite, unguarded moment, he was no longer the man bound by duties, just Davis. He seemed so peaceful, so different from the man who kept me at arms length, the one who hid his emotions behind cold commands and distant glances.
I moved closer, carefully not to disturb him, drawn to the rare peace etched, tempted to brush the hair from his forehead. One touch, that's all I wanted.
I reached out, my hand hovering inches from his hair, before I could make contact, his eyes opened..... Sharp, alert, our gaze locked. and for a fleeting moment, something soft flickered on his golden eyes.
"Linda..." he murmured, my name a whisper in the stillness.
"I..." my voice faltered. caught on the action, I realized I was closer, I had overstepped again.
His eyes searched mine, I was confused, scared of his next move. And for a moment the space between us shrinked with unspoken tension. It felt like the world outside these chambers didn't exist. there was no crown, no court, no laws to keep us apart. I started wishing on the impossible, if only we had met properly, if only he is not a Prince, I would.. maybe I would.. let him hold me, I would want to be in his World.
Just a few days ago, I could barely breathe. The panic, the doubt, the fear of being here, it all felt too heavy to bear.
But tonight feels different. Something shifted, quietly, like the world exhaled while I wasn't looking.
Was it that moment we shared? That fleeting spark that still hums beneath my skin?
I'd never known what it meant to be held by a man until then, to feel both safe and utterly undone at once.
Maybe it's his eyes... those calm, commanding eyes that see too much.
Or the way his touch lingers, gentle yet certain, as if he already knows I won't pull away.
I don't know what's happening to me.
All I know is that the thought of him won't let me rest.
And yet, a voice inside me keeps whispering
"For heaven's sake, Berl, he's a prince."
But maybe, just maybe... that's why I can't stop falling.
The door swang open, Eldric strode in, urgency written across his face.
"Your highness....!" He started, his eyes flickering between us, taking in the scene, after feeling apologetic, he bowed at Davis and said.
"Forgive me your highness for interrupting... I'm afraid it's urgent...." he stummered.
"She was just waking me up. Go on.." He ignored me as he sat up from the bed. I clenched against the conner of the bed, digrace written all over my face.
"The queen has summoned the council, she's appealing on your appointing Miss Berlinda as the your right hand woman..." Davis expression shifted instantly, the softness shifting like a mask slipping back into place. He went back to being the prince again, stoic, unreadable and distant.
"How did she find out!" his gaze hardened as he watch Eldric.
"I made sure she isn't to find out.. I was buying time.... I needed one more day" He was biting on his teeth
"Forgive me your highness, it seems like the walls of the kingdoms have more ears..." Eldric tried to soothe him.
"Ofcourse not..... and as you can see the Queen wastes no time! I need to make a move now" he started.
"Linda, bring me my royal garments, I need to seek audience with the King." He ordered me. I didn't like it but I loved that he was talking to me.
"The king!?" I slipped the words out of my mouth, my heart heavy with concerns.
"This isn't your concern! Jist do as I say" He told me. his tone cold and measured.
I stood from the bed, slowly walking towards the changing room. The warmth of the moment already fading, replaced by a sinking feeling in my chest. I shouldn't have been here. I shouldn't have let myself believe, even for a moment that I stand a chance here, to be someone, to be by his side.
As I reach the door, I hear him speak to Eldric, his voice low and commanding
"Inform the council to wait, that the King himself will adress them shortly. I have to make him adress them himsef...." He sounded strained.
"How is that going to be possible, he hasn't even seen you since you arrived?" Eldric grew concerned.
"I have cards to play, I have to choose carefully which cards to play.." He insisted
"Make sure she's to remain in here as always, no one approaches my chambers while am gone" that was an order.
"Understood" There was a hesitant moment, Eldrics feet flattered between leaving and staying. And as I leaned against the door, holding his royal garments, my fingers brushed at the edge of it, trembling slightly. What is to be my fate. What is to be of me?
"What's your concern Eldric...." Davis asked him.
"Your highness... will the King will accept your audience?. I am not sure if I should inform the council yet....."
"Just do as I say, They will hear directly from him. Eventually he will listen to me.... Worry not I have a very good plan" Davis spoke. Eyes lingered in air, I didn't know what he was thinking, he remained calm even the whole time I was dressing him. Eldric had already left and the two of us remained, deadly silent, both looking at each other, for few seconds. And I couldn't tell what was on his mind. He smiled softly looking deep at my eyes, I don't know what that meant but I melted.
"Return to your room, Do not come out, I will be back shortly" He spoke to me and turned to leave. I nodded, swallowing the ache in my chest , as I watch him leave, to meet the King, his father, who had abandoned him, who couldn't even embrace him on his return, who couldn't protect him.
The doors to the Kings chamber loomed before him, a familiar threshold now heavy with unfamiliar tension. For twenty years he has been a prince in name only, an heir cast into exile, a son kept in the Kingdoms edge. Now, summoned by duty and driven by necessity, he stood here again.
A guard at the door awaited his command, but he hesitated, Memories flickered.. of running through these very halls, his fathers laughter rare but precious, like sunlight break through the winter clouds. He remembered the strength of the Kings hand on his shoulder, a silent reassurance that the World was theirs to shape together.
but that memory was long past.
At the prince's node the guard stepped forward , his armored gauntlet rapping sharply against the door. The knock echoed down the corridor, sharp and purposeful, reverberating in the silence like a distant drumbeat of fate.
"Your majesty, the Prince requests an audience ..."
For a moment, nothing. The pause stretched thin, the air thick with unspoken tension. Prince Davis's heartbeat steadily, a rhythm he controlled, for he could not afford to let emotion lead him here. Then came a cold response from within.
"Let him in"
The words were distant, detached, as if spoken not to a son but a stranger.
With a deep breath, Prince Davis pushed the door open. The room inside was bathed with warm light, the scent of parchment and cedarwood lingering in the air. King Alden sat behind a wide oak desk, his silver hair catching the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. He didn't look up immediately, though Davis knew the King had already registered his presence. Time had carved new lines into the King's face but it had not softened him. His presence was imposing as ever, his eyes cold as winter winds .He did not rise, he did not speak. It was deliberate silence of a man almost unwilling to grant too much acknowledgement.
"Your majesty" Davis cleared his throat, his voice steady and formal. It was the only way he knew how to adress him.
King Alden didn't look up immediately, but his quill stilled.
"I wasn't expecting you this morning" the King regarded him with unreadable expression.
A statement, not a question, not a welcome.
Silence settled between them, stretching longer than either had anticipated. Prince Davis heart ached with the ghost of forgotten years, with the bond that could have been. He had imagined this moment, hoped for it. But now standing here in the cold expanse of his father's Kingdom, he realized the past was beyond reach.
He could not afford to hope
"You're right! I came to you to offer you a deal.... it just couldn't wait....." Davis started but there was no worda from his Father.
"There's an urgent matter that requires your attention" he added.
The Kings gaze did not waver over his words. And that's when he realized.
"Oh! you're aware of it ..."
"Well.... I heard you have made your presence in court quite memorable. A woman resides in your chambers, I say it's a bold move for a man in your position, let alone the title you entrusted her with.... what were you thinking Davis?" The King questioned. But it was the first time in 10 years he had heard him calling his name.
"Keeping her in my chambers was for her safety your majesty. I didn't want to draw attention and I was in control of the matter, ofcourse I was to discuss the matter with you as early as possible but as you can see it's more than early for the Queen to cause a commotion ...." Davis deffended.
"About that..., you know your defense doesn't clarify your mistakes. Do you have any idea of the number of laws you have broken... you're of royal blood Davis let alone, the future King of this Kingdom, a mere woman isn't ...."
"a mere woman?" He interrupted, questioning his father.
"oh let's say she's just a mere woman..... but your majesty..." He paused.
"What would you have done in my position ? ... I am asking, what would you have done in my position to protect the woman you want to keep by your side....." Yeap that's right. He said it..
"You might already know that, that's what I am trying to do" that was tense. Was he admitting his affections, to his father?Is there reasons to?
"You're saying you're protecting her by giving her the title, against the laws of the Kingdom, let alone forbidden over thousands of years? .... you must also know that I am a King, I will not risk the stability of this Kingdom just because my son wants to protect a woman he can't even covert. You off all people know that she can't be with you" The King continued.
"What can I say... that part is not my concern... because I am the future King of this nation, I can covet any woman I want, if I want to... it's not that hard, don't you agree?! I just started.... " He purposely is trying to provoke the King.
"I want to know exactly what is it that you hope to achieve through this Davis? after all those years you return to this? do you wish to defy me? to make a mockery of the council? or perhaps to test how far my patience will stretch before it snaps again..."
He had forgotten about that. About how his own father had banished him in a moment of fury, this man is rather a stranger cloaked in the authority of a crown than a father to him.
"I simply came to you to make a deal.. I need to get through this.... I have already made my choices your Majesty .... there's no turning back on what I did". Davis started
"There's a reason I chose her, perhaps one day you will realise it, but she's one of my people now and I will protect her just like I would protect everyone else in this Kingdom.... I stand on my command" He was clear, no hesitation, no doubts on his words.
"are those reasons worth all the risk? breaking traditions and laws of the Kingdom, facing the ire of the council? I am asking is the woman you brought with you worth of all this trouble you're causing" The King questioned his son's decisions.
"It doesn't matter your majesty, does it? I don't mean to anger you but am asking if it mattered too with my mother?..." He spoke clenching his fist, what appeared to be anger flew over his body. The King didn't answer him instead he went back to script on his paper. He maintained his calm posture as if not affected by his son's words.
"What do you want?" The King asked him instead.
"It's not about what I want at this point, it's about the outcome of what I want Your majesty..... I want you to directly adress the council on the matter, that you will uphend the laws and break free the chains that binds the rights of every .... I mean every woman in this Kingdom... I think it's time for a change your majesty.... I am simply saying, in my reign, We will do a lot of changes, so you might have to forget about traditions...." he spoke.
His interest began to rise, he became amused as if looking at a circus, he had never seen his son like this, satisfaction on his face. The prince bore his title well, so soon and well prepared. It seemed like the Prince had received well the lessons from all the tutors the King had secretly sent for him. The prince composure as he speak, proved everything. Hardwork and commitment.
"I am going to offer you a deal your majesty, something simple.... in exchange of her title... no.... not just her title.. the title of every woman in this Kingdom..." He spoke firmly. He did not flinch in his Father's presence. His words hung in air, bold and unyielding, a declaration of purpose, a change of laws, laws that bound the Kingdom over thousands of years. Yet the prince stood tall, meeting his father's gaze with resolve. The King remained silent and calm.
This was not a plea for forgiveness or a bid for affection. It was a negotiation , between a King and a prince, between a father and a son who had long since learned that sentiment held no place in the halls of power. The King could not remember the last time he has had a proper conversation with him, in his eyes he was no longer the child who cried in his arms, he was more than that, grown, stoic, resilient and confident.
""You haven't been my father for almost ten years... and I'm not asking you to start now."
His voice trembled slightly, a moment of hesitation catching in his chest. His jaw tightened, eyes glistening, but he refused to let the tears fall.
"I've already been punished enough," he continued, his tone lower now, almost weary.
"The loneliness I've carried all these years, it's been its own kind of prison. I've regretted many choices, but I'm not that boy anymore. I'm a man who bears the weight of an entire kingdom. So I'll do what must be done. I'll put my people first and prove my worth. You brought me back to serve, and this is how I begin... by breaking the chains of the traditions that have bound them for centuries."
He turned his back on the King, his words hanging heavy in the air.
"I brought you back to give you another chance," the King finally spoke after a long silence.
Another chance. The words struck deep, cutting at what little pride Davis had left, but he didn't show it. A faint smirk crossed his face instead as he flicked open his cigar lighter, the small flame dancing between them.
"If that's the case, Father," he said, his voice calm yet edged with defiance, "then trust me with the matters of the court, if only this deal is worth what you have to lose."
The King said nothing, only watched as the flame reflected in his son's eyes; eyes that no longer belonged to a boy seeking approval, but to a man determined to rule.
Curiousity kept tugging in the Kings eyes as Prince Davis moved closer, slowly, his gaze distracted. He bent down on his father and whispered in his ears, words, wordsonly the two could hear, not even the walls could testify.
There was a sudden change on the Kings gaze.For a moment he had a frozen stare, followed by sudden stillness on his position , his fist began to curl slowly as if being upset, his jaw tightened, dilated pupils and shallow breath followed. At the end of the conversation the two exchanged glaces, The Prince gaze did not waver, but the King looked distracted. What could he have possibly whispered to him?
King Alden remained silent for a certain moment, weighing his mind, but Davis could not wait. He turned to go then hesitated. For a while he stood there, the room silent only the faint crackle of the fireplace. Finally the King exhaled long and slow, without a word he stood from his position holding tight of his chair. He didn't dare say a word instead he listened.
"The council needs to be stopped now, I won't wait long for your answer your Majesty...." he started, stared with a smile the King didn't quite admire.
"I will make sure she isn't your concerns your Majesty...." there was a pause on his words as he carefully spell them, his gaze and move remained steady something that reminded the King of his younger self.
His pov
The heavy doors to my chamber were within sight, I walked down the hall, my face still calm but taut with the weight of my conversation with the King. The deal had been struck, now no law, no traditions, no court would deny any woman in the Kingdom her rights.
That victory however, crumbled the moment I strode in my room..
The sight arrested me mid-step.
Dragged like a common criminal between two guards, her arms pinned behind her, they had gripped her wrist too tightly. Her boots scuffed against the floor as she struggled, the way she fought to keep herself upright, even as they pushed and pulled her without care, her dark hair loose and wild, falling over her eyes, sharp, defiant, never wavered, fixed on the ground She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her struggle.
My heart twisted violently at the sight.
Linda didn't plead, No, ofcourse she wouldn't.My blood boiled as I watched her.
But there stood the Queen.
She watched the scene unfold with a cold satisfaction, her hands clasped infront of her silken gown. The smug tilt of her lips was enough to send a sharp pang through my chest, quickly replaced by a rising storm of rage.
"Release her immediately" My voice sliced through the room like a blade, sharp and unyielding. For a moment silence fell over the corridor, the guards froze, uncertain. Their hesitation only feeding the tension in the air. Lindas head snapped towards me, her lips parting, eyes locked with mine. There was a flicker of something there..... relief? Uncertainty? before her gaze hardened again. Locking away whatever emotions threatened to surface.
"Prince Davis" The Queens voice was calm, but I heard venom beneath it.She turned to me regal and poised.
"She has broken the laws your highness, they're simply collecting the criminal who dared to hide in the royal chambers and disrupt the matters of the court...." the Queen said coldly, her tone calm but laced with venom.
"She's no criminal, she's my person and my concern" He replied
"This matter no longer concerns you Davis, she's to be taken to court.." She spoke watching me move towards her, my boots striking the mable floor with deliberate precision. My expressions remained composed but my eyes burned.
"I said release her..."
The guards exchanged nervous glances but did not move.
The Queen raised a delicate brow
"You would defy the laws of Ravenvall for her? A title bestowed in your hands does not make her immune to the laws we all respect."
"It does now" I stopped just short of the guards, my gaze locked with the Queen's. I pulled a stroll from the folds of my cloak, the royal seal of my father glinting in the light as I unfold it, letting the Queen see the signature scrawled at the bottom.
"By the Kings decree, Her title is sanctioned. Her appointment stands and so is every woman in this Kingdom who would love to bear a title. So I suggest you take your grievances to the King."
The Queens confident smile faltered, suprise flashing across her face before it hardened again. her fingers tightened in the folds of her gown. For the first time in years her composure cracked before me, the satisfaction of it was fleeting.
"This cannot..."
"Oh, but it can....." I turned my gaze on the guards, my tone sharper now.
"Release her now, or take another step and I will have you beheaded for going against the Kings order..."
The guards hesitated for only a moment longer before their grip on her arms slackened. She stumbled forward, catching herself before I could reach her. The tension in her body lingered, though, her pride bruised more than her arms.
"Are you hurt?" I asked her, my voice dropping to something softer, something meant only for her. But as I saw the slight tremble in her hands, the faint redness where the guards fingers had dug into her skin, brought a tension in my chest that didn't ease, a knot of anger and guilt twisting in my stomach.
"Are you hurt?...." The Queen rephrased.
"what did you do? the King would never have agreed with this.... what trick did you play?" The Queens voice was shaky and uncertain.
"What did you do? what did you trade for her freedom? why would you care so deeply for her? Why would you go this far? Your highness ... Are you perhaps in love with her?.. Don't tell me it's the case..... is it? Because now that I watch you, It seems like you suffer the same fate as your father..." The Queen laughed with joy, it's like she has found something to reminisce with, something to hold against me. But my gaze did not waver, I couldn't let her see through me, so I remained intact.
"I don't know how you managed to convince your father to write that decree.... but I promise you... you're gonna wish you didn't do that.." The Queens voice cut through the ice.
"You think this is over, Davis? The council will not accept this so easily"
"They're probably hearing this directly from the King as am talking to you, you should go join them" I shot back. My tone leaving no room for argument. I took a step closer to the Queen who seemed puzzled by my words, lowering my voice just enough to make the words sting.
"Your plans have failed your majesty. Pray they don't fail you worse next time, cause I am just starting.... be on guard"
The Queens nostrils flared, but she said nothing, even as she turned on her heel and stormed away, retreating with a flick of her gown.
As I watch Miss Berl, I could not bear to see her trembling frame. She was so devastated, she could barely breathe. Her eyes red, swollen, searched mine. There wwas fear in them, yes... but they showed something else too, Something I had no right to name, because I have failed her, I have failed to protect her, just as I promised.
Immediately I carried her to my bed. She was lighter than I expected. Fragile in my arms, as if the smallest gust of wind could carry her away.As I walk, each step was filled with guilt I couldn't outrun. The faint quiver in her frame told me everything..... she was terrified. And I hated seeing her like this, defenseless, broken.... But what I hated more was knowing it was because of me.
I laid her gently on my bed, smoothing the edge of the blanket over her shoulders. I brushed a strand of hair from her face. She didn't look at me, her gaze fixed somewhere distant, like she was trying to dissapear into herself. It was better that way. If she looked at me, she might see the truth I could never say.
That this shouldn't have happened, shouldn't have let it happen.
But how could it not ? From the moment I forced a title she never wanted, I'd sealed her fate.
"You should rest, I will tell the servants to come tend to your wounds" I said, my voice sharper than I intended. It was easier to sound cold, distant. If I let pity slip into my tone, I wouldn't be able to stop.
I turned to leave, but her hand shot out, catching my wrist.
"Don't" she whispered, her voice breaking.
"Don't go" Her voice froze me, but I didn't turn around. If I looked at her now, I wasn't sure what I'd do. The tremble in her hands, the quiet desperation in her voice, they gnawed at the edges of my control.
"Don't worry you're safe" I said, keeping my tone steady.
"No one will ever touch you again, I promise you that"
It wasn't a promise, it was a fact. If anyone dared to lay a finger on her, they would answer to me. Cause now everything was clear, how I felt, why I took her with me, reasons I couldn't let her go and the purpose she serves by my side. It was perfectly clear in my mind. That title I gave her, that, that was purposely, to bind her with me, for life.
Her grip on my wrist tightened, and for a moment, I was tempted to pull away, to remind her that clinging to me was a mistake, a boundary she should never cross. She shouldn't trust me, She shouldn't want me here.... now.
But I stayed.
I glanced down at her, at the way her lips pressed together to stifle the tears threatening to spill over. She was so strong, stronger than she should have to be. Stronger than I deserved.
I had dragged her into this mess, I had made her my shield, my sword, my secret. And yet, even now, she looked at me like I was something more. Something worth holding onto.
I wanted to let her go, to let her run, to dissapear, to leave this cursed court behind and never look back. But the thought of her absence burned like a wound I couldn't bare to touch.
So I decided to keep on holding to her, to pull her deeper into my world, my shadows, my ruin. Very selfish act.
But it was because at that moment I knew, as I looked at her fragile form, that I would never be strong enough to release her. Even if it destroyed us both.