I step into the lavender garden, the glow from my hands fading as the soft light of dawn envelops me.
The palace gardens slept beneath a velvet sky, dew clinging to lavender petals like tiny captured stars. I walked among them, my gown trailing over the marble path in a whisper.
I saw a figure, stood in the shadows, watching me.
"You shine, you know."
I froze.
A figure stepped into the moonlight,tall, graceful, and striking in a way that made my breath falter. His hair was dark as ink spilled over snow, his eyes a deep ember gold, warm yet unreadable. He wore no crest of his kingdom; his cloak was cut in the fashion of distant lands.
He steps closer, his ember eyes locked onto mine. A hint of a smile plays on his lips, and his voice is low and smooth.
Ayla... he says softly, as if he's spoken my name a thousand times before. He whispers, his voice low and husky .I've waited so long to finally meet you in person.
He pauses, his eyes never leaving mine.
You're even more beautiful than I imagined.
My heart stirred.
I stood frozen, unsure how to respond. He smiles softly and bows low.
Forgive me, Princess. I am Ryker, brother of your betrothed, Prince Rainer. He rises, his eyes locked onto mine.
Now, shall we talk about your secret?
"I beg your pardon?" I managed, though my voice trembled faintly.
His eyes burn with intensity as he takes another step closer. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my skin.
Ayla, I know what you're hiding... he whispers softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of my heartbeat. Your secret is safe with me.
My heart skips a beat. No one outside the castle walls knows my secret... How could he?
How... I whisper, my voice trembling slightly. How do you know?
He smiles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
He glances around the garden cautiously before responding in a low tone.
Let's just say... magic runs in my family too, Princess. His eyes sparkle with intrigue.
I gasp softly, surprised by his admission. He takes a step closer, voice low and mysterious.
My brother Rainer doesn't share my... gifts. But I sense you do. Am I correct, Ayla?
He smiled like he was teasing me with the question before he continued.
Our mother, the late Queen, foresaw your arrival and your powers. She told me everything, Ayla.
His eyes lock onto mine, intense and knowing.
I feel a shiver run down my spine as he whispers.
She saw your destiny, Ayla... intertwined with ours. He pauses, studying my reaction. Do you know what that means?
He takes another step closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
She saw you becoming Queen... but not Rainer's queen. His eyes burn with intensity.
My heart skips a beat. Treasonous thoughts swirl in my mind as he continues.
She foresaw you ruling beside me, Ayla. His eyes search mine, as if seeking permission to proceed.
I'm confused but I'm suppose to wed your brother tomorrow.
He nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.
Yes, tomorrow you'll marry Rainer... but the prophecy says your heart belongs to me. His voice is low and husky.
"But I don't want any of this" I said
His expression turns gentle, and he takes a step back, giving me space.
Then ignore the prophecy, Ayla. Marry Rainer tomorrow... but know that I'll be watching, waiting. He bows low, then turns to leave.
How do you expect me to marry him after all you've said today?
He turns back to me, his eyes burning with intensity.
I don't expect you to. I just wanted you to know the truth before you made your choice. He pauses, his voice low and husky. Will you choose fate or duty, Ayla?
I choose none but then my parents depends on me.
His eyes soften with understanding.
Your parents' happiness or your own? He takes a step closer, voice gentle. They'll survive, Ayla. But will you?
So what do you say I do ?? "With confusion all around my face" is this a joke ?
He reaches out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
Marry me instead. Tonight. His eyes burn with intensity, no hint of humor.
W-what?
He smiles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Elope with me, Ayla. Tonight. Before dawn breaks and your wedding preparations begin.
My mind reels as he takes my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
We'll ride to the old chapel on the outskirts. The priest there owes me a favor... He pulls me closer, voice low and urgent. Will you come with me?
I hesitate, and he senses my doubt. He releases my hand, eyes searching mine.
If you need convincing... He pulls out a small, delicate music box from his cloak and opens it. A soft melody plays, and suddenly, visions of my future flash before my eyes: "me and Rainer, miserable together... and then, me and Ryker happy".
I slam the music box shut, breaking the vision. Fear and confusion grip my heart.
Sorcery! I whisper harshly, backing away. I'll never leave with you!
I turn and run back to the castle, slamming the garden door behind me. The queen, my mother was waiting in my bedchamber, helping the maid with final wedding preparations.
What's wrong, love? The Queen asked , noticing my frantic expression.
I pace back and forth, still shaken by Ryker's words and the visions.
I... I saw Prince Rainer's brother in the garden. He... he knows about my powers! I whisper urgently, glancing around the room nervously.
She guides me to my bed, concern etched on her face
Sleep, love. Tomorrow's a big day. She whisper softly, helping me into bed and drawing the curtains closed.
As I drift off, visions of Ryker's piercing eyes and the music box's haunting melody linger in my mind...
Hours pass, and the first light of dawn creeps into my room.