Chapter three

I followed my father down the hallway, my mind still simmering with anger. My steps were heavy, and I barely concealed my frustration. Whatever lecture he had prepared, I didn’t want to hear it.

When we reached his study, he pushed the door open and gestured for me to enter. The room was dimly lit, the scent of old books lingering in the air. I reluctantly walked in and sank into one of the chairs. My father closed the door and sat across from me, his face tense.

“Ivana,” he began, his voice calmer now but still serious, “there’s something important we need to discuss.”

I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms. “If this is about me ‘being nicer,’ I’m not interested.”

“This isn’t about that,” he said firmly. “This is about our kingdom — our people.”

I raised a brow. “What about them?”

He exhaled heavily, like the weight of the world was sitting on his shoulders. “Our town... it’s suffering.”

I scoffed. “When isn’t it?”

“This is different,” he said, his tone sharper now. “King Roger’s empire has been pushing us into hardship — increasing taxes, cutting off trade routes... our people are starving.”

I frowned slightly, sensing the tension in his voice.

“And?” I pressed.

He paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “The only way to stop this — the only way to free our kingdom from his grasp... is you.”

I blinked. “Me?” I sat forward. “What do you mean? You want me to fight?” My heart thumped a little faster. If this was about fighting, I could do it. I’d trained my whole life for moments like this. If they wanted me on the battlefield, I’d be ready.

“I can do it,” I said quickly. “If you need me to fight for our freedom, I will.”

My father shook his head. “No,” he said gravely. “That’s not what I’m asking.”

I stared at him, confused. “Then... what?”

He paused again, rubbing his temple like the words physically pained him. “King Roger has a son,” he said carefully. “Prince Darius.”

I felt my stomach twist. Somehow, I already knew where this was going.

“And?” I said slowly, my voice growing cold.

“He isn’t married yet,” my father said, watching me closely.

I stiffened. My eyes narrowed. “Don’t,” I warned.

“I want you to marry him,” he said, his voice heavy with finality. “It’s the only way to save our kingdom.”

For a moment, I just stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or scream. “You can’t be serious.”

“Ivana,” he started.

“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “You’re asking me to marry a stranger? The son of a tyrant?”

“He’s not his father,” my dad said firmly. “And this isn’t about love or comfort — this is about survival.”

I shot up from my chair. “There has to be another way!”

“There isn’t,” he said, rising to his feet. “We’ve tried everything — alliances, negotiations, trade agreements — nothing worked. King Roger’s demands are clear. Either we strengthen our bond through marriage or... he’ll take what he wants by force.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “So you’re just handing me over to them like a prize?”

“I’m trusting you,” he corrected. “I know you’re strong, Ivana. Strong enough to do what’s necessary.”

I turned away from him, pacing the room in frustration. This wasn’t fair. I was born to fight, not to... marry some stranger like some helpless pawn.

“You’re asking me to throw my life away,” I muttered.

“I’m asking you to save lives,” he said softly.

I swallowed hard, anger and confusion swirling inside me. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want any of this.

But deep down, I knew one thing for sure — if my father was this desperate, things were worse than I thought.

The air in the room felt suffocating, like a storm waiting to explode. My father’s words echoed in my head — Marry Prince Darius… it’s the only way to save us.

“You can’t seriously expect me to agree to this,” I said, my voice sharp. “You’re asking me to throw away my life — for what? A man I’ve never even met?”

“Ivana,” my mother chimed in softly, stepping closer. “We know this isn’t what you wanted—”

“Wanted?” I cut her off with a bitter laugh. “You think I wanted to be sold off like some bargaining chip?” I turned to my father, my frustration boiling over. “You’ve spent years training me to be strong, to stand my ground — now you’re just giving me away?”

“This isn’t a choice,” my father shot back. His voice was firm, no longer patient. “If we don’t secure this alliance, King Roger will crush our kingdom. The people are already starving — if war breaks out, we won’t survive it.”

“I’d rather let this town burn,” I spat, my fists clenching tightly at my sides.

“You’ll do as you’re told,” my father barked, his voice rising with rare anger. “This marriage is the only way to save us.”

“I won’t do it!” I shouted, stepping back from them both. My breathing was heavy, chest rising and falling as fury surged through me. “I don’t care what you say — I won’t be forced into this!”

“Ivana, please,” my mother pleaded, reaching for me.

I stepped back again. “No.” My voice shook. “I don’t care what happens. I’d rather die than be forced to marry some prince I’ve never met.”

Without waiting for a reply, I stormed toward the door.

“Ivana!” my father called after me, his voice demanding — but I ignored him.

“Ivana, wait!” my mother cried, following me out into the hallway.

“Don’t touch me!” I snapped, yanking my arm away as they both tried to catch up. “I don’t want to hear anything else!”

“I know you’re angry,” my mother said desperately, her steps quickening behind me. “But please, just listen—”

“I’m done listening!” I shot back. “You’ve already made your choice. Now I’ll make mine.”

I shoved the castle doors open and stormed outside. The cool air hit my face, but it did little to calm the fire burning inside me. I didn’t know where I was going — I just knew I had to get away from them, away from this twisted plan they were forcing on me.

But no matter how far I walked, my father’s words echoed in my mind.

The only way to save us…