Bound By Fate

In my throne room with black marble floors and towering obsidian pillars; I am sitting on my throne (studded with gems) wearing a majestic robe of deepest black velvet, trimmed with gold and encrusted with jewels that glimmer in the light. Beneath the robe, garments of deepest black, tailored and adorned with intricate gold patterns that speak of my status as ruler. My gold crown gleams atop my head, a symbol of my sovereignty and dominion over the whole Aetheria. My fixed gaze over the man who's on his knees in front of me, tied with heavy metal chains, is piercing that man's soul. He knows what's about to come and it's delighting me that the terror of my presence is showing in his eyes, haunting him. Lucas Irons, the prime minister of the Aetheria and the most faithful person to me, takes a step forward to the man as he says, “Your Highness, this man was spotted stealing food from the royal kitchen. What should we do with this man?” As I stand up, I take a grip on my sword and st

I reach the palace and pass an order that a painter and royal doctor should be sent to my room immediately. I enter my royal chamber; as the royal doctor and painter come into my royal chamber, the royal doctor takes off my shirt; he starts bandaging the wound on my chest. I begin to describe that girl's eyes, so that the painter can craft an engaging painting of her eyes. To get her painting done, I memorize and describe her eyes to the painter as if I've been watching her for years. Lucas gathers his all courage as he asks, “Your Highness! Why are you getting that mannerless girl's painting made?” I don't even bother to give a glance to him or reply to anything. Lucas gasps as he doesn't get any response from me. As the royal painter says, “It's done, my lord!” my eyes shimmer and I flash a wide grin as the painter gives me her painting. I observe that painting carefully and my heart swells with joy. I can not believe that the painter has made such a wonderful painting of her ey

Both of us, Lucas and I disguise ourselves as common people and leave the capital Aetheron; and soon, by the cave, we reach Wantra. Standing atop the hill, my eyes get mesmerized by the beauty of Wantra. It looks completely opposite to Aetheron. The grand structure appears like a dream carved into the mountainside. The palace seems to grow out of the cliffs, its pale stone walls glowing softly in the light of the setting sun. Every arch and dome is delicately crafted, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding it. The building rests on the edge of a steep drop, with its balconies hanging over the abyss below. From where I stand, I can see the lush white trees framing the palace, their branches brushing against the ancient stone. A narrow path winds up to the entrance, almost hidden among the rocks and foliage. Below, a river winds its way through the valley, its surface reflecting the soft pinks and oranges of the sky. The water glitters like a ribbon of light, adding

The celebration is going on, but I'm not interested. I’m standing here, disguised as one of the soldiers of Wantra, but my mind isn’t on them. The people around me are laughing and dancing, their joy almost too loud. I hold a metal glass in my hand, but the drink inside it barely registers.I take in the scene with a smirk, watching the guests and their excitement. They have no idea who I really am. And if they get to know who I am, then their joyous celebration will turn into a funeral. I chuckle and weave through the crowd, trying to seek some peace. As I make my way to the palace balcony, the noise of the celebration fades a bit, replaced by the quieter sounds of the night.When I step out onto the balcony, the cool air hits my face. I glance down into the garden below, where the moonlight bathes everything in a soft glow. And then I see them.A couple stands close together, their bodies pressed against each other. They’re kissing under the stars. My eyes narrow as I recognize Seb