Chapter 2~ Ten Princes One throne

PRINCESS DACIANA

“Your Grace, the final ten await your presence,” the Stewart murmured.

My heart drummed steadily beneath my corset, each breath restricted to shallow sips of air, you couldn't blame me for being nervous this was my husband we were talking about.

The next King to the throne my parents wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice me for.

I wasn't really one to be considered for the position as Queen though I was trained since I learned how to walk the principals of being Queen yet I believed I would never make the cut.

Fate had other plans, cruel plans and there I was, the embodiment of my mother's laws she would have been so proud and that's all I wanted.

It was the mantra I replayed in my head every time the urge to walk away bubbled within,

I had to make my parents proud.

They were ambushed, murdered for their crowns it was my duty to keep it away from whoever was behind that dreadful night and it was a duty I had given my whole life for.

It was my destiny.

The doors groaned open, revealing the last of the princes. They stood in a neat line, their postures rigid, and eyes shining with ambition barely concealed behind their polite smiles. As they bowed deeply, the scent of their colognes clashed. My senses were always heightened I never understood why but I had a nose of a wolf, sight of an eagle and the ears of a bat.

Focus Daciana! I snapped out of my daze forcing myself to look at least interested with the proceeding.

One by one, they stepped forward to greet me, each one more dazzling than the last. They were all carved from the same mold—perfectly handsome, perfectly charming, and perfectly unremarkable. Their voices, sweet as honey, fell upon my ears like a rehearsed melody I had heard too often before.

“An honor beyond words, Your Highness,” one of them intoned, his eyes gleaming like polished silver as he pressed a kiss upon the back of my gloved hand. I gave a faint smile, the corners of my lips barely moving, and inclined my head.

“Your Highness, we are most fortunate to be in your presence,” another declared, his voice smooth as silk. I nodded, though his words rolled past me, insubstantial as mist.

No one stood out, the very same thing I watched mother implement in my siblings.

Oh dear reader I'm afraid it's with great regrets I have to say this story is soon to end for my husband would be boring.

Sighs.

After the introductions, the steward stepped forward with that careful grace only years of practice could cultivate. “Your Grace, these ten have been selected for the Royal selection. They are to remain within the palace grounds for the coming days, during which you shall entertain them, converse with them, and at last, select one to stand beside you.”

The breath caught in my throat, a sharp pinch that made me want to cough. Yet, I held it in, forcing a smile. “Indeed,” I managed, though my chest felt like it was bound by iron bands. Entertain them? Play hostess to their meaningless flatteries and hollow conversations? The idea alone was a bitter draught.

He continued, oblivious to the turmoil simmering beneath my calm exterior. “Your Grace, if there are any queries regarding the arrangements—”

“No, none at all,” I interrupted softly, my hands tightening behind my back where they remained hidden from view. The corset pressed harshly against my ribs if I stayed any longer I would fall and princesses weren't permitted to go unconscious in public. “Might I request a moment’s respite?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” He inclined his head, eyes dipping respectfully. “Take whatever time you require.”

I turned away, my steps slow and deliberate until I rounded the corner, out of their watchful gazes. The moment I was alone, the carefully constructed mask shattered. My fingers flew to the crown, ripping it free from my scalp. It clattered to the floor, a cascade of jewels scattering like fallen stars.

The cool stone walls of the corridor enclosed around me, and I pressed my back against them, fingers fumbling with the ties of my corset. My vision swam as I tried to loosen the laces, my ribs aching from the unrelenting pressure.

This life… this gilded cage… Was this truly my future? To stand like a prized doll on display, to marry not for love but for alliances, power, and duty? I had seen it all before in my parents’ hollow eyes, their loveless union bound by obligations.

And I had to repeat that meaningless circle.

My fingers trembled as I finally loosened the corset enough to draw a full breath. The air tasted sharp, almost metallic, as it filled my lungs. I could hear my pulse thrumming loudly in my ears, drowning out the distant murmur of servants and guards.

Closing my eyes, I pressed a hand to my stomach, willing the nausea to pass. Yet, the bitter truth remained—no amount of air or freedom from this confining gown could change the reality before me. I was to choose one of those ten men, not for myself, but for my kingdom, for the expectations that weighed upon me like shackles.

How many more smiles must I force? How many more meaningless words must I exchange?

As many as it took!

I could still hear my mother's taunts after all these years, a sigh escaped my lips as I crouched low grabbing the crown and made my way to my quarters.

The moment I walked through the door I collapsed on the bed, unclasping the heavy jewelry, kicking away my shoes, tossing away the pins in my curly red hair letting it flow just below my shoulders.

Suddenly, a faint creak disturbed the quiet. I turned just as the door slowly opened, and a small blur of fur darted inside. “Sheo!” My voice came out in a whisper, an involuntary smile breaking through my stern expression. My little companion had returned. I knelt down, scooping her into my arms.

“Ah, my dearest one,” I murmured, brushing my cheek against her silken fur. Sheo was the one thread of sanity in this gilded cage. With her, I could forget, if only for a moment, the suffocating expectations that lined every corner of these grand walls.

As if drawn by an invisible string, my gaze wandered to the window. With Sheo nestled in the crook of my arm, I strode toward the window. The moon hung high the cool night air kissed my skin as I opened it, a chill that sent a shiver down my spine. The scent of damp earth and pine from the gardens below rose to greet me.

My fingers clung to the stone ledge, and with a deep breath, I hoisted myself onto it. The ground loomed far below, but the height no longer frightened me. It had become a solace, this precarious perch above the world. Out here, with the wind tousling my hair, the cold biting at my skin, I could almost believe I was free. I set Sheo down beside me, and she meowed softly, her eyes reflecting the moon’s glow.

“There had to be more” I whispered, though I knew well the thick walls of the castle would never let me find out. The wind whispered of freedom I could only dream of. I leaned forward, allowing the breeze to lift strands of my hair, tasting the night air that carried a hint of rain.

But just as I closed my eyes to savor the moment, a firm grip seized my arm. My heart lurched violently in my chest, and I was pulled back with a force that nearly sent Sheo scampering. My feet stumbled, but I was caught, steady hands anchoring me. I gasped, the scent of leather and something spiced cloves, perhaps—enveloping me.

Breathless, I looked up and found myself face-to-face with a figure I couldn’t quite make out, his face obscured by a black mask. Only his green eyes were visible.

The fascinating part was that I didn’t feel threatened by his embrace surprised but it felt right.

For a heartbeat, we simply stared at one another.

“What madness drives you to such peril, princess?” He voiced snapping me out of my fantasy the realization a masked man stood in my room unchaperoned dawned upon me.

“I... I was merely seeking some air,” I managed, swallowing the dryness in my throat.

“Air?” he echoed, his tone thick with disbelief. “I heard what you said, it’s a taste of the world you are forbidden to touch” His words struck deeper than I cared to admit. The way he studied me made me feel stripped of all pretense.

"Who are you?" I uttered my voice barely above a whisper locked in his embrace and only his eyes to decipher his intentions.