The storm did not stop after Ariana agreed to marry him.
If anything, the heavens seemed to rage harder.
Rain battered the palace windows through the remainder of the night while thunder shook the ancient walls of Ivanova Castle. Servants moved through the corridors in frightened silence, avoiding eye contact with Draco soldiers who now occupied every entrance, staircase, and hallway.
The Kingdom of Ivanova had fallen completely.
And by morning, the news of Princess Ariana's engagement to King Alexander of Draco had spread through the capital like wildfire.
Some called her brave.
Others called her cursed.
But inside the eastern royal chambers, Ariana felt neither.
Only trapped.
The fire crackled weakly in her chamber hearth while maids silently prepared hot water for her bath. No one spoke above whispers anymore, as though the castle itself feared Alexander's ears could hear through stone walls.
Ariana stood near the balcony overlooking the ruined city below.
