The palace corridors were silent.
Only the faint echo of footsteps disturbed the stillness as Niel Adamson walked alone beneath the towering stone arches of Newfield Palace.
Moonlight poured through stained-glass windows, painting the marble floors in shades of silver and blue. The torches mounted upon the walls flickered gently, their flames dancing as though whispering secrets meant only for the night.
Usually, Niel walked these halls with quiet confidence, his head held high, his posture straight, his presence calm and certain.
But not tonight.
Tonight, his shoulders felt heavier.
Tonight, his gaze remained fixed upon the floor beneath him.
Each step felt slower than the last.
His heart, which had once felt lighter simply by seeing her smile, now felt as though it carried the weight of an entire kingdom.
Had he been brave…
Or simply foolish?
The question followed him like a shadow.
His fingers curled slightly at his sides as memories of the throne room replayed endlessly within his mind—the king's silence… his unreadable expression… the weight of those words he could never take back.
I ask for her hand in marriage.
Niel closed his eyes for a brief moment.
And then—
The memory pulled him back.
Back to the moment that changed everything.
The royal dining chamber had fallen into complete silence.
Not a single breath seemed to stir the air.
Niel remained on his knees upon the polished stone floor, his head lowered, his heart pounding so fiercely he feared everyone in the chamber could hear it.
Before him stood King Garron Elesteen, his expression unreadable.
Beside him stood Queen Angelina, calm as ever, though concern flickered behind her eyes.
And seated across from them…
Was Princess Aira.
Niel could not bring himself to look at her.
Not yet.
The silence stretched until, at last, King Garron spoke.
"Aira…"
His voice was softer now—not as a king…
But as a father.
"Your mother and I ask sincerely… if you are willing to give Niel one year."
At those words, Niel's head lifted slightly.
Garron continued.
"We shall send him to my brother, Duston—the fiercest warrior I have ever known. His kingdom has forged men into legends… and broken countless others who believed themselves strong."
The king's gaze shifted toward Niel.
"If Duston accepts him… if Niel survives his training…"
His voice grew heavier.
"Then he shall return not merely as a healer… but as a warrior worthy of standing beside any man."
A brief pause.
"Even Aidan."
The name struck the room like thunder.
Niel's chest tightened.
Then Garron looked back toward his daughter, his eyes softening.
"And we do not do this for Niel alone, my dear princess."
His voice carried warmth now.
"We do this for you."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"For what woman would not desire a man blessed with both wisdom… and strength?"
Silence followed.
Then—
Princess Aira slowly rose from her chair.
Niel's breath caught.
For the first time that night, he dared to look at her.
Moonlight poured across her face, and though her beauty had stolen his heart long ago…
Tonight…
It was her tears that stole what little breath he had left.
She was looking at him.
Not with hatred.
Not with pity.
But with something far more painful.
Conflict.
Aira's hands trembled slightly as she clasped them before her.
Her voice, when it came, was barely above a whisper.
"Then…"
She swallowed hard.
"Then I shall give him one year."
Niel's eyes widened.
Airy lowered her gaze for only a moment before finding the strength to look at him once more.
"I will wait patiently for your return, Niel."
Her voice trembled.
"And when you return…"
She paused, tears threatening to fall.
"You will face Aidan."
The chamber grew still.
"If you defeat him…"
Her words came softer now.
"If you prove your strength…"
A single tear slipped down her cheek.
"Then I will marry you… without hesitation."
Niel felt his world stop.
His fingers trembled.
His throat tightened.
And for a moment…
He forgot how to breathe.
Aira offered a final bow to her parents.
Then, without another word…
She turned—
And walked away.
Her footsteps echoed softly through the chamber.
And though she never looked back…
Niel could see the tears falling from her eyes.
The heavy doors closed behind her.
And silence returned.
Queen Angelina was the first to move.
She stepped forward gracefully until she stood before Niel.
Then…
She reached out her hand.
"Rise, my son."
Niel looked up, his eyes filled with emotion.
Her smile was gentle.
"You have always been more than a healer to me."
Her fingers brushed softly against his shoulder.
"I will miss you dearly."
Niel felt his chest tighten.
"But if your heart truly wishes to walk beside my daughter…"
Her expression softened, though sadness lingered within her eyes.
"Then I had no choice but to make this decision on your behalf."
She helped him to his feet.
"Go."
Her voice was warm…
But firm.
"Gather your belongings."
A pause.
"For we leave at first light."
Niel stood frozen.
His life…
Everything he had ever known…
Was changing.
And Queen Angelina's final words only made that truth heavier.
She leaned closer, her voice dropping almost to a whisper.
"And Niel…"
Her eyes darkened slightly.
"King Duston's kingdom…"
A long pause.
"…is no paradise."