Aliana had always known her life did not belong to her.
As the only daughter of the king, she was raised to obey—not to question. Still, she never imagined her fate would be sealed so suddenly.
"Come, go and have your breakfast."
Her father's voice echoed through the halls as servants hurried past her. Aliana stepped into the dining hall, her heart uneasy. Something felt wrong.
Her father, the king, sat at the head of the table, watching her closely.
"Good morning, Father," she said softly.
He nodded, gesturing for her to sit. For a moment, everything felt normal—the clinking of plates, the quiet chatter of servants—but then he spoke again.
"It is time," he said.
Aliana frowned. "Time for what?"
The king leaned forward. "You will be married next week."
The words struck her like a storm.
"Married?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "To whom?"
"A demon king," he replied calmly. "King Aiden."
Silence fell over the room.
Aliana's hands tightened around her cup. "No… I don't even know him."
"You do not need to," her father said coldly. "This marriage will strengthen our kingdom."
Tears filled her eyes, but she forced herself not to cry.
"I am your daughter," she whispered. "Not a bargain."
But the king said nothing more.
That was the moment Aliana understood—she was no longer a daughter.
She was a deal.