Our Destined Bond
Promise At A Cradle
In an age of emperors and grand kingdoms, two rulers stood above all others—not because of their power, but because of the unshakable bond they shared.
Emperor Robert Thornton ruled a mighty empire renowned for its strength, discipline, and unmatched military prowess.
The Empire of Sideros — a realm of iron, war, and unyielding strength.
Beside him,
Emperor Victor Hawthorne reigned a flourishing realm celebrated for its wisdom, culture, and prosperity.
The Empire of Eirenea — a realm of peace, learning, and creation.
Though their empires were different, the friendship between the two men was legendary.
They had grown up together, trained together, fought side by side on battlefields, and stood by each other through—every triumph and hardship.
Many called them brothers born into different families.
One winter evening, the halls of Hawthorne Palace were filled with anxious anticipation.
One starry night, the atmosphere was tense with unnatural anomalous weather.
Empress Bella Hawthorne was in labor with her first child.
Victor paced endlessly outside the imperial chambers, his usually calm expression replaced by worry.
Standing nearby was Robert, who had traveled across kingdoms the moment he learned Bella's time had come.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"Sit down before you wear a hole through the floor."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"My wife is giving birth."
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"And she is surrounded by the finest physicians in the empire."
Robert retorted him instantly.
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"That doesn't stop me from worrying."
Robert let out a single chuckle, placing his palm over his slump shoulder.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"She will be fine, trust me."
The seconds felt like hours until they heard a small cry, the chamber doors swung open.
The Empress Katherine Thornton emerged with tears of joy in her eyes.
Empress Katherine Thornton|ML's Mother
"Victor, Robert."
Victor paced toward Katherine, impatient and desperate.
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"What is it, Katherine, Tell me."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"Is Bella alright?"
Meanwhile, Robert stood beside him, watching his desperate friend.
Katherine looked at her husband first with a smile before she gushed with rejoice.
Empress Katherine Thornton|ML's Mother
"Bella is all fine, she gave birth to a healthy princess."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"A daughter."
Empress Katherine Thornton|ML's Mother
"A beautiful princess."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"My poor heart couldn't bear this insane happiness."
Without another word, Victor rushed into the chamber.
Robert followed behind, accompanied by his Five-year-old son, Prince Hadrien Thornton.
Inside, Bella rested against the pillows, exhausted but smiling. Cradled in her arms was a tiny infant wrapped in silk blankets.
Victor approached carefully, as though afraid he might break her.
The baby's eyes were closed as she slept peacefully in her mother's embrace.
For a long moment, nobody spoke.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"She's Beautiful."
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"She looks like her father."
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"Poor child"
Robert replied dramatically.
Victor immediately threw a pillow at him.
The room erupted into laughter.
Standing beside his father, young Hadrien stared curiously at the tiny princess. He had never seen a newborn before.
Prince Hadrien Thornton| 5y/o ML
"She's small."
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"That's because she's just a few minutes old"
The young prince nodded seriously as though he had received important wisdom.
Watching the scene, an idea suddenly formed in Robert's mind.
His gaze moved from the infant princess to his son.
Then to Victor.
A slow grin appeared on his face.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"I have a proposal."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"Whenever you smile like that, trouble follows."
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"I am serious."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"That concerns me even more."
Ignoring him, Robert gestured toward Hadrien and the newborn princess.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"Our friendship has endured for decades. We are already brothers in everything except blood."
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"So why not make it official?"
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
Robert crossed his arms proudly.
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"When your daughter turns eighteen, and when both children are old enough to understand their responsibilities, let them become officially betrothed"
The room fell silent.
Victor blinked.
Bella blinked.
Katherine blinked
Even Hadrien looked confused.
Breaking the silence, Victor asked;
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"A Marriage Proposal?"
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"Mmmhmm."
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"You want my daughter to marry your son? "
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"Exactly!"
Robert pointed at the sleeping baby.
Then he looked at Hadrien, who stood straight and proud despite being only five years old.
Both of them oblivious to what their parents were Cooking.
Victor looked toward his daughter.
The tiny princess yawned in her sleep.
Prince Hadrien Thornton| 5y/o ML
"She moves."
Katherine nodded at his innocent statement.
A smile slowly appeared on Victor's face.
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"I suppose there are worse men my daughter could marry than the son of my closest friend."
Emperor Robert Thornton| ML's Father
"So, that's a “Yes”?"
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"Yes."
Robert grinned triumphantly.
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"It seems like my daughter has been betrothed even before she can open her eyes."
Empress Katherine Thornton|ML's Mother
"She's my daughter as well Bella."
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"Of course, she is"
The two emperors clasped hands.
A simple gesture.
Yet one that would shape the future of both empires.
Victor then looked down at the infant in Bella's arms.
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"What shall we call her?"
Bella gazed lovingly at her daughter.
After a moment, she smiled.
Empress Bella Hawthorne|FL's Mother
"Skye..."
Victor repeated the name quietly.
Emperor Victor Hawthorne| FL's Father
"Skye Hawthorne."
Empress Katherine Thornton|ML's Mother
The name seemed to fit perfectly.
Outside the palace windows, the stars glittered across the night sky as though celebrating the birth of the child.
No one in that room could know what the future held.
No one knew whether Prince Hadrien Thornton and Princess Skye Hawthorne would welcome the promise made on their behalf...
But on that night, beside a cradle holding a sleeping princess,
-A vow was made.
A vow between two emperors.
A vow that would bind their destinies together forever.
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