Into The Unknown

The meeting and The marriage proposal

I walked down the hallway toward the meeting room—the place where we usually gathered to discuss official matters, either among ourselves or with other kingdoms.

I was fully dressed in my royal ceremonial attire: a dark blue military-style suit, polished black dress shoes, and a scabbard hanging at my side. I was prepared—at least outwardly—to meet the people of Elizabeth Island, the most highly respected royals in the entire dynasty.

I stopped in front of the brown double doors, each carved with intricate flowers and symbols I didn’t recognize. Two royal guards stood rigidly on either side, noses tilted upward, weapons held with practiced pride.

“Open the door,” I commanded.

They bowed slightly and pushed the doors wide.

The room was already filled with royal officials from both Elizabeth Island and my home, George Island—including both kings. They were speaking in hushed tones, tension already thick in the air. I quietly made my way to an empty seat and sat down.

King Jerome—my father—cleared his throat, snapping everyone’s attention toward him.

“My son is here. Now the meeting between Elizabeth and George may proceed.”

“Good. Now we can get to the point,” King James of Elizabeth said.

Silence fell. Heavy. Expectant. I could feel the tension, though I didn’t yet understand it. I didn’t have time to, either, because King James spoke again.

“We, the people of Elizabeth, have come with a proposal.” His voice cut the silence cleanly. “We want your daughter…” He paused, scanning the room slowly before leaning back in his chair. “To marry our prince.”

My eyes widened—and so did everyone else’s from George.

He can’t be serious. He can’t be serious. He can’t—

“But King James…” my father began, but James held up a hand.

“No buts. Your kingdom is in debt to mine. It’s either the marriage, or I reduce George to ashes. You choose.”

I clenched my fists beneath the table. He was exploiting our weakness—everyone knew how much of a tyrant King James was. He treated even fellow royals as peasants.

But marriage to his son…?

The rumors alone were enough to freeze blood. No one had ever seen him in daylight. He never attended royal gatherings, balls, or weddings. All we knew was that King James had a son—and that was enough to terrify anyone.

“We cannot allow this,” Sir Jeff snapped, slamming his fist on the table.

“Sir Jeff is right,” Duchess Maria whispered, her voice heavy with despair. “She’s just a child…”

King James laughed—a short, cruel sound.

“I’m not asking. I’m informing you. Accept it, or say goodbye to your kingdom.”

“No.”

The word tore from my throat as I slammed my fist onto the table. All eyes shot toward me—even King James’s.

“Prince Luca,” King James drawled, irritation sharp in his tone, “do you have something to say?”

“You can’t do this,” I said, standing abruptly.

He chuckled darkly. “I didn’t ask for your opinion, Prince Luca. It isn’t needed.”

“You’re right,” I said, voice trembling with anger, “my opinion means nothing. But when it comes to my sister Julia—my opinion is everything.”

He narrowed his eyes, studying me. I didn’t back down. I couldn’t. If Julia was at risk, I would burn the world before letting him touch her.

“Control your son, Jerome,” King James hissed.

“My apologies, King James,” my father said quickly. He turned to me. “Luca, please sit. Calm down.”

Calm down? In this situation?

Impossible.

I ignored him and looked straight at King James.

“What if there is a substitute?” I asked. “Someone else who can go in her place. Someone who isn’t my sister.”

King James tilted his head, as though trying to read the truth beneath my words.

“And who,” he asked slowly, “would replace your dear sister?”

“Me.”

A wave of stunned silence swept the room. Every stare burned into me—shock, disbelief, fear. Only King James looked unreadable.

“Luca, what are you saying? Sit down,” my father snapped, but I didn’t move.

I held King James’s gaze.

Waiting.

“Very well,” he said at last.

My heart twisted painfully.

“No, King James, please—” my father tried again.

“I didn’t force him,” James cut in smoothly. “He offered himself. I accept.”

I felt my father’s stare like a blade against my back, but I couldn’t look at him. If I did, I would break.

King James smirked. “Perhaps you will even learn to tame the demon in him.”

I swallowed hard. Everyone knew the rumors—how the prince of Elizabeth had been born with a demon sealed inside him, how it sometimes surfaced and drove him out of control. That was why he never left the castle. Why he wore a magical suppressing ring.

“But I want something in return,” I said. “You must promise never to threaten my family or my kingdom again. Stay away from them forever.”

He snickered but nodded. “I promise. And you know a king always keeps his word.”

“I do. And I hope you understand the consequences of breaking such a promise.”

He hummed in approval. We understood each other perfectly.

I could feel my father and the officials watching me with heartbreak in their eyes. I didn’t dare turn toward them.

“Luca…” my father whispered, but I cut him off.

“That’s final, Father. My mind won’t change.”

“You leave for Elizabeth tomorrow,” King James said.

The words hit me like a blow, but I kept my face still. I nodded.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

I bowed and left the room.

It wasn’t until I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling in silence, that the weight of my decision crashed down on me. Tomorrow, I would be leaving my home—my family, my friends, my kingdom.

My chest tightened painfully.

The door burst open. A young woman in a raven-black gown rushed inside, eyes red with tears.

“Mother?” I sat up.

She hurried to me, sitting on the bed and pulling me into a trembling embrace. She tried to hide it, but I felt her crying.

“I guess you heard,” I murmured.

She nodded, hugging me tighter. I stroked her gold-colored hair, trying to steady her.

“I’m sorry, Mother. I had to.”

“I know, Luca,” she whispered. “I know.”

She pulled back, her eyes puffy and glassy. “I feel like I failed you. Like I failed as a mother. I can’t protect you from this.”

“Don’t say that.” I cupped her cheeks, wiping her tears. “There was nothing anyone could have done. Not even Father.”

She sniffed, took my hand, and pressed a kiss to it.

“You’re going to be okay… right?”