Hearts Choice: A Kingdom Divided

Princess Zephyrine

       Once upon a time, the kingdom of silence was a mysterious and enigmatic kingdom known for its quietness and tranquility. Just arriving there is muted. You can't even hear the sounds of the birds chirping, nothing but silence in the air.

In this silent kingdom was a castle called the silent haven. The first light of dawn filtered through the ornate curtain of Princess Zephyrine's chambers, gently awaking here from the embrace of sleep. She softly sighs and blinks away the wonders of her beautiful dreams, sitting up, stretching her limbs in the warmth of the morning sun.

As her senses gradually awakened, Zephyrine's thoughts turned to the day ahead, another day-to-day life once again. She has challenges and responsibilities to attend to as well as familiar rituals that marked the rhythm of her life in the Kingdom of Silence. With a determined resolve, Zephyrine rose from her bed and made her way to the dressing chamber, where her loyal waitress, Layla, awaited her arrival.

"Good morning, Your Highness,". Layla greeted her with a warm smile as she entered the room. "Shall we begin?"

Zephyrine returned the smile grateful for Layla's steady presence and unwavering support. "Yes, you shall begin please."  She replied, taking a seat before the vanity mirror. With practiced and skilled hands, Layla was focused on her work, carefully selecting a gown of soft, flowing fabric in shades of azure and silver. As she helped the princess into the dress, she hummed a soft tune, her movements gentle and sure.

"Thank you, Layla. I'm grateful to have you here by my side," Zephyrine said, admiring her reflection in the mirror. "You always know just what to choose."

"It's my pleasure, Your Highness," Layla replied with a smile, stepping back to admire her hard work.

Now that the Zephyrine dress was in place it was time for hair and makeup. Layla worked her magic once more and it was beautiful. Her long hair came down her back and the touches of makeup enhanced her natural beauty.

As she admired her reflection once more, Zephyrine couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within her. Today held a promise of a new beginning as everything around her would be a bit different now. With a final need of approval, Zephyrine rose from her seat and made her way to the door, where Avronth, her loyal guard, awaited her arrival.

He was tall and muscular with hazel brown hair and green and brown eyes. Those eyes were different from others and he may have been the only one Zephyrine knew with those types of eyes as he has Heterochromia... 

"Good morning, Princess,"  Avronth greeted her with a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You look positively radiant today."

Zephyrine felt a blush rise to her cheeks at his compliment, grateful for his easy camaraderie and playful banter. Though those types of words he wouldn't use if he and Zephyrine were in a room alone together. "Thank you, Avronth," she replied, returning his smile as they began the journey to the dining hall together.

As they walked, Avronth continued to regale her with tales of his adventures and exploits, his words a welcome distraction from the weight of her responsibilities that is to come. With each step, Zephyrine felt her spirits lifted by the warmth of Avronth's presence by her side.

Finally, they arrived at the dining hall, where the aroma of freshly prepared food greeted them. Zephyrine parents, Queen Zephyra and King Azizi were already seated at the head of the table, their faces lightened up with joy as they caught their daughter.

"Good morning, Mother, and Father," Zephyrine greeted them with a smile, approaching the table with pulling the chair out for her before heading to the corner until he was needed. "I hope you slept well."

The Queen and King returned her a smile. "Good morning, my dear," Queen Zephyra said, her voice filled with warmth. "We slept wonderfully."

King Azizi nodded in agreement, "Indeed, and we are blessed to call you our daughter Zephyrine." They smiled and ate a delicious breakfast. Mother spoke "Dear, this is the year you finally find a husband."

"I'm sorry, excuse me?" Zephyrine questioned. "You heard your mother correctly, Zephyrine. You've been holding out on marriage and now it's finally time for you to be married." King Azizi said, with  a calm mature look.

"Father, I'm not getting married. Have you ever thought that I may have feelings for someone else?" Zephyrine claimed while looking at Avronth from the corner of her eye.

"I see, while I understand there is no rule that you cannot marry anyone outside of royalty, it's only natural that you were to marry a prince, not a royal guard of this castle."

"Unbelievable. Do you two not care about my feelings? Would you allow me to marry a man I have no feelings for?" Zephyrine stood from her chair and gave her parents a painful look.

"Dear if you have a problem with me and your father's decision, please go speak with the court. The court may say differently from us but you need to marry or else you will destroy this kingdom." Queen Zephyra said, and Zephyrine excused herself. As Zephyrine emotions simmered beneath her calm exterior, Avronth followed her discreetly, his presence a reassuring anchor in the storm of conflicting feelings. They veered in the dining hall, heading towards the east wing where Zephyrine daily duties awaited her.
        
            In the hushed corridors of Silent Haven Castle, Avronth spoke, "Princess," he began, his gaze gentle yet earnest, "I understand how difficult this must be for you. But you know that your parents only want what they believe is best for the kingdom."

Zephyrine turned to face him, her eyes betraying the frustration and uncertainty that plagued her. "Avronth, it's not just about the kingdom," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I can't imagine marrying someone I don't love, someone I don't choose for myself."

Avronth reached out, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder, a silent gesture of support. "You have a kind heart, Princess," he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "I know the weight of duty processes heavily upon you, but remember that your happiness matters too."  Zephyrine's breath caught at his words, her heart skipping a beat just like when she had first fallen for him. "Avronth," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the hushed tones of the palace corridors, "what if I can't comply with their wishes? What if..."

Before she could finish, Avronth closed the distance between them, his gaze locking with hers in wordless plea. Without hesitation, he gently cupped her face in his hands, his touch tender yet deliberate. "Princess," Avronth murmured, his voice a low murmur, "whatever happens, I will stand by you. You are not alone in this."

A fleeting silence hung between them, the weight of unspoken emotions crackling in the air. Then, with a soft sigh, Zephyrine leaned into his touch, her eyes searching for solace. In this moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the echo of their shared understanding. For Zephyrine, Avronth steadfast presence offered a glimmer of hope but their moment of connection was interrupted by the distant echo of footsteps, signaling the approach of others. Avronth withdrew, his gaze lingering on Zephyrine's face for a fleeting moment before stepping back.

"We should continue with your duties, Princess," Avronth said gently, his voice a mere whisper. "Let's attend to what's important."

Zephyrine nodded her expression with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. "Thank you, Avronth," she said and together they walked towards the east wing where Zephyrine royal duties awaited her.

Avronth stood there silently watching her every move.

He couldn't help but wonder how he felt about her. 

He wanted her.

He needed her.

And most of all he wanted to marry her. He wanted her to be all his and only his but who would have thought their love for each other would grow strong?