Chapter 40: Tethered Chains
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Only the soft clinking of dinnerware echoed faintly, bouncing off the cold marble walls of the grand dining hall. Yet to me, it sounded deafening—every scrape of metal against porcelain was like a scream inside my mind.
Everyone around the table seemed completely focused on their food, their eyes fixed downward, pretending not to notice what had just happened. As if they hadn't just announced my life would be handed over like a pawn in a political game.
My heart wouldn't stop pounding. My fingers trembled against the edge of my plate, and my thoughts ran like a wildfire—too fast, too loud. I couldn't think straight.
This has to be some sick joke.
There is no way I'm marrying that man.
That prince who drives me absolutely insane.
The thought of being chained to someone like him for the rest of my life—it made my stomach twist.
This isn't fair. How dare they?
I tried to compose myself, raising my eyes slowly and carefully. Everyone else looked completely unbothered. As if my future wasn't just tossed into the flames for their amusement.
Then my gaze locked with him—the Icy Elder.
His expression remained unreadable, his pale eyes colder than snow.
I quickly looked away, feeling exposed beneath his stare.
Without another word, I pushed my chair back and stood. The motion was sharp and sudden, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Conversations paused, forks hovered mid-air.
"Ahh… I just need some fresh air. I'll be back," I said quickly, forcing a smile as I stepped back and began walking away.
"Ravena..."
I paused. My name hung softly in the air.
Turning my head slightly, I saw the queen smiling—calm, polished, as if she hadn't just ruined my life.
"Don't be late, okay?" she said sweetly, her eyes sharp beneath the kindness.
I gave her a tight smile, doing my best to hide the disgust boiling inside me, then hurried out of the hall.
My gown was far too tight, the fabric clinging in all the wrong places as I tried to breathe. I grabbed the sides and half-ran toward the garden—my escape, my sanctuary.
I didn't know why, but I always felt peace when I was there. The garden didn't judge me. It didn't demand anything from me. It just… existed.
As I stepped into the open, a breeze greeted me like a friend, brushing my skin and playing with the strands of my hair. The scent of night blossoms lingered in the air. The moonlight glistened over the silver-leafed trees, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel small beneath the stars.
I walked deeper into the garden, trying to make sense of it all.
They can't do this to me.
They can't just… announce something like that in front of everyone. No warning. No choice.
I sat down on a smooth stone bench near the lilies, staring down at the grass. My thoughts turned to him—Damier.
Why did he just leave?
Did he know this was going to happen?
Or… maybe he was just as surprised as I was.
Maybe he didn't want this either.
Maybe… he didn't want to be forced into it any more than I did.
Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts.
"My princess..."
I looked up to see a palace guard walking toward me.
"The queen is requesting your presence again."
I sighed deeply. That woman was seriously getting on my nerves.
Still, I stood without argument and followed the guard back.
When I entered the dining room again, I noticed the two high elders had already left. Only the Icy Elder remained—still seated, still silent. His presence chilled the room even more than before.
I sat down, glancing around.
Where is Damier?
I scanned the room. He was gone.
Why do I even care if he's here?
I bit the inside of my cheek, frustrated with my own thoughts.
The king, seated at the head of the table, cleared his throat and spoke in a firm voice.
"The marriage ceremony will be hosted soon."
His words landed like thunder.
I looked down at my untouched plate, my appetite long gone.
The king stood up, followed immediately by the Icy Elder. They left the hall without another word. Something about that man made my skin crawl—not from fear, but from confusion. He was beautiful in a way that felt unnatural. Ethereal. His entire presence was cloaked in cold mystery.
Where Damier burned like fire, this man… this elder… felt like deathly frost. Opposites, yet both dangerous in their own way.
Just then, Seraphina approached my seat.
I didn't even look at her.
"I'll be leaving now," I muttered, cutting off whatever she intended to say.
Not waiting for permission, I stood and walked out. My steps were quiet but filled with unspoken fury.
Back in my room, I shut the door behind me and leaned against it. My body felt heavy, like I was carrying the weight of every decision they were making for me.
I looked around at the elegant furniture, the delicate curtains, the gowns lined neatly in the wardrobe.
A beautiful cage.
I slid down against the door, sitting on the floor, arms wrapped around my knees.
I felt powerless. Helpless. Like I was screaming underwater and no one could hear me.
Tears stung my eyes, but I didn't let them fall.
No.
I won't cry.
I won't break.
Not yet.