The hallways stretched endlessly before mera, cold stone beneath her bare feet sending shivers up her spine. Lerius 's grip on her hand was firm but distant, his expression unreadable as they walked side by side in silence. She glanced up at him, trying to gauge his mood, but his golden eyes gave nothing away. The only sound was the rhythmic tap of his boots against the floor, echoing in the still air.
Torches lined the walls, their flickering flames casting long, twisting shadows that seemed to shift and watch. Guards lined the corridors, their faces void of emotion as they bowed briefly to the king but offered mera nothing but cold indifference. She could feel the judgment in their stares, as if she were already guilty of something unknown.
Lerius pushed open the heavy doors to the king's quarters, revealing a spacious chamber bathed in moonlight. "Your chambers are through there," he said, motioning toward a smaller door at the back of the room. His tone was clipped, offering no warmth.
Mera stepped inside cautiously, the air thick with unspoken tension. "Is this how it will be, then?" she asked, her voice low but steady. Lerius 's gaze met hers, sharp as a blade. "What were you expecting?"
She swallowed the lump in her throat, offering no response. His silence was answer enough.
The next morning, Mera woke to the faint sound of footsteps outside her door. Sunlight filtered through narrow windows, casting pale light across the grand room, though it did little to ease the chill in her heart. Servants entered quietly, setting breakfast on the table and bowing as they left without a word. Their silence weighed on her like chains.
She dressed in layers of silk and lace, garments that felt foreign and restrictive. The silver embroidery caught the morning light, glimmering as if mocking her. No matter how regal the attire, she felt like a prisoner in disguise. When she stepped out of her chambers, she was greeted not with welcome but with stares—cold, assessing, and laced with disdain.
The great hall buzzed with murmured conversations as nobles gathered for court business. Mera stood at the threshold, hesitating before stepping inside. Every glance felt like a dagger at her back. She kept her gaze low, avoiding the smirks and sneers that followed her. The words *substitute bride* hung unspoken in the air, heavy with malice.
Lerius sat on the throne, surrounded by his council, his expression unreadable as ever. He spared Mera only a brief glance before turning back to his advisors. She lingered at the edge of the gathering, her presence tolerated but not welcomed. The ache in her chest grew heavier as the minutes dragged on.
Later that day, a servant delivered a summons. Lerius wanted to see her in his study. Mera hesitated at the door before stepping inside, the air thick with the scent of parchment and ink. Books lined the walls, ancient texts and scrolls stacked haphazardly. Lerius stood at the window, his back to her, staring out at the dark forest beyond the castle.
"You summoned me," she said, keeping her voice steady.
He turned slowly, his golden eyes locking onto hers. "You've made an impression today."
"Is that what you call it?" she replied bitterly. "An impression?"
Lerius tilted his head, studying her with an expression she couldn't quite place. "You will need to learn quickly, mera. This court is not kind to weakness."
"And you expect me to play along?" she asked, crossing her arms.
He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I expect you to survive." His voice was low, edged with something she couldn't decipher. "And I expect you to do it without complaint."
That night, unable to sleep, Mera wandered through the castle's vast library. The room was dim, the scent of old books and wax candles wrapping around her like a familiar comfort. She trailed her fingers along the spines of the books, her mind restless and heavy with unspoken thoughts.
A shadow shifted in the corner of the room, and her heart leapt into her throat. "mera," a voice whispered from the darkness.
Dian stepped into the light, his emerald eyes flickering with something between regret and desperation. "I needed to see you."
"You shouldn't be here," she whispered, her pulse racing. "If they find you
"I know the risk," he interrupted, stepping closer. "But I couldn't stay away."
Mera's breath hitched as he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. The touch was fleeting but sent a jolt through her, stirring emotions she'd fought to bury. "Why now, Dian ?" she demanded, her voice cracking. "Why come now, when it's already too late?"
He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. But before he could answer, the sound of footsteps echoed from the corridor. Mera pulled her hand back, panic rising in her chest. "You have to go," she hissed, glancing toward the door.
Dian gave her a lingering look before slipping into the shadows once more, disappearing as quickly as he had come, mera barely having time to steady her breath before a sharp knock sounded at her door. A guard stood on the other side, his expression unreadable. "The king has summoned you."
Her heart pounded as she followed the guard down a series of narrow corridors, deeper into the castle than she had ever ventured before. The walls here were damp, the air thick with the scent of moss and stone. Torches flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows along the walls.
At the end of the hall, Lerius waited, his gaze cold and unwavering. He gestured for her to enter a small chamber where a council member knelt on the floor, trembling. Blood stained the stone beneath him, the scent sharp and metallic in the confined space.
"This," Lerius said quietly, "is what happens to those who defy me." Mera's stomach twisted as she looked down at the defeated man. The message was clear—Lerius 's rule was absolute, and she was expected to fall in line.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she met the king's gaze, realization settling over her like a heavy cloak. There would be no escape from this life—not without a price.