The wedding day was approaching quickly, and the palace felt stricter than ever. All the decorations, all the gold, all the cold walls could not hide Noha's suffocating feelings. For days, she had been forbidden from leaving, prevented from sneaking into the streets, and all she could do was watch from her small window—the city, the bakery, the life she had missed.
It had been many days since her last encounter with Arion. She felt alone, a deep sadness weighing on her heart, as if a part of her soul was beginning to wither. She waited, recalling every laugh, every word, every moment of simple happiness she had shared with him, whispering to herself: "Where are you? Why haven't you come?"
Suddenly, strong footsteps echoed through the corridor, steps unlike those of the servants. Noha shivered, frozen for a moment, until Arion appeared, his face full of concern and urgency, his golden eyes glowing with a mixture of anger and tenderness.
"Noha! Where have you been? I've been trying to find you for days!" he said, his voice deep and trembling with worry.
Noha could hardly believe her eyes. A strange warmth flooded her chest, and she ran to him, embracing him before she could speak. "Arion… I've missed you so much!" Tears sparkled on her cheeks.
Arion smiled gently. "I couldn't wait any longer… I knew you were forbidden from leaving, and I knew you were sad. I couldn't bear the thought of your days passing like this without seeing you."
Before Noha could reply, a cold, harsh voice sounded behind them. Sky stood at the door, his white hair gleaming, and his red eyes full of fury. "Arion…" he said slowly, every word like a blade, "I didn't expect you to show up here today, on my wedding day."
Arion lifted his chin, standing his ground. "Sky… I'm here to see Noha. That's all. I no longer care what you think."
Sky stepped closer, his anger radiating from every movement. "You are interfering in matters that don't concern you. Do you understand the consequences?"
Noha felt a pang of fear, but she didn't back down. She looked at Arion and said in a steady voice, "Arion… today is not just about duty. Today concerns my heart too. My heart has chosen you."
Arion smiled at her and took her hand firmly. "I will stay with you, no matter the risks… today, now, and forever. My heart has chosen you too."
Sky laughed sarcastically, then said coldly, "I suppose neither of you understands the power of duty yet."
Arion took a step forward, confronting him with his gaze. "Sometimes the heart is stronger than duty, Sky. And today, you will learn that Noha belongs to no one but herself."
Sky paused, his eyes burning with fury and surprise, but he realized something: Noha's rebellion was no longer simple, and her love for Arion had begun to prove that he would not be able to control her anymore.
Then Sky's voice dropped, sharp and dangerous: "Very well… Arion. If you want her, then I challenge you. A duel—for her. At sunset, in the courtyard. May the winner take what he desires."
Noha's breath caught in her throat. Arion's eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed with determination. Both knew that the challenge wasn't just about skill—it was about heart, courage, and the freedom to choose love.
In that moment, Noha felt a freedom she hadn't known in a long time. With every glance from Arion and every small touch, she realized her heart had chosen the path that would lead her to love and freedom, no matter how great the challenges ahead.