In Eldrida City
Sofia's eyes sparkled with a soft curiosity as she leaned toward Cable. "When exactly did you fall for me?"
Cable's gaze drifted into the past, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "It was the very first moment I saw you in the garden, amidst the roses. You wore that pale yellow dress, and your hair looked like honeyed silk under the sun. You were humming a soft melody—a lullaby, perhaps—and in that instant, I fell deeply, irretrievably in love with you."
Sofia whispered, "Why did you never reveal your feelings until now?"
Cable looked down, his vulnerability showing. "I feared that by speaking the truth, I might lose the chance to even be near you." Sofia reached out, her heart swelling, and gently touched his cheek.
In Calorina City
The contrast was heartbreaking. In a dim, hidden alleyway, Arya's voice trembled as she held Ethan's hands. "Ethan, my father knows. He is furious."
Ethan's face went pale. "I'll speak to him, Arya. I'll explain my devotion." But the Duke's resolve was swifter and crueler than they imagined.
The next morning, Duke Breloff summoned Arya to his study. His voice was icy, devoid of any fatherly warmth. "You defied me, Arya. Therefore, Ethan is gone. I have sent him to the war front in the north."
Arya's breath hitched. "Father, no..."
"Listen well," the Duke continued, his eyes narrowing menacingly. "If you attempt to contact him, or if you refuse to move on... my men will receive orders to ensure he is killed in battle. His life depends entirely on your obedience."
With her heart shattered into a million pieces, Arya accepted the cruel ultimatum to save the man she loved. "I understand, Father. I will be the daughter you want me to be." She locked herself in her room, her silent screams echoing in the void of her lost love.
In the Royal Infirmary of Eldrida
Suddenly, a spark of hope ignited in the palace. The Royal Healer gasped as King Julian's fingers twitched. "His Majesty is awakening!"
Queen Ava and the children rushed to his bedside. Julian's eyelids fluttered, and a strained, rasping whisper escaped his lips: "The forest... beware..."
A collective breath was held in the room. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the nightmare was over and the truth was about to be revealed. But then, as quickly as the light had appeared, it faded. Julian's head fell back, and he slipped back into the heavy, dark shroud of unconsciousness. The hope was gone, leaving behind only more questions.
Emily had sent a message to Cable to meet her at midnight, intending to surprise him with the news that she and Victoria had accepted his relationship.
However, Cable, burdened by the King's condition and the weight of the crown, failed to show up.
The next day, as Emily and Sofia sat together, Emily asked with a knowing smile, "Sofia, when did you fall for my brother?"
A soft glow entered Sofia's eyes as she recalled the moment, mirroring Cable's own confession. "It was the very first moment, Princess. When I saw him in the grand hall—there was a depth in his navy blue eyes that I had never seen before. He didn't just look like a Prince; he looked like a sanctuary. In that instant, I knew my heart was no longer mine to keep."
Shortly after, Prince Rayan approached them, expressing a desire to explore the city. Bound by her duties as a butler and the laws of hospitality, Sofia agreed to show him around.
The evening air was filled with the scent of spices and the hum of the market. Prince Rayan pointed out the intricate stone carvings on the ancient City Bridge, sharing stories of the kingdom's past. Sofia smiled politely, though her mind frequently drifted back to Cable's warm embrace. In the market, Rayan purchased a delicate silver necklace with a tiny crystal pendant and gifted it to Sofia.
On the Other Side
Prince Cable rode his majestic black stallion, Galenor, near Lake Calantha. His gaze wandered casually over the rolling hills until it froze upon Sofia.
She was walking beside Prince Rayan, laughing at something he said. Cable's reins tightened instinctively as he slowed his horse to a discreet distance.
His heart quickened with a mixture of longing and mounting jealousy as he watched Rayan's charming smiles directed at her. Then, Rayan turned to her and asked, "Would you do me the honor of riding with me?"
Sofia accepted his hand and climbed up, sitting gracefully behind him. Cable's jaw clenched. He guided Galenor closer, hidden by the trees, just in time to see Rayan lean back and whisper something in Sofia's ear. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she replied, "I'd love to!"
Cable's heart sank. A cold wave of insecurity washed over him as he wondered what they were discussing—and if he was losing the woman he loved to the Prince of Valtoria.
Cable waited with bated breath in the shadows of the garden until he saw Sofia walking alone toward the marble fountain. He stepped out to meet her, his pace urgent and his voice laced with a raw edge.
"Sofia, we need to speak about Prince Rayan."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat, sensing the storm within him. "What about him, Cable?"
His eyes locked onto hers, burning with an intense light. "He wants you, Sofia. I saw him give you that silver necklace. For me... please, stay away from him."
A playful spark lit up Sofia's eyes. "Are you jealous, my Prince?"
Cable didn't deny it. A flash of vulnerability crossed his face as he stepped into her personal space, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Beyond jealous. The mere thought of him standing so close to you... it drives me mad."
Sofia reached out, her fingers grazing his jawline. "I'd rather drive you crazy with my kisses than let Prince Rayan near me," she whispered. "We are just friends, nothing more."
Relief washed over Cable like a tidal wave. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle, possessive kiss that seemed to melt away all his insecurities.
"You've just saved me from a night of unbearable torment," he murmured against her skin.
"And how will you spend this jealousy-free evening?" she teased.
"With you," he replied instantly. "In the library. A game of chess, perhaps? Just... be with me."
The library was bathed in the warm, golden glow of candlelight. As they sat across from the chessboard, the game became secondary to their conversation.
Cable leaned forward, his eyes searching hers. "Sofia, do you think Rayan seeks more than just a trade alliance with my family?"
Sofia pondered for a moment before moving a pawn. "Honestly, I think he seeks something far more personal than a treaty..."
Cable's gaze sharpened. "You mean you?"
Sofia offered a serene smile. "I don't think so. But it matters little what he seeks, for my heart belongs to someone else entirely."
Cable's face transformed with pure delight, the victory on the board forgotten in the wake of her confession.