୨ 𝑫 A R R I A N J I M E N E Z

LANA, YOUR, mother and the queen, carefully adjusted your hair, her delicate fingers weaving through the strands to perfect the updo. The soft hum of the palace echoed around the two of you as she worked in silence. You could feel her gaze, sharp yet loving, as she took a step back to admire her work. “You’re going to look stunning, my dear,” she said softly, her voice warm but filled with the weight of expectation. “Remember, this is a new chapter in your life.” Her words hung in the air, a reminder of the arranged marriage awaiting you.

"This isn’t what I want, mother.." The words slipped out before you could stop them, your voice barely above a whisper, but the weight of them hung in the air. You glanced at your reflection, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I don’t want this… this marriage,” You continued, your tone quieter now, a mix of defiance and confusion. “I’m too young, and I don’t even know him.” Your mother’s hands paused for a moment, the tension thick in the room. She turned to you, her expression soft but resolute. “I understand, my dear. The prince is seventeen and you don’t see him complaining. This is for the good of our families. You’ll learn to see it differently.” She nodded.

╰ 10m later

As you stepped out into the grand hall, the soft swish of your dress brushing against the floor echoed in the silence. The chandeliers above sparkled, casting a soft glow over the sea of guests, their faces a blur of opulence and polite conversation. Your heart raced, the weight of the evening pressing down on you. The grand doors opened before you, revealing the ballroom full of people, the hum of their voices blending with the soft music playing in the background. You moved slowly, eyes scanning the room. Lana’s voice echoed in your mind. This is your duty now. And yet, your gaze lingered on the figure across the room—Prince Darrian, standing tall with a calm but calculating expression on his face.

@ 𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘𝐘