un to rise over the kingdom. Leo's chest constricted with

th the fear of what lay ahead. Her mothers abrup

as she called through the door ,"Leo.... Ma

. She wanted to decline and flee from the choices being made for her but she was

t of the mirror. The weight of tradition and expect

only see the image of a princess with no authority over her own life. This is

tered through the open door. Her face was a mask of

desperation in them as if this were the last frail thread that could save them

tion but to get married, the sole means of def

to Charles? The same Charles who is only interested in the throne and oil w

sires. It has to do with what is required. Everything will be stabilized by this union. Yo

rd. "The best he can

ough I am aware that this is difficult, this is the cour

his kind of strength is not what I want.I don't want

faint barely audible knock outside the door. Leo

barely audible voice. "Keep in mind that this is

o nodded. Her mother left Leo alone with her fear after giv

s followed by a low murmur of voices in the hallway. C

d with a charming smil

Charles had a sharply defined jaw and eyes that sparkled with shrewd charm. His

anor seemed effortless. However Leo sensed the manipulation

She answered icily Charles sounding a bit more composed than she actually fel

e could see the calculation in his eyes but his voice was smooth and almost loving as he approached her. "I'm

Leo's lips curled into a tight smile.

-assurance. "Princess, you're not understanding. I'm only interested in what's bes

You're exploiting both my mothers desperation and myself. The goal of this ma

verwhelming as he moved closer. "You will learn to trust me but you don't have to love me. I

r chest. Her father had planned for her to look like this. Her mother had p

he stated," I don't need your powe

e without help? Do you really believe that you can defend everything by yourself? Your father, the throne,

s touch. "That's not for you to decide. Charle

d you." As the weight of his words settled between them he spoke in a low, nearly growling voice

he harsh directive her father had given her was still fr

we'll have the kingdom tomorro

nore the mounting panic. "You're mistake

's mother entered the room with a determined yet pale face."

She was caught. There was nothing to run away from, nothing to escape. But she n

er suffering, Leo understood that she had to carry

t his hand. "Leo come. Let's put things

t as she swallowed. "I'm not

firm but gentle. "You

ke an iron shackle enclosing her soul. There was

orn into. Charles's hold on her arm became more firm but Leo did not f

orced to follow Charles as he led her out of

will be diffe