"Fate. A word meaning destiny. Fate. A word meaning doom." - Benton James Kessler

˖𓍢ִִ໋𓇼⋆

The skin around my eyes tightened, and my jaw twitched. Breathe. I forced my jaw to relax. "I am she."

Lord Alaric's head tilted to the side as he considered me. Often, I had been told that eyes were the windows to the soul, but his were more like locked gates. Iron bars that kept the world at a distance. They gave away nothing. He was a shadow among sunbeams. No warmth, sorrow, no secrets...only a hard, unyielding focus that made me feel as if he saw right through me while keeping his depths carefully concealed. It was as if he'd buried away his humanity beneath layers of stone, leaving only the cold gleam of steel.

"Welcome," my father said, and he rose to his feet. "Come sit. We have much to discuss."

His eyes pulled away from me, and I turned with him, feeling his gravity pull release me from its hold. I moved away from him, choosing to sit close to my father's right hand. Lord Alaric and his companions, guards with the same stony expression, took their seats on the opposite side of the table.

Lord Alaric rested his hands on the top of the table, chin ducked down as he considered us. "The Luminary of the Marbled Harbor, her Radiance Queen Deline of the Azure Coast, informed me that your princess requires protection. Yet I have heard she is engaged to a Jadhullian prince. Why is she not in Jadhull with him?"

"Prince Godfred,"— I interjected, shooting my father a glare— "is busy dealing with a war."

My father cleared his throat, placing a hand on the table. "It is not ideal for my daughter to be sent to a country that is currently unstable. We seek a neutral party to provide the princess a safe refuge until her wedding when our countries will be united. Is this something you can do or not?"

"It would depend on how this benefits my queen." Lord Alaric leaned back, fingers drumming on the tabletop. "To provide unquestionable safety for your daughter, there would need to be some form of compensation."

"Is it money you seek?" Father narrowed his eyes. "A deal can easily be arranged."

I scoffed. Money! Was I sheep to be bartered for?

"Not money." Lord Alaric lifted his chin, dark eyes glittering in the lamplight. "Sigyn has unique commodities that Zospery lacks. For example, spices, herbs, salt mines, and your precious desert silks."

Father's eyebrows lifted. "You seek a trade deal."

"We do."

Father's eyes narrowed in consideration, working his jaw back and forth. "What would Zospery offer in return?"

Alaric seemed to sense an opening and leaned forward. It was a predatory move, his fingers steepled together underneath his chin. "I am prepared to offer access to Zospery's dyes, sea glass, and oceanic treasures. Queen Deline is eager to form a trade alliance with you as she expands her reach. Sigyn offers unique aspects that other countries do not have."

"Father..." I shook my head, fixing him with a pointed look.

"What is it, my lady?" Lord Alaric asked, head tilting as he directed his attention to me. "Speak freely. Please."

Father glanced at me, eyebrows lifting in a quiet challenge. To question his decision in front of our guest was improper.

I turned to Lord Alaric, blocking out my father's presence. "Zospery is a prosperous, ever-growing powerhouse. It has trade alliances with multiple kingdoms. I fail to see what Sigyn could offer that could not be found in other, more prosperous kingdoms that are not trying to preserve the stock they have. Queen Deline is not known for her peace treaties, inciting war in trade for prized goods. A trade alliance with you goes against everything we stand for and could create a power imbalance. We are a desert kingdom, already lacking in resources."

"And what do you stand for, Princess Ilaria?" Lord Alaric pressed, and those steely eyes seemed to peel away my layers.

Lifting my chin, I met his gaze evenly. "Peace. Compassion. Progress and opportunities to those who haven't had those chances yet."

"Ilaria." The warning in Father's tone was hard to miss.

Lord Alaric hummed low in his throat, then drew himself to his full height. "How do you think one gains those idealistic things without ensuring your kingdom's safety? You have to fight for them."

My lip curled in disdain. "Oh, yes. I know exactly what you mean. I have heard the stories about Lord Alaric, the so-called Devil of the Spire. Destroy everything in your path, and leave no survivors. Kill first, ask questions later." I rose abruptly. The chair clattered to the floor. I turned to my father, eyes blazing. "Find someone else. I will not be going with him."

Father rose to his feet just as quickly, glaring down at me. "There are no other options, Ilara. You want what's best for your people? They need you alive, dear one." His gaze flickered past me, shushing me as I tried to sputter out a response. "Lord Alaric, you have a deal. Provide the papers that need to be signed to set things in motion, and they will be signed."

Lord Alaric nodded, then rose, and his companions silently followed him. They swept out of the room like a brewing storm.

"Captain Rook," he continued and turned to the door. "Gather three of your most trusted soldiers. You will accompany Princess Ilaria and her lady's maid to Zospery within the next day."

Rook saluted him, sharp and fast. "Yes, Your Highness."

"Father, please!" I begged, eyes wide.

He waved me off, stepping down from the raised dais. "Enough, Ilaria."

"Please!" I cried, grabbing hold of his arm. "I cannot go with him. He stands for everything I am against. Surely there is another way. Lock me in a tower, in the dungeon, anywhere but Zospery."

Father stopped. His gaze dropped to my hands on his arm. With a heavy sigh, he placed his hand over mine. "My dear, if there were another way, I would gladly pursue it. However, with your latest incident, I don't see any other path. I will inform your lady's maid to pack your bags. You will be leaving with Lord Alaric in the morning on a ship bound for Zospery."

Tears welled in my eyes. "Father, no..."

He pulled my hand off his arm, jaw set and eyes resolute. "I will be in contact with Prince Godfred. The sooner this marriage is underway, the sooner you will be safe."

He left me standing there in the empty chamber, tears rolling down my cheeks as I tried to come to terms with what was about to happen. Was there indeed no other path? Were my footsteps directed toward Zospery?

Hell opened its maw toward me, and I felt like Lord Alaric was escorting me into its depths.