Blades of Desire

Princess Abigail slowly rose from her bed, it was time to face the new day. She didn't want to get up yet, tired from the previous day's activities, but the sun seeping in through her curtains said otherwise. Her maids, Aria and Irene, were already in the room, ready to dress her up. She sighed, letting her maids gently pull the blankets away. She sat before the mirror as Aria began brushing her hair and Irene laid out the day's gown.

"Aria… Irene," Abigail started hesitantly, her voice soft. "Can I ask you something?"

The maids exchanged a glance before Aria smiled reassuringly. "Of course, Your Highness. You can ask us anything."

Abigail's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's about… marriage. What is it like to be with a man? To share your life with him?"

Aria paused mid-stroke of the brush, choosing her words carefully. "Well, Your Highness, it depends on the man and the bond you share. Marriage can be a partnership, where both of you grow together. But it also takes patience and understanding."

Abigail looked at Irene, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of worry. "Have you ever been in love?"

Irene nodded slowly her face flushed. "Yes, Princess." She answered shortly.

Abigail hesitated before continuing. "What if… what if you've met someone, but you're bound to marry another? Does the heart ever stop longing for that person?"

The maids grew silent for a moment. Finally, Irene knelt beside her. "Your Highness, the heart doesn't forget easily. But sometimes, we must choose duty over desire. With time, though, love can grow even where it wasn't planted before."

Abigail lowered her gaze, her thoughts drifting back to Elmont, where she had met him, kind, brave, and unlike anyone she had ever known. Her chest tightened. "But what if the person you're marrying never makes your heart race like that?"

Aria rested a comforting hand on Abigail's shoulder. "Marriage isn't just about racing hearts, Your Highness. It's also about loyalty, respect, and building something lasting. But if you truly love someone, that feeling doesn't fade so easily. It stays, even if you must bury it deep."

Abigail nodded slowly, their words both comforting and troubling. As Irene tied the sash around her gown, she whispered, "I just wish the heart weren't so complicated."

Both maids chuckled lightly, and Aria replied, "That's the mystery of life, Princess. No matter how much we know, the heart always finds a way to surprise us."

Abigail smiled faintly, though her thoughts remained heavy.

After they finished dressing her up, she decided to visit her brother. She hadn't seen him often since her return. With the many responsibilities that came with being Crown Prince, Rowan was always busy managing the kingdom's affairs. That was why Abigail chose this early morning to seek him out.

Ever since their father informed her of the agreement with Everia, which involved her marrying one of its princes, she hadn't been able to discuss it with Rowan. She knew he was the only one who would truly understand her feelings.

Her thoughts wandered to Elmont as she prepared for the visit. During her stay there, she had fallen deeply in love with their prince. It had started unexpectedly. She had been walking through the royal gardens one evening, enchanted by the soft glow of lanterns and the fragrance of blooming flowers. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the young man until he spoke.

"You look like you're searching for something," he had said, his voice warm and curious. Startled, she turned to see him, a tall, graceful figure with kind eyes and a gentle smile. He introduced himself as Prince Riven, and their conversation flowed effortlessly.

In the days that followed, they met often, sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments. Riven showed her the beauty of Elmont, from its vibrant markets to its serene riversides. He treated her not just as a princess but as a person, valuing her thoughts and dreams. Abigail's heart had been stolen before she even realized it.

The memory brought a bittersweet ache to her chest. She knew her father's deal with Everia meant she might never see Riven again, yet her feelings for him remained strong.

Her maids, noticing her distant expression, exchanged knowing glances but said nothing as they followed her to the Crown Prince's quarters. When they arrived, the room was empty except for a few guards standing at attention.

"Where is his Royal Highness?" Abigail asked politely, her tone tinged with urgency.

One of the guards stepped forward and bowed. "His Royal Highness is at the training grounds, Princess. He has been there since dawn."

Abigail nodded, thanking him before turning to her maids. "Let's go find him."

They made their way toward the training grounds, the sound of clashing swords and shouts growing louder with each step. As they approached, Abigail felt a mix of nervousness and determination. She needed to speak with Rowan, not just as her brother but as the one person who might help her navigate the storm brewing in her heart.

As she approached the training grounds, she spotted Rowan sparring with their younger sister. Avery had grown up with a passion for sword fighting. From a young age, she would watch Rowan practice, mesmerized by the dance of steel and the rush of adrenaline. Her dream was to become skilled enough to protect herself and those she loved.

Abigail watched as Rowan launched another mock attack. Avery, drenched in sweat and her hair falling loose from its braid, tried to dodge but stumbled, narrowly avoiding his blade for the fifth time. Rowan caught her by the arm, steadying her with a laugh. "You'll have to do better than that if you want to win next time, But don't worry, just keep practising and in no time, You'll get your chance to defeat me." he teased.

As he released her, his sharp eyes caught sight of Abigail approaching. He straightened, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "Abigail," he called out warmly, motioning for her to join them.

Avery glanced over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sister!" she exclaimed, though her tone lacked the same excitement. She was still reeling from her failure to dodge Rowan's last strike.

Abigail smiled, her heart lightening at the sight of her siblings together. Rowan's ease and Avery's determination were refreshing in contrast to the weighty concerns that had been consuming her mind. As she stepped closer, she resolved to share her thoughts with her siblings and perhaps, just for a moment, allow herself to feel like a sister rather than a princess bound by duty.