Chained by Love

Kael felt like his world was spinning out of control. Every time he tried to breathe, it felt like there was something blocking him. The decision was clear. At least, that's what everyone told him. Marry the Princess, secure the kingdom's future, and be the king everyone wanted him to be. But his heart didn't feel the same way. His heart wanted something else. It wanted Lila.

The night had passed in silence after their conversation. Kael couldn't sleep, couldn't think straight. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Lila's face, the tears in her eyes, her voice begging him to choose her. How could he choose between a promise to the kingdom and the love of his life?

He had spent his entire life training for this. The crown, the throne, it was all supposed to mean something, right? But now it felt like heavy weight on his shoulders. The crown wasn't just gold and jewels, it was responsibility. It was sacrifice. And in that moment, it felt like it was going to crush him.

The next morning, Kael was called to the royal hall. His father, the King, was waiting for him. The King's throne sat in front of him, the symbol of power and authority. But Kael wasn't sure he wanted it anymore.

"My son, it's time," the King said. His voice was calm. "The Princess and her family are waiting. You know what you must do."

Kael stood still, trying to push aside the thoughts of Lila. "Yes, Father," he said, even though the words felt hollow coming out of his mouth.

The King smiled slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You've been prepared for this your whole life. This is your moment. Don't let it slip away."

But as Kael walked toward the throne room, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking toward something he wasn't ready for. He had always known what was expected of him. He had always known that someday, he would have to make this choice. But now, the choice didn't feel like something he could live with.

He reached the hall, and there stood Princess Elara. She looked regal as always, with a gentle smile on her face. Her family stood beside her, proud and eager. They all looked at Kael with expectant eyes.

He knew what they saw: the future. A king who would marry the Princess, bringing peace to the kingdom and continuing the royal bloodline. They didn't see him as a person. They saw him as the symbol of power, the man who would lead them all.

Kael stood in front of them, but his mind was far from the ceremony. His thoughts were miles away, on Lila. He remembered the way she had looked at him last night, the way she had pleaded with him. He couldn't get her out of his mind. He wanted to run back to her, to take her hand and promise her that everything would be okay. But he couldn't.

The Princess took a step forward, her voice gentle. "Kael," she said, "I know this isn't easy. But we will do this together. For the kingdom. For the people."

Her words were meant to comfort him, but they only made him feel more trapped. His whole life had been about duty, about doing what was best for the kingdom. But now, he wasn't sure he even knew what that was.

Kael cleared his throat, trying to steady his nerves. "I agree," he said, his voice steady but his heart racing. "We will do this for the kingdom."

But even as the words left his mouth, Kael felt like he was lying. He wasn't doing this for the kingdom. He was doing it because he had no other choice.

The ceremony continued, but Kael barely heard the words being spoken. It all felt like a blur. The ring. The vows. The cheers from the crowd. All of it was happening, but Kael wasn't fully there. He was somewhere else, thinking about Lila, and what he had just done.

After the ceremony, Kael walked to the balcony, his mind still in a fog. The crowds were cheering below, but all he could think about was Lila. Her face. Her eyes. The way she had begged him to choose her. And he had let her go.

As the cheers from the crowd echoed in his ears, Kael finally realized the truth, he had made a choice, but it wasn't the one he had wanted. He had chosen duty, chosen the kingdom, and now there was no turning back.

But deep down, Kael knew that he would never forget Lila. She had been his heart. And no matter how much he tried to bury it, that love would always remain.

The weight of the crown had never felt heavier.