Rose walked through the grand halls, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the silence. The air seemed heavy with expectation, and every glance she caught from the servants, guards, and courtiers around her felt like a reminder that her life had changed in ways she could barely understand.
Kyle walked beside her, his presence a comfort, though she could sense the subtle distance between them, as if he were careful not to tread too closely. He had been her protector in her past life, but something in his eyes today felt different. He had always been there, but now she felt as if she were standing at the edge of an abyss, and he was the only thing keeping her from falling in.
The heavy doors to the throne room loomed before them, guarded by two imposing knights. They opened without a sound as they approached, revealing the regal scene inside. At the far end of the room, a throne carved from marble and inlaid with gold stood, framed by two massive windows overlooking the kingdom. The sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the polished floors.
Seated on the throne was King Alexander, his posture straight, his face stern. Beside him, Queen Mariam looked every bit the epitome of grace — her golden hair flowing down her back like a river of sunlight, her eyes warm but calculating. It was clear that they were not merely her parents by birth, but rulers who had their own expectations for their only daughter.
As Rose stepped forward, her heart pounded, each beat echoing in her chest. This is my life now, she thought, the weight of her unknown destiny pressing down on her.
"Princess Rose," the King's voice was deep, commanding, but there was a softness there — an unspoken recognition of her return. "Welcome."
Rose bowed, a mixture of reverence and uncertainty flooding her movements. She had been taught to bow to those in power, but now the position felt foreign to her.
"Father… Mother…" she whispered, struggling to find the words that seemed so natural to her once, in another life, and yet so distant now.
Queen Mariam smiled, her gaze soft but scrutinizing. "You've rested long enough, my dear. It is time you take your place. The Kingdom needs you. There is much to do."
Rose nodded slowly, still unable to process the full weight of the words. She was no longer just a girl with a simple life. She was a princess — one with responsibilities and expectations that she didn't yet understand.
"And what is it that you need from me?" Rose finally found her voice, her words steady, though her mind was still reeling.
"The people are restless," King Alexander replied, his gaze hardening. "There is talk of rebellion in the southern provinces. We need a figurehead, someone who can unite the kingdom under a strong banner. That someone is you, Rose."
Her stomach tightened at his words. A figurehead? A symbol of hope? Or a pawn to control? She couldn't tell. Her eyes flicked to Prince Christopher, who stood near the edge of the room, his posture straight and unwavering. There was something unsettling in the way he watched her — not with warmth, but with a quiet intensity, as though studying her every movement.
"The time has come for you to lead, Princess," he said, his voice cold but not unkind. "This kingdom's future depends on you."
Rose swallowed hard, trying to steady her racing heart. How? How could she possibly lead a kingdom when she didn't even understand the rules of this life, or the politics that swirled around her?
"But…" she started, her voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know anything about ruling. I don't know what's expected of me."
"You will learn," Queen Mariam interjected smoothly, her smile never faltering. "And you will have time. But first, we must prepare you. There are celebrations tonight, a gathering of nobles and diplomats. You will make your appearance. You will show them that you are ready."
Rose's mind raced. Celebrations? Diplomats? She had no idea what was involved, but she couldn't back away now. She was already in too deep, and she could feel the pressure mounting with every passing second.
Prince Christopher stepped forward, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip. "You are not alone in this, Princess. I will be by your side, guiding you through the politics of court. There is much you must learn, but you have time. And we will help you."
His words were meant to reassure her, but all they did was create a knot of uncertainty in her stomach. The prince's presence, though protective, was somehow suffocating. She didn't know what his true intentions were, but something told her that he wasn't simply here out of duty. His gaze lingered on her, an unreadable expression in his eyes.
Rose could feel her pulse quicken. This was her life now — a life she didn't understand, with people who were just as mysterious as her new reality.
Before she could respond, the doors to the throne room opened once again, and a courtier hurried in with a message.
"My liege," the man said, bowing deeply. "The Southern Council has sent word. They demand the princess's presence at the feast tonight. They seek her blessing for the upcoming negotiations."
Rose's eyes widened. The Southern Council? They wanted her? It was too much — too sudden. She barely had a grasp on who she was, let alone what kind of power she wielded.
"We will prepare you, Princess," Queen Mariam said, rising from her throne. "Tonight, you will stand before them. It is your time to shine."
With those words, Rose knew there was no turning back.