Daelyn

  It was sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. A breeze cooled the heat just enough to make it one of those rare, perfect summer days meant to be spent outside, barefoot in the grass, or tucked into a shaded bench with a book.

  And yet, Daelyn sat inside, staring at the closed doors to the King's office, willing them to open. She was convinced the meeting was about her birthday. Her eighteenth was just weeks away, and that usually meant one thing: arrangements.

  Lucas and his advisors had been behind those doors for over an hour. That wasn't unusual, but something about the quiet tension in the air was. There had been whispers of meetings with other kingdoms and closed door strategy sessions. And for once, Daelyn hadn't been included in any of it.

  "May I get you anything, Miss Daelyn?" Alberta, her lady-in-waiting, appeared beside her so quietly that Daelyn jumped, knocking her hip into the small table beside her.

  "I'm fine," she said quickly, waving her away while steadying the furniture.

  Alberta curtsied and retreated.

  Daelyn took the hint and moved down the corridor, farther from the door. The east wing was mostly quiet this time of day just the library, the ballroom, and the long dining hall basking in early afternoon light.

  She made her way to the library, hoping the calm might settle her nerves. The polished wood floor creaked beneath her slippers, a familiar sound that had always brought her comfort.

  The scent of flowers drifted through the open windows. Lilacs, most likely. It reminded her of childhood when she'd spend hours curled up with a book or running barefoot through the garden, unburdened by titles or timelines or marriage expectations.

  She paused at the bay window, her favorite place in the palace. Sunlight shined across the floor, warming her bare arms. Part of her wanted to climb onto the windowsill and forget everything else.

  Why wouldn't Lucas tell her what was going on?

  It wasn't like him to shut her out. For most of her life, he'd been her protector, her confidant. And now, just when everything was starting to shift, she felt more alone than ever.

  The sound of voices snapped her attention back. Footsteps echoed through the hall. Farewells were being exchanged. Engines rumbled to life outside the palace.

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  A few seconds later, Lucas stepped into the library. His sleeves were rolled up, his tie loosened, and exhaustion was evident on his face.

  "Sorry," he said, settling onto the couch beside her. "I know you had to eat lunch alone. It went later than planned."

  Daelyn studied him. The silver at his temples had deepened. Being king suited him, but it also wore him down.

  "You know I'm capable of eating a meal by myself," she replied with a faint smirk. "But thanks for the apology."

  He smiled. "I hate leaving you alone so much. Soon enough, you'll have your own home, and your own family. I won't get to see you nearly as often."

  There it was again the future. That looming, uncontrollable thing everyone expected her to be ready for.

  "So, is that what the meeting was about?" she asked. "My future?"

  Lucas tilted his head. "Is that why you were lurking outside the door?"

  She flushed. "I wasn't...okay, maybe I was. I just… you don't tell me anything anymore. I thought maybe you were planning something behind my back."

  Instead of anger, she saw only sympathy in his expression.

  "I wish I could share everything," he said softly. "Even just for my sanity. But some things are happening now that have to stay quiet. The stakes are too high."

  Daelyn nodded, swallowing her questions.

  "But I do have something I can share," he added, his tone brightening. "Some good news."

  She straightened. "What kind of news?"

  "I've chosen a bride."

  Her eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

  "I've chosen Princess Pilar Claremont."

  For a second, Daelyn was speechless. Then she laughed, hugging him. "That's… that's amazing! I like her. She's lovely."

  And she meant it. Pilar, from the kingdom across the river, was warm, poised, and elegant. She'd treated Daelyn with kindness the few times they'd met, like an equal, not a child.

  Still, a strange heaviness settled in Daelyn's chest. Everything is changing.

  "She'll be arriving by the end of the week for the engagement party," Lucas said, rising to his feet. "You'll be involved in the planning, of course."

  Daelyn nodded, but her thoughts were spinning. Maybe that was what all the secret meetings were about after all.

  Or maybe not.

  Lucas turned at the doorway. "Daelyn," he said gently, "I know you're worried about your future. The birthday, the arrangements. I just want you to know I won't rush anything. I won't choose someone just because it's expected. I'll wait for the right match. Even if it takes longer."

  Before she could reply, he was gone.

  She sat there in silence, watching the breeze stir the curtains. The relief she felt was real, but so was the growing knot of uncertainty in her chest.

  If the meetings weren't about her…

  Then what were they planning?