Chapter 3 Too Wed or Not?

Six Hundred Thousand Years Ago

“Sit down, Rinoa.”

My father’s face revealed a desperate plea.

“What’s happening, Father?” My words were wrapped in a cocoon of worry.

“You are to marry the king.”

I almost laughed at his foolish joke.

“Rinoa, this is not the time to be silly and sassy. I’m afraid we’ve cuddled you too well, and you’ve lost sight of where you stand in this family,” my mother said, her tone stern and final.

“Mother, no one knows the newly crowned king—no one has even seen him! He might be an ugly beast or a ghost!”

“Enough!” My father’s voice shook the entire household.

“Father, you can’t be serious! I’m not the kind to marry a stranger, much less a mysterious, lazy king no one knows!”

My father’s gaze sharpened. “You will obey me, Rinoa. You are to marry the king. Whatever you say will not change anything. My decision is set in stone.”

I blinked rapidly, lost in a moment of complete disarray.

“I’m sorry, Rinoa. One day you’ll see we’re making the best decision for you.” My mother’s hand brushed mine softly before she left the room.

I felt trapped in winter—cold, abandoned. My beloved parents were not cruel; they’d never forced me into anything before. But now, the air itself felt heavy with betrayal.

A painful weight settled in my chest. Maybe I was never meant to enjoy my freedom, at least not yet.

What time was it anyway? Was it normal to be awake at this hour, pacing like a restless spirit? Maybe being an only child was a curse more than a gift.

“What’s all the commotion about, Lydia?”

My young maid gaped at me, her eyes wide with fear. Did I miss something? Was there a celebration I’d overlooked?

“My lady, it’s your wedding day.”

Oh. That. Right. Must’ve slipped my mind.

I had no interest in the royals—especially the newly crowned king. No one had seen him face-to-face; his existence was as vague as a myth.

The possibility that he was just that—a myth—was oddly comforting.

“What about Mother and Father?” Given our social standing, my parents adored gatherings, especially one as grand as their only daughter’s wedding.

“They will be in attendance, my lady,” Lydia answered, her hands already removing my sleeping gown.

“Oh, of course they will.” I sighed. “Please bring me my riding clothes. I’m off for a morning ride.”

Lydia’s expression screamed disapproval, but she obeyed anyway.

“My lady, it’s not my place to say this, but your father forbade any activities today. He ordered that you prepare for the occasion.”

That was absurd. Rules were made to be broken, and my father should’ve learned by now—his only daughter cannot simply be told.

“Do not fret, Lydia. I’ll be quick on my feet and back before anyone notices. Tell no soul.” I smiled, offering her reassurance.

I needed fresh air. I was suffocating in my own home.

It felt like the life inside me was slipping away, stolen by a fate I never chose.

Please, this had to stop.

“Is the room to your liking, my lady?”

I couldn’t fault the room. The entire place was enormous and breathtaking.

“It’s not so bad,” I said softly, my eyes wandering across the chamber.

“The Grand Queen is here to see Lady Rinoa,” a servant announced.

The Grand Queen? The king’s grandmother?

An older woman stepped into the room, dressed in traditional robes trimmed with gold. Her silver hair was neatly tied into a bun, her presence regal and commanding.

I bowed in respect. She examined me closely, her lips pressed together.

“Open your mouth,” she ordered.

Should I really? I did.

“Good teeth.” Her tone was sharp and judging.

Then she reached out and touched my stomach—then my behind. I instinctively flinched and moved to stop her.

“Good,” she declared. “You’ll have tons of babies.”

My eyes widened in shock.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty… was that all necessary?” I asked, keeping my tone polite but strained.

“Rinoa, you will not speak unless spoken to. You are now entering the royal court, and you must learn our manners. The servants will help you with your wedding dress.”

She gestured, and servants approached, holding a white ivory gown.

I forced a smile. “There’s no need, Your Majesty. My parents already prepared my wedding dress—from the finest boutique abroad.” My pride slipped through my voice.

She chuckled softly. “Nonsense, child. You are marrying into our family. You are to wear our emblem—to show your acceptance and love for the royal house that chose you.”

Chosen?

Could I choose to stop this, too?

I smiled stiffly. “Of course, Your Majesty. Whatever you wish.”

I just wanted her to leave so I could execute my escape plan. If anyone thought I’d be obedient, they clearly didn’t know me.

“Welcome to the royal family, child. May you serve us all.”

Her servants followed her out, and silence filled the room. Lydia and I exchanged looks—speechless.

“I wish to be left alone,” I said firmly.

The servants hesitated.

“I need to relieve myself. Or are you all coming with me?”

They immediately bowed and left.

“Lydia, hand me my coat.”

She hesitated for a moment. “My lady, are you sure about this?” Her young eyes were full of worry.

“As sure as I can be,” I whispered.

I tapped her shoulder and quietly slipped toward the back door.

I only hoped my parents wouldn’t think me reckless. But if this wedding took place, there would be a hollow in my heart that nothing could fill.

I crept carefully, each step measured and silent. My eyes scanned for a door—or a gate—unguarded. Maybe I could steal a servant’s robe to disguise myself.

Then I saw it—the garden fence.

The perfect way out.

It wasn’t too high. I could climb it.

The only problem was this ridiculous white wedding dress. I bit my lip in frustration. There was no way I’d let it stop me.

If I could find a stool or chair for a little boost, I could make it over.

I gathered my dress and maneuvered awkwardly toward the fence, heart pounding, praying my body would cooperate.

I had to make it work—because if I didn’t, I’d be trapped forever.