Before my mother could finish her sentence, my father said,
"We have arranged a marriage for you with the King of Cossa Kingdom."
Immediately I heard that name, I don't know what snapped in me, but I knew I said these words:
"Father, with all due respect, I am not going to marry King Jake. We all know he's a womanizer, married up to four wives already. Now you want to make me his fifth? I am not going to. I don't even know him, nor do I love him. And he is old enough to be my father."
My father laughed, and I knew that laugh. Even though I spoke my mind, I already knew he'd go ahead with the plan anyway. Still, I tried to reason with him.
But his reply broke me.
"Do you think I was asking for your permission? I am the king and you will do whatever I ask you to do, whether you like it or not. Do you think I married for love? Hahaha. Astrid, my child, you might think this is not the best for you—but it is."
My eyes were soaked with tears, but I managed to say through a shaking voice,
"Yes, Father, you always know the best. But the truth is,you know nothing."
My father was enraged and told the guards to lock me up in my room until the day King Jake would arrive.
"Maybe by then you will learn some manners."
I looked at my mother.
Tears were in her eyes and she was shaking.
I smirked at my father as I was being dragged away.
I was—and never will be—the girl to succumb to anyone.
I'm going to plan my escape.
In the King's Chambers
"How dare that little rascal talk to me like that?!"
I turned toward Janet, my wife. "It's all your fault. You couldn't train her well. But she will soon know her place."
Knowing she might try to sneak to Astrid's room, I ordered the guards to lock her in her chambers too.
Serves her right.
Then I headed down the hidden steps to a secret chamber. No one knew about this place. Inside were Lincoln and Irene—my brother and his wife—chained, locked away. The only reason they're still alive is because they know the key to unlocking the sacred crown.
I slapped Irene hard and laughed, "You still won't talk? I know how to make you."
Then I looked at Lincoln and said coldly, "I know mother Lucy is still alive. She's been hiding in Jayah Kingdom. And if Lucy is alive, your daughter is too. I've made a deal with King Jake—his spies will find them. As for what I'll do? Well… maybe I'll turn your daughter into a slave for the kingdoms."
Lincoln's face twisted with fury. Irene trembled in silence.
I needed that crown.
"Tell me how to unlock it," I demanded.
Lincoln answered, "I made a promise. You'll never steal it. Try all you want."
Frustrated, I pointed at him and hissed,
"You have a few days. If you don't tell me, what I do to your daughter… you'll wish you were dead."
Then I stormed out of the chamber, fuming. A guard appeared:
"My Lord, King Jake has sent a letter. He'll arrive at the castle in three days."
Perfect. Everything was aligning.
Astrid's Room – Later That Night
It was finally night. I'd written out my escape plan on a piece of paper and packed my small, enchanted bag. It could carry much more than it looked.
I took Silver—my sword. Anyone who dared stop me would regret it.
I changed into a top and jeans for easier movement.
There was a knock. I quickly hid everything and tucked into bed.
"Come in," I said sleepily.
It was Chase.
"Your Highness, it's me."
I ran to hug him. He gave me grapes—my favorite.
He looked at my clothes and raised an eyebrow.
I smiled, "I'm escaping. Want to join me on a risky adventure?"
He grinned, "Why not?"
I loved Chase, even though our love was forbidden. He was just a guard.
I told him my plan: he was to drug the guards; I would steal important documents from the hidden library. We agreed to meet at the back gate.
I crept through the palace. Most guards were eating. Two remained at the entrance. I blew sleeping powder—instant knockout.
Inside the hidden library, I found what I needed—documents proving my father wasn't the rightful king.
I dashed to the back gate. Chase was there. He helped me onto the horse.
We rode. Deep into the forest.
I remember clutching him tightly.
Then
Blackout.
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