apt

ly dressed in a silk gown, my fingers idly pl

making the dark colored designs and plush mattresses seem almost ethereal. I gazed into the mirror, my eyes unf

education, friendships, and future were made without my opinion, as if my thoughts and feelings were invisible.

out them. They did not care about us" Selena said wi

p thinking about them," Selena said gently, sensing my distress.

kling with excitement. "Are you ready for the party, darling?" Her voice tingled with a

st my skin. "Yes, Mom" I said steadily, though my heart felt heavy,

eyes betrayed my true feelings. A spark of rebellion flashed through my mind, but I quickly suppressed it. Expectations, yes, I was burdened

a with an air of anticipation that seemed to crackle with tension. The soft glow of the lamps highlighted th

isdom and justice, alongside the Elder Council. But I've always believed that it's time for a change, for a stronger, more ruthless leadership. You need to be selected as the prince's chosen mate, you wil

being pulled tight. I knew my father's ambition knew no bounds, and he was just making excuses to o

As you wish, father, I will be the chosen one" My father's eyes narrowed slightly, as if searching for any hint of doubt, and I forced a confide

me to do anything against them. After all, they gave birth to

ands, a child's love for their parents is

to ask why me? Why did I need to obey, need to live the w

f love, I choose t

risk evening air wrapped around us like a shroud, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. The sound of our footste

ted display of affection. But I knew the truth: they weren't a loving couple, merely two power-hungry individuals who had mated with each other to further their own amb

love, but it's all a ruse" "Don't say that, no matter what they are still our parents" I scolded Selena gently. "How I wish they were

they were my biological parents, and that their actions were drive

aura of confidence that commanded attention. Elegance was evide

, with an effortless charm that belied my inner turmoil, I stood out as a prime candidate fo

d, her thoughts laced with a mix of admiration and concern. "You put on th

ce. "Please, just stop," I said, my voice tinged with fatigue yet firm in conviction. "You know I fee

seemed to pulse with energy, the sound of laughter and music mingl

ng out amidst the lively chatter. Before drifting away into the crowd, they re

my best friend, Amelia, standing on the other side of the hall. With her radiant smile and

d," I replied. "Are you ready for today's chosen ceremony? But you know you still hav

person who truly understoo

o Jayden about how you feel about being his mate. This is your last chance to open up?" I nodded thoughtfully. "I'll try

ble people, I'm sure you can work something out" I took a deep breath, feeli

ar people. Overwhelmed by the swirling emotions of the evening, I yearned for a breath of fresh air.

was not the

rs and the soft rustle of leaves. The velvet sky above was dotted with shimmering stars, and the luminous crescent moon cast a gentle glow over the exp

ze carried the distant chirping of crickets, and the soft hooting of owls in the distance. In that bew

erworldly presence. Whenever I lost myself in its embrace, Selena respected my

ed by a deep, warm voice that resonated gentl

e said, smooth and inviting. Startled, I spun around, m

Good evening, Prince Jayden" I said, instinctively bowing with respect. He stood there, dressed i

soothing. "Why are you not at the party? Don't you find it enj

noise, and was seeking solace in the peacefulness of the night. "I just wanted a breath of fresh air," I

in my mind. "I was on my way to the party, but I saw someone here and decided to inv