Chapter 1 The unwanted Tribute.

Princess Isadora had always been a sheltered and naive young woman. Growing up in the palace, she had been protected from the harsh realities of the world, and had always believed in the power of love. However, fate had other plans for her.

Isadora was summoned to her mother's chambers. The Queen sat on her throne, surrounded by her advisors and the kingdom's most esteemed officials. Isadora curtsied before her mother and waited patiently for her instructions.

"Isadora," the Queen began, "As you know, we are bound by an ancient treaty with the neighboring kingdom of Eldrid. The treaty requires that every decade, we send a tribute to their kingdom. This tribute must be a woman, of royal blood, who is to be married to their king."

Isadora's heart skipped a beat. She had heard rumors of the Eldrid kingdom, of its brutal ruler, King Devon, and of the curse that plagued their land. According to legend, King Devon had been known to be an heartless demon, and he had become the most feared man in all the land.

"But Mother," Isadora protested, "I cannot marry a man who is a monster. I cannot be bound to a life of misery and unhappiness." "You have no choice in the matter, Isadora," the Queen replied sternly. "It is our duty to uphold the treaty, and you are the only suitable candidate for the tribute. You will leave for Eldrid tomorrow."

Isadora's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. She would be forced to leave behind her family, her home, and everything she had ever known. She would be married to a man who was rumored to be a monster and who could kill her at any time. Isadora ran to her chamber and cried her heart out.

"I don't want to get married to him, that ugly monster. I would rather die than marry him." "Isadora, open your door," her mother screamed. "Mother, I want to be alone," she replied. Without waiting for her reply, her mother barged into her chamber and said, "You must have the audacity to speak in such a manner to me. I have come here not to console you but to tell you that you need to get married tomorrow because your soon-to-be husband can no longer wait," and with that, she left. Isadora knew she only had one option and that was to run away from all this madness.

She took some clothes and tied them like a rope. She then tied one end of the clothing to the window and climbed down slowly. As she climbed down the window, she reached the ground. However, some guards immediately spotted her and held her captive. "Let me go," Isadora shouted.

The guards dragged her back inside the palace, and as soon as they spotted their queen, they threw her on the ground like she was some piece of trash. Queen Sofia was fuming, and before she knew it, she slapped Isadora's cheeks hard. "How dare you try to escape? I should have killed you when I had the chance to. You are a disgrace, a big disgrace to the Ivarion name."

Tears streamed down her eyes. She couldn't believe her own mother could do this to her. "I hate you, Mother," she screamed. "Guards, lock her up in the dungeon and do not release her until tomorrow," her mother ordered.

As the guards dragged her to the dungeon and locked her up with heavy chains, Isadora fell on the cold, hard surface of the ground. She knew that she had to find a way out of this marriage, and she vowed to escape it before it even started.

In the throne room, Alexander stood in front of his parents, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "Mother, father," he said firmly, "Isadora's punishment is too severe. She doesn't deserve to be locked up in the dungeon." His mother, Queen Sofia, raised an eyebrow. "And who are you to decide what punishment she deserves, Alexander?"

"I am her brother, and I care about her wellbeing," he replied. "I cannot stand by and watch as she suffers." King Rubort scoffed.

"You always were soft-hearted, Alex. But your sister's curse has brought nothing but shame to our family. She must be punished."

Alex clenched his fists. "She is not to blame for her curse! And locking her up will not make things better." As he left the throne room, guards tried to stop him, but he pushed past them. When he reached the dungeon, he found Isadora in a pitiful state.

Her hair was unkempt, her clothes dirty, and she was chained up. "Isadora, it's me, Alex," he said softly. She turned to face him, her eyes filled with tears. "Go away, Alex. I don't want to see you." He took a step closer. "I'm sorry, Isadora. I'm sorry for everything that's happened."

She scoffed. "You're sorry? That's supposed to make everything better?" He looked down at his feet. "No, I know it won't. But I want you to know that I'm on your side. I'll do whatever I can to help you." She wiped away a tear. "It's too late, Alex.

Tomorrow, I'm supposed to marry a monster." He felt his heart sink. "What? How is that even possible?" "Mother and father arranged it," she said bitterly. "They don't care about me. They never have." He shook his head in disbelief. "I won't let that happen. You deserve better than this."

Alex rushed back to the throne room and confronted his parents. "I won't allow my sister to marry a monster!" King Rubort sneered.

"You think you can defy us, Alexander? Lock him up in the dungeon until after the wedding." Alex gritted his teeth as guards dragged him away. He knew he had to find a way out and save Isadora from her terrible fate.