Chapter 3 The Arrival of Fate

The knock at the palace door came just as the sun had begun to rise over the kingdom. Leo's chest constricted with every second that went by and her heart skipped a beat.

She had been pacing all night long struggling with the fear of what lay ahead. Her mothers abruptly pushed the letter from her father and now-this.

Her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts as she called through the door, "Leo... Make sure you're ready. He'll arrive shortly."

Leo felt the burden of the situation weighing down on her as she clenched her fists. She wanted to decline and flee from the choices being made for her but she was unable to do so. Not right now. Not with the future of the entire kingdom at stake.

A stranger was her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror. The weight of tradition and expectation made the royal gown she wore feel like chains.

Even with her golden hair styled and the tiara perched on her head, Leo could only see the image of a princess with no authority over her own life. This isn't me she said to herself in the quiet of her room. This won't trap me. . . .

However, the moment she had the thought, her mother entered through the open door. Her face was a mask of artificial calm, and Queen Aurelia's eyes were weary.

Her eyes were filled with regret and love for Leo, but there was also a silent desperation in them as if this were the last frail thread that could save them all. Leo, she uttered quietly, her voice bearing the burden of years of choices.

"You have to realize that there is no other option but to get married, the sole means of defending the kingdom the throne and your family "

She became angry but Leo swallowed it and bit her lip." By getting married to Charles? The same Charles who is only interested in the throne and oil wells? Mother, you don't realize that he is taking advantage of you and me."

The sadness in her eyes grew as her mother shook her head. "Leo, it's not about what he desires. It has to do with what is required. Everything will be stabilized by this union. You have to realize that even though Charles is flawed he can still assist us in rebuilding."

Leo's eyes became hard. "The best he can do is to dig for gold."

Aurelia took a step closer and sighed. "You'll see. Although I am aware that this is difficult, this is the course we must follow. You don't realize how strong you are."

Leo turned away, her hands shaking at her sides. "This kind of strength is not what I want. I don't want to play a supporting role in someone else's scheme."

Her mother was about to reply when she heard a faint barely audible knock outside the door. Leo's heart began to race. Her partner was present.

Aurelia gave her one last glance and spoke in a barely audible voice. "Keep in mind that this is for your father. For the kingdom. Please. . . "

Her heart felt like it was breaking inside her chest but Leo nodded. Her mother left Leo alone with her fear after giving her one final lingering glance before leaving the room.

She heard the sound of heavy boots on the marble floors followed by a low murmur of voices in the hallway. Charles was standing in the doorway when it swung open.

"Princess Leo," he said with a charming smile and a smooth voice.

Leo, however, saw through it. It was always obvious to her. Tall and good-looking Charles had a sharply defined jaw and eyes that sparkled with shrewd charm. His immaculately fitted suit only enhanced his portrayal of the affluent Alpha wolf.

Everything about him, including his words, gestures and demeanour, seemed effortless. However, Leo sensed the manipulation in the air as if it were a physical presence all around him.

There was something darker glinting in his eyes and his smile was all teeth. She answered icily Charles sounding a bit more composed than she actually felt. "I assume you're here to assert your ownership of what is rightfully yours."

With a gentle click, the door closed behind Charles as he entered." Princess, I have nothing to claim here." She could see the calculation in his eyes but his voice was smooth and almost loving as he approached her. "I'm here to give you hope for the future. A time when we all rule together. Where the kingdom prospers once more."

Though the words were a sharp whisper Leo's lips curled into a tight smile. "A future in which everything is taken."

He hesitated a brief lapse in his smile that was soon replaced by his typical self-assurance. "Princess, you're not understanding. I'm only interested in what's best for us both, not everything. The kingdom you and me. We can collaborate."

Leo's fists were clenched at her sides. "Charles, we are not collaborating. You're exploiting both my mothmother'speration and myself. The goal of this marriage is for you to establish your position as ruler not to save the kingdom."

"Power is the key to everything, Leo. It should be obvious to you by now."His presence was overwhelming as he moved closer. "You will learn to trust me but you don't have to love me. I am acanffulfil of your desires. The kingdom, the legacy of your family-everything."

She felt as though she might burst for a moment as her heart twisted in her chest. Her father had planned for her to look like this. Her mother had pushed her into this destiny. Leo refused to budge though. She was unable to.

Her voice was full of emotion as she stated," I don't need your power. . I must have my independence. "

Charles extended his arm and lightly touched her arm." Freedom? Leo, do you really believe that you can live without help? Do you really believe that you can defend everything by yourself? Your father, the throne, the kingdom's oil wealth? Freedom isn't, the point of survival is. Furthermore you, have no chance without me"

Leo stepped back, jerking her arm away from his touch. "That's not for you to decide. Charles I w,ill not wed you. I'm not going to wed you."

With a smug grin he ,stepped back and laughed darkly. "Pretty, you have no other option. Never did you." As the weight of his words settled between them he spoke in a low, nearly growling voice. "This marriage is something you cannot turn down. That's what your father's letter made clear."

Leo sensed her face's blood dripping out. The letter. The harsh directive her father had given her was still fresh in her mind. The bitter taste made her stomach turn.

Charles smiled broadly. "Leo, we'll have the kingdom tomorrow. All you can do is accept it."

Leo inhaled deeply as he attempted to ignore the mounting panic. "You're mistaken. I will never participate in your game."

The door opened once more before Charles could reply and Leo's mother entered the room with a determined yet pale face." Leo..." she said in a firm yet low voice. "The time has come."

Leo turned to look at her mother, the moment's weight like a thick shrouding her. She was caught. There was nothing to run away from, nothing to escape. But she noticed a brief silent apology flicker in her momother'syes as she looked into them.

Even though her mother might not sympathize with her suffering, Leo understood that she had to carry out this task regardless of her desire to do so.

Charles took a step forward and held out his hand. "Leo come. Let's put things right. Waiting for you is the future."

The fear rose in Leo's throat as she swallowed. "I'm not sure if I can pull this off."

Her momother'soice was firm but gentle. "You have no other option."

Leo could feel the words echoing in her head like an iron shackle enclosing her soul. There was no other choice despite her heart's resistance.

Even though she didn't like it she had to play the part she had been born into. Charles's hold on her arm became more firm but Leo did not fight back." Leo y,ou will realize. You will thank me for this one day."

Her heart hewas aving with fear h;owever s,he was forced to follow Charles as he led her out of the room. She had already been given the way.

And everything will be different tomorrow.