◆ Sienna ◆

I’m running out of time.

As I sit beside my father, awaiting the arrival of the prince of the island Galilea, my nerves remain unsettled. 

I’m acutely aware of my predicament—the moment Kaidan walks through those doors, our arranged engagement is official. 

The air in the throne room feels like it’s suffocating me, despite its grandeur. The polished marble floors reflect the flickering light of the chandelier, casting an ethereal glow across the ornate tapestries adorning the walls. 

To my right, my father, King Alexander, sits rigid and regal, his eyes fixed on the massive oak doors at the far end of the hall. To my left, my mother, Queen Calista, fidgets with the emerald pendant hanging from her neck—a nervous habit she’s never managed to shake.

I resist the urge to mirror her anxious movements, forcing my hands to remain still in my lap. The weight of the crown atop my head seems to increase with each passing second. It’s a constant reminder of the duty I’m expected to fulfill.

Tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, I’m supposed to marry a man I barely know.

The thought strikes a string of chills down my spine. I’ve met Kaidan only a handful of times, each encounter more awkward than the last. He’s not unkind, not by any particular means, but the idea of binding my life to his—to anyone’s—makes my stomach churn.

A union to maintain ‘peace and order’, they say. A necessary sacrifice for the good of Bethel and Galilea.

At my own expense.

The sudden boom of the herald’s voice snaps me from my thoughts.

“Announcing His Royal Highness, Prince Kaidan of Galilea!”

The massive doors swing open, and there he is.

Kaidan strides into the throne room, flanked by two warriors of his tribe. He’s every bit as imposing as I remember—tall and more muscle than not. His shoulder-length hair is adorned with intricate tribal braids on either side. His chest is bare, save for the wild beast fur coat draped across his broad shoulders. Intricate tattoos cover his arms and torso, each one a testament to battles won and honors earned.

I sit up straighter, my heart pounding so loudly I’m certain everyone in the room can hear it.

This is real. This is happening.

Kaidan approaches the dais, his steps measured and confident. His face is a mask of stoic formality, but there’s something in his eyes—a glint of… hunger? Anticipation? Whatever it is, it makes my skin breakout in goosebumps.

“King Alexander,” Kaidan greets my father, his voice deep and resonant. “Queen Calista.” He bows his head in respect to each of them, every bit the gentleman warrior he is.

My father rises, a benevolent smile plastered on his face. “Prince Kaidan, welcome to Bethel. We are honored by your presence.”

Kaidan’s lips are pulled into a tight line, belaying the pride I can read in his eyes.

“I trust your journey was smooth, Prince Kaidan?” my father inquiries, his voice dripping with false warmth that doesn’t fool me.

Kaidan nods, his stoic expression never faltering. “The seas were still, Your Majesty. Glory to God.”

My father’s smile widens, though it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Indeed, the Almighty smiles upon this union. I hope you find our preparations satisfactory.”

“I’m certain they are more than adequate,” Kaidan replies, his gaze briefly flickering to me. “My people eagerly await the arrival of your daughter.”

My heart skips a beat, but I force myself to maintain my composure. 

My father clasps his hands together, the sound echoing in the throne room. “Excellent. We’ve invited dignitaries from across the City of Atlantis. This will be a celebration unlike any other.”

Kaidan inclines his head slightly. “As befits the joining of our people.”

The conversation continues, their voices a low hum of political niceties and thinly veiled expectations. I find myself tuning them out, focusing instead on calming my racing thoughts.

This is just another diplomatic meeting. Just another —

“Sienna.”

My father’s voice cuts through my internal pep talk. “Greet your betrothed.”

Right. 

Because that’s what he is now. My betrothed. My future husband. The man I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with.

I stand, willing my legs not to shake beneath the skirt of my regal gown as I descend the few steps that separate me from Kaidan.

I’ve practiced this. I know what to do.

Keeping my gaze lowered, I bow my head slightly. “Prince Kaidan,” I say, proud of how steady my voice sounds. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”

He takes my hand in his—warm, calloused from years of wielding weapons—and brings it to his lips. The kiss is chaste, barely a brush against my skin, but it sends a jolt through my entire body.

This is my cue to look up, to meet his eyes. I do, and immediately wish I hadn’t. The intensity in his gaze is overwhelming, a mix of admiration and something darker, more primal. My heart stutters in my chest, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

“Princess Sienna,” he murmurs, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of my hand. “The pleasure is mine.”

I want to pull away, to put as much distance between us as I can, but I remain frozen in place. This is what’s expected of me. This is my duty.

My father clears his throat, mercifully breaking the moment. “Now then, shall we discuss the details of tomorrow’s union?”

Kaidan releases my hand and turns to address my father. “Of course, Your Majesty. As tradition dictates, I will escort Princess Sienna to Galilea at daybreak tomorrow. The ceremony will commence that evening, officiated by my father, the Grand Beastmaster.”

That’s right. The island of Galilea is home to the bloodline of the most skilled beastmasters. The island is protected by its warriors—men more ruthless, more dangerous than the wild beasts inhabiting it.

My father nods, a look of satisfaction plastered on his face. “Excellent. And what of the celebrations to follow? I’m sure our allies would be interested in the… unique customs of Galilea.”

As if. The only thing of interest is what he’ll offer in exchange for me.

The Royal blood of alchemy runs in our veins. We’re born skilled alchemists by blood. And this is only a testament to everything my father is—the King Alchemist who’s committed to living by the natural law of alchemy. The law of equivalent exchange.

The price of protection is of equal value to the King’s daughter. I am worth sacrificing in exchange for Galilea’s promise to protect our land from enemies seeking to exploit it.

Kaidan’s voice cuts through the haze of my thoughts, his words sharp and clear despite my desperate attempts to block them out.

“As is our custom,” he begins, his tone matter-of-factly, “the union will be celebrated with grand spectacle.”

My father leans forward, interest piqued. “Oh? Do tell, Prince Kaidan.”

“First, the gladiatorial battle will be held in our honor,” Kaidan explains, a hint of pride coloring his voice. “Two of our finest beastmasters will compete, showcasing their strength and skill with their bonded creatures.”

I feel the blood drain from my face, but neither my father nor Kaidan seem to notice.

“Fascinating,” my father murmurs. “And then?”

Kaidan’s gaze flicks to me for a moment before he continues. “Following the battle and the official ceremony, there will be… a public consummation of our marriage.”

A what?

The words make my breath hitch in my lungs. 

Public. Consummation.

My vision blurs at the edges, the ornate throne room suddenly spinning around me.

This has to be a joke. It has to be.

“It’s a sacred tradition,” Kaidan adds, his voice sounding distant to my ears. “A blessing of fertility and unity before our people.”

It’s sick. That’s what it is. It. Is. Sick.

I struggle to maintain my composure, to keep my face an impassive mask as my father nods approvingly. “A powerful symbol indeed,” he says, as if he’s discussing nothing more consequential than the weather.

He knew. He knew about all of this and didn’t tell me.

…

Of course he didn’t tell me. I didn’t want to do this before. Now? I won’t do it. I won’t.

I chance a glance at my father, hoping to see some sign of objection, of concern for my well-being. 

But there’s nothing there. Not a shred of hesitation, not a flicker of emotion. Just the cold, unyielding gaze of a man who expects obedience above all else.

The realization stings. I’ve been a pawn in this game all along, my feelings and desire irrelevant in the face of political alliances and ancient traditions.

And for what? A trade of protection for wealth? 

That’s all this is. 

That’s all I am.

My father’s voice cuts through my thoughts once more. “Well, let’s get you settled in, shall we? We will see you shortly at the dinner table.” He turns to the guard standing at attention nearby. “Alaric, please escort Prince Kaidan and his men to the guest suites.”

Alaric bows deeply. “At once, Your Majesty.”

As Kaidan and his warriors follow Alaric out of the throne room, I feel the last threads of my composure begin to unravel. The moment the massive doors close behind them, I whirl to face my father, fury bubbling up inside me.

“I won’t do it,” I hiss, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “I refuse to go through with this… this spectacle. To be taken in front of an entire tribe of strangers!”

My father’s eyes narrow dangerously, his nostrils flaring. “You will do as you’re told Sienna. This union is not up for debate.”

“I don't want to marry him!” The words burst out of me, loud and desperate, my voice unwavering. “I don’t want to be Princess of Galilea. I don’t want to leave Bethel. I don’t want any of this!”

My mother steps forward, her face a mask of concern, much unlike my father’s. “Alexander, perhaps we could speak with Kaidan. Surely there’s a way to modify the ceremony, to make it more… private.”

For a moment, I dare to hope. But my father’s next words crush that hope like a butterfly beneath a boot.

“We are in no position to make demands,” he says, his voice cold and unyielding. “The alliance between Bethel and Galilea is too important. Without their protection, we are vulnerable. Our wealth means nothing if we cannot defend it.”

“I don’t care!” I shout, beyond caring about decorum or duty. “I’m not doing it. I won’t marry Kaidan. I won’t leave my home. I won’t—”

“Enough!” My father’s voice thunders through the room, making me flinch. “You ungrateful, selfish brat. You will go through with this marriage. You will fulfill your duty to your people. And you will submit to him, or so help me…”

I stare at him, my chest heaving with ragged breaths. I want to scream, to rage, to tear this crown from my head and throw it at his feet. But I know it would change nothing. In his eyes, I see no room for argument, no possibility of compromise.

Without another word, I turn on my heel and storm out of the throne room. The guards at the door scramble to open it for me, and I sweep past them without a glance.

As I stride down the opulent hallways of the only home I’ve ever known, my mind races. I’m out of options. Out of time.

Well, perhaps… perhaps not out of choices.

This is it. It’s time.