The Weight of Expectations

I stood before Duke Oberon, clutching the confidential document is his clenched hands. His gaze swept over me and then the document, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment clouding his expression. I felt a pang of shame as he took in the realization that his daughter had gone behind his back.

He sighed deeply, his voice carrying a weight of resignation. "I suppose this is you trying to be mature, isn't it?"

My heart sank, "Aaa...Father, I just wanted to help.

He shook his head, clearly disheartened. "You could have asked me to show you the business matters directly, Meredia."

The disappointment in his eyes cut deep. "No, Father, you wouldn't have told me a thing about your business," I said, my voice shaking. "You believe I'd bring bad luck. You've always thought I'd be useless to you."

His brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would you think that?"

"Because," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "that's what I've always been told. I overheard before planning my... before I decided to leave this life. My family always saw me as a burden, as someone who could never be of any real use."

The Duke's eyes widened, shock and a hint of guilt flitting across his face. The truth of Meredia's tragic reality hit him-her beauty was considered her only asset, and her lack of interest in the family business had turned her into a liability in their eyes.

"It's why... You'II marry me off to a noble or even a prince," I added, the words hanging heavily in the air.

He gasped, stunned by my revelation. The reality of his plans, which I had unwittingly uncovered, was now laid bare before him.

"Meredia..." Duke Oberon began, but I cut him off.

"It's okay, Father," I said, forcing a calmness into my voice despite the lamp in my throat. "I just wanted to be helpful to you."

Duke Oberon looked at me, a mixture of concern and resignation in his eyes. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words and the weight of unfulfilled expectations.

"I understand," he finally said, his voice softening. "You wanted to prove yourself. I see that now."

I swallowed hard, my heart still aching from his earlier disappointment. "I'm sorry for taking the document. I didn't mean to betray your trust."

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "I should have know you'd want to help in your own way. It's just... you should have come to me directly."

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears. "I didn't want to be a burden or seem like I was interfering."

Duke Oberon's gaze softened firther, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're never a burden, Meredia. I may have been harsh, but it was out of frustration and concern for you. I want you to succeed, but I need to trust that you're ready for the responsibility."

I looked up at him, hope mingling with uncertainty. "So, what happens now?"

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "We'II need to find a way to address the issues with the Valtoria Luxurious Guild. I could use your help, but I need to know that you're committed to understanding the business."

I took a deep breath, nodding. "I'm ready. I want to learn and help in any way I can."

Duke Oberon's stern expression softened into a rare, proud smile. "Then let's work together. We'II figure this out and ensure that the guild succeeds."

"But I have one condition, Father," I said, my voice steady but resolute.

Duke Oberon frowned, confusion etched on his face. "What is it?"

"You must promise not to marry me off to the crown prince Kairan."

His eyes widened in shock, clearly surprised that I knew his plans. For a moment, his gaze was fixed on the floor, his mind clearly racing. Then, he looked up, a resigned expression on his face. "I understand. I won't force you into marriage."

Relief washed over me, and I nodded, grateful for his concession. The path ahead still seemed challenging, but at least now I had a chance to shape my own destiny.

In Kirethlan Thalor, the majestic palace of Kiaran, the air in the bathing chamber was thick with steam and the scent of lavender. Kairan Alastair Ashbourne, the older prince of Valkathra and the heir apparent, reclined in a bathtub crafted from pristine white marble. The tub was as expansive as a small bed, enveloping him in a luxurious embrace. Water dripped from his tousled hair, cascading over his strong neck and down his sculpted chest, creating a glistening trail that shimmered in the ambient light.

Kairan's head rested against the edge of the bathtub, his expression contemplative as he stared at the ceiling. "She wasn't supposed to run away that night," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that mingled with the gentle splashing of water. His thoughts swirled with the complexity of the situation, the unexpected turn of events weighing heavily on him.

Kairan's mind drifted back to the night of Meredia's coming-of-age ceremony.

In the midst of the grand feast at Duke Oberon's palace, the atmosphere was one of elegance and opulence, befitting the coming-of-age ceremony of Lady Meredia. Kairan Alastair Ashbourne, the crown prince of Valkathra, cut a commanding figure as he moved through the room. His presence demanded attention; every step he took was marked by an air of authority and grace that set him apart from the other guests.

Ancillin, Kairan's younger brother, watched him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Brother," Ancillin called out, his tone light and teasing. His green eyes sparkled with mischief as he observed Kairan's intense focus. "Will you stop ignoring me? You're going to dump me for a girl now?"

Kairan's expression tightened. "She's not just a girl, Ancillin, and you know it," he replied, his irritation evident.

Ancillin's laughter was easy, almost dismissive. "Of course, she's not. But must you be so serious all the time, brother?"

Kairan's mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with someone he had yet to see. As Duke Oberon approached, Kairan forced himself to pay attention, though his gaze continued to search the room.

Ancillin greeted the Duke with his usual charm. "Your Grace, the palace looks magnificent tonight. I can see you've spared no expense for Lady Meredia's coming-of-age."

Duke Oberon smiled, though his eyes revealed a trace of something Kairan couldn't quite place. "Thank you, Prince Ancillin. We wanted this night to be special for Meredia. She deserves nothing less."

Ancillin's interest was genuine. "I've heard many good things about Lady Meredia these days. I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"Yes, she's a bright young woman," Duke Oberon agreed, but there was a protection edge to his words. "But tell me, how have you been, Prince Ancillin? How is your training going?"

Ancillin chuckled lightly. "Training is going well. Though, I must admit, I prefer the arts to the sword. But, as they say, one must be well-rounded to serve the kingdom."

The Duke nodded approvingly. "Indeed, a ruler must be prepared in all aspects. Your father must be proud of the progress both you and your brother have made."

Ancillin glanced at Kairan with a mix of pride and amusement. "Yes, well, Kairan excels in all things martial. I've always admired his dedication, even if he can be a bit... focused at times."

As the conversation continued, Kairan's attention reminded fixed on scanning the room. His mind was consumed by the search for one particular person.

Ancillin's voice broke through Kairan's thoughts. "I do hope he doesn't miss out on the joy of the evening. It's not often we get to attend such grand festivities."

The Duke's reply was thoughtful. "Perhaps your brother will relax once he find what he's looking for."

Ancillin's tone was playful. "And what might that be, I wonder?"

Just then, Kairan spotted her-Meredia. She wasn't socializing or enjoying the feast. Instead, she was running, the hem of her dress clutched in her hands as if she were escaping something. Her eyes met his, and he saw fear and panic reflected in them.

Meredia stumbled and fell to the floor, her legs flailing and her head coming down first. The sight was jarring. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. What had happened to make her flee?

She quickly righted herself and engaged in a brief, seemingly friendly exchange with her brother. Afterward, she sat back down and then left the hall after speaking with her mother. But where was she going?

Kairan's gaze followed her, his mind racing to understand the sudden change in her demeanor.

After enduring several tedious conversations with noblemen who seemed intent on flattering him, Kairan couldn't help but feel a growing sense of irritation. Each word they spoke was carefully calculated, every gesture a transparent attempt to curry favor with him, all in hopes that once he ascended to the throne of Valkathra, he might look, upon them with leniency.

Keep dreaming. he thought, his patience wearing thin with their insincere compliments and hollow praise.

When he could no longer tolerate their sycophantic drivel, Kairan excused himself from the hall, his voice cool and detached. He offered them a polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes before turning on his heel and striding toward the exit. The relief that washed over him as he left the oppressive atmosphere of the grand feast was palpable.

As he made his way to the corner of hall, his mind was still preoccupied with Meredia. The memory of her fearful eyes and the sight of her stumbling away played on a loop in his thoughts. He needed to find her, to understand what had driven her to flee like that.

He muttered, his voice barely audible as he gaze fell to the floor, "She left. Wasn't she going to dance with me?"

Frustration tightened his jaw as his fists clenched at his sides. The weight of disappointment hung heavily in the air, but beneath it simmered something far more intense-a determination rooted deep within him.

His lips moved in a whisper, the words slipping out in the ancient tongue.

As he chanted, his eyes closed, and the incantation took hold. The power behind the words surged through him, rippling outward in an invisible wave.

Then, just as suddenly as the words had left his lips, Kairan vanished from the crowd,, leaving nothing but a faint trace of energy in his wake. The bustling hall continued on, oblivious to the prince's sudden disappearance, the place where he had stood now empty.