The Glass Kingdom's Thorn

Lira's footsteps echoed through the marble halls as Renn led her back to the throne room. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more chaotic than the last. Jarek's offer lingered in her mind like a shadow, tempting and dangerous. She didn't know if she could trust him, but the idea of escape was too alluring to ignore.

When they reached the throne room, King Orin was no longer alone. Standing beside him was a man Lira had never seen before, but she knew instantly who he was. Prince Kael of the Thornlands.

He was taller than she'd imagined, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce through her. His hair was dark, almost black, and his skin had a faint, almost imperceptible shimmer, as if dusted with crushed gemstones. He wore a cloak of deep green, embroidered with silver thorns that seemed to shift and move in the light. Lira's stomach churned. This was the man she was supposed to marry.

"Ah, Lira," Orin said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "Come, meet your betrothed."

Lira forced herself to step forward, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She met Kael's gaze, refusing to look away. If he expected her to be meek or submissive, he was in for a surprise.

"Prince Kael," she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "A pleasure."

Kael's lips curved into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Lira. I've heard much about you."

"All good things, I hope," she replied, her tone dry.

Kael chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Of course. Though I must admit, I didn't expect you to be so… spirited."

Lira's jaw tightened. "I'm full of surprises."

Orin cleared his throat, clearly annoyed by the tension in the air. "Enough pleasantries. Kael, you may take your leave. Lira and I have matters to discuss."

Kael inclined his head, his smile never wavering. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Lady Lira, I look forward to our next meeting."

He turned and left, his cloak billowing behind him. Lira watched him go, her heart pounding. There was something about him that unnerved her, something she couldn't quite place.

"Lira," Orin said, snapping her attention back to him. "Sit."

She hesitated, then took a seat on the edge of a nearby chair. Orin leaned forward, his expression serious.

"This marriage is not just about alliances," he said. "It's about securing our future. The Thornlands have resources we need—resources that could tip the balance of power in our favor."

"And what about my future?" Lira asked, her voice trembling with anger. "Do I get a say in any of this?"

Orin's eyes narrowed. "Your future is tied to the kingdom's. You would do well to remember that."

Lira wanted to scream, to throw something, to demand why her life was being traded like a bargaining chip. But she knew it wouldn't matter. Orin had made his decision, and nothing she said would change it.

She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "If that's all, I'd like to return to my room."

Orin studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Go. But remember, Lira—this is for the good of the kingdom."

Lira turned and left without another word, her mind racing. She needed to find Jarek. If there was even a chance he could help her escape, she had to take it.

She made her way to the garden, her heart pounding. Jarek was nowhere to be seen, but she had a feeling he'd find her. She didn't have to wait long.

"You look like you've made a decision," a voice said from behind her.

Lira turned to see Jarek leaning against a tree, his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. She took a deep breath, steeling herself.

"Tell me your plan," she said. "And don't leave anything out."

Jarek's smile widened. "I knew you'd come around."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a secret passage beneath the castle. It leads to the outskirts of the kingdom. If we leave tonight, we can be gone before anyone realizes you're missing."

Lira's heart raced. "And then what? Where would we go?"

"Anywhere you want," Jarek said. "The Thornlands, the Shattered Isles, even the Wastes. As long as it's far from here."

Lira hesitated. It sounded too good to be true. "What's in it for you?"

Jarek's expression darkened. "Let's just say I have my own reasons for wanting to leave this place."

Lira studied him, searching for any sign of deception. But all she saw was determination—and something else, something she couldn't quite place.

"Alright," she said finally. "I'm in."

Jarek's smile returned. "Good. Meet me here at midnight. And come alone."

He turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Lira alone with her thoughts. She didn't know if she was making the right decision, but she knew she couldn't stay here. Not if it meant marrying Kael.

As she made her way back to her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder, but the hallway was empty. Still, the sensation lingered, like a shadow she couldn't escape.

When she reached her room, she found a package waiting for her on the bed. It was wrapped in plain brown paper, with no note or indication of who it was from. She hesitated, then unwrapped it.

Inside was a dagger, its blade gleaming in the dim light. The hilt was intricately carved, with a single thorn etched into the metal. Lira's breath caught. She didn't know who had sent it, but the message was clear.

She was walking into a thorned path, and there was no turning back.