The Glass Kingdom's Thorn

Lira's mind was a storm of confusion and dread as Kael's guards escorted her back to the castle. The revelation of her true lineage weighed heavily on her, but it was the look in Jarek's eyes that haunted her most. She had seen anger, frustration, and something else—something that felt like betrayal. Had he known the truth about her all along? Was that why he had offered to help her escape?

The guards led her to a lavish suite in the east wing, far grander than the attic room she had called home for years. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting the history of the Glass Kingdom, and a large window offered a view of the shimmering city below. But Lira barely noticed the opulence. Her thoughts were consumed by Kael's words and the choices she now faced.

The door clicked shut behind her, and she was alone—or so she thought.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," a familiar voice said.

Lira spun around to see Jarek standing in the corner of the room, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. Her heart leapt into her throat. "How did you get in here?"

Jarek smirked. "I have my ways. But that's not important right now. What's important is that you're in serious trouble."

"You think I don't know that?" Lira snapped, her frustration boiling over. "Kael knows who I am. He wants to use me to claim the throne. And you… you knew, didn't you? That's why you offered to help me."

Jarek's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "I didn't know, Lira. I swear it. I just… I had my own reasons for wanting to get you out of here."

Lira studied him, searching for any sign of deception. "What reasons?"

Jarek hesitated, then sighed. "Let's just say I have a score to settle with your uncle. Helping you was supposed to be part of that."

Lira's eyes narrowed. "So this was never about me. It was about you."

"It's not that simple," Jarek said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I didn't know who you were, but I knew you didn't belong here. I still believe that."

Lira turned away, her mind racing. She didn't know if she could trust him, but she didn't have many options. "What do we do now?"

Jarek stepped closer, his voice low. "We stick to the plan. We get out of here, and we figure out our next move. But we have to act fast. Kael won't wait long to make his move."

Before Lira could respond, the door burst open, and Kael strode in, flanked by two guards. His expression was calm, almost amused, as if he had expected to find Jarek there.

"Ah, the rogue," Kael said, his tone dripping with mockery. "I should have known you'd find a way to weasel your way back in."

Jarek's hand went to the hilt of his sword, but Kael raised a hand, stopping him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You're outnumbered, and I'd hate to see things get… messy."

Lira stepped between them, her voice firm. "What do you want, Kael?"

Kael's smile was cold. "I want you to make a decision, Lira. Marry me, and together we can claim the throne. Refuse, and…" He glanced at Jarek, his meaning clear.

Lira's heart pounded. She didn't want to marry Kael, but she couldn't let Jarek die because of her. She looked at Jarek, her eyes pleading for him to understand.

"Don't do it," Jarek said, his voice fierce. "You don't owe him anything."

Kael's smile widened. "Brave words from a dead man."

Lira's mind raced. There had to be another way. She couldn't marry Kael, but she couldn't let Jarek die either. She needed time—time to think, to plan, to find a way out of this.

"Alright," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "I'll marry you. But on one condition."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"

"You let Jarek go," Lira said. "Unharmed. And you swear to leave him alone."

Kael studied her for a moment, then chuckled. "You drive a hard bargain, Princess. Very well. I'll let him go. But if he ever sets foot in this kingdom again, he's a dead man."

Lira nodded, her heart heavy. It wasn't the outcome she wanted, but it was the best she could do.

Kael motioned for his guards to take Jarek away. As they led him out, Jarek turned to Lira, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and regret. "This isn't over," he said, his voice low. "I'll come back for you."

Lira wanted to believe him, but she couldn't. She had made her choice, and now she had to live with it.

As the door closed behind Jarek, Kael turned to her, his smile triumphant. "You made the right decision, Lira. Together, we'll rule this kingdom."

Lira forced herself to meet his gaze, her expression unreadable. "We'll see."

Kael's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Get some rest, Princess. Tomorrow, we begin your new life."

He left the room, leaving Lira alone with her thoughts. She sank onto the bed, her mind racing. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: she wasn't going to let Kael control her. She would find a way to escape, to reclaim her throne, and to make him pay for what he had done.

As she lay there, her hand brushed against the dagger Jarek had given her. She pulled it out, the blade gleaming in the dim light. The thorn etched into the hilt seemed to pulse, as if it had a life of its own.

Lira's lips curved into a grim smile. Kael thought he had won, but he had underestimated her. She was the true heir to the Glass Kingdom, and she would not be so easily broken.