Secrets and Choices

I was left speechless.
Was Rafar implying that this would be our room from now on? I took a step back. I couldn’t accept that—not when we weren’t even married yet!

“Rafar, I…”
He took my hand gently in his, cradling it as if it were a fragile diamond that might shatter at any moment.

“Mai, I need to protect you. The issue with my mother has been resolved, but there will still be other threats that will try to harm you. The world isn’t as beautiful as you imagine—it’s a dangerous, dark place.”

His words brought back memories of my mother, crying silently at the dining table, and the lonely moments I spent in my room in an empty house. I remembered what happened at the cleric’s home and how even my brother had failed to protect me. Deep down, I wanted to agree with him. The world was a cruel place.

But then, I remembered the coachman thanking me, grateful to return home after a long journey. I recalled little Cecilia, straining her weak voice just to express her thanks. I raised my other hand and wrapped it around his. When I did, Rafar’s cold gaze softened slightly, though there was still a lingering pain in his eyes.

“The world is cruel, wicked, and ready to strike you down when you turn your back on it,” I said. “But it’s also ready to embrace you—if you let it.”

His eyes wavered briefly, and he released my hand.

“Are you really so upset about moving into my room?” he asked.

I felt my cheeks burn, and the words stuck in my throat.

“Of course not—that’s not what I mean. It’s just… I don’t think it’s right for us to share a room when we’re not married yet.”

“Yet… so you’re looking forward to the ceremony?” he asked, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“I… Anyway, I think I’ll be fine in my own room. You even paid for the decorations and…”

His expression darkened with anger as his gaze locked onto mine.

“What? Do you think I spent too much on it?” he asked, crossing his arms indignantly.

“It’s not about the money—it turned out beautiful,” I said quickly.

“Then you can do the same with our room.”

“But, Rafar—”

“It’s decided. Your safety is the priority right now. I’ll sleep on the carpet.”

“I don’t want you sleeping on the carpet,” I protested.

“Then I’ll sleep on the couch,” he insisted.

I shook my head. “You’re so stubborn,” I muttered, stepping into the room.

The room was three times the size of mine, with a large window overlooking a stunning forest. I noticed a small bird perched on the windowsill and smiled as I approached it. It chirped softly before fluttering away.

“Natural life doesn’t survive easily here,” Rafar remarked, his gaze fixed on the same spot.

“Why do you say that?” I asked, curious. I’d already noticed the rarity of animals in this place.

“The cold is unbearable, and the chemicals used in the soil corrode them from the inside out,” he said.

“Will the same happen to me?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice. So that was why the people here had modified their bodies with steel—to survive.

“I won’t let that happen to you,” he said, his eyes distant.

A loud sound of trumpets echoed outside, and I stood on tiptoe, trying to see what was happening. Rafar moved behind me and covered my eyes.

“It’s better if you don’t look,” he whispered.

I turned to him, my eyes filled with unspoken questions he didn’t answer.

***

For the rest of the day, I busied myself organizing my dresses and belongings in the new room. I also contacted the decorator again, this time choosing white wallpaper with lavender flowers. By the end of the day, hunger gnawed at me.

Rafar had left in the morning and still hadn’t returned, so I went down to the kitchen to find food. The servants didn’t seem inclined to call me to dinner.

As I walked through the halls, I heard footsteps and quickly hid behind a silver suit of armor. The voices grew louder, and I recognized two men.

“The queen is gone. Now, the boy is next. Once he’s dealt with, the throne will be free for me alone,” said one—the king.

“And the girl?” the other man asked calmly.

“They aren’t married yet. But if they wed before the appointed time… well, she’s just trash to be disposed of.”

I clamped my hands over my mouth to stifle my shock. Shrinking further into the shadows, my foot accidentally hit the armor. The sharp clang echoed through the corridor.

There was no denying it—someone had heard.