Chapter 1
Silently, Aziza treaded the dimly lit corridors of the palace, seeking solace within the shroud of darkness that cloaked her every step. The opulence of the palace surrounded her, its walls adorned with intricate decorations, while majestic flowers delicately entwined around the pillars, their presence mocking her. In this moment, Aziza relinquished the burden of pretense, no longer bound by the charade of a proud Princess of the First Rank.
Aziza couldn’t help but shrink inward as she pondered the daunting weeks that lay ahead. It had been a month since her father proclaimed the decree, announcing Ximena's imminent departure to be wedded off and fulfill her duty as Princess Ximena of the second rank. This alliance would ensure the safety and stability of their province. As Aziza contemplated this revelation, a bittersweet feeling washed over her.
Despite her noble lineage as the firstborn princess of her late mother, Noble Lady Cervantez, it pained Aziza's heart to know that she was not the one chosen to ascend to the esteemed title of Empress. She carried a deep sense of inadequacy, feeling as though she had not fulfilled her mother's expectations in becoming a ruler. The ache within her remained, a constant reminder of the unfulfilled duty she believed she had failed to honor.
In a rare moment of solitude, Aziza seized the opportunity to indulge in fleeting thoughts of rebellion. As her imagination painted the scene of her holding the roses that filled the vases at ever corner, she could almost feel their velvety smoothness caressing her hands. However, to her dismay, an unexpected surge of strength overcame her, and she unwittingly applied too much pressure, squashing the delicate petals. With a pang of regret, she observed the crushed fragments slipping through her fingers, their demise mirroring her own internal conflict.
As Aziza continued down the corridor, her attention was drawn to a figure emerging from a narrow doorway up ahead. The soft glow of a candle, held in a brass chamberstick, outlined the silhouette of the person. The flickering light cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an aura of mystery and intrigue.
As Aziza's gaze fell upon the figure emerging from the narrow doorway, her heart skipped a beat. It was one of the palace guards, his broad shoulders and familiar stance instantly recognizable. His sudden appearance caused her to tense up, aware that she was not supposed to wander the palace unaccompanied.
"You are not allowed to walk around without your attendants," he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet corridor. The candle he held between them flickered, casting a soft glow that illuminated their faces. A small coil of wax rolled down the candle's side, glistening in the dim light.
A heavy sensation settled in Aziza's head as she set aside the guard's words. This uneasy feeling was all too familiar to her. It was the reason she remained confined within the palace walls, unable to explore the world beyond. With a sigh, she pressed her back against the cool mud brick wall, feeling its comforting solidity against her skin, and slowly lowered herself to the ground.
To her surprise, the guard joined her, sitting down on the floor beside her. In the quietude of that moment, they shared a connection, both bound by their respective roles and the limitations they faced within the palace's confines.
It wasn't the first time the guard had witnessed Aziza's occasional fainting spells. Carefully, he set the chamberstick down on the ground between them, its soft glow casting a warm haze around them. With a steadying hand, he watched as Aziza's shoulders relaxed and her head tilted forward, resting in the palm of his hand. Gently, he guided her head to rest upon his shoulder, providing her with a sense of comfort and support.
As Aziza leaned against him, the guard couldn't help but notice the teardrops resting delicately on her lashes. It pained him to see her in such a vulnerable state, but he also knew that Aziza possessed a forgiving and compassionate nature. He believed that she would understand and forgive him for witnessing her in this moment of vulnerability.
The palace guard gently brushed away the tears from Aziza's lashes, his touch light and comforting. He silently repeated his vow to protect her and support her in any way he could, even if it meant witnessing her moments of weakness.
In that tender moment, as the guard's gaze wandered down the dark corridor, his eyes settled upon the doors that led to Princess Ximena's chambers. A disapproving frown marred his features, and his eyes narrowed with determination. A wave of conviction washed over him as he resolved that Princess Ximena would not make it to the Stellar Palace, no matter what it took.
Deep within his heart, he held an unspoken loyalty and affection for Aziza, understanding her plight and the weight of her responsibilities. This fueled his determination to protect her pride from the fate that awaited her sister.
❁ Thank you for reading. I will be updating again on November 12, 2023 at 6pm (et)❁
