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Rae’s Library, Lagos (2026)

23/03/2026

💌 Threads
of Fate
and Crown 💖
(My one and only…)
By: Rae ♡
Genre: Ancient Romance • Royal Drama • Love • Family Politics • Cultivation • Unrequited Love
Chapter 💘 13 and 14 💝
Palace....

Activities was going on in the palace as usual.

Aria had just woken up, though she bearly slept,

She was thinking about everything, Alex the alliance and what choice she wanted to make,

She had finally came to one sure thing, that she had feelings for Alexander.

She stood up and hurried to the wash room, she had to dress quick or she would be late.

They were all heading back to their manor after spending two days at the palace.
Few minutes after...

Aria came out of the wash room, shocked to see Eleanor on her bed.

She rolled her eyes, as she knew her sister was here to tease her again.

"Don't you have any other thing to do.?" Aria questioned.

"I'm here to meet my sister." Eleanor smiled sheepishly.

"Really...." Aria said.

"Yes, besides I don't have anyone to talk to, sister in law and big brother Adrian left the palace since yesterday and Victoria.... " She paused.

" She's boring." Eleanor finished.

"Boring...." Aria rised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I mean look at you, all these shenanigans with the crown prince"

"And the dark eyes, you haven't been sleeping." She said, Aria sighed as she walked towards the bed.

"Was just thinking." Aria replied.

"About prince Alexander." Eleanor asked and she nodded.

" So what were you thinking about?" Eleanor asked her eyes popping up waiting for her sister's response.

"About him, my feelings and all. " Aria said.

Eleanor turned to her, "So what was the result of the thinking, have you finally accepted the facts that you like him." Eleanor asked.

Just as Aria was about to answer, a knock came from the door.

"Miss your attention is needed at the royal court room." The maid said, the two sisters exchanged glances.

"Thanks, you may leave." Aria said to the maid.

Eleanor smirked immediately.

“That’s your answer right there.”

Aria frowned. “What?”

“You like him,” Eleanor said simply, standing up.

Aria didn’t deny it this time.

She just looked away.

Eleanor’s smile widened.

“We should hurry.”
The Royal Court room....

Everyone was there, the first grade Minister's, including the prime minister, their father, the crown prince, her step mom, Victoria, Alexander sister wasn't there.

The atmosphere was calm… but heavy.

Aria walked in beside Eleanor and they both bowed properly.

“Your Majesty.”

The king nodded once.

“Aria.”

He didn’t waste time.

“This matter has been discussed within the council.”

Aria kept her gaze lowered, listening carefully.

No interruption.

No emotion on her face.

“To preserve the dignity of both the royal family and the Prime Minister’s household…”

A slight pause.

“Aria will be granted the title of Royal Princess.”

A quiet shift passed through the room.

No shock.

Just acknowledgment.

“Princess Victoria will retain her title.”

Victoria stood calmly, as expected.

Not a single reaction out of place.

The king continued, his tone steady.

“This decision ensures that neither side is dishonored, and no misunderstanding will remain.”

Then his gaze rested on Aria.

“Do you understand?”

Aria didn’t answer immediately.

She thought.

About everything.

Her family.

Victoria.

Alexander.

And herself.

She slowly lifted her head.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Her voice was calm.

Controlled.

Then she added.

“I am grateful for the consideration given to my family.”

The Prime Minister exhaled quietly, he had been in a dilemma since the incident took place, he and his wife had hoped this would not cause a rift between his two daughters.

He felt Relief.

The ministers nodded slightly.

Approval.

They had all expected her to reject the offer.

The king gave a small nod.

“Good.”

And just like that

The matter was settled.

Alexander stared at her, but her eyes were not on him,as she was lost in thoughts.
After the Court Session

As they stepped out, Eleanor immediately leaned closer.

“That was… surprisingly smooth.”

Aria let out a quiet breath.

“Yes it was."
Victoria joined them shortly after.

“You handled that well,” she said softly.

Aria glanced at her.

“I just understood what was at stake."

"I had been rejecting the proposal for way too much."

Victoria gave a small nod.

“Good.”

Then after a pause

"It feels kind of illegal to have two princess has my sister." Eleanor paused staring at them.

"I feel honored about it."

Aria rolled her eyes and Victoria laughed.

"Aren't you going to wait and have a word with the prince." Victoria said to aria.

"I think you both need to talk."

But before she could answer.

Servants approached.

“The carriages are ready.”
(The manor of the prime minister)
Back to the Manor....

The journey back was quieter than expected.

Eleanor tried—twice—to start a conversation…

But Aria wasn’t really listening.

Her thoughts were elsewhere.

Alexander.
At the manor, everything felt familiar again.

Grounded.

Safe.

But somehow…

Also different.
They stepped down from the carriage, and just as Aria turned.

She caught sight of another carriage in the distance.

Royal.

Alexander.

He had followed.

"Ohh your prince charming is here for you." Eleanor teased.

"Stop teasing her Eli." Victoria said hitting her head.

"Let's go inside, let them have some privacy." Victoria said and dragged Eleanor inside, heading towards their home.

Aria blushed as her two sisters teased her and went inside.

"Hey...." Alexander said when he to her side.

Aria looked around, "Let's head inside." She said and Alexander nodded following her.

Aria stopped at the garden.

She had planned to take him to her room but she didn't want any rumor spreading out.

"Greetings your highness." She turned around greeted Alexander.

"Hmmm...." Alexander nodded as he helped her up, he knew telling her there was no need for greetings would only cause another confusion.

"You came over your highness, is there a problem." Aria asked her eyes on Alexander.

"I wanted to have a word with you."

"We haven't talked or seen each other properly since all these happened." He said, aria stared at him waiting for him to go on.

"So I thought since everything has been settled, we should meet and talk things out."

"And I'm also here to apologize for the misunderstanding."

"If I hadn't misunderstood you for Victoria, none of this would have happened, I regret it." He paused.

"But one thing I won't regret is meeting you, getting to know you." He finished, Aria smiled but didn't look at him.

"I almost ruined everything and hurting you and your family in the process but." He faced her.

"If I was told to pick between you and Victoria again, I would still pick you without thinking of the consequences."

"When I told my sister's that you were weird, I wasn't exaggerating." Aria muttered.

Alexander smiled.

Then they both stop, as they watched the birds fly, the wind blowing against their face, and the sun setting on the tree in their front.

"I'm not going to say all these was your fault, I mean we need chaos in our lifes once in a while."

"And I'm going to be married to you soon."

"And keeping grudges would not only harm you but me, and everything feels like fate I guess." She said.

Alexander smirked at her words.

"So you admit that you do have feelings for me." He said.

Aria blinked and immediately refuted his words.

"No I didn't...." She stuttered.

Alexander's smirk alone widen at her reaction.

"Where's princess Leah...." She asked trying to deviate his attention.

"She went back to the palace." He said.

Aria raised an eyebrow.

"She went back or you sent her back."

"Same thing love."

"She was playing in my face." He said.

Aria stared at him after he finished talking.

"What did you just say..." She asked.

"That Leah was playing in my face." He said.

Aria Shaked her head.

"Not that...." She said.

Alexander stared at her confused, there his face lite up when he remembered.

"Love...." He said and aria nodded her cheeks turning pink.

"Why did you call me that." She asked looking away.

"Because you are my love, and I'm not going to stop saying it any time soon or maybe forever." He smiled.

"You don't like it." He asked and she Shaked her head.

"No it's not that, I was just surprised to hear you call me that." She muttered.

"So you like me calling you that." He said and she nodded.

"No.... No.... No I don't." She said realizing that she had nodded her head.

Alexander could not help but laugh.
At a corner, near where the couples stayedat the garden.

Stood Eleanor and Victoria.

Victoria had asked Eleanor to let them be but she refused.

Wanting to catch their sweet moments.

And Victoria couldn't deny that she also wanted to see what was going on, so she followed Eleanor and here they are.

"Big sis, their so cute." Eleanor said.

Victoria nodded smiling.

The crown prince really did like her sister, and she could tell the feeling was growing into something more loving.

And Aria, even though she denied it, tried to hide it, it's still shows that she liked him back.
The kingdom of Eryndor....

"Really...." The king (the crown prince father) asked.

Leah laughed as she nodded.

"Yes Father, she rejected your unrejecting son."

"She is one bold young Lady."

"Yes Father, she was willing to let her elder sister marry brother even though she liked him." Leah said as she remembered the scene.

"She said family comes first."

"Well Alexander was wrong, she did right by rejecting him at first."

"Thank goodness it's all over, and everything has been settled, or it could have caused a disaster." The king said and Leah nodded.

"And he had the guts to send me back when things were starting to get interesting and better." She pouted and the king laughed.

He knew his daughter very well.

Alexander would never had sent her back, if she wasn't on his neck.
That makes up for today's chapter.
So I haven't posted for like five days now, and I really don't have any excuses but I want you all to know that I'm very sorry.

Here's a chapter, I hope you enjoy it.

Like, comment and share....
Good night my beloved readers… ♡

17/03/2026

💌 Threads
of Fate
and Crown 💖

(My one and only…)

By: Rae ♡

Genre: Ancient Romance • Royal Drama • Love • Family Politics • Cultivation • Unrequited Love

---

Chapter 💘 11 and 12 💝...The Royal Court Room....

The royal court hall felt suffocating.

Hundreds of eyes were fixed on Aria.

Nobles.

Ministers.

Royal guards.

Even the servants standing along the walls watched silently.

No one moved.

No one spoke.

Only the soft rustling of silk robes echoed faintly through the chamber.

At the center of it all stood Aria.

The king’s question still hung heavily in the air.

“So what is your choice, Aria?”

Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it.

She glanced around the hall.

Her father looked worried.

Her step mother looked tense.

Eleanor stood beside Adrian, nervously biting her lip.

Victoria stood calmly, watching her with gentle eyes.

And Alexander…

Alexander was staring only at her.

Waiting.

Aria swallowed.

“This… is insane,” she muttered under her breath.

The king raised a brow.

“Speak clearly, child.”

Aria took a slow breath.

Then she stepped forward.

“Your Majesty… I cannot accept this.”

Gasps filled the hall.

Alexander’s expression tightened slightly.

The king frowned.

“And why not?”

Aria looked directly at him.

“Because this entire situation began with a mistake.”

Murmurs spread again.

Aria continued.

“The Crown Prince believed I was someone else.”

She gestured toward Victoria.

“My sister was the one chosen for the alliance.”

Alexander suddenly spoke.

“That does not change my feelings.”

Aria immediately turned toward him.

“But it changes everything else!”

The tension between them filled the room again.

Aria continued firmly.

“This alliance is between kingdoms.”

She looked at the king again.

“It should not be decided because of a misunderstanding or… emotions.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened.

“So you would rather marry a stranger?”

Aria glared at him.

“And you would rather ruin my sister’s engagement because of a few meetings?”

Leah, who had been sitting quietly near the side, whispered to a nearby noble.

“This is better than any theater performance.”

The noble nodded nervously.

Meanwhile, Victoria suddenly stepped forward again.

Her calm voice cut through the noise.

“Aria.”

Aria looked at her.

Victoria smiled softly.

“You’re thinking too much about everyone else.”

Aria blinked.

Victoria continued gently.

“Have you thought about what you want?”

Aria froze.

The question caught her completely off guard.

What she wanted?

No one had asked her that before.

The king spoke again.

“This court is not a place for hesitation.”

His gaze sharpened.

“You must decide.”

Silence fell once more.

Aria slowly looked at Alexander again.

His expression had changed.

He was no longer confident.

For the first time since she met him…

He looked nervous.

As if her answer truly mattered to him.

Aria’s chest tightened.

She quickly looked away.

“This is ridiculous,” she whispered.

Then suddenly—

Adrian spoke.

His voice was calm but firm.

“Your Majesty.”

The court turned toward him.

The king raised a brow.

“Yes?”

Adrian bowed respectfully.

“With all due respect… forcing Aria to make this decision immediately may not be fair.”

The king studied him.

“And why do you say that?”

Adrian answered calmly.

“Because this matter affects three people.”

He gestured toward Victoria, Aria, and Alexander.

“Not just one.”

The court murmured in agreement.

The king leaned back slightly.

“Hm.”

Then he sighed.

“Very well.”

Everyone waited.

“This court will recess until tomorrow.”

Aria blinked.

Relief flooded her chest.

The king continued.

“By tomorrow morning… a final decision will be made.”

He looked directly at Aria.

“And I expect your answer then.”

Aria nodded slowly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The king raised his hand.

“Court dismissed.”

The hall immediately erupted into whispers.

Nobles began discussing the shocking events.

Some stared openly at Aria.

Others whispered behind their sleeves.

Eleanor rushed toward her immediately.

“ARIA!”

Aria groaned.

“Please don’t start.”

Eleanor grabbed her shoulders dramatically.

“You just rejected the Crown Prince in front of the entire court!”

“Yes,” Aria muttered.

“I noticed.”

Leah walked over, smiling mischievously.

“You’re brave.”

Aria blinked.

“Or stupid,” Leah added cheerfully.

Alexander approached them at that moment.

The surrounding nobles immediately went quiet again.

Aria stiffened.

Alexander stopped in front of her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then he said quietly,

“You didn’t answer my question either.”

Aria frowned.

“What question?”

Alexander leaned slightly closer.

“Tell me you feel nothing for me.”

Aria’s heart skipped again.

Eleanor whispered dramatically to Leah.

“Oh this is getting good.”

Leah nodded.

“I like her.”

Aria glared at them both.

Then she turned back to Alexander.

“You’re impossible.”

Alexander smirked slightly.

“Yet you still haven’t denied it.”

Aria’s face turned red again.

“Goodbye, Your Highness.”

She spun around and walked away quickly.

Eleanor followed her, barely containing her laughter.

Behind them, Alexander watched her leave.

Leah walked up beside him.

“Well,” she said.

“You’ve officially scared the poor girl.”

Alexander sighed quietly.

“No.”

His gaze remained fixed on Aria’s retreating figure.

“She’s just running.”

Leah tilted her head.

“And what will you do?”

Alexander smiled slightly.

“Chase her.”

Leah burst out laughing.

“Oh this marriage is going to be chaotic.”

Alexander didn’t deny it.

Later that day…

The palace corridor was quiet.

Most of the nobles had already left after the court meeting, and the once noisy halls were now filled only with the soft footsteps of servants moving about.

Aria walked quickly through the corridor, her mind still spinning from everything that had happened.

She turned a corner and almost collided with someone.

“Careful.”

Aria looked up.

Victoria stood in front of her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Aria looked away.

“I was looking for you,” Victoria said calmly.

Aria sighed.

“You shouldn’t be.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

“And why not?”

Aria crossed her arms.

“Because this entire situation is my fault.”

Victoria blinked.

“Your fault?”

“Yes!” Aria said in frustration. “If I hadn’t met him that day, none of this would be happening.”

Victoria studied her sister quietly.

“You didn’t plan to meet him.”

“That doesn’t change the outcome!”

Aria began pacing.

“He was supposed to marry you, Victoria. You were the one chosen for the alliance. Not me.”

Victoria leaned lightly against the pillar beside her.

“You’re assuming I wanted that.”

Aria stopped walking.

“What?”

Victoria looked at her calmly.

“I never met him before yesterday.”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing,” Victoria interrupted gently.

She walked closer to Aria.

“Do you know what Father told me when the alliance was first arranged?”

Aria shook her head.

Victoria smiled faintly.

“He said it would be a great honor for our family.”

“That’s true,” Aria said quietly.

Victoria nodded.

“Yes. For the family.”

She paused.

“But no one asked what I thought.”

Aria stared at her.

“You mean… you didn’t want to marry him?”

Victoria shrugged slightly.

“I didn’t know him enough to want or not want anything.”

For the first time since the court meeting, Aria looked confused.

Victoria continued.

“But you did meet him.”

Aria’s face immediately turned red.

“That was an accident.”

Victoria smiled.

“Perhaps.”

Aria groaned.

“Don’t start teasing me too.”

Victoria laughed softly.

“I’m not teasing you.”

She stepped closer.

“I’m asking you something.”

Aria hesitated.

“What?”

Victoria’s expression became serious.

“When he said he loved you… how did you feel?”

Aria froze.

Her mind replayed the moment in court.

Alexander standing in front of everyone.

Declaring it without hesitation.

Her heart started beating faster again.

“I…” she started.

Then she stopped.

Victoria watched her carefully.

“You see?”

Aria shook her head quickly.

“That doesn’t mean anything!”

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

Victoria crossed her arms.

“Then answer me honestly.”

Aria frowned.

“Answer what?”

Victoria’s eyes softened slightly.

“When you found out he was the Crown Prince… were you happy?”

Aria opened her mouth.

But no words came out.

Victoria chuckled quietly.

“That silence says a lot.”

Aria threw her hands in the air.

“You’re impossible!”

Victoria laughed again.

“Maybe.”

Then she reached out and gently squeezed Aria’s shoulder.

“But listen to me.”

Aria looked at her.

Victoria’s voice softened.

“You don’t have to worry about me.”

Aria frowned.

“What do you mean?”

Victoria smiled warmly.

“I won’t fight you for him.”

Aria’s eyes widened.

“I’m not fighting you!”

Victoria tilted her head slightly.

“Then stop looking so guilty.”

Aria looked down.

“I just… don’t want to hurt you.”

Victoria’s smile became gentler.

“You won’t.”

Aria looked up again.

Victoria continued.

“Because if you really love him…”

She paused.

“…then you deserve to be happy too.”

Aria’s heart skipped.

“I never said I loved him.”

Victoria smiled knowingly.

“You didn’t have to.”

Aria stared at her for a moment.

Then suddenly stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

Victoria blinked in surprise before hugging her back.

“You’re a strange sister,” Aria muttered.

Victoria laughed softly.

“And you’re dramatic.”

They both pulled away after a moment.

Just then—

A guard approached from the corridor.

He bowed slightly.

“Princess Victoria.”

Victoria turned to him.

“Yes?”

“The Crown Prince has requested an audience with the Prime Minister’s family.”

Aria froze.

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

The guard nodded.

“He said… it is important.”

Aria groaned loudly.

“I knew it.”

Victoria smirked.

“Looks like your admirer isn’t done causing trouble.”

Aria covered her face.

“My life is officially ruined.”

Victoria laughed.

“Come on.”

She started walking down the corridor.

Aria reluctantly followed her.

“Let’s see what the Crown Prince wants this time.”

Aria sighed.

“I’m already afraid.”
Meanwhile… in the Royal Council Chamber....

The chamber was quiet.

Only the king, the ministers, and Alexander remained.

The king tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair.

“This situation has become more complicated than I expected.”

Minister Roland spoke carefully.

“Your Majesty, the rumors are already spreading beyond the palace.”

Another minister sighed.

“The nobles are already talking.”

The king frowned.

“And what exactly are they saying?”

Minister Roland hesitated.

“Some claim Miss Aria deliberately approached the Crown Prince to steal the alliance from her sister.”

Alexander’s expression darkened.

“That rumor is false.”

His voice was cold.

Minister Caldus spoke calmly.

“The problem is not whether it is true or false, Your Highness. The problem is perception.”

The king nodded slowly.

“If the Crown Prince marries Aria instead of Victoria, many will believe Victoria was rejected.”

Alexander spoke again.

“That was never my intention.”

“Intentions matter little in politics,” Minister Caldus replied. “Reputation matters more.”

Silence filled the room.

Then one of the older ministers cleared his throat.

“I may have a suggestion, Your Majesty.”

“Speak,” the king said.

“Instead of removing Princess Victoria’s title… why not give Aria a title as well?”

The king narrowed his eyes.

“Continue.”

“We allow Victoria to remain a princess of the kingdom… and crown Aria as a Royal Princess before the marriage.”

Several ministers nodded.

“That way,” another added, “it will appear as though the Prime Minister’s family has been honored, not humiliated.”

The king stroked his beard.

“Two princesses…”

“And the rumors?” Alexander asked.

Minister Caldus answered calmly.

“That is simple.”

He looked at the king.

“Anyone spreading malicious rumors about the royal family will be investigated.”

Another minister added firmly,

“And punished.”

The king’s gaze hardened.

“No one will dare speak carelessly.”

Finally he stood.

“Prepare the announcement.”

The ministers bowed.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As they left, Alexander remained behind.

The king noticed.

“You’re still here.”

Alexander nodded slightly.

“Aria won’t like this.”

The king chuckled softly.

“Most people do not enjoy becoming royalty.”

Alexander shook his head.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“She never asked for any of this,” he said quietly.

The king smiled faintly.

“Neither did you.”

Alexander fell silent.

Then the king added calmly,

“But sometimes fate does not ask for permission.”

He walked toward the door.

“And if your feelings are truly genuine…”

He glanced back at his son.

“…then you should prepare yourself.”

Alexander frowned.

“For what?”

The king smiled.

“For convincing your future wife.”

Then he left.

Alexander stood there alone.

After a moment he muttered quietly,

“…that will be the hardest battle of all.”
Later that night…

It was close to midnight.

The palace had fallen into deep silence.

Most of the nobles had retired to their chambers, and even the servants had finished their duties. Only the occasional footsteps of a night guard echoed faintly through the long marble corridors.

But in the royal training courtyard, someone was still awake.

Alexander.

The Crown Prince stood alone in the open courtyard, a sword in his hand.

The moonlight reflected faintly off the blade as he moved.

Step.

Turn.

Strike.

His movements were sharp and controlled.

Every swing of the sword cut cleanly through the air.

Sweat ran down the side of his face as he continued his practice.

His breathing grew heavier.

But his mind wasn't focused on the training.

Instead, his thoughts replayed the events of the day.

The court.

The arguments.

The whispers of the nobles.

And most of all…

Aria standing in front of everyone.

Rejecting him.

Alexander suddenly stopped moving.

His chest rose and fell as he caught his breath.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked up at the night sky.

The king's words echoed in his mind.

"If your feelings are truly genuine… then you should prepare yourself for convincing your future wife."

Alexander let out a quiet scoff.

“Convincing her?” he muttered.

He lowered the sword slightly.

“That might be harder than winning a war.”

His mind drifted again.

He remembered the moment Aria had refused him in the court.

The stubborn look on her face.

The way she argued with him without fear.

Despite everything…

A small smile appeared on his lips.

“When is she going to give me a positive answer…” he murmured to himself.

But Alex wasn't alone.

Hidden behind one of the tall stone pillars near the courtyard entrance…

Aria was standing there.

She had wandered the palace after her conversation with Victoria, unable to sleep.

Her mind had been a battlefield of thoughts.

You love him, her brain whispered.

Aria crossed her arms.

“That's ridiculous,” she whispered quietly to herself.

But somehow…

Her feet had brought her here.

To Alexander's chambers.

And that was when she saw him.

Training.

His sword cutting through the air with strength and precision.

Even the faint glow of cultivation energy surrounded him as he practiced.

Aria stared quietly.

Her heart beat faster.

You love him, her brain repeated again.

Aria sighed.

“…maybe a little.”

Her brain immediately replied,

See? I was right.

Aria rolled her eyes.

“No you are not.”

Then she paused.

Realizing what she had just done.

She groaned softly.

“Great. Now I'm talking to myself.”

Shaking her head, she quickly turned around.

“I need sleep.”

Without another glance, she hurried away from the courtyard and headed back toward her room.

But she didn't realize something.

Alexander had seen everything.

From the moment she stepped into the courtyard.

He had noticed her reflection in the polished blade of his sword.

He had heard her whispering to herself.

And he had watched her leave.

Alexander slowly lowered his sword.

Then he let out a quiet laugh.

A genuine one.

“…so you came to watch me.”

The smile on his face slowly widened.

For the first time that day…

He felt hopeful.
Look who posted… me. Who else if not me? 😌

I actually fell asleep while editing 😔
When I woke up a few minutes past 12, guess what I discovered…

I HAD DELETED THE ENTIRE CHAPTER I WAS EDITING😖, while I was in dream or wonder land, aren't that wonderful.🥹

Yes, I had the exact same expression you probably have on your face right now.

But luckily, I had a backup. After a little scrolling and editing again, everything was restored.

Thank God I kept a backup, because honestly… I don’t even know where I would have started from if it was gone completely.

Anyways…
Like, comment, and share.
And please tell me what you think about this chapter. ♡

14/03/2026

💌 Threads
of Fate
and Crown 💖

(My one and only…)

By: Rae ♡

Genre: Ancient Romance • Royal Drama • Love • Family Politics • Cultivation • Unrequited Love
Chapter 💘 9 and 10 💝
(♡ Decisions, Secrets, and Rumor⁠♡)
The room was silent.

So silent that even the faint crackling of the lantern flames could be heard.

Every pair of eyes in the room was now fixed on Victoria.

The king stood with his hands behind his back, his expression tense.

The Prime Minister and his wife looked uneasy, unsure of what their daughter would say.

Aria stood stiffly beside Eleanor, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

And Alexander…

Alexander did not take his eyes off Victoria.

But the determination in his gaze was clear.

He would marry no one but Aria.

Victoria slowly looked around the room.

She could feel the weight of everyone's expectations pressing on her shoulders.

For a moment, she said nothing.

Then she let out a quiet breath.

“So this… is the situation,” she said softly.

Her calm voice surprised everyone.

Her eyes first moved toward Aria.

Aria immediately lowered her head, guilt written all over her face.

Victoria stared at her for a moment before speaking again.

“So the mysterious man you met on my coronation day… was the Crown Prince.”

Eleanor awkwardly scratched the back of her neck.

“Well… when you say it like that…”

“Eleanor,” Adrian warned quietly.

She quickly shut her mouth.

Victoria then turned to Alexander.

Her eyes studied him carefully.

“So you believed Aria was the daughter chosen for the alliance?”

“Yes,” Alexander answered honestly.

“And you… developed feelings for her?”

Alexander did not hesitate.

“Yes.”

The answer was immediate and firm.

No hesitation.

No doubt.

The honesty in his voice made Aria’s heart skip.

Victoria noticed that.

She noticed everything.

The way Alexander’s eyes kept drifting toward Aria.

The way Aria avoided his gaze.

The way the tension between them filled the entire room.

Victoria lowered her gaze slightly.

For a moment, her expression was unreadable.

The king cleared his throat impatiently.

“Princess Victoria,” he said carefully, “this alliance concerns the future of both kingdoms. Your opinion is important, but we must resolve this matter quickly.”

Victoria nodded slowly.

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

She lifted her head again.

Her eyes were calm.

But there was something deeper behind them.

Something no one could quite read.

Finally she spoke.

“If the Crown Prince believes he cannot marry me… then forcing the marriage will only create resentment between our kingdoms.”

The king frowned slightly.

Alexander looked surprised.

Victoria continued calmly.

“An alliance built on unwilling hearts will never be stable.”

The king sighed heavily.

“That may be true, but the alliance itself must still stand.”

Victoria nodded.

“Yes. I understand that as well.”

She turned to Aria.

Aria felt her throat tighten.

“Aria,” Victoria said gently.

Aria slowly looked up.

“Yes… sister?”

Victoria studied her face.

Then she smiled faintly.

A soft, tired smile.

“You’ve always had strange luck,” she said quietly.

Eleanor blinked.

“That’s one way to describe it.”

Adrian rubbed his forehead.

“Eleanor…”

"Sorry...." She muttered as she smiled sheepishly.

Victoria continued speaking.

“If the Crown Prince truly believes he loves you…”

Aria’s eyes widened.

“…then perhaps you should be the one to marry him.”

The room froze.

The king’s eyes widened.

The Prime Minister looked stunned.

Even Alexander seemed shocked.

“Victoria,” their mother said softly.

But Victoria only shook her head.

“I am not saying this lightly,” she said.

Then she turned to the king.

“Your Majesty, the alliance will still stand if Aria becomes the bride.”

The king stared at her carefully.

“And you… truly agree to this?”

Victoria smiled again.

This time the smile was a little sad.

“What choice do I really have?”

Aria immediately shook her head.

“No!”

Everyone turned to her.

Aria stepped forward.

“This is wrong!” she said.

“This marriage was meant for Victoria!”

She looked at Alexander briefly before looking away again.

“I never wanted to be involved in any of this in the first place.”

Alexander frowned slightly.

“But—”

“And you!” Aria suddenly pointed at him.

“You never even knew my name properly when we first met! You didn't even know who I was, all you relied on was that I'm the prime minister daughter.”

Eleanor whispered to Adrian.

“She’s panicking.”

“Clearly.”

Aria continued.

“You mistook me for someone else, chased me around the city, kissed me without knowing who I was—”

“Aria,” Isabella muttered softly.

“You’re not helping.”

Aria froze.

Realizing everyone was staring at her again, she slowly lowered her hand.

The king rubbed his temples.

“This situation grows more chaotic by the minute.”

Princess Leah suddenly laughed softly.

Everyone turned to her.

“Well,” she said casually, “at least it's entertaining.”

“Leah,” Alexander said warningly.

She shrugged.

“I’m just saying what everyone is thinking.”

Then she looked at Aria.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“So you're the girl my brother has been losing his mind over.”

Aria’s face turned red.

“I am not!”

Alexander quietly spoke.

“You are.”

Aria glared at him.

“You’re not helping either.”

For the first time since the meeting began, the tension in the room loosened slightly.

The king raised a hand.

“Enough.”

The room immediately went quiet again.

“This matter will not be decided tonight.”

Everyone looked at him.

The king continued.

“There are too many consequences tied to this alliance.”

He looked at Aria and Victoria.

“And the decision will affect both of your futures.”

He then turned toward the Prime Minister.

“Minister Luke, I will give your family time to discuss this matter privately, and according to all these.” he said pointing at Alex, Victoria and Aria.

"You all will have to stay in the palace till all these as been settled."

Luke bowed his head respectfully.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The king nodded.

“This discussion will continue tomorrow.”

Then he turned toward Alexander.

“And Crown Prince… until then, I suggest you avoid creating more chaos.”

Alexander did not respond.

His eyes had already returned to Aria.

Aria noticed.

And immediately looked away again.

Leah sighed dramatically.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.”

The king shook his head.

“Dismissed.”

As everyone slowly began leaving the room, Aria felt something tighten in her chest.

Everything had changed.

And somehow…

It felt like the real storm had only just begun.
(⁠♡ Palace⁠ ♡)

The palace was quiet that night.

The grand banquet had long ended, and the once lively halls were now dimly lit by scattered lanterns.

Most of the guests had retired to their chambers.

But not everyone could sleep.

Too many things had happened.

Too many hearts were restless.

Inside the guest quarters prepared for the Prime Minister’s family, Aria paced back and forth in her room.

Her mind refused to calm down.

Everything that happened earlier kept replaying in her head.

Alex… is the Crown Prince.

And my sister’s fiancé.

She stopped pacing and covered her face with both hands.

“How did this even happen…” she muttered.

The door suddenly opened.

Eleanor slipped inside.

“There you are,” she said casually, closing the door behind her.

Aria turned to her.

“You scared me!”

Eleanor leaned against the door.

“You should see your face. You look like someone just told you the world is ending.”

Aria groaned.

“It basically did.”

Eleanor walked further into the room.

“You’re overreacting.”

“Overreacting?” Aria stared at her in disbelief.

“I kissed the Crown Prince… who is supposed to marry my sister!”

Eleanor shrugged.

“Well… technically he kissed you.”

Aria threw a pillow at her.

Eleanor caught it easily.

“Relax,” she said, laughing. “It’s not like you knew.”

“That’s not the point!”

Eleanor studied her sister for a moment.

Then her teasing expression softened slightly.

“You like him.”

Aria froze.

“I do not.”

“You do.”

“I don’t!”

“You do.”

Aria grabbed another pillow.

“Say it again and I’ll throw this one too.”

Eleanor raised both hands in surrender.

“Alright, alright.”

But the mischievous smile never left her face.

“Just remember… the Crown Prince literally told the king he loves you.”

Aria’s face immediately turned red.

“Stop saying that!”

Before Eleanor could reply, there was a soft knock on the door.

Both sisters froze.

“Who is it?” Aria asked cautiously.

A maid’s voice answered from outside.

“Miss Aria… someone wishes to speak with you.”

Aria frowned.

“At this hour?”

The maid hesitated slightly.

“He… said it was important.”

Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Oh my heavens,” she whispered dramatically.

“It’s him.”

Aria glared at her.

“It’s not him.”

Eleanor opened the door before Aria could stop her.

The maid bowed politely.

“The Crown Prince is waiting in the garden.”

Aria nearly choked.

Eleanor slowly turned toward her with the biggest grin.

“I told you.”
( ⁠♡ ⁠Victoria's chambers ♡ )

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Victoria stood quietly on the balcony of her chamber.

The night wind gently moved the curtains behind her.

She looked down at the palace gardens below.

Her expression was calm.

But her eyes were distant.

A soft knock came from behind her.

“Come in,” she said.

The door opened, and Isabella walked inside.

She looked at her daughter carefully.

“You’re awake.”

Victoria smiled faintly.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

Isabella stepped closer.

“You gave up your engagement too easily.”

Victoria remained silent for a moment.

Then she spoke quietly.

"Not giving it up meaning ruining the peace between the two kingdom and preventing Aria from getting her happy ending.”

Her eyes drifted back toward the garden.

“But your sister doesn't seem to want that.”

Isabella did not respond.

Victoria’s voice became softer.

"I never really knew who is was to begin with, and Aria." She paused.

"She will have to accept it sooner or later." She finished.

"You make such a wonderful big sister." Isabella smiled as she hugged her daughter.
(⁠♡⁠ Garden ♡)

Back in the palace garden, Aria walked slowly along the stone path.

Lanterns hung from the trees, lighting the quiet garden with a soft golden glow.

Then she saw him.

Alexander stood near the small pond, his back turned to her.

As if sensing her presence, he turned around.

Their eyes met.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Aria was the first to break the silence.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Alexander took a few steps closer.

“And yet you came.”

Aria folded her arms.

“That doesn’t mean I wanted to.”

Alexander studied her face.

“Are you angry?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Aria blinked.

“Good?”

“It means you care.”

“I do not!”

Alexander stepped even closer.

Now they were only a few steps apart.

“You avoided me all night,” he said quietly.”

"What was I supposed to do, hug you."

"You basically exposed the facts that we kissed to everyone, do you know how embarrassing that was, I felt like I had stolen my own sister's happiness."

“I confessed the truth.”

“You confessed chaos!”

Alexander smiled slightly.

“You’re still here.”

Aria looked away.

“That’s because you dragged me here.”

Alexander’s voice softened.

“Aria.”

She reluctantly looked at him again.

“I meant what I said earlier,” he continued.

“I cannot marry Victoria.”

Aria frowned.

“You don’t get to decide that alone.”

“Then tell me to stop.”

Aria hesitated.

Alexander’s eyes never left hers.

“Tell me you feel nothing for me,” he said quietly.

The night air suddenly felt heavier.

Aria opened her mouth.

But no words came out.

Alexander smiled faintly.

“That’s what I thought.”

Aria immediately turned away.

“You are unbelievably arrogant.”

“Maybe.”

“But I’m also honest.”

He leaned slightly closer.

“And you still haven’t denied it.”

Aria’s face turned red again.

“Goodnight, Your Highness,” she said quickly, turning to leave.

But before she could walk away, Alexander spoke again.

“Aria.”

She stopped.

His voice was softer now.

“Tomorrow… things will become more complicated.”

She slowly looked back at him.

“So enjoy tonight while you can.”

Aria frowned slightly.

“What do you mean?”

Alexander only smiled.

“You’ll see.”
The next morning...

Morning came quickly.

The palace was already buzzing with activity.

Servants moved through the corridors.

Guards stood at attention.

Inside the guest quarters, Eleanor burst into Aria’s room.

“ARIA!”

Aria jumped.

“What is wrong with you?!”

Eleanor rushed toward her.

“You have a problem.”

Aria sighed.

“I already know that.”

“No,” Eleanor said dramatically.

“You have a big problem.”

Aria frowned.

“What happened now?”

Eleanor leaned closer.

“There are rumors spreading across the palace and basically the kingdom.”

Aria’s stomach dropped.

“What rumors?”

Eleanor sighed.

“They’re saying you seduced the Crown Prince.”

Aria nearly choked.

“I WHAT?!”

“Shhh!” Eleanor whispered.

“You’re going to alert the entire palace.”

Aria paced the room.

“That’s ridiculous! I didn’t seduce anyone!”

Eleanor shrugged.

“But the nobles love gossip more than food.”

Aria groaned.

“This is a disaster.”

“And that’s not the worst part,” Eleanor added.

Aria stopped.

“What could be worse?”

Eleanor gave her a serious look.

“The royal court meeting today.”

Aria’s heart sank.

“He’s going to talk about the marriage…”

Eleanor nodded.

“Exactly.”

"What the hell is he trying to do" she muttered.

Eleanor shrugged.

"Who knows."
(⁠♡ The Royal Court Room ♡)

Later that morning, the royal court gathered.

Ministers and nobles filled the hall.

At the front sat the king.

Beside him stood Alexander.

Soon the doors opened again.

The Prime Minister entered with his family.

Aria felt every gaze turn toward her.

The king raised his hand for silence.

“Yesterday’s banquet brought unexpected complications,” he announced.

Then he turned toward Alexander.

“Crown Prince Alexander requested to speak before the court.”

Alexander stepped forward calmly.

“I mistakenly believed the Prime Minister’s daughter I met days ago to be my intended bride,” he said.

“That woman is Aria.”

Murmurs spread across the hall.

Alexander continued.

“During that time I came to know her… and my feelings for her are genuine.”

Aria felt her face burn.

“For that reason,” he continued, “I formally request that the marriage alliance be transferred to Aria instead of Victoria.”

Gasps filled the court.

Then suddenly—

Victoria stepped forward.

“If the Crown Prince truly believes his happiness lies with my sister,” she said calmly, “then I will not stand in the way.”

The room fell silent.

"Sister." Aria called.

Victoria Shaked her head.

"There is no need for all that, I feel nothing towards the prince but instead it's you and you prince who have feelings for each other."

"But what of the rumors, people would talk." Aria replied as she Shaked her head.

"Let them, people always talk, regardless of whatever, who is at fault or what cause it, so why care so much." Victoria said as she faced Aria.

Aria sniffed staring at her sister.

"So what is your choice aria." The king said.

All eyes turned towards her waiting for her to talk.
Like, comment and share....

Comment about what you have read....

I tried the make the chapter a bit longer.

What do you think aria's answer would be....?

Good night my lovely readers...

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