1 Reflection

Prince Adrian stood in front of the ornate mirror, his reflection staring back at him with guarded eyes. The grandeur of his chamber seemed suffocating, the weight of expectations pressing down on his shoulders. He adjusted the collar of his royal attire, the silk fabric scratching against his skin. Today was the day he would be formally introduced to Princess Isabella, the woman he was supposed to marry. The woman who held the key to a fragile peace between their kingdoms.

Adrian took a deep breath, trying to quell the nerves that churned within him. His father, King Edward, had stressed the importance of this alliance countless times. The human kingdom hung in the balance, its survival dependent on Adrian's successful union with the vampire princess. But deep within his heart, Adrian carried a secret—a secret that threatened to unravel the delicate threads of their carefully woven plans.

He turned away from the mirror, his gaze drifting to the window that revealed a glimpse of the bustling courtyard below. Adrian's mind wandered, yearning for a freedom he had never truly known. It was not just the weight of the crown that burdened him; it was the shackles of his own truth, the truth he had concealed for far too long.

Adrian's fingers traced the edges of a hidden letter tucked beneath his pillow. The inked words revealed his deepest desires, his unspoken confessions. It was a dedicated page on his diary that addressed a name he had only whispered in the depths of his dreams—Lucien. The one who had ignited a fire within Adrian's heart that threatened to consume him.

But as the sun plunged below the horizon, Adrian knew that unveiling his desires would lead to a different kind of destruction—one that would shatter not only his own heart but also the delicate truce of humans. The consequences were too great, the risks too dire. So, he locked away his true self, leaving his desires imprisoned within his soul.

The chamber door creaked open, and a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "My prince, it is time," announced Edward's trusted advisor, Lord Edmund. His lined face held a mix of concern and anticipation, his eyes reflecting years of loyalty to the royal family.

Adrian straightened his posture, slipping on the mask of a dutiful prince. He met Lord Edmund's gaze, his voice steady as he replied, "Thank you, Lord Edmund. I am ready."

Together, they descended the grand staircase, the echoes of their footsteps reverberating through the marble hallways. Adrian's heart raced with each step, his mind caught between the grandeur of his duty and the yearning for a life he dared not embrace.

As they reached the grand ballroom, decorated with shimmering chandeliers and elegantly dressed guests, Adrian's eyes searched for a glimpse of Princess Isabella. His father stood at the center, his regal presence commanding attention. And there, by his side, stood the princess—Isabella. Her beauty was undeniable, her features delicate and refined, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

The room fell silent as Adrian approached, the weight of the moment heavy in the air. He held his breath, waiting for the connection he was supposed to feel, the spark that would ignite a sense of destiny. But as their eyes met, all Adrian felt was a void—an emptiness that threatened to engulf him.

Isabella offered a polite smile, her eyes guarded, revealing nothing of the emotions within her. Adrian mirrored her gesture, hiding his own turmoil beneath a practiced facade. The guests erupted in applause, celebrating the union that held the promise of peace. But Adrian's heart remained untouched by the applause, yearning for something more—a connection that defied expectations, a love that danced beyond the boundaries of tradition.

As the night wore on, Adrian observed the revelry around him, the laughter and merriment that echoed in the opulent hall. But his thoughts drifted elsewhere, to a clandestine world where his true desires took flight. His gaze lingered on a figure standing in the shadows—a figure with piercing eyes and an enigmatic aura.

Lucien watched from a distance, his presence both comforting and dangerous. Adrian's heart quickened at the sight, the truth he hid locked within his chest threatening to break free. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them—a secret alliance that defied kingdoms and love deemed forbidden.

"My Prince, are you ok?" Lord Edmund inquired from the way he had gazed through the windows, his attention was still on the image in his dream, the one that set sail to his heart

Adrian nodded his head in response knowing fully well that he was not 'Why is my mind playing tricks with me, Why do I keep seeing him' he questioned himself

As the night drew to a close, Adrian bid his farewell to Isabella, their formalities as empty as the vows they were meant to exchange. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing that the path he walked would only lead to broken promises and shattered hearts. But for now, he had to play the role assigned to him, to protect the fragile balance that held their world together.

With each step away from Isabella, Adrian felt the weight of his secrets growing heavier. The walls of his gilded cage closed in around him, suffocating his spirit. But hidden beneath the layers of duty, a flame flickered—a flicker that promised the unraveling of veiled secrets, a destiny that could not be denied.

As Adrian disappeared into the night, a solitary tear traced its path down his cheek, carrying with it the whispers of a love that dared to defy the boundaries of kingdoms, a love that would shape the destiny of Astoria and the hearts of those who dared to dream beyond the confines of tradition.