Chapter 1: A royal Decree

Princess Maria mackton,Step daughter of the Duke of Setsomer, sat in her chambers, staring at the letter in her hand. The wax seal bore the royal crest, and the words within were like a death sentence. She felt as though she had been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her.

Princess Maria, you are hereby commanded to marry Prince Kyrian, the Rogue Prince of LaLawa, within a fortnight. Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of your family's titles and lands."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she thought of her beloved Murphy, the young man she had hoped to marry. They had grown up together, exploring the countryside and sharing their dreams. They had talked of building a life filled with love, laughter, and children. But royal decrees were not to be disobeyed.

Princess Maria's mind raced as she thought of the Rogue Prince's reputation. He was known for his scandalous behavior, his numerous illegitimate children, and his complete disregard for societal norms. She had heard whispers of his wild parties, his drinking and gambling, and his countless affairs. The thought of marrying such a man made her skin crawl.

She rose from her seat and began to pace around the room, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Her mother and step father would be devastated if they lost their titles and lands. They had always been loyal to the crown, and this was how they were repaid? By forcing their daughter to marry a man with no sense of honor or duty?

Princess Maria stopped pacing and looked out the window, her eyes gazing at the rolling hills and green forests beyond the castle walls. She longed to escape, to flee to a place where she could be free from the constraints of royal duty. But she knew it was impossible. She was a princess, and princesses did not defy the king's commands.

As she stood there, lost in thought, princess Maria's maid, Emily, entered the room. "Princess Maria, I brought you some tea," she said, setting the tray on a nearby table Princess Maria nodded absently, her mind still reeling from the news. Emily poured her a cup, and Maria took a sip, the warmth spreading through her chilled body.

"Emily, do you know anything about the Rogue Prince?" Princess Maria asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Emily's eyes widened, and she glanced around the room nervously. "I shouldn't be saying this, my princess, but...he's not a good man. He's cruel and heartless, and he doesn't care who he hurts."

Maria's heart sank. She had suspected as much, but hearing it from someone who had likely seen the prince's behavior firsthand made it all the more real.

She knew she had to inform her parents, but she dreaded the conversation. Her father would be furious, her mother distraught. But they had to know. Taking a deep breath, Maria left her chambers and made her way to the duke's study.

As she entered the room, her parents looked up from their seats, concern etched on their faces. "Maria, what is it?" her mother asked, noticing the tears in her eyes.

Princess Maria held out the letter, her hand trembling. "A royal decree, Mother. I am to marry the Rogue Prince of Gales within a fortnight."

The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Her mother and step father exchanged a glance, their faces pale and worried. Princess Maria knew they were thinking the same thing she was – how could the king do this to them? To their family?

Her step father, the Duke of Setsomer, spoke up, his voice firm but laced with anger. "We will not let this stand, Princess Maria. We will appeal to the king, plead our case. We will not let you marry that...that...rogue!"

Maria's heart swelled with love and gratitude for her mother and step father. She knew they would do everything in their power to protect her, but she also knew the king's word was law. And she had a feeling that the Prince Kyrian would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Her mother, the the Duchess of Setsomer, stood up, her eyes blazing with determination. "We will fight this, Princess Maria. We will not let you be forced into a marriage with a man who will only bring you harm and heartache."

Princess Maria nodded, feeling a sense of hope for the first time since reading the letter. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way out of this. Maybe they could convince the king to change his mind, or find a way to avoid the marriage altogether.

But as she looked at the letter still clutched in her hand, she knew it wouldn't be easy. The king's decrees were not to be taken lightly, and the Prince Kyrian was not a man to be trifled with.