❤️🩹ROYAL BOND❤️🩹
[Tied by fate…………]
Chapter 7&8
By Triplewealth.
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Damian stormed out of the dining hall, his boots echoing through the long marble hallway.
Servants quickly stepped aside as he passed his face was hard, his eyes burning with anger.
Kyle hurried after him. “Your Highness, please—”
“Not now, Kyle,” Damian snapped. “I need to speak with him.”
He reached the large double doors of the King’s chamber and pushed them open without knocking.
The guards at the entrance froze but didn’t dare stop him.
Inside, King Ryker stood near the window, looking out at the night sky.
He didn’t turn when Damian entered.
“Did I not make myself clear at dinner?” the King said calmly.
Damian’s voice was sharp. “You made yourself clear, Father but you also made a mistake.”
Ryker turned slowly, his cold eyes meeting his son’s. “Watch your tone.”
Damian stepped forward. “You turned my life into a show,a contest for the whole kingdom to watch! Do you think that will make me obedient? Make me a better prince?”
Ryker’s jaw tightened. “It will make you responsible.”
“Responsible?” Damian laughed bitterly. “By forcing me to marry someone I don’t even know?”
“You have no discipline,” Ryker said firmly. “You disgrace your name with every fight, every scandal the people talk and I will not have my son be their mockery.”
“I never asked for this life!” Damian shouted. “You made me a prince, but you never let me be me!”
Ryker slammed his hand on the table. “Because being you have brought nothing but trouble apart from the fact you ard good with your education!”
The room went silent.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Damian said quietly, his voice shaking, “You think this will fix me but all it will do is break wh@tëver’s left between us.”
Ryker’s expression softened.
He stepped closer and said slowly, “This can’t break the bond between us, Damian. I’m doing this to protect you and to stop the endless petitions from nobles and families who question your place every day they send complaints, demanding answers for your behavior comparing my princes to eachother”
Damian looked away, his jaw tight.
“You think I enjoy this?” the King continued. “You are my son my blood. But if I don’t act now, they will see weakness in the crown.”
Damian’s fists clenched. “Then maybe they should see that the crown has a heart.”
Ryker’s eyes darkened again. “You’ll understand someday, my son.”
Damian turned sharply and walked out, the door closing behind him with a loud thud.
The King stood alone by the window again, whispering to himself,
“This may anger him now but one day, he’ll see it was for his own good.”
[Amari apartment]
The clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the cozy dining room.
The table was set simply — rice, stew, and a plate of fried plantains that smelled too good to ignore.
Julian reached for one, but before he could, Liora smacked his hand lightly with her spoon.
“Wait till Mum sits, greedy boy,” she scolded, narrowing her eyes.
Julian grinned, unbothered. “I’m just checking if it’s safe for her to eat you know, royal food taster duties.”
Their mother chuckled as she walked in, wiping her hands with a towel. “Julian, you and that mouth of yours,you better sit down before I promote you to dish washer instead of food taster.”
He laughed, taking his seat while Liora tried to hide her smile.
“Thank you, Mum,” she said quietly, passing the bowl of stew. “It smells amazing.”
Their mum smiled softly. “You two should eat well It’s been a long day and Julian, how was practice?”
“Coach made us run laps till I almost saw my ancestors but i survived barely” he replied dramatically.
Liora rolled her eyes. “He says that every week.”
“And you complain every week,” Julian shot back, making their mum chuckle again.
For a few moments, the table was quiet except for the sound of spoons and laughter that came and went.
The soft warmth of home wrapped around them the kind that made even ordinary evenings feel special and no one dared talk about what has happened during the day.
Their mum looked at them with pride. “You two argue like cats and dogs but I wouldn’t trade a single moment.” she said fondly
Julian smiled, leaning back. “That’s because you know I’m your favorite.”
Liora gasped. “In your dreams.”
Their mum shook her head, smiling. “Eat your food, both of you, before I change my mind and give it all to the dog.”
They burst out laughing the sound of a family that show how happy they are even in the simplest of moments.
After the dinner Julian went to his room while Mrs Maria and liora stepped out of the house and stay at the balcony.
Liora what your next plan,Mrs Maria asked.
I’m going to apply for job in Julian school and do my part-time job at the restaurants in the evening tomorrow,Liora answered.
I hope Julian agrees cuz you know he doesn’t joke with you and teaching students might disrespect you sometimes and will he be able to hold back,Mrs Maria muttered with deep concern.
I will discuss it with him before he sleeps tonight,Liora muttered back.
Mrs. Maria sighed softly, resting her elbows on the balcony rail.
“You’re growing up so fast, Liora,” she said, her voice gentle. “Sometimes I forget you’re no longer that little girl who used to hide behind Julian every time I scold you cuz he keeps supporting you sometimesi wonder if he is the eldestpr youngest.”
Liora smiled faintly. “Maybe I still do that, sometimes.”
Mrs. Maria chuckled. “You’ve got your father’s courage and my stubbornness It’s a dangerous mix.”
Liora laughed softly, then her smile faded. “Mum… do you think I’m making the right choice?”
Maria turned to look at her daughter, studying the worry in her eyes. “You want to stand on your own feet there’s nothing wrong with that but make sure you’re doing it for yourself not to prove something to anyone.”
Liora nodded slowly. “I just don’t want to stay at home and also maybe i could save up to go to school back on my own and make you and Julian proud including father in his grave”
Her mother sighed. “I’m proud of you always and I love you and julian loves you too much for his own good ever since your father passed, he’s tried to fill shoes far too big for him.”
There was a pause.
The silence between them wasn’t heavy,it was tender, the kind that carried both pain and understanding.
Then Mrs. Maria said softly, “Talk to him before you sleep, like you said he listens to you more than he admits.”
Liora smiled, her eyes thoughtful. “I will.”
Later that night…
Liora stood by Julian’s door, knocking gently.
“Come in,” his voice called from inside.
He was lying on his bed, scrolling through his phone, his face half-lit by the dim lamp beside him.
When he saw her, he smiled. “What’s up, sis? You look serious.”
She sat down at the edge of his bed. “I wanted to talk to you before you sleep.”
Julian frowned playfully. “That sounds scary did I do something?”
Liora chuckled. “No It’s about tomorrow. I’m applying for a job at your school since I’m not going to college and I’ll still keep my part-time work at the restaurant.”
Julian sat up immediately. “What? Liora, that’s too much you’ll overwork yourself.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said calmly. “I want to do something meaningful something that helps Mum too and also save up for college so i can continue my course”
Julian’s jaw tightened. “You don’t have to carry everything, Li that’s my job.”
She looked at him, her voice gentle. “I’m your sister and i need to take care of you worry more about yourself.”
For a long moment, he said nothing. The only sound was the hum of the ceiling fan.
Then he sighed and rubbed his face. “You’re really not going to change your mind, huh?”
Liora smiled softly. “Nope.”
Julian stared at her, then let out a tired laugh. “Fine but if any student disrespects you, just tell me I’ll handle it.”
“I knew you’d say that but i don’t want people to know I’m your sister ,” she teased.
Do we need to act as if we don’t know eachother,Julian asked.
It’s a most Julian I don’t want to make things hard for you you know any rumour can affect your scholarship, Liora answered.
Okay fine but don’t be too gentle and be careful,Julian muttered.
Awnnn you are the best younger brother ever,Liora screamed
He grinned. “Of course I’m the best”
They both laughed quietly, and the tension melted away.
Liora stood and walked to the door, pausing before leaving. “Goodnight, Julian.”
“Goodnight, boss lady,” he said with a playful salute.
As she closed the door behind her, a small smile stayed on her face and that’s was the first smile after losing her scholarship.
[ERYNODOR PALACE]
Immediately the big doors slammed shut behind Damian.
His footsteps echoed loudly down the long marble hall.
He was still fuming when a calm voice came from the shadows.
“Storming out again, little brother?”
Damian looked up sharply.
Lucien stood there, arms crossed, a smirk on his face.
“Not now, Lucien,” Damian muttered, brushing past him.
But Lucien stepped in front of him. “Oh, come on you can’t blame me for being curious the King’s big announcement tonight was quite the surprise.”
Damian stopped. His jaw tightened. “If you came here to mock me, don’t waste your breath.”
Lucien’s grin widened. “Mock you? Never. I just wanted to know how it feels to be offered up to the entire kingdom. A royal bride contest? How romantic! Father must really trust the people to choose the poor girl who’ll marry you.”
“Watch it,” Damian warned, his eyes narrowing.
But Lucien only chuckled. “I mean, really, Damian. A prince who fights in public, sneaks out of the palace, and argues with Father at dinner… What kind of lady would want that?”
Damian took a step closer, glaring at him. “At least I won’t end up with a crown I have to beg for.”
Lucien’s smirk faded slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Damian folded his arms. “Don’t tell me you’re scared, brother afraid that if people actually see me win their hearts, Father might change his mind about who should be next in line?”
Lucien’s eyes hardened. “You think you could ever take my place?”
Damian gave a short laugh. “Relax I’m not interested I don’t want your throne, your crown, or your fake smiles. Let them have their little contest I couldn’t care less.”
Lucien tilted his head. “Then why so angry?”
“Because,” Damian said coldly, “I won’t be treated like a prize to display I may be his son, but I’m not his puppet”
He turned to leave, brushing past Lucien’s shoulder.
Lucien called after him, voice dripping with mock sweetness, “Try not to scare the ladies away, brother! You’ll need at least one to say yes!”
Damian didn’t stop walking. “Don’t worry,” he said without looking back, “I’d rather be alone than turn into you two faced human or act fake like you do.”
Lucien’s smile faded as Damian disappeared down the hall, his boots echoing through the quiet palace.
[Dahlia room]
Princess Dahlia entered her room after the ruined dinner and walked straight to the window, the night breeze brushing against her face.
She replayed the moment in her head — Julian’s anger, his boldness, the way he spoke without fear.
“Julian…” she whispered his name slowly, as if testing how it sounded on her tongue.
Her personal maid entered quietly. “Your Highness, should I prepare your evening tea?”
“Not yet,” Dahlia replied with a faint smile. “I just found something… interesting.”
The maid tilted her head, confused.
But Dahlia said nothing more.
Outside the palace walls, the stars glittered like secrets waiting to unfold.
Then while she was still at the window princess mirabel entered.
What’s are you thinking that’s make you lost in thought bestie,Mirabel muttered.
How I wish you hadn’t finish highschool school last year,Dahlia muttered.
Don’t worry you will join me in college next year so gist me about school is there any guy now or not,Mirabel muttered back.
No guy yet, you know does guy in school don’t interest me except the top student in art class that’s I’m curious about but I haven’t come across him before,Dahlia replied.
Hmmm why are you curious being top is nothing new,Mirabel asked.
I heard he has a nice voice and sing well but he rarely sings and guess what why coming from school I saw these guy and I feel he is attractive cuz I don’t seem to be able to get him out of my thoughts, Dahlia answered.
Wow I have missed alot anyways college has been fun but how do feel about tonight announcement, Mirabel muttered.
I’m not happy and at the same excited to see if damian can be committed eventually, Dahlia replied.
Same here and I hope the bride would be someone lovely,beautiful and have a good heart,Mirabel added and they kept on talking.
Meanwhile the palace gates opened slowly, and Damian’s black car rolled out into the night.
He didn’t tell anyone where he was going.
He didn’t even know himself.
He just needed to get away.
The city lights blurred past his window, gold and white streaks in the darkness.
The further he drove, the quieter everything became.
His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly.
His mind wouldn’t stop spinning.
A royal bride contest? he thought bitterly. To choose my wife?
He pressed harder on the gas.
The engine roared.
Everything felt heavy the King’s voice, Lucien’s smirk, the fake smiles of the court.
He didn’t want any of it.
Not the throne.
Not the crown.
Not the endless rules.
He just wanted to breathe.
The road stretched ahead, empty and dark.
At some point, he slowed down and rolled the window halfway.
The car kept moving, guided only by the road
The night was quiet, with only the sound of crickets and wind blowing softly through the trees.
Liora couldn’t sleep.
Her mind was full about her future, her mother, and how hard life had become.
She stepped outside for a short walk, needing to breathe and think.
The road was empty and dark.
Only a few streetlights flickered weakly.
At the same time, Damian was driving alone, far from the palace.
He had been on the road for hours, not caring where it led.
He just wanted to escape the noise in his head.
He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting near his mouth.
His thoughts were heavy.
Then his eyes caught movement ahead.
A lone figure was walking by the roadside a girl, wearing a light hoodie.
He slowed the car a little, frowning.
What’s a girl doing out here this late?
Before he could think further, three men stepped out from a corner and blocked her path.
Liora froze in fear.
One of them grinned. “Where are you going, sweetheart?”
“Please,” she said quietly, “let me pass.”
The men laughed and moved closer.
Damian stopped his car.
His eyes darkened.
He opened the door and stepped out.
“Hey!” His deep voice cut through the night.
The men turned. One smirked. “Stay out of this, rich boy.”
But Damian kept walking toward them. His voice stayed calm. “Leave her alone.”
One of the men tried to grab him, but Damian blocked the move easily and shoved him aside.
The others, startled, ran off into the shadows.
The one who fell quickly scrambled up and followed them.
Silence filled the air again.
Liora stood still, her heart pounding.
The man before her looked tall, dressed in dark clothes.
The car’s lights shone from behind him, making it hard to see his face.
Damian looked in her direction, but the rain had started to fall light at first, then heavier.
He could barely see her face through the blur of rain and shadows.
“Are you alright?” he asked, raising his voice slightly.
“Yes… thank you,” she replied softly, hugging herself against the cold.
He nodded once. “Be careful next time.”
She gave a small nod back. “I will.”
A moment passed.
Then Damian turned away and got back into his car.
The engine started again.
Then as he was about to call the girl to give her a ride
Liora was already out of sight
He didn’t see her clearly
Neither did she see him clearly…………..
T.B.C
