The night air was cool against Amanda’s skin as she stood on the castle balcony, gazing at the stars. Everything had changed so quickly, and despite the warmth of Elias’ presence beside her, she couldn’t shake the growing weight in her chest.
“You look lost in thought,” Elias said, leaning on the railing beside her. His golden eyes flickered with concern.
Amanda sighed, resting her chin in her palm. “I just… everything’s happening so fast. One moment, I’m struggling to prove myself, and now I’m supposed to lead an army?” She exhaled sharply. “I’m not a leader, Elias. I barely know what I’m doing half the time.”
Elias chuckled softly. “And yet, here you are. Still standing, still fighting. That’s what makes you different.”
Amanda shot him a look. “That’s just survival instinct, not leadership.”
He turned to her, his expression serious now. “Survival is part of leadership. You think all great leaders started off knowing exactly what to do? No. They made mistakes, learned, and pushed forward. You’ve already done that more times than I can count.”
She frowned. “That’s not reassuring.”
Elias smirked. “It should be.”
She wanted to argue, but before she could, a voice interrupted them.
“Your Majesty,” a guard called from the doorway, bowing slightly. “A message has arrived. It’s urgent.”
Elias took the sealed letter, his brows furrowing as he read it. Amanda could see the tension in his shoulders as he gripped the parchment.
“What is it?” she asked.
He hesitated before looking at her. “The enemy is on the move. They’re attacking the eastern border.”
Amanda’s stomach twisted. “Already?”
Elias nodded. “We don’t have much time. If they break through, the entire kingdom will be vulnerable.”
Amanda straightened, pushing aside her doubts. “Then we fight.”
Elias studied her for a moment, then smiled. “That’s the Amanda I know.”
---
The war room was buzzing with tension. Nobles and generals surrounded the large wooden table, where a detailed map of the kingdom was spread out. Red markers indicated enemy forces, creeping closer to the border like a growing storm.
Amanda stood beside Elias, listening intently as the generals discussed strategies. Despite their experience, some still shot her doubtful glances, as if she didn’t belong.
One older nobleman, Lord Belmont, cleared his throat. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, is it wise to involve an outsider in our battle plans?” His eyes flickered to Amanda. “She may be the ‘chosen one,’ but she is still inexperienced.”
Amanda resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I’m right here, you know.”
Elias sighed. “Lord Belmont, Amanda has proven herself more times than I can count. Her insights have saved us before. I trust her.”
Lord Belmont’s lips thinned, but he said nothing more.
Amanda took a deep breath. “Alright, let’s focus on the battle. What’s our plan?”
A younger strategist stepped forward. “The enemy outnumbers us, but if we can use the terrain to our advantage, we might be able to hold them off.”
Amanda studied the map. “What about the river crossing here?” She pointed to a narrow pass between two mountains. “If we can funnel them through this choke point, we can limit their numbers and strike from above.”
The room fell silent as the generals considered her words. Finally, one of them nodded. “It could work.”
Elias smirked at Amanda. “See? You’re already leading.”
She groaned. “Don’t say that.”
He chuckled. “Too late.”
---
As dawn broke, the army was already on the move. Amanda adjusted the straps of her armor, feeling the weight settle on her shoulders. This was real. This was happening.
Elias approached, his own armor gleaming in the morning light. “You ready?”
Amanda swallowed hard. “No. But I’m doing it anyway.”
He smiled. “That’s what makes you strong.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling back. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she grabbed his hand. “Promise me something.”
Elias looked down at their joined hands, then back at her. “Anything.”
“If something happens to me—”
“No.” His grip tightened. “Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
Amanda exhaled sharply. “Elias—”
“No. I won’t lose you, Amanda. Not now. Not ever.” His voice was firm, his eyes burning with determination.
She felt her heart clench, but she nodded. “Alright. Then let’s win this.”
He grinned. “That’s the plan.”
As they rode toward battle, Amanda couldn’t help but steal one last glance at him. No matter what happened, she knew one thing for certain.
She wasn’t fighting alone.