Realms of power

Mister Roland's eyes blazed with anger as he confronted his wife. "I know what you have done, Charlotte," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I know you have reached an agreement with the empress and Prince Liam to ensure that Sarah becomes the first prince's bride."

Charlotte's eyes widened, and she took a step back, her face pale. She began to shake, but she quickly straightened up, a look of determination on her face. "I do not know what you are talking about," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Mister Roland laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Don't lie to me, Charlotte," he said. "I have proof. I know all about the secret meetings, the letters, the promises. You have sold our daughter to the highest bidder, and you expect me to be grateful?"

Charlotte's face reddened, and she took a step forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you!" she spat. "I have done everything for this family, for our daughter. I've sacrificed everything to ensure that we remain in power, that we maintain our status. And marrying the first prince is the least she can do for this family! Yes, I do care about the status! So what?"

Mister Roland's face twisted in disgust. "You call that sacrifice?" he said. "You call selling our daughter's future to the highest bidder a sacrifice? I call it betrayal. Do you know what really happens in the palace? The people there? Will our daughter ever live a peaceful life in the palace?"

The argument continued, with neither side giving an inch. Sarah stood at the corner, watching the scene unfold before her. She felt a sense of unease, a sense of displeasure. She didn't like being treated like a pawn in a game of politics.

As she listened to her parents' argument, Sarah's mind replayed the episode in her head. She thought about the way her mother had manipulated her, the way she had pushed her to accept Prince Liam's advances. She knew that she had to find a way out of this situation herself.

As the argument continued, Sarah turned and walked away. She didn't want to hear it anymore, didn't want to be a part of this web of deceit. She knew that she had to take matters into her own hands, to find a way to escape the fate that had been planned for her.

***

Prince Victor watched his brother, Prince Liam, with admiration as he expertly shot arrow after arrow into the target. The sun cast a golden glow over the scene, highlighting the concentration etched on Liam's face. Victor could not help but feel a pang of envy; his brother had always been the more skilled archer.

As Liam took a break, Victor strolled over to him, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Liam, you are a marvel," Victor said, his voice dripping with sincerity. "I have never seen anyone handle a bow and arrow with such finesse. You're a true master."

Liam's face lit up with pleasure, his eyes gleaming with pride. He drank in Victor's flattery like a thirsty man at an oasis, his confidence soaring with each passing moment.

A group of ladies, strolling through the gardens to admire the vibrant flowers, caught sight of the two princes. They could not help but giggle and whisper among themselves, their eyes shining with excitement.

One of them, a petite blonde, playfully nudged her companion, a raven-haired beauty. "Look, it is the princes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the leaves. "Are they not just the most handsome men you have ever laid eyes on?"

The raven-haired beauty blushed, her eyes darting towards the princes before quickly looking away. "They might hear us," she whispered, her voice trembling with mirth.

Victor noticed the ladies' reaction and leaned in to whisper to Liam, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It seems you have an audience, brother," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "The ladies can't take their eyes off you."

Liam's face flushed with pleasure, his eyes scanning the group of ladies before returning to Victor. "Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

Just then, a vision of loveliness appeared on the path, her beauty radiant even from a distance. Sarah, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, walked with her maid, Constance, her long, dark hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. She outshone all the other women in the garden. Maybe she was the only one who was unaware of that fact.

Despite her understated attire, Sarah's beauty shone like a beacon, captivating the attention of the two princes. They stood frozen, their eyes locked on her, as if mesmerized by her presence.

Sarah, sensing their gaze, turned towards them, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she locked eyes with Liam, a spark of recognition flashing between them.

Then, with a swift nod, Sarah turned and hurried away, Constance following closely behind. The two princes watched her departure, their faces reflecting their disappointment.

Liam's eyes lingered on the spot where Sarah had disappeared, his mind racing with thoughts of her. He felt an inexplicable pull towards her, a sense of connection that he could not ignore. Victor felt it too, she was so beautiful to him. But, his face showed no signs. 

With a determined glint in his eye, Liam turned to Victor. "I am going to follow her," he said, his voice low and resolute.

Victor raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Be careful, brother," he said. "You do not know what you are getting yourself into. I heard she is feisty."

Liam laughed, " I will expect nothing less from the daughter of a prime minister. I will take my chances. I am sure I will win the beauty's heart." He turned to leave.

Victor's smile turned cold, " have it your way brother." He said in his heart. " You may not know brother, I am your downfall. All you have, all you crave for will soon be mine. All you have will soon be mine. And that includes your beloved Sarah."