Escaping The King's Confinement

Ysha was about to leave for the tribute ceremony honoring the newly crowned king when her attention was diverted by her twin sister, Shantal, who abruptly dashed into the bathroom. Her hasty exit delayed her. Ysha frowned, removing her cloak to check on her twin. Ysha was gazing at the bathroom door, which Shantal had slammed shut. Ysha had noticed Shantal's unusual behavior for a week but hadn't had a chance to talk to her. As Shantal exited the bathroom, wiping her face, Ysha approached her. "Shantal, is something bothering you?" she asked, concerned. Shantal's eyes widened, and she glanced around. "You're still here? I thought you had left." "Not yet. I was just about to leave, but it seems I can't now because of what I witnessed." Ysha replied, trying to catch her twins' gaze. "Why can't you look at me? These past few days, you've seemed unwell. Are you hiding something?" Ysha didn't want to suspect Shantal, but if her suspicions were true about the reason for her nausea, their family would be greatly shamed. After all, their father had planned to offer Shantal to the new King as his wife. This was one of the things she disliked about their kind. As Omegas, they were mere playthings for Alphas. "Forgive me, Ysha," Shantal uttered those words, hugging Ysha as tears streamed down her face. Ysha knew what her twin's words meant. She gently patted Shantal's shoulder and caressed her back. "Why did you neglect it, Shantal? You knew our father's plan." Ysha's voice held no condemnation, but she couldn't help questioning her twin. After all, Shantal had always known her responsibility for their family. "Forgive me, Ysha. I love him. I can't fulfill Father's wishes," Shantal uttered, breaking away from her embrace and meeting Ysha's gaze with tears in her eyes. "Help me, Ysha. I need to break free from Father's plan." Ysha found herself at a loss for words. Shantal had committed a grave error. If news of her condition spread, it would bring shame upon their father. Moreover, violating this sacred offering could have deadly consequences for their entire family. "How can I help you, Shantal?" Ysha asked, unsure of how to assist. "The only solution I know is to terminate the pregnancy and end your relationship with the person you love." "No!" Shantal exclaimed, stepping back and clenching her fists. "I can't do that. I won't sacrifice my baby or forget the one I love." "But you have no other choice, Shantal," Ysha insisted. "You should have considered the consequences before engaging in this affair. It will bring shame upon you and our family, as well as the child you carry. The new king will not accept an omega with this condition." "I understand, but I never imagined marrying someone I didn't love. Ysha, even though he's the new king, I won't submit to his rule. All nobles are the same; they're selfish and self-centered." "Not everyone is like that, Shantal. It's unfair to judge them without really knowing them." "Even so, Ysha, I won't marry him. I can't." Shantal remained resolute, her resolve unwavering. "You're being selfish, Shantal. Your actions will shame our father throughout Syria. He may still be alive, and your defiance could put him at risk." "Then do me a favor, Ysha. Do it for me, for the sake of your twin. Take my place and marry him if you don't want our family to be dishonored." Ysha's eyes widened in surprise at Shantal's words. She had never imagined that her twin would be so desperate as to suggest such a plan. "Shantal, think clearly. You know it's impossible. Our father would be humiliated, and our entire family would be disgraced. Moreover, the punishment for deceiving the new king is severe." "Then let us suffer," Shantal replied resolutely, before leaving the room without hesitation. Ysha let out a deep sigh. She had no idea how her twin had come to this point. Her mind was in turmoil as she stared at the door her twin had exited through. What would her father do if he found out about Shantal's condition? He would surely punish them both severely. Ysha couldn't bear the thought of her twin being harmed. What should she do? Risk her life for her? Follow her commands? Pretend before His Majesty? Questions raced through her mind, stirring a mix of emotions. Concern for her twins' safety weighed heavily on her. Ysha's feet remained rooted in place, her mood dampened by the disturbing situation her twin's recklessness had created. A sigh escaped her lips as she struggled to make a decision. ….. "Long live the King!" resounded through the crowd as they witnessed the enthronement of Syria's new monarch. Ysha had initially hesitated to attend, but her twin's message urging her to meet the king had changed her mind. She believed that if she could approach the king, she could plead on her father's behalf. The chants continued, unwavering in their enthusiasm. Ysha, among the spectators, observed King Zarim Brahman. However, as she watched the king standing before the Temple, surrounded by the royal guards, it dawned on her that getting close was impossible. She realized her folly in wearing feminine attire, as it prohibited her from approaching the king. Tradition forbade women from interacting with men, especially with royalty. As Ysha observed the new King, his gaze fell upon her. A sudden surge of emotion surged through her chest, her heart pounding in an unusual rhythm. Its beat was neither rapid nor slow, but its intensity was undeniable. A sense of unease washed over her as she wondered at the cause of this strange feeling that gripped her. His piercing gaze seemed to linger on her, its intensity causing a ripple of nerves to run through her body. Coincidence or not, that unwavering stare left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Ysha turned swiftly, her eyes searching for another potential target of his attention, but she found herself alone. The distance from the temple obscured her view, making it difficult to discern who had truly captured the King's attention. Yet, that single glance seemed to penetrate her soul, leaving her with a lingering sense of trepidation. The King's aura, both formidable and unsettling, cast a profound influence upon her. As the king's gaze intensified, Ysha's heart raced uncontrollably. She felt as if something was choking her throat. Determined to avoid the scrutiny, she abruptly decided to depart before the situation worsened. Ysha concealed her identity beneath the customary garb of Syrian women. She was confident that the king would fail to notice her absence amidst the vast crowd of worshippers. Thus, she believed her departure would pass unnoticed, causing no offense to the royal presence.