Chapter 1: Twelve Years Apart
"Alira, don’t cry. I promise I will protect you." A boy who had blonde hair and gray eyes said.
He was Caden Richards, the only son of her father’s friend, Jayden Richards, and the princess of Flousia, Margaret Richards.
They were at the throne hall earlier to witness the coronation of Caden’s uncle, the king of Flousia. But the country’s most awaited celebration turned into a nightmare when a group of men barged into the palace.
At first, she couldn’t understand what was happening. She didn’t know the reason those men who came were holding guns and knives.
She was holding hands with Caden when it suddenly became quiet. Then Caden dragged her beside his mother. She stayed behind him instead of running toward her parents and her twin brother.
"Caden, what’s happening?" She asked while looking at him with a confused face.
Caden’s eyes held no emotions, making her even more worried.
"Don’t let go." He said.
She nodded, even though she knew nothing behind his words. Then he pulled her to walk closer to her parents. She was relieved to be with them and her twin brother, Lucas.
Everything happened so fast and the next thing she knew, the men who came and the royal guards pointed their guns at each other. Her heart pounded and her knees weakened. She was so scared, but she felt Caden squeeze her hand gently.
She looked at his serious face and there she saw no fear in his eyes. They were both six, but Caden looked more mature with his expression.
"Do you trust me?" He asked.