King Elijah sat on his throne, his eyes fixed on Sofia as she entered the throne room. She was a vision in yellow and gold, her hair cascading down her back like a river of sunlight. He smiled, feeling a surge of pride. His daughter, the princess, was a true beauty. "Sofia, my dear," he said, his voice booming. "I have made a decision regarding your future." Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she approached the throne. She knew what was coming. "I have arranged a marriage for you, to Prince Amir of the neighboring kingdom." Sofia felt a wave of shock wash over her. Prince Amir was a cruel man, rumored to have killed his own brother. "Father, no!" she exclaimed, forgetting her decorum. The king's face hardened. "You will do as you're told, Sofia. It's time you did your duty."
As the king spoke, Leila stood quietly behind Sofia, her eyes fixed on the floor. But Sofia could sense her tension, her fear. She knew Leila understood what it meant to be at the mercy of a cruel master. "Father, please,"
"Sofia tried again,
her voice shaking. "I don't want to marry Prince Amir." The king's expression turned cold. "You have no choice, Sofia. You are a princess, and you will do as you're told." Sofia felt a lump form in her throat as she realized her fate was sealed. She turned to Leila, seeing the fear in her eyes. She knew she had to act, for both their sakes.