15.

Aeryn’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear as she stumbled into her room, the heavy door slamming shut behind her. The chamber, once grand and imposing, now felt like a prison. The walls seemed to close in around her, amplifying her isolation and despair.

She locked the door with trembling hands, her movements quick and frantic. The simple act of securing the door was a small comfort, a barrier between herself and the world she had been thrust into. She leaned against it, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she sank to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest.

The room was filled with opulent furnishings, but they did little to soothe her nerves. The large bed with its intricate carvings and luxurious fabric seemed foreign and menacing. The walls were adorned with strange symbols and designs that only served to heighten her anxiety. The alien decor was a constant reminder that she was far from home, trapped in a world that she didn’t understand and didn’t want to be a part of.

Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of her situation. The ceremony, the crown, the expectations—they were all too overwhelming. She had hoped that her plea of illness during the ceremony would buy her some time, but it had only solidified her role as a pawn in Alex’s grand plan.

Aeryn’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy, determined knocks on her door. Her heart leaped into her throat, and she quickly scrambled to her feet, her eyes darting around the room as if seeking an escape route.

“Aeryn! Open the door!” Alex’s voice boomed from the other side, filled with urgency and frustration. “I need to speak with you. It’s important.”

Aeryn froze, her fear escalating. She knew that Alex was persistent, and his demand only added to her growing sense of dread. She didn’t want to face him, didn’t want to deal with the questions he might have or the expectations he might impose.

“Please, just leave me alone, why don't you understand, I am a human!!” she called out, her voice barely more than a whisper as she pressed her back against the door. “I need some time to myself.”

But Alex’s response was unwavering. “This is not a request, Aeryn. Open the door and yes you are a human! for me and my kingdom!!" he says in his most authoritative voice.

Her mind raced as she considered her options. She could hide, she could ignore him, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough. Alex was a powerful being, and he wouldn’t be easily deterred. The realization only increased her anxiety, and she could feel her resolve crumbling.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, and Aeryn looked up to see a tall figure standing beside Alex. It was an elderly man, dressed in elaborate robes that marked him as someone of significant importance. His presence was imposing, and he exuded an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

The old man placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder, speaking in a calm, measured tone. “Your Majesty, perhaps it would be best to give her some space. The marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in two days, and it is crucial that we allow her time to acclimate to her new surroundings.”

Alex’s frustration was palpable, but he seemed to recognize the wisdom in the old man’s words. He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Very well,” he said, his voice still tinged with irritation. “But I want to ensure that everything is ready for the ceremony. I need to know her thoughts, her feelings. This is important for the future of our kingdom.”

The old man nodded, his gaze softening. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, everything will be perfect once the ceremony is complete. She will adapt in time, and her role as queen will become clearer to her. For now, let us focus on preparing for the event.”

Alex hesitated, his eyes lingering on the door as if he could will Aeryn to open it with his gaze alone. Finally, he turned away, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. “Very well. But if there are any issues or if she needs anything, you must let me know immediately.”

The old man inclined his head in agreement. “Of course, Your Majesty. I will ensure that everything is taken care of.”

With a final glance at the door, Alex walked away, his footsteps echoing through the corridor. The old man remained for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he considered Aeryn’s situation. Then, with a final, reassuring glance, he too left the corridor, leaving Aeryn alone in her room.

As the sounds of their departure faded, Aeryn finally allowed herself to breathe. She sank to the floor once more, her back still pressed against the door. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and her emotions were a tangled mess of fear, frustration, and sorrow.

The reality of her situation weighed heavily on her. She had been ripped from everything she knew, forced into a role she didn’t want, and now she was being pushed towards a marriage she had no desire to be a part of. The thought of spending the rest of her life in this alien world, under the rule of a man she barely knew, was almost too much to bear.

She tried to push her feelings aside, to focus on something—anything—that could give her a sense of control. But the oppressive weight of her predicament made it nearly impossible to think clearly.

The minutes stretched into hours, and eventually, Aeryn’s exhaustion began to take its toll. She lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind a constant barrage of worries and fears. The crown still sat heavy on her head, a constant reminder of the role she was expected to play.

As night fell, the room was bathed in the soft glow of the alien lights, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Aeryn lay there, unable to sleep, her thoughts consumed by the uncertainty of her future. The only thing she knew for sure was that she had to find a way to survive, to hold onto her sense of self amidst the chaos.

The next morning arrived with the same sense of dread. Aeryn was determined to stay strong, to find a way to cope with her new reality. But as the day wore on, the reality of her situation continued to weigh heavily on her.

The preparations for the wedding were underway, and Aeryn was expected to be a part of them. But she was determined not to give in, not to surrender to the role that had been thrust upon her. She had to find a way to fight back, to hold onto her own identity amidst the overwhelming forces that sought to control her.

As she went through the motions of her day, she kept her thoughts focused on the future. She knew that the ceremony was just the beginning, and that she had to stay strong if she was to have any hope of changing her fate.

The pressure was intense, but Aeryn’s resolve was unyielding. She would find a way to escape, to return to her own world, no matter what it took. And as the days counted down to the wedding, she vowed to herself that she would not give up, not without a fight.