**********Days following********
The palace was quiet in the early hours of the morning, the corridors shadowed and serene as Aurora moved through them. Since her marriage to Alistair, she'd often found herself wandering before sunrise, feeling more at peace in these moments alone, unobserved. This morning, however, the peace was troubled by a gnawing sense of unease. In the week since Alistair had shown her the gardens, she'd felt... different.
Aurora hadn't mentioned it to Alistair yet, but there had been small signs-strange lights flickering when she entered a room, a sense of warmth in her hands whenever she was upset. Only the night before, she'd found herself staring at her reflection in a mirror, certain for a moment that her eyes were shining with a faint, otherworldly light.
"Aurora?" Alistair's voice cut through her thoughts, gentle and surprised as he approached her in the corridor.
"Alistair!" she said, her pulse quickening. She hadn't expected to see him awake at this hour. "I... couldn't sleep."
He smiled, taking her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I've been meaning to talk to you. You've seemed... distracted lately." His eyes were soft, filled with concern. "Is something troubling you?"
Aurora hesitated. She hadn't meant to burden him with her worries, especially when she couldn't even explain them.
Nothing Alistair am perfectly fine she lied, mhhh ok if you say so, but do not hesitate to come to me if you have any troubles, " thank you Alistair, i appreciate your concern, it was at that moment that the two of them realized that the sun was shining brightly, and it was already broad daylight,
We most go get dressed for the day aurora said for Alistair to nod, they both said their good byes and headed for their chambers.
While Aurora was getting ready for the day, they was a knock on the door,one of her ladies-in-waiting opened the door, and it was a maid, she brought information that the king wishes to see everyone in the court room.
When Aurora entered into the court room she took her place beside Alistair, when everyone was sitted the King rose up to make his announcement.
" my good people of Auridon" he started, "After much deliberation we have decided that it was time we want on our annual camping trip" the King said for everyone in the room to applaud.
The royal camping trip was a centuries-old tradition, one meant to strip away the luxury of palace life and remind the family of their kingdom's natural beauty and the strength of their ancestors. Each year, the entire royal family would journey into the deep, enchanted woods surrounding Auridon, spending several days living simply, gathering around fires, and sleeping in tents beneath the stars.
This was Aurora's first time joining the royal family on this tradition, and she was eager yet anxious, wondering how she would fare in such a different setting. Alistair assured her it would be a bonding experience, a chance to connect with the family away from the intrigues of court.
The morning was bright and crisp as the family set out on horseback, with Aurora's riding beside Alistair and Elizabeth a little further ahead. Elara, however, rode behind them, her expression unreadable. Aurora could feel the princess's cold gaze on her back, her presence an unsettling reminder of her ever-present hostility.
By the time they reached the clearing where they would set up camp, the sun had dipped low, casting golden hues over the forest. They spent the evening telling stories around the fire, sharing laughter and camaraderie as Alistair recounted childhood tales of mischievous escapades with Elizabeth. Even Elara joined in, though Aurora noticed a glint of bitterness in her eyes whenever Alistair looked at her with affection.
As the evening wore on, Alistair left to collect more firewood with Elizabeth, leaving Aurora alone with Elara and other members of the family. The fire crackled between them, casting flickering shadows that made Elara's expression seem even darker.Elara suggested to aurora that they too should go out in search of firewood since the on Alistair and Elizabeth will bring might not be enough, Aurora agreed and the to set out.
As they walked, Elara started, "Strange, isn't it?" Elara said, her tone almost conversational. "How a simple commoner is now the kingdom's princess, sharing in royal traditions that are centuries old."
Aurora took a steady breath, refusing to let Elara's words unsettle her. "Tradition evolves, Elara. I may be new, but I am just as committed to this family and the kingdom."
Elara's smile was sharp, glinting with malice. "That may be, but some traditions can't simply change. The bloodline of Auridon is sacred, carefully preserved. Outsiders... they taint it." Her voice was low, a simmering rage lurking beneath her words.
Aurora held her ground. "I understand the history, Elara, but love is stronger than blood alone."
Elara's expression twisted into one of contempt. "Love? Do you really believe Alistair's affection will protect you? You're naive, Aurora. And I think it's time you realized that you don't belong here."
Before Aurora could respond, Elara motioned for her to follow. "There's something I want to show you," she said, her tone suddenly sweet, though her eyes gleamed with a sinister intent.
Reluctantly, Aurora followed her deeper into the woods, where the darkness grew thicker, and the sounds of night creatures filled the air. She gripped her cloak tighter, shivering as Elara led her farther from the camp. Eventually, they reached a cliff side over looking the vast forest, with a sheer drop down to the rocky river below.
Elara stopped at the edge, turning to face Aurora. Her eyes held a cold, unyielding fury. "You don't deserve any of this, Aurora. The crown, Alistair's affection, the place in this family... it all belongs to me."
Aurora took a step back, realizing too late that Elara had led her to a dangerous, isolated spot. "Elara, please... we can find a way to coexist."
Elara's face twisted in disdain. "There is no coexistence. You're a commoner pretending to be a princess, and you'll never truly be one of us."
With that, she lunged forward, hands outstretched, pushing Aurora toward the cliff's edge. Aurora stumbled, her foot slipping on the loose rocks as she teetered dangerously close to the edge. Panic surged through her, but in that moment a faint golden light began to glow around her, forming a protective shield that steadied her balance and prevented her from toppling over.
Elara's eyes widened in shock as Aurora regained her footing, Aurora stepped back from the edge, her voice calm but firm.
"This is where it ends, Elara. I may not have been born into royalty, but I have the strength to protect myself-and those I love."
Elara's face twisted in anger, but before she could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Alistair and Elizabeth burst into the clearing, their eyes widening as they took in the scene.
"Aurora! Are you all right?" Alistair rushed to her side, his expression filled with worry.
Aurora nodded, but her gaze remained on Elara, who had regained her composure, now wearing a mask of feigned innocence.
"What happened here?" Elizabeth demanded, looking between the two women.
"Elara tried to push me over the edge," Aurora said, her voice steady. "But I was able to stop her."
Elara scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Please. Aurora stumbled; I was only trying to help her." she said innocently
Elizabeth's gaze narrowed. "Enough, Elara. This rivalry ends now.I have noticed you suble hatred towards Aurora You've let your jealousy cloud your judgment, and it nearly led you to a grave mistake."
Alistair's eyes flashed with anger as he turned to Elara. "I tolerated your attempts to undermine our marriage, but this? Attempting to harm my wife? This is beyond forgiveness."
Elara opened her mouth to respond, but seeing the united front before her, she fell silent, a look of defeated fury in her eyes.
After a tense pause, Alistair spoke, his voice laced with sadness. "You'll return to the palace immediately, Elara. You will face the consequences of your action and until you can respect my wife and our kingdom's values, you will be kept away from court."
Elizabeth took a step forward, her expression softening as she placed a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "Your okay now", she said to comfort Aurora.
With a nod, Aurora accepted Elizabeth's support, feeling a sense of relief and triumph. She knew the path ahead wouldn't be without challenges, but as she stood with Alistair and Elizabeth under the stars, she felt more certain than ever that she could face whatever trials came her way.
The royal family's tradition of unity had been tested, but Aurora's spirit and resilience had only strengthened the bonds between her, Alistair, and Elizabeth. And though Elara had tried to shatter their happiness, she'd ultimately only solidified Aurora's place in the family-a place Aurora knew she would protect with all the and strength in her heart.