The order

Gilan’s POV

I opened my eyes slowly, only to find darkness outside my window. Night had already fallen.

I couldn’t believe I had slept for so long. The exhaustion from my travels had completely taken over me. I had barely laid down, and now it was already nighttime. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, still feeling a bit disoriented.

A knock on the door pulled me from my daze.

“My prince, may I come in?” came a soft voice, it was one of the palace maids.

“Yes, come in,” I responded, my voice still a little rough from sleep.

The door creaked open, and she stepped inside with a slight bow.

“The dinner is ready, Your Highness. Your parents are asking for you to join them at the table,” she informed me respectfully.

“Alright,” I replied as I stood up and stretched. “Tell them I’ll be down shortly. Let me freshen up first.”

She bowed again and quietly left the room. I didn’t waste any more time. I headed straight to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the fatigue.

After getting cleaned up, I walked down to the dining hall. The smell of roasted spices and grilled meat greeted me as I entered, but what caught my attention more was the sight of my parents sitting at the table… untouched plates in front of them.

They hadn’t started eating. They were waiting for me.

I paused, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “Mom, Dad… why haven’t you started eating yet?” I asked as I approached the table.

“We were waiting for you,” my mother replied with a tone that was calm, but cold. There was something tense in the air. Her face looked serious, far too serious for a simple family dinner.

“I’m here now,” I said, trying to sound casual as I took a seat and began serving myself. The food looked delicious, and I was starving. I hadn’t eaten since morning.

My mother wasted no time.

“It’s about Amara,” she said, watching me closely.

Just the mention of her name made my appetite waver. I sighed quietly and set down the spoon.

Not this again.

“What about her?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. I really didn’t want to have this conversation.

“What exactly did you tell her today when she came to visit you?” my mother demanded. There was no warmth in her voice now, only firm disapproval.

“I told her the truth, Mother,” I said calmly. “That our relationship is over. I made it clear that we are not getting back together.”

Her eyes flared with anger. “You will call her and tell her that it was all a misunderstanding. Do you understand me? Amara will be the princess of this land, and there’s nothing you can do to change that. The arrangements have already been made. The only thing left is your cooperation.”

Her words stunned me. I looked at her, completely taken aback.

“What do you mean the arrangements have already been made?” I asked slowly, trying to remain calm even though my blood was beginning to boil.

“Amara’s parents have agreed to the marriage,” she stated firmly. “The formalities have been handled. Now, all that’s left is to set a wedding date and make the union official.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “And when exactly did you decide to plan my entire future behind my back? While I was away? Without even asking how I feel?”

My voice rose slightly, but I couldn’t help it. This was unbelievable.

“You didn’t consider my heart, my choice. And now you expect me to accept this arrangement like I’m some pawn in a game?” I stood up, pushing the chair back. “Well, I’m sorry, Mother. I’m not marrying Amara. I don’t love her, and that’s final.”

My mother’s face darkened. “Sit down, Gilan. I’m not finished with you”

But I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I stormed out of the dining room, my heart pounding in my chest. The palace suddenly felt suffocating, like its very walls were closing in on me.

I needed air. I needed freedom, even if it was just for an hour.

Back in my room, I grabbed my phone and my car keys. Without overthinking, I walked straight out the door.

As I stepped outside, I bumped into James, one of our loyal palace guards.

“My prince, where are you going? It’s late,” he asked, clearly surprised and concerned.

“Don’t worry, James. Go rest. I’ll be fine. I just need a drive, to clear my head,” I said. I noticed the fatigue on his face and didn’t want to burden him further.

James nodded respectfully. “Take care, my prince. Good night.”

“Good night,” I said softly, grateful for his loyalty. I opened the car door and got inside.

The air was cool, and the roads were quiet. I wasn’t going far, just somewhere to be alone with my thoughts.

After a few minutes of driving, I spotted a small bar tucked along the roadside. It was simple but had a certain charm to it, warm lights, soft music, and a cozy atmosphere.

I pulled over and stepped inside.

It wasn’t crowded. That was perfect. I didn’t want attention. I just needed space… and maybe a drink or two to ease my thoughts.

I sat at the counter, ordered a drink, and took a deep breath.

My mind was swirling. The weight of what just happened with my mother… the pressure to marry someone I didn’t love… and the constant guilt of hurting Amara, it was too much.

I didn’t hate her. But I didn’t love her either. What we shared was in the past. I had moved on, and I just wished she would too.

The worst part? I knew she still loved me. And deep down, I hated that I was the reason for her pain.

But I couldn’t force feelings that weren’t there. I wouldn’t build a marriage on lies just to keep the peace. That wouldn’t be fair, to me, or to her.

After finishing my drink, I stood up and left the bar. It was getting late, and I couldn’t risk someone recognizing me. This wasn’t exactly a place for royalty, not that I cared much right now.

Outside, the cool breeze hit my face, and I sighed deeply.

I got into the car, thankful that the drinks had helped me calm down… even if just a little. I felt a little tipsy, but I could manage.

As I started the engine and pulled onto the road, I whispered to myself, “I just want peace. I just want to be free from all of this.”

And I hoped, somehow, the night would carry those words to the universe.