Star stood there in the massive throne room, his legs feeling like jelly. The king's words echoed in his ears... "You're mine." What did that even mean? His mind was a whirlwind, flashing back to that day in the forest. Eli... no, King Elandor... had been just a boy then, with scraped knees and a goofy grin. They had built forts from branches, shared stolen apples, and talked about silly dreams. Star had thought Eli was some runaway from a nearby town. Not this... not a king.
But now, here he was, all grown up, sitting on that fancy throne like he owned the world. And apparently, he owned Star too? No way. This had to be some huge mix-up.
"I... I don't understand," Star stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. The guards around the room shifted, their armor clinking softly. They looked ready to pounce if he made a wrong move. "You can't just pick me like I'm some prize from the market. I have a life back home... my farm, my family. This consort thing? It's not for me!"
King Elandor's eyes softened for a split second, but then he leaned back, his crown catching the light from the chandeliers. "Star, you were chosen for a reason. The kingdom needs this. I need this." His voice was calm, smooth... almost too perfect. It made Star's stomach twist.
"Chosen? By who? You?" Star shot back, anger bubbling up. He took a step forward, ignoring the guards' warning glares. "I never asked for this! I've never even been to the capital before today. And now you're telling me we're... what? Getting married or something? That's crazy!"
The king stood up slowly, his robes flowing like water. He was taller than Star remembered, with broad shoulders and a presence that filled the room. "It's not crazy. It's fate. Remember that day in the forest? We made a promise... to find each other again. I searched for you for years."
Star's cheeks heated up. Yeah, he remembered. They had pinky-sworn under a big oak tree, laughing like idiots. But that was kid stuff! "That was ages ago! We were children. You can't hold me to that now. And besides... you're a king. What do you want with a nobody like me?"
Elandor walked down the steps from the throne, stopping just inches away. Star could smell his scent... something woody and rich, like expensive spices. It made his heart race, but he pushed the feeling down. This wasn't the time for weird thoughts.
"You're not a nobody, Star," the king said softly, his green eyes locking onto Star's blue ones. "You're the one who saw me as just Eli, not a prince hiding from his duties. In all these years, no one else has made me feel... real."
Star swallowed hard. Part of him wanted to believe it, to remember the fun they had. But the other part screamed to run. "Fine, maybe we knew each other once. But that doesn't mean I agree to this. Send me back home. Pick someone else... someone who wants the crown and the fancy life."
The king's face hardened a bit. "It's not that simple. The selection is public now. The people expect it. And there are... reasons. Prophecies, old tales that say a consort from the common folk will bring peace."
"Prophecies?" Star laughed, but it sounded forced. "You believe in that stuff? Sounds like fairy tales to me."
One of the guards cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, perhaps the consort needs time to adjust. We can escort him to his quarters."
Elandor nodded, but his eyes never left Star. "Yes... take him. But Star, think about it. This could be good for you. For your family. I'll make sure they're taken care of."
Star opened his mouth to argue more, but the guards were already moving, gently but firmly grabbing his arms. "Hey! Let go!" he protested, twisting a little. But they were strong, like walls of muscle. They dragged him out of the throne room, down twisting halls lined with tapestries and glowing lanterns.
As they walked, Star's mind raced. How did this happen? One minute, he's fixing fences... the next, he's being hauled off like a criminal. The palace was a maze, with doors everywhere and servants scurrying like mice. They whispered as he passed. "That's him? The farmer consort?" "He looks so... plain." Star's ears burned. Yeah, he knew he wasn't much to look at. Dirty boots, worn shirt... he stuck out like a sore thumb in this shiny place.
Finally, they reached a set of doors carved with fancy designs... flowers and crowns. The guards pushed them open, revealing a room bigger than his whole house back home. A huge bed with silk sheets, a fireplace crackling warmly, windows overlooking gardens that stretched forever. "This is yours now," one guard said gruffly. "Don't try to leave. Guards will be outside."
Star stumbled in, the doors slamming shut behind him. He was alone... sort of. He paced the room, his boots leaving mud on the fancy rug. "This is nuts," he muttered. "I have to get out of here."
He tried the windows... locked tight. The doors? Guarded, he could hear them breathing outside. Great. Trapped like a bird in a cage. He flopped onto the bed, the softness surprising him. It was like sinking into clouds. For a moment, he let himself relax, staring at the ceiling painted with stars. Stars... like his name. Weird.
But then memories hit him again. Eli in the forest, laughing as they splashed in a stream. "You're my best friend," Eli had said. "Promise we'll always be together?" Star had promised, not knowing what it meant. Now it felt like a trap.
A knock at the door snapped him out of it. "Who is it?" he called, sitting up.
A young maid poked her head in, carrying a tray of food. She was pretty, with curly hair and a shy smile. "Dinner, my lord. His Majesty thought you might be hungry."
"I'm not a lord," Star grumbled, but his stomach growled at the smell. Roasted meat, fresh bread, fruits he didn't even recognize. Way better than the thin stew back home.
The maid set the tray down, glancing at him curiously. "You're the talk of the palace, you know. A farmer becoming consort... it's like a storybook."
"Yeah, a bad one," Star said, picking at the food. It tasted amazing... juicy, flavorful. He hadn't eaten like this ever. "What's the king like? Really?"
She hesitated, looking around like someone might hear. "Kind... but lonely. He doesn't smile much. Not since he took the throne young. There are enemies in the court, you know. Jealous nobles who wanted the consort spot for themselves."
Star's eyes widened. "Enemies? Great, just what I need."
She nodded. "Lord Varyn is the worst. He's been scheming for years. Watch out for him... tall guy with a scar on his cheek."
"Thanks," Star said, feeling a bit better. At least someone was nice here.
After she left, Star ate in silence, his mind plotting. He couldn't stay. But how to escape? The window maybe... if he could pry it open. He searched the room, finding a fancy letter opener on a desk. Sharp enough? Maybe.
As night fell, the palace grew quiet. Star crept to the window, working the tool into the lock. Click... it gave a little. His heart pounded. Freedom was close.
But then, footsteps outside. The door creaked open. Star spun around, hiding the opener behind his back.
It was the king. Elandor, in simpler clothes now, no crown. Just Eli again. "Can't sleep?" he asked, stepping in.
Star backed up. "What do you want?"
"To talk. Really talk." Elandor closed the door, his eyes soft. "I didn't mean to scare you. But Star... I chose you because you're the only one I trust. The court is full of snakes. With you by my side, maybe I can change things."
Star's grip tightened on the opener. Part of him wanted to listen... to see the boy he once knew. But the other part screamed danger. "And if I say no?"
Elandor's face fell. "You can't. Not yet. Give it time... please."
The room felt smaller, the air thick. Star's heart raced, not just from fear. Something else... something warm. No, he couldn't think like that. He was getting out, one way or another.
But as the king left, promising to see him tomorrow, Star wondered if escape was really what he wanted. Or if fate had something bigger in store.