As the prince loomed behind her, Sany felt herself ensnared in some twisted fate. She sat there, shrouded in blood, unable to utter a word. No one had treated her this way since she was nine. She sensed she was in for a turbulent ride, bracing herself for what was to come. But in that moment, she succumbed to unconsciousness.

When she awoke, she found herself draped in a gown, poised for marriage, but to whom? She knew nothing of the demon realm.

A servant guided her, leading her through shadowed corridors to a chamber where everyone wore the somber hues of black.

As Sanny stood before the two princes, her heart pounded with uncertainty. She glanced at the first prince, his demeanor intimidating and cold. Then, her gaze shifted to the second prince, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyes betraying a depth of emotion she couldn't quite fathom.

Suddenly, the chamber fell silent as the king's voice boomed, breaking the tension like thunder in a storm.

"Ah, Sanny," the king began, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "You stand at a crossroads, a pivotal moment in our kingdom's history. These two princes represent diverging paths, each with its own challenges and triumphs."

Sanny felt the weight of the king's words pressing down on her, as if the fate of the entire kingdom rested on her decision.

"Prince Thorian," the king continued, gesturing toward the first prince, "embodies strength and determination. But beware, for his arrogance may lead to ruin if left unchecked."

Sanny's eyes darted to Prince Thorian, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding.

"And Prince Alaric," the king said, turning his attention to the second prince, "possesses a quiet wisdom and a depth of character. But his brooding nature may hide secrets that could prove perilous."

Sanny felt the weight of the king's words settling on her shoulders, the gravity of her decision pressing down upon her.

"Choose wisely, Sanny," the king said, his voice softer now, filled with paternal concern. "For the future of our kingdom depends on it."

With a deep breath, Sanny stepped forward, her mind racing with uncertainty. She knew that whatever choice she made would shape not only her own destiny but the destiny of the entire kingdom.

The first prince, with his haughty demeanor and piercing gaze, seemed to radiate danger like a tempest waiting to strike. His presence alone sent shivers down her spine, warning her of the stormy path that lay ahead should she choose him. Yet, there was a strange allure in his intensity, drawing her in despite her better judgment.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

On the other hand, the second prince stood with an enigmatic aura, his silent gaze holding mysteries untold. His brooding countenance hinted at depths of darkness and secrets veiled beneath the surface, yet there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes that called out to her, stirring a flicker of empathy within her soul.

And then, in a flash of clarity, she realized that neither prince held the key to her destiny. With a resolve born from the depths of her being, she stepped forward, defying the expectations of the court and the constraints of tradition.

"I choose no one " sanny said.

Sanny's bold declaration hung in the air, met with a deafening silence from the king. His expression remained stoic

As the echoes of Sany's bold declaration faded, the king's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a blade slicing through silence.

"Very well," he boomed, his words commanding attention from all who stood in the chamber. "If the princess chooses no one, then let it be known that she shall be the prize in a competition befitting the stature of our realm."

"My dear subjects," the king began, his voice resonating with authority, "we shall hold a competition unlike any seen before in the demon realm. It shall not be merely a test of physical prowess or cunning intellect, but a trial that encompasses the very essence of our realm."

With a sweep of his hand, the king gestured toward Sany, beckoning her to join him at the center of the chamber.

"This competition," he declared, his eyes alight with fervor, "shall involve not only the contestants but also our beloved princess herself. For who better to judge the worthiness of a suitor than the princess whose hand is at stake?"

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as they realized the gravity of the king's words. Sany's breath caught in her throat as she braced herself for what was to come.

"The first trial," the king announced, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceilings, "It shall test the intelligence of our contestants. They must detoxify poison that we'll be taken by the princess herself"

"The second trial," the king announced, "shall test the bravery and determination of our contestants. They must traverse the treacherous Path of Shadows, a winding labyrinth shrouded in darkness and mystery."

With a flourish, the king unveiled a map depicting the twisting maze, its intricate pathways marked with foreboding symbols.

"But there is a twist," the king continued, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "The princess shall also walk the Path of Shadows, her presence hidden from the contestants' view. Only through cunning and intuition shall they discover her whereabouts and guide her safely to the end."

"Oh gods," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd. "What have I gotten myself into? no one can save me now i deserve it i should've just chosen somoene who am i playing the hero for "

The realization dawned upon her like a sudden storm, crashing over her with overwhelming force. She was no longer a passive observer in her own fate; she had become an active participant in a game of high stakes and uncertain outcomes.

In that moment of uncertainty, Sany's thoughts turned to her sister, her confidante and closest ally. If only she were here, Sany thought, her sister would know how to navigate this treacherous path with grace and cunning.