Heart of hope

*HEART OF HOPE* A Royal Secret Love Story Theme: BETRAYAL + Love That Sacrifices Chapter 1: Episodes 1-7 By: [ALE JOHNMARK ] ⸻⸻— *EPISODE 1: ONE YEAR OF SILENCE* The palace of Land of Hope never slept. Drums at dawn, laughter at noon, torches at night. But for James, the only sound that mattered was hers. For more than a year he had walked these marble floors with his father, who served close to King Kabi Esi. And for more than a year, his eyes had found only one person. Princess Lydia. She was not loud. She was light. When she laughed, even the guards forgot to stand stiff. When she walked, it was like the sun decided to visit the courtyard. James tried to be noticed. He would bow a little too deep. He would “accidentally” drop a scroll near her. He would linger by the fountain hoping she’d pass. She never did. At night, in the small room his father gave him in the palace guest wing, he would talk to the ceiling. “One day I’ll tell her. One day.” One year became two seasons. The words were still stuck. That night he finally broke. “Daddy,” he said, staring at his feet. “I... I like someone.” His father looked up from his papers. “Who?” “Lydia. The princess.” His father sighed and closed the book. “Son. You are still young for this kind of thing. Love is not for boys who are still finding their feet. Focus.” The door to his hope shut quietly that night. ⸺ *EPISODE 2: THE PRINCE ARRIVES* Dust came before the man. Horns blew at the palace gates. A new banner. A new crown. “Prince Jonah,” the servants whispered. “From beyond the River of Hope.” He came with gifts, with horses, with men who walked like they owned the ground. He bowed to King Kabi Esi and spoke clearly: “Your Majesty. I have heard of the beauty and

wisdom of your daughter. I have come to ask for her hand.” The king smiled. The elders nodded. “A good alliance,” they murmured. In the crowd, James stood with his hands in his pockets. His chest felt like someone was sitting on it. Later that day he saw her. Lydia came out to welcome the guest. She was in blue and gold. She smiled at Jonah. A real smile. Not a palace smile. James looked away first. _What if I waited too long?_ ⸺- *EPISODE 3: THE GARDEN AT MIDNIGHT* James couldn’t breathe in his room. So he went to the only place that felt like her. The palace garden. The fountain was quiet. The moon was high. And there she was. Alone. No guards. No ladies. Just Lydia, with a book on her lap, feet bare in the grass. His heart ran faster than his legs. This was it. The moment. He took one step forward— “Princess.” Not his voice. Prince Jonah. James melted behind a hibiscus tree. “May I walk with you?” Jonah asked, voice smooth like oil. She closed her book. “Of course.” They walked. Slow. Talking. Laughing once. James didn’t move until the garden was empty again. He sat on the cold stone and pressed his forehead to his knees. Unseen. Again. ⸺- *EPISODE 4: THE LETTER HE COULDN’T SEND* Three days. No sleep.…