The golden sun filtered through the massive crystal windows of the Throne Hall of the Realm of Light. Queen Ayela sat tall and poised on her majestic seat, her white robes flowing like light itself. Her expression was calm, but her eyes — they were stormy with something unspoken.
A servant entered with hurried steps and bowed low. “Your Majesty,” he said, voice steady yet urgent, “the Prince has returned. He seeks permission to enter your presence.”
Queen Ayela gave a small nod. “Let him come in.”
The grand double doors creaked open, and first appeared a glint of polished royal boots — black with gold engravings of celestial signs. Then a long, flowing robe of silver and deep blue, laced with ancient runes. A sword rested at his side, glowing faintly with a bluish hue, and a belt of magic charms wrapped his waist.
Finally, the face emerged — sharp, graceful, with eyes like oceans and hair kissed by the sun.
Gasps echoed through the hall. Some whispered, “It can’t be—”
But the Queen stood, a rare softness blooming on her face. “Come, my son…43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1bbwJyzsb
Kael.”
Kael stepped forward and bowed slightly. “Mother.”
She raised a hand. “There’s something we must speak of today… something important.”
Kael looked unsure but nodded.
Queen Ayela walked down the steps of the throne. “You know your time has come. Soon, you shall be crowned King of Light. But no king stands alone. Tonight, a girl shall be chosen — a wife fit for a ruler.”
Kael stiffened. “A wife?”
She continued, “She lives in the village of Trance, where light breaks the shadows. You’ll find her tonight — a girl wearing an ancient amulet. She is your fate.”
Kael’s voice cracked. “But… Mother, I already— I love someone.”
Queen Ayela’s eyes narrowed. “Love? Whom?”
Kael hesitated. “She’s not from here. She's… different. But she’s the one who makes my soul calm. I can’t imagine a life without her.”
Ayela’s tone sharpened. “You are the future King, Kael. Your duty is greater than your heart. You will marry who I choose.”
She turned and called out, “Rosy! Prepare breakfast.”
Kael clenched his fists but said nothing.
Meanwhile, in the village of Trance…
Elara was sweeping the tiny, dusty kitchen as her cruel aunt yelled from the next room. “Elara! Where are my pressed clothes?”
“I-I’m sorry, Aunt,” Elara replied, breathless. “I was helping with the dishes and—”
Lisa interrupted with a loud sigh. “She didn’t press my dress either. So useless.”
Her aunt stormed into the room, face red. “You lazy girl! I told you to press the clothes last night!”
“I just forgot,” Elara whispered.
“Well then,” her aunt sneered, “no fair for you today. Everyone will go. You? You stay here. Alone!”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elara said softly, heart heavy, though her eyes held a glimmer of something else.
As everyone left for the village fair, Elara stepped outside into the quiet, empty garden. A soft breeze brushed her face, and for the first time in days, she felt… free.
She smiled. “Even if it’s for just one day... I’m free.”
Elara walked to the old broken mirror hidden behind the garden wall. She touched her reflection, tracing the scar on her cheek. Her fingers moved to the amulet around her neck — the one Kael had gifted her long ago.
“I miss you, Kael,” she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
She untied the amulet carefully. “Just for the bath,” she told herself.
As she stepped toward the small bath area in the backyard, something fluttered above — a bird. A pure white dove, circling lower and lower until it landed on the edge of the wall, holding something in its beak.
“A letter?” Elara gasped.
She ran to it, untied the ribbon from its leg, and opened the envelope. Inside was a note in familiar handwriting.
“I know you’re finally alone. Come meet me.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqra7JceZ2
Not at the well…43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50GGFOtIEo
Behind the forest.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKyfFrgLoj
Your Kael.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “He… he knows I’m free? How?”
Without thinking, Elara tucked the letter under her blouse and ran inside to change. The amulet still lay near the mirror — forgotten in the rush.
The dove sat still, then blinked.
Its eyes glowed briefly.
As if… it wasn’t just a bird.
And as Elara vanished into the trees, the wind whispered, “She left the amulet…”
but she had left the amulet behind.
The bird sat by the window, watching her disappear into the forest path.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kp028colh
Its head tilted slightly.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkv1idCBdu
And for a second…43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVoBzCkdOO
It smiled.
As if…43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXksooekDh0
It knew something Elara didn’t.
Something dangerous.
A secret.
A secret that should have never been broken.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwz0seIeAu
A secret… that could destroy everything.
To be continued…
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