Chapter 1 - Stranger from Nayak“And if there's even a chance that she can change your fate, isn't it worth the risk?" Eria's words kept on ringing in my ears as she led the way to my supposed freedom.The familiar surroundings of Ruqgu's central market looked eerily unfamiliar tonight. It was nighttime, and it had been over a month since I left the Gattar Manor. The vibrant colors and the bustling night market contrasted sharply with my somber mood. Nothing amused a woman of twenty-six without a child, nothing fascinated a lady doomed to endure her husband's abuse.I trailed behind Eria as we ventured into a darker, more sinister part of the market, where the night's offerings were far from innocent. I adjusted my hood, ensuring my disguise concealed my identity. The lady of the House of Gattar could not be seen in such a place. I wondered about Eria's intentions and hoped that this secretive meeting would prove worthwhile, despite the risk of sneaking out.My head throbbed, and a chi
Chapter 2 - Tangled Threads of DestinyThe woman settled into the chair opposite mine, while Eria discreetly positioned herself in a corner, out of our line of sight."My mother? And 'Your Majesty'? There are no queens here," I replied with an unintentional iciness that highlighted just how much I had changed from my former self. My tone was devoid of emotion, reflecting the inner turmoil I had endured."Yes, Lady Ruby Kali Rusé. She was best friends with my former mistress," the woman responded calmly, brushing aside my cold demeanor and disregarding my previous comments. There was a melancholic undertone to the way she mentioned my mother's name, hinting at a deeper connection between them. If she knew my mother's noble lineage despite her Nayak origins, she undoubtedly had more to reveal."I understand that you don't know me, and that's partly my fault. By the end of our conversation, you might despise me more than anything in this world. Nevertheless, I must share what I know. If
Chapter 3 - The dawn of TroubleThe night deepened, and the weight of Annalise's revelation bore down on us. She clung to my legs, her pleas relentless, her tears flowing like rivulets of desperation, and her grip a stark reminder of the gravity of her words."I'm very sorry, my lady. I should have come sooner. I should have come before your marriage," her voice trembled with regret, as if the weight of her actions pressed heavily upon her conscience.Eria, my steadfast confidant, stood nearby, her expression a conflicted blend of skepticism and concern. "Perhaps, my lady, we should consider what Annalise is saying," she suggested cautiously.But I remained resolute in my doubts, unwilling to fully embrace this fantastical tale. "You can't simply emerge from the shadows, asking me to divorce my husband over a story I can hardly believe," I retorted, my voice tinged with exasperation.Annalise, however, refused to relent. She spoke with fervor, her eyes locked onto mine, her determinati
Chapter 4 Desperate escapeImmediately I entered my Chambers, I could smell the strong stink of trouble in the air. My head pounds as I tried to calm my panicked breaths. The orb burns in my hands as if it senses my emotions. I quickly concluded in my mind that today will be the day I will leave the surface of Earth.My feet refused to move forward as I stared at his face angry face staring back at me. No, I am dead already. Without warning, tears started streaming down my eyes uncontrollably. I slipped the orb into my inner pocket as my palm became sweaty. He looked at me like he was about to kill me and I took a step backward as he stood up from the chair he was sitting on.“ Do not take another step” He said with a cold tone that sends shivers down my spine. My heart beats wildly in my chest as I stay rooted in my position. Eria gave me a sympathetic look as she knew what my next fate will be. I could also read from her eyes that she thought all of this was her fault.“ I'm sorry m
Chapter 5 - Impossible Stranger"You don't deserve to be trapped in this hell when you can be a queen in Nayak," she said, dragging me through the secret passages again. All the guards my husband stationed in front of my door were sleeping, and I knew Eria must have had something to do with it."Annalise left the inn a while ago, but you will surely catch up to her before you reach the Fluer River. I sent a message to her already," she said while opening the backdoor again. She placed my hood on my head properly, draping it over my torn clothing to keep me modest."But I'm still married to my husband," I said, but she shushed me by placing a finger on my lips."All you should focus on right now is getting out of Ruqgu before the day breaks. I already prepared a double for you, and as of tomorrow, you will be dead. You committed suicide because you couldn't take the abuse from your husband anymore," she said, and I stared at her with my mouth open in shock. What the hell?"I will do an
Chapter 6 - Queen of Nayak"What?" I almost laughed at his expression. In fact, I did laugh. He looked like nobody had ever talked back to him before in his entire life and existence. His brows scrunched up in confusion and his mouth wide open in shock made my stomach rumble in laughter. His appearance suggested he was from Nayak; only their men kept their hair as long as women."You must think everyone is lazy brats like you? Unfortunately for you, some of us are tired after a long day's journey and need to rest. I'm sorry I fell on you, and if you can't accept my apology, you can shove it down your throat the opposite way." I knew I was saying nonsense by calling him a brat. I should have just said asshole instead. Damn! It's been a while since I sassed someone out.The man stared at me as I continued to drag my heavy bag through the passageway."You? ... You," he pointed his fingers at me, as if unsure of what to say. I just ignored him and dragged my duffel bag with all my strengt
Chapter 7 - FlamingoThere was only one thought that came to my mind as I stared at his unmoving body on the floor: "I am in big trouble." My heart beat wildly in my chest, and I found my thoughts flying in different directions."Hey," I tapped him with my shaky hands, but he remained still.I knelt beside him and felt his pulse. It was weak and faint. I sighed in relief, but that didn't mean it couldn't get worse. At least he was breathing, and he didn't show other life-threatening symptoms. At this point, every part of the inn was dead silent, like a graveyard. Everyone must have been sleeping, so I couldn't ask for help.I wondered what could have happened to him, but I couldn't just sit and do nothing.I paced around the room, my brows furrowed with worry as I watched his skin grow paler with each passing second. Then, I suddenly remembered the little orb that Annalise had given me before she left Ruqgu. I didn't even know how to use it on someone. The darn thing didn't come with a
Lady Marilyn Rusè Gattar/ Queen Lyn: A barren woman who journeyed to Nayak because of an oath her mother made to the goddess. Blessed by Natalí to be the true but has so many challenges preventing her from becoming the queen.King Treven Niamh: The king of Nayak, blessed by the deity Nati with strength and the power to communicate with hornets and control them. He has been searching for his true queen secretly.Lady Meisi: The first consort of the king, She believed only she deserved to be the true queen.Lady Laila and Lady Tia: Other consorts of King Treven.Princess Cixi: King Treven's Aunt, widowed but stays in the palace with her son. She is a cunny and a meticulous woman. Annalise: The late Queen's maid and the only witness to the oath.Eria: Marilyn's best friend and handmaid.Lord Patrick Gattar: One of the seven rulers of Ruqgu. Marilyn's ex-husband who maltreated her. Valtar and Tameka: the king's trusted men. etc...