The moon hung high, casting its cold glow across the darkened courtyard. The scent of the night’s dew mingled with the distant echo of soldiers preparing for the battle ahead. Inside the grand palace, Arabela stood before the massive throne, the weight of the crown she had yet to wear pressing down on her shoulders.Her heart thundered in her chest, a loud reminder of the path she had chosen. The power she sought was within her grasp, but so was the cost. Every choice she had made led her here, to this moment, where everything—her family, her dreams, her soul—hung in the balance.“Do you understand what this means?” the voice of her advisor, a seasoned tactician, cut through the air. His face, though lined with age, bore a stern expression, one that held secrets of many wars and betrayals. “Power is not a gift, Arabela. It is a burden.”She met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. “I know what I’m doing. I’m ready.”But the advisor shook his head, his lips curling into a bitter smile. “You
Read more