glow of the rising sun illuminated the red roofs of the houses, the spires of the temples, and the

hours ago, after a night of intense passion. They had been seeing each other secretly for months now, hidden from the prying eyes of the court and t

if the Queen discovered his infidelity? She had always been a jealous and suspicious woman, and he knew she had spies and informants

to be made. He could not afford to be distracted by his personal affairs, no matter how tempting they were. He

**

Queen's

d. Sending shivers down the s

t night, your majesty." Ei

maiden to spy on the King. And everytime

!" The Qu

old her rage no longer. She summoned her most trusted advisor, a

avering guide. Dagon, an enigmatic supernatural entity, possibly even a demon, had been her

oiled and swirled around her, ma

intoned, a mischievous grin accompanying h

ter between hurt, anger, and an odd indifference.

's voice carried her vexation, and Da

ere serving maid. While I, his Queen, languish in idleness. Enlight

ister play, yet if you heed my words, you shall emerge triump

I've watched passively as this unfolded. I summ

follow rests with you. Remember, fate's scheme shall unfold regardless of

etween the allure of inaction and the pull

**

thly flow ceased. Two months without her usual b

ters, she paced, a heavy sig

prospect of carrying the King's child sucked the air from her lungs.