THE LAST QUEEN

stretched for miles, rivers gleamed like liquid crystal, and mountains rose like ancient gods into the heavens. The people of Aethel were hardy and harmonious, living in tune with the rhy

e as a butterfly's w

not a neighbor to be respected, but a prize to be seized. Its fertile lands and abundant resources stirred a hunge

hen even the gentlest heart must rise in defiance. He summoned his warr

eld. The clash of steel began-a dirge of war echoing through the forests. Cl

"but for the soul of Aethel-for our songs, ou

ed. Across the field, Torin watched, his lips curled in a cruel smile. He saw Aethel as already

ame allies, offering cover for ambushes and secret movements. Though outnumbered, the people of Aethel

s finally met. Eldric, bruised but unbro

id. "But our strength is not in our weapons-it l

will not save you. Po

g that echoed like fate itself. Around

apital fell. Its walls, once proud, crumbled under the weight of war. King Eldric fought

s to a foreign crown. As a final act of domination, Torin command

the castle battlements, the wind tearing at her hair. She saw the enemy app

Bursting into her son's chamber, she found little Quin

to her arms, clu

my love," she

ly to her, Eldric, and their children. The

, I'm s

t you must be brave. You're strong-just like your father

cheeks as she kissed his

his small figure. Charlotte watched until he vanis

ttered the s

her daughter in the grip of soldiers, her eyes wide with terro

otte's feet. It tumbled open, and Eldric'

crawled to her husband's remains, her fingers tremblin

creamed, her voic

was no tim

ou will not take her!" she shout

rd and pressed his

in the soldie

e fell, blood blooming across her gown like a

she whispered. "M

thunder, fury and anguish consuming her.

im satisfaction. "Your jo

"Search the palace again

ry room has been checke

a knew t

had es

in her soul. Her grief had turned to flame. A