Ashes of the Crown

ull of people, but Serenya

eat down on her, too warm, too bright for a day meant to end her future. Every eye in the kingdom wa

dais above. His face was unreadable, cold and

u stand accused of rejecting your sacred duty, defying royal comm

e wind through leaves. She could feel t

sal has brought shame on this court and insult to our allies. By you

ns. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her face remained calm. Sh

, the picture of elegance and confidence. And beside him, his new

ill burned in S

y would marry. But when she had confronted him about his affairs, his lies, his manipulation, he

refu

would pay

ur title, your claim, and your name. You are no longer he

e of the nobles looked uncomfortable. Others

ard, holding a shallo

d through the air, sticking to her skin, her h

ash," the priest said. "

give them the satisfaction. Her legs ached. Her arms bur

if to inspect her, hand

" he said quietly. "But you c

d rather fall with pride

ipped, only

ched in silence as she was dragged from the courtyard, her chains

ce. Her father was already gone from the dais. Calren was kissing his

th

e gathered on rooftops, in alleys, leaning out of windows to catch a glimpse of th

," someo

ed," anothe

r feet bled inside her s

eased her shackles and handed her a satchel. Inside was a half-lo

," one of the

n't tha

n. Far ahead, past the golden hills and rocky paths, loomed the Viremoor Forest-dar

o go east. Cross the hills.

nce, turned,

the gates

– Edge of

dry, and the bread had done little to ease her hunger. The win

's edge. The trees of Viremoor rose high above her,

tone and dry grass. Her fingers were

as she stared at th

throat burned. And withou

ore she could stop them. She pulled her knees to her chest, buried her f

hing w

had turned on her. The people had laughed. And

re. She wasn't even sure sh

hispered to the dark

ht flicker

fr

A flame floated in the air, small

nd cloaked in black. His face was partly hidden

y," he said. "And far

ed to her feet,

y ba

nds in peace. "I'

what a

ws what it's like to be thrown away. And some

pity her. It rec

nd. "You want to s

a hesi

she reached