s. He had looked genuinely scared, and his fear only amplified my own growing terror. But the more he cautioned me to stay away, the more

en amidst my turmoil. A meeting with the kingdom's elders had been scheduled, a gathering that under normal circumstances I would have approached with eager anticipation. I ca

spoons – had spread like wildfire across the kingdom. Whispers followed me in the palace corridors, curious and sometimes accusatory glances from servants and courtier

es etched with years of experience and unwavering loyalty to the crown, sat around the long, polished

jesty," she began, her gaze flickering towards me before returning to Papa, "the rec

ying to project an air of calm I didn't feel. My heart hammered

grave. "Her intelligence and her dedication to Equedore have been evident. Howeve

resonating with the authority of a just and trusted ruler, "I understand your concerns. The incident at the market was... unusual. But I know my daughter. I trust h

ld still sense the lingering doubt in their eyes, the unspoken questions about my stability, my suitability

study. His usual warm smile was ting

know this has been difficult for you. T

me." The urge to confess everything, the dreams, the ringing, the terrifying shadow, was

nt to make things right. The kingdom... they need to see you as their strong,

ng mine. "I have been con

t in my throat.

ected throughout the neighboring kingdoms. A union between our houses would not only strengthen our

cage closing around me. My heart ached for the freedom to understand what was happening to me, to

ling slightly, "I... I don't kn

or your good. It will show everyone that you are strong, that you are ready to embr

est way to quell the doubts, to paint a picture of a stable future for Equedore. My love for my kingdom, the deep-seated responsibility I fe

I said finally, the words

mmediately, a whirlwind of dress fittings, diplomatic meetings, and celebratory planning. I went through the motions, a hol

figure always lurking just beyond my grasp. The metallic scent seemed to cling to me constantly now, a subtle reminder of the

's warning, despite the weight of my royal duties and the impending betrothal, I knew I couldn't ignore the dar

it training grounds after nightfall. The rhythmic c

id, my voice

eat glistening on his brow in t

"The one with the inscription about the Bl

movements deliberate and slow. "Princess, I war

thing to do with what's happening to me." My voice

uneasy. "What is happening to you, Your Highness?" His voice was a low w

e ringing, the urges, the fleeting shadows? "I... I don't understa

ark rituals, of ancient evils that can corrupt even the purest of hearts. Stay away from it. For your own sake, for the sake of Equedore, let tho