HEIRESS OF NYANZA

stial battles. Intricate carvings of warriors and former rulers lined the walls, their golden eyes glinting in the flickering torchlight as if watching her every move. She could hea

is queen wa

Sapphire had only heard about in wh

breath away. Polished floors reflected the warm glow of hundreds of torches. Banners of silver and in

ith every movement. Her skin was dark and flawless, catching the light with an almost otherworldly sheen. Her long braided hair was adorned with ornaments of moo

labored. Her legs threaten

man so regal, so comman

lly. "We located her in the village of Ajani, You

n their seats. Some leaned in to get a better look, whil

gracefully and descended the stairs with an elegant glide, her robes whispe

or Sapphire's torn tunic and gently pulled down the ripped sleeve. Gasps echoed through the chamber as the go

ropped to a reverent w

oat tightened.

on was grave. "You are not just an apprentice to a hea

eamed in protest. Her lips m

ed out. "My mother was a healer. Just a healer. We lived

"Queen Seraphina of Okarion was your mother. The gods themselves marke

head violently. "

d the assault. Your parents were betrayed-someone inside the royal house delivered them

er, shorter. The walls seeme

s?" she whispered. "I don't e

arching for you. Because Obadele is preparing to rise again. His spies are moving

ge dreams. The feeling of heat whenever she was in danger or afraid.

f it-

ible. "If I'm just some forgotten royal, why

e a storm cloud. "Because only y

ence fell o

er. But it was the queen's voice t

the power to

k a step, nearly

on't know anything about magic or kingd

said, stepping closer. "Your power has always b

end of the palace. The throne room doors swung open with a loud ban

e's men. They've breached the out

d commands. Weapons were drawn. Sapphire stood frozen in place,

d to her side and seized her

her, they raced through a side corridor as the walls trembled with the

n throne room doors, she caught one final glimpse of Queen Isold

nt, Sapphire

ing had

never, ever