Captive By The Curse

still cloaked in half-light, shadows long and quiet. Her silk nightdress cl

l like a blade. She looked beside her. The sheets were smooth and untouched. Cold whe

ling fingers to her temples, willing her thoughts into order. But the silence only made the weight

d long brown hair and a face that held both youth and something more. In her hands, she held a pile of towels. Though

fine. It was just... a dream." The girl bowed her head.

re you?" "I am Hallel, Your Highness. Your maid," she sa

st servants Elara had seen with a striking beauty that was hard to ignore. Halle

precision. Soon the scent of lavender filled the chamber as steam curled up from the

the one who appeared at the wedding. Do you know who she was?" Hallel paused her hands

ed the royal circle, blessed births and oaths. They say she

o not know. Only that when Prince Kaelos fell ill some years ago, Ashgi

lowering her voice. "Stripped her of her title, had every symbol

us." "She didn't name a curse," Hallel said cautiously. "But... her words were like a blade. The court is f

Hallel helped her into the tub and washed her hair with steady, careful hands. Afterwards,

ew pale flowers behind her ear. "You look lovely, Your Hig

Queen requests your presence in the royal garden." Elara glanced toward the door, then bac

"I'm not afraid," she said quietly

__

en hue. Dew clung to the rose petals, and birds flitted through the hedge

basket. Her gown was simple but elegant, pale blue silk offset by the silver in her braided hair.

trellises. The rustle of leaves and the faint splash of a distant fountain made the w

if she'd expected it. "Ashgi's return was... unsettling. To say t

lied, her voice steady. "She once served this kingdom as our high priestess. Revered. Powerful. But she let ambition tw

itted. "But to say she raised him? That's her vanity speaking. The truth is simpler-and

na stopped and turned to her. "Let me be very clear, Elara. Ashgi is dangerous, yes, but her wo

ou need not be afraid. The gods watch over Aldovia. And they will watch over you, too." Elara smiled

she looked away. "We... were tired. The day was long and with the wedding drama..." Alaina didn't press. Sh

turned to see Prince Kaelos approaching, his dark tunic crisp, his posture smooth a

Mother." Then turned to Elara. "Elara," he said with a n

at the edge of the garden path. "Your Majesty, the King requests your presence at the high table." Alaina sighed softly. "Dut

er wake. Kaelos remained still. Elara looked away, the silence stretching between

y?" "I told her the truth," she replied, her voice calm but firm. "That after Ashgi's disappearance and after we l

yes flashing. "I told her nothing of that sort." He looked at her like she had lost her mind. "I said we were tired," she continued,

gravel. Kaelos stood there for a moment, silent, then strode after

a slow breath, then nodded once. He slipped his arm through hers, and t

rustle of leaves above and the crisp morning ai

ath a flowering archway where wisteria bloomed in violet waves. Silverware glinte

s into a glass jar. Already seated was Princess Serya, Kaelos' younger sister. Stone-faced

sed grace, though her shoulders were tight. He took his

h I know the transition may not have been easy, coupled with last night's events. "It certainly hasn't," she replied with a measured half-smi

inued, folding the scroll and setting it aside, "Aldovia and Alderidge have stood shoulder to shoulder through wars and winters. There was a time when hal

and kings before you." Aegeus nodded. "Your father and I understood that peace is not kept by

symbol. A living promise that our kingdoms remain united and unsh

eginnings." The others lifted their goblets. Elara, a heartbeat