The Crown of Thorns and Roses

he Shifting S

quickly surrendered as the rangers, under Kaelen's decisive command, secured the palace. Nobles, who moments ago had been reveling, now scurried like frightened mice, their

found relief of vengeance was quickly replaced by a daunting sense of responsibility. This was what they had fought f

ce cutting through the growing murmur. "Send runners to t

will be done, Lyra." He moved with purpose, g

t silenced the room. "King Theron's tyranny has ended. There will be no more bloodshed tonight, provided you cooperate.

r voices shaky. "Who are you to com

on's fall. And we are here to ensure that Aethel finally finds peace." Her words, simple yet powerful, carried the we

whispering names and their allegiances. Lyra quickly identified the council members, the treasurers, the strategists. She understood tha

lready calculating. "The people need assurance. The royal treasury

field, grasped the urgency. "What about the crown?" she asked,

er voice quiet. "And a warning of what can become. For now, it will be secured in th

ent. Lyra, with Rhys's help, began the arduous task of sifting through Theron's private documents, uncovering his network of spies, his hidden wealth, and the depth of his corrup

the night's pandemonium. King Theron was dead, but the future of Aethel remained unwritten, resting precariously in the hands of two sisters who had spent their lives seeking ve