The kingdom of Ra-Iya awoke to the tolling of the palace bells.
By dawn, the news regarding the premature birth of the Queen's son and her health conditions had spread all throughout the country. The people were both joyful and sad at the same time. After years of whispers and failed hopes, the people were ecstatic—their king finally had an heir.
But their joy was tempered with sorrow. The royal announcement also revealed that the queen's health had taken a grave turn, that she now rested under the vigilant care of the royal physicians.
In the crowded streets, joy and unease mingled like oil and water.
For years, dark rumors had clung to King Ralden like a second shadow. It was said that he was cursed—that no son of his blood would ever live to manhood. His previous heirs had all perished, some stillborn, others gone before their first breath had even cooled.
