IN BRIGHT MORNING
The storm over the kingdom roared louder than drums of war.
Dark clouds rolled across the sky like angry waves, hiding the stars and moon .
Rain poured from the heavens and thunder cracked like the sky was tearing in two. It was as if the gods themselves were shouting, warning of something great about to happen.
Far below the strom, deep inside the stone walls of the ancient kingdom of Avci, two battles were happening__one on the battlefield, and one in the palace.
The first was a terrible war.
Soldiers wearing armor covered in lion emblems fought fiercely on muddy fields.
The king of Avci, King Nicolas, led them himself, swinging his heavy sword through the storm. His dark cloak flew behind him like wings, and his warhouse galloped through fire and blood.
He was brave and feared. His enemies called him " The storm king " But even in the middle of battle, his mind kept drifting away___not towards victory, but towards the palace. His queen, His child. The birth was near.
The second battle was inside the palace in the Royal birthing room.
Queen Aylin, strong and graceful, was lying on a golden bed, breathing hard. Her long black hair clung to her face, soaked with sweat. Her hands gripped the sides of the bed, her eyes full of fire and pain. She had been in labor for hours. The room was filled with nervous midwives and the scent of herbs burning in copper bowls. The fire crackled, casting shadows on the tall stone walls.
"She 's too weak," Whispered one midwife.
"She may not survive the night "
"I must survive, " Aylin growled, her voice stronger than her body. "I will give birth, even if it costs me everything. "
The women stepped back, startled by her strength. Aylin was not just a queen. She was a fighter, a dreamer, and a women of unbreakable will.
And then __ it happened.
A cry pierced the air. Not weak or soft __ but loud, full of power.
The baby had been born.
The midwife gently lifted the child and stepped into the candlelight__Her hands shook. The other women gasped and backed away.
The baby was a girl.
Her skin glowed with a golden light. Soft and pure. Her hair shimmered like strands of sunlight, and her tiny back held soft, glowing silver lines _shaped like wings. Her eyes opened slowly, and when they did, they shone with a light that seemed to come from the stars.
But no one smiled " No one cheered".
"A girl... " Whispered one midwife
"First born... It's forbidden, "
"No girl has ever been born first in the Royal line, " Said another in fear "The prophecy...."
They all stepped away from the queen and the baby.
In the kingdom of Avci, there was an ancient belief :if a girl was born first in the Royal Family, the kingdom would fall. The skies would burn, the rivers would dry and the walls would crumble.
They believed it was a curse.
The midwives looked at the baby as is she were a monster. One dropped her cloth. Another crossed her chest with a prayer and ran from the room.
Only Queen Aylin remained with baby.
She looked down at her daughter with tears in her eyes_not of fear, but love.
" You are no curse, " She whispered.
Smiling through her pain . " You are my miracle. My star."
She held the baby close to her heart. I name you Alara , which means light of the sky. You are mine, and I will protect you ".
Hours later, the king returned to the palace. His armor was cracked, his body breiesed, and his sword was stained with blood. His eyes we're tired, but sharp.
When his advisor met him at the gate , they said only one thing.
" The child is born. "
Nicolas nodded.
The advisor hesitate..." It is a girl. "
The king's face turned dark.
He stormed through the halls , past guards and servants, until he reached the queen's chamber.
Queen Aylin stood tall, holding her baby in her arms. The fire behind her cast a golden light on her and the child. She looked proud, calm and unafraid.
Nicolas looked at the baby, For a moment, something flickered in his eyes _ surprise, maybe even awe.
Then his face turned cold.