Queen Seraphina stood still while her handmaidens dressed her for the meeting.
She wore a long purple gown with golden thread shining through the fabric. A soft silver belt hugged her waist. A deep purple stone rested on her chest, and her golden crown sat gently on her head. Her hair was pinned up neatly with small clips shaped like stars.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was calm and beautiful, like a queen. But inside… she was tired.
Tired of pretending. Tired of fighting. Tired of feeling alone.
She had to look strong—because if she didn't, her enemies would see her weakness. They would use it against her. Many still doubted her. Some still wished she had never taken the throne.
She had climbed her way up after losing her parents. She had faced betrayal, fear, and pain. She had fought to stay alive—and to keep the crown.
But inside, she just wanted to breathe.
She just wanted to be herself again.
The palace doors opened wide, and she stepped into the throne room. The light from the windows fell on her crown like a spotlight.
All eyes turned to her.
Some nobles smiled. Some bowed deeply. Others barely nodded. A few whispered quietly to each other.
She walked with grace, her dress trailing behind her like water. Her face showed no fear. No pain.
Only calm.
Only strength.
She sat on her throne, lifted her chin, and waited for the meeting to begin.
The first few reports were normal—trade, food supplies, and taxes. Then the mood changed.
Lord Halric stood up and cleared his throat.
"Your Majesty," he said, "people are dying in the southern villages. No wounds. No sickness. They just… die in their sleep. No one knows why."
A quiet gasp moved through the room.
Another advisor added, "The animals are dying too. Just falling over—dead. Bleeding from their mouths. Like in the old stories. Like what happened in the land of Egypt… during the plagues."
Lady Elira stood slowly. Her voice was calm, but worried.
"There's more. The rivers are drying up. The land is thirsty. Crops are dying. And people are afraid."
Seraphina's heart sank.
First the dream. Then the monster. Then the glowing girl. And now this?
Was it all connected?
Something strange was happening.
Something dark.
She stood and looked at her council.
"I want riders sent to the southern villages," she said. "Quietly. Bring me full reports. And send word to the High Priestess. I must speak with her."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied.
As the meeting ended, nobles bowed and left the room.
Some smiled at her with respect.
Others still looked at her like a girl pretending to be queen.
She watched them go, then sat back in her throne. She kept her face calm, but her hands were shaking.
She had worked so hard to become a strong queen. But inside, her heart still ached.
She didn't want to be perfect.
She just wanted to be herself.
But for now… she had to be strong.
Because something was coming.
And she could feel it in the air.