In the aftermath of the Poisoned Rivers incident, chaos unfurled across the Kingdom of Evok. Whispers of dragons returning crept like smoke through village alleys and settled in the wary eyes of its sorrowful folk. Pure water had grown scarce; the royal reserves were dwindling. Livestock, parched and restless, refused to drink from the murky, violet-hued streams.
Suspicion festered, reaching its peak on the night of Princess Adra's birthday—a night meant for celebration, now branded as a shameful stain on every tongue. The people murmured behind closed doors:"She is a cursed princess,""With her birthday, the dragon's prophecy stirred,""That roar—no mere cry, but fury awakened from ages past."
As the rivers darkened further, trust dissolved completely. No soul dared lead cattle or steeds near the tainted waters. Market stalls, whether humble or noble, buzzed with gossip and dread alike.
Then came Daniel, the ever-loyal knight of Queen Victoria, bearing grave news. His voice was low but laced with urgency:— "Your Majesty, Evok is unraveling. Fear gnaws at the hearts of your people. The scandal on Princess Adra's birthday has deepened our wounds, and still the rivers worsen. There is no cure. No trust remains. Even disguised, we cannot steer the people away from the waters. Who could silence an entire kingdom?"
Queen Victoria drew a long breath, her poise unshaken yet heavy with thought.— "Thank you, Daniel. Keep protecting the people of Evok. Let no harm come to them. The rest… I shall reckon with myself."
Daniel bowed and withdrew from the chamber, leaving the queen still haunted by the memory of that cursed night. She turned to one of her handmaidens.— "Has the princess awoken?"
The maid spoke softly, almost apologetically:— "Yes, Your Majesty… but she refuses to eat."
Victoria's tone grew firm.— "Take the meal to her. Bring help if needed. Then escort me to her chambers."
...
Elsewhere, at the edge of the kingdom, within a quiet laboratory tucked between gnarled woods and silver mist, Orin leaned over a vial of water from the River of Glimmering Tears. It was pure—no, more than pure. It pulsed with quiet energy: light, grace, and a hidden strength.
He smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, as he dropped a single bead of this water into a vile of the violet-tainted liquid. Instantly, the transformation occurred. The corruption faded, leaving behind a crystalline clarity.
Orin stood at once and rushed out to the guard.— "Tell King Harold that Orin bears news too urgent to delay!"
...
In Princess Adra's chambers, she sat curled upon her bed. Her face had paled, her eyes sunk into hollows of fatigue and despair. A maid approached with a silver tray, pleading gently:— "My lady, please… Your health is fading. Just a few bites."
Adra turned her face, her voice brittle but sharp:— "Take it away. And if you do not leave now, I'll have you dismissed from my service."
The maid stepped back. A moment later, Queen Victoria entered, a second handmaiden in tow.— "Set the tray down, Catherine. Leave us."
Adra's tone was cold, pained:— "I want no one here. Not even you, Mother."
Victoria paid no heed to the words. She dismissed the servants with a wave and sat beside her daughter, brushing a lock of hair from her damp forehead.— "What is this childish behavior? The celebration is over, and all its troubles with it. It's time you rose and faced the world."
Adra's reply came with quiet sorrow:— "What world is left for me, Mother? Everything I dreamed of… was torn from me on the night of my own birth."
Victoria's tone hardened.— "You've lost a ball, not a future. The kingdom teeters on the edge—rivers poisoned, alliances fracturing, and fear spreading like wildfire. You've studied politics, history, economics. Help us. Help your father. You are our hope."
Adra fell silent. Tears welled in her eyes.— "It wasn't just a ball… It was the one day I wished to be seen as a true princess, to feel it. But not even in Father's eyes did I find that reflection."
Victoria took her hand gently.— "Do not say that. Your father loves you—as he loves me. He's simply a man of burdens, of responsibilities far too great. He doesn't wear his heart upon his sleeve. But he sees you. One day, you'll understand… You are the queen to come."
Adra's voice trembled:— "And what of the dragon's roar? I heard it before I fainted… It wasn't imagined. I feel as though secrets are being kept from me."
Victoria's eyes flickered with hesitation, but she composed herself.— "There are no secrets, dearest. Just ancient tricks played by enemies of Evok. We rise, and they fear it."
But Adra, sharp and unyielding, pressed on:— "Yet history says dragons were not our enemies. Where did they go? What ties them to my birthday?"
Victoria paused—just a breath too long.— "You will know, when the time is right. For now, regain your strength… Eat. If not for yourself, then for me."
Adra finally reached for the plate, forcing composure as she ate with care. Victoria watched her closely, heart swelling with quiet fear.
Would she be strong enough… when the truth at last revealed itself?
...
In the king's private study, Orin burst through the door, his words lit with urgency:— "Your Majesty! I've found the answer!"
King Harold stood from his desk, brows lifted in astonishment.— "Truly? A cure for the poisoned valleys? Speak, Orin!"
The alchemist raised a small vial, glowing faintly in his hand.— "The River of Glimmering Tears… Just a single drop purifies the corruption. Its energy is absolute. It devours the violet rot."
The king laughed—a rare, jubilant sound.— "You've saved the kingdom, Orin! We waste no time!"
Orders rang out across the palace. Within the hour, the riders of Evok galloped into the valleys—each bearing a droplet of miracle.
A final chance to save a kingdom… before the darkness closed in.