The first rays of dawn seeped through the castle's high windows, casting long golden streaks across the marble floors. Princess Elara's eyes fluttered open, the events of last night still fresh in her mind. The king's presence lingered in her thoughts, heavy and unrelenting. Every glance, every brush of his hand seemed etched into her very soul.
A sudden rustle behind the curtains made her spin around. It was Lysander again, his expression grave. "Your Highness, there is something you must see," he said, holding out a folded parchment. "The king… he's hiding secrets even from the court. Secrets that could change everything."
Elara's fingers trembled as she unfolded the paper. Symbols she did not understand swirled across the page, glowing faintly as if alive. Magic… old and powerful, something even the castle walls seemed to recognize. Her heart raced. What could this mean for her? For the king? For the fate that bound them together?
She knew one thing for certain: she could not turn back now. Every step forward would uncover truths she might not be ready for, but truths she had to face. The chains of the curse were tightening, but somewhere deep inside, a spark of courage ignited, daring her to confront destiny head-on.