THE KINGS EMPRESS
CHAPTER 1
Above all Kingdoms rose twelve divine realms.
Each ruled by a family blessed by the stars.
Among them, The house of Leo reigned with unmatched pried and fire.
In the golden palace of the Leo Kingdom, a storm was brewing.
Elizabeth
“You insolent child! How many times must I tell you!”
Her voice cracked through the marble corridor, fierce and sharp. The boy before her. Elian Leo, heir to the Leo throne stumbled back, clutching his bruised arm.
Elian
I-I’m sorry… Lady Elizabeth… I didn’t mean to—
Elizabeth
Don’t call me that! Show respect!
Before the servants could react, her hand rose again.
Then — a deep, commanding voice filled the hall.
Jordan Leo, the Lion King of the Zodiac, entered. His presence burned brighter than the chandeliers that lined the ceiling — a man with the weight of a kingdom in his gaze.
Jordan
What is the meaning of this?
Instantly, everyone froze. The maids lowered their heads.
Maids
Welcome back, Your Majesty.
Elizabeth
(turned, startled but quick to mask her cruelty behind a practiced smile)
Elizabeth
Darling… you’re home early. We were only playing, weren’t we, Elian?
Her fingers dug into Elian’s arm from behind, forcing him to nod.
Elian
Y-yes, Father… we were just playing…
Jordan
(His tone was cold, unreadable. He gestured to a maid.)
Jordan
See to the boy’s wounds.
As the maid hurried to Elian’s side, Elizabeth tried to move closer to her husband — but Jordan stepped back, his golden eyes hardening.
Elizabeth
What’s wrong, my love?
Jordan
You’ve got quite the nerve to call me that after striking my son.
His words fell like molten iron. In a flash, his hand wrapped around her neck — not with rage, but with the cold precision of a ruler betrayed.
Elizabeth
J-Jordan… I was only teaching him discipline—
Jordan
Discipline? He is my blood. You are not his mother, Elizabeth. You forget your place.
Jordan
(He released her with force, sending her stumbling to the marble floor.)
Jordan
I raised you from obscurity, brought you into the Leo Palace, and gave you a crown — and this is how you repay me? By tormenting my son and coveting what is not yours?
Elizabeth
No! I swear, I love you—
Jordan
Love me? Or love the throne you sleep beside?
Elizabeth
(Her silence was her confession)
The heavy doors burst open. Soldiers in crimson armor entered at once.
Jordan
Take this woman to the dungeons. Let her rot for what she’s done
Elizabeth
No! Jordan, please! Don’t do this to me!
Elizabeth
(She screamed as they seized her by the arms, her cries echoing down the gilded halls.)
Elizabeth
Jordan! Please—!
The doors slammed shut behind her. Silence fell.
Jordan
(Jordan stood motionless, shoulders heavy. Then a soft, trembling voice broke the quiet)
Jordan
(Jordan turned. His son stood at the top of the stairs, tears streaking down his face.)
Jordan
(He sighed, his expression softening.)
Jordan
It’s over now. You needn’t fear that woman anymore.
Elian
(But Elian only cried harder, running into his father’s arms.)
Elian
I want to see my real mother… please, Father. Just once..
Jordan
(Jordan hesitated — then placed his hand gently on Elian’s head.)
Jordan
You will, my son. But you’ll go with a guard — for your safety.
As the boy clung to him, Jordan stared out the great palace windows — at the blazing sun cresting over the Leo lands.
He didn’t know it yet, but the choice he made that day would set fire to the balance of the Zodiac Kingdoms.
CHAPTER 2
The morning sky was bruised with gray as the sound of heavy boots echoed across the marble courtyard of the Leo Palace.
Jordan
*Struggling against the guards* LET ME GO!
Elian
*Bursting from the corridor, voice trembling* Father! What’s happening?!
A tall man stepped forward, his silver armor gleaming with the royal crest of the King.
Marcus
*Coldly* By decree of His Majesty, King of all Zodiacs, Jordan of Leo is under arrest.
Elian
*Furious* On what charge?! He’s done nothing wrong!!
The word sliced through the air like a blade. Elian froze, disbelief twisting his face.
Elian
That’s impossible! My father would never—
Jordan
*Interrupting softly, meeting his son’s eyes* Elian. Don’t.
His voice was calm, even as chains clinked around his wrists.
Jordan
*With a faint smile* My son… no matter what happens, stand tall. A true Leo never bows.
Before Elian could reach him, the guards pulled Jordan away. The gates slammed shut with a thunderous echo, leaving Elian shouting into silence.
Days passed. Then weeks. Each one colder than the last. The palace felt empty — a cage of gold without warmth.
One afternoon, the sound of metal boots filled the throne hall once more.
Guards
*Kneeling* Greetings, Prince Elian of Leo. We bring word from the royal court.
Elian
*Standing, his eyes bloodshot* Where is he? Where is my father?
Guards
*Lowers his head* Your father… has been executed by order of the King.
The words hung in the air like a curse.
Elian didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Then, slowly, his legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, his breath caught in his throat.
Elian
*Whispering* Executed…?
The guards bowed, but their words of condolence were distant and hollow.
Guards
We are deeply sorry, your Highness.
When they left, the silence was deafening. The maids rushed to him, tears in their eyes.
Ann
Prince Elian, please… you mustn’t fall apart. Your father wouldn’t want this—
Elian
*Voice breaking* Then why did they kill him?!
The question shattered the stillness, and Elian’s cry echoed through the palace halls like the roar of a wounded beast.
Years passed. The kingdom of Leo prospered under Elian’s reign. Peace returned — or so it seemed.
Ann
Master Elian, dinner is ready.
Elian
I’ll be down shortly.
He stood before a mirror, his reflection noble yet haunted — his father’s eyes staring back at him.
Downstairs, the maids stood waiting as he entered the grand dining hall.
Elian
*Smiling faintly* Don’t stand. Sit with me. I despise eating alone.
The maids hesitated, then obeyed, sitting nervously at the grand table. For a while, laughter and soft conversation filled the room. For the first time in years, warmth returned to the Leo Palace.
Later that night, Elian walked through the quiet streets of his kingdom, alone and unguarded. The moonlight brushed against his golden hair as he passed merchants and children at play. Then, a man sprinted past him, nearly knocking him aside.
In a swift motion, Elian stepped forward and tripped him. The man crashed to the ground.
？？？
You! What’s your problem?!!!
Elian
*Draws his sword, eyes cold* Is this how you address your ruler?
Before the man could speak, a group of armored soldiers rushed in, surrounding him. Their armor shimmered, but something was off — their emblems were not of Leo.
Elian
*Frowning* Your armor… it’s not of this kingdom. Who are you?
Amy
*Steps forward and bows* Your Highness, I am General Amy. We’re from the Royal Palace.
Elian
The Royal Palace? You mean the King’s?
Amy
Yes, your Highness. We were ordered to capture this criminal.
Elian
Then do so. But hear me well — do not set foot in my kingdom again without my permission.
Amy stiffened, feeling the heavy pressure that radiated from him — a dark aura that made her throat tighten.
She signaled her troops. They lifted the man, bound and trembling, and left. Elian watched until their silhouettes vanished into the night.
Back at the King’s Palace, Amy and her soldiers knelt before King Lorenzo, ruler of all Zodiac Kingdoms.
Amy
Greetings, my King. The target has been captured.
Elian
*Resting his chin on his hand* Rise, General Amy.
She stood and bowed again, her posture straight but her face uneasy.
Elian
You’ve done well. Your reward will be delivered to your homes.
Amy
Thank you, your Majesty.
As the others departed, Amy remained. Lorenzo’s sharp eyes flicked toward her.
Elian
Something troubles you, General?
Amy
It’s… about Prince Elian, my King.
Elian
*Leans forward, intrigued* What about him?
CHAPTER 3
Amy knelt before the throne, her voice steady but her eyes betraying unease.
Amy
“While we were capturing the criminal within the Leo Kingdom, your Majesty…”
Lorenzo glanced up from the parchment in his hand, his tone sharp yet languid.
Amy swallowed, lowering her gaze.
Amy
King Elian… he seems to harbor a deep grudge toward the crown.”
Lorenzo’s expression shifted — faint curiosity beneath a veil of composure.
Elian
“What do you mean? And who exactly is this king?”
Amy
"His name is Elian Leo Miller,” *Amy replied quietly,* “ruler of the Leo Kingdom.”
A faint hum left Lorenzo’s throat. He leaned back in his chair, fingers brushing the armrest of his throne.
Elian
“I see. Then I shall have someone… deal with it.”
Amy bowed low, armor faintly clinking, and withdrew from the chamber.
The heavy doors closed behind her, leaving the hall wrapped in a serene but dangerous stillness.
Lorenzo remained seated, his gaze fixed on the empty space before him. Then, in a low voice, he said,
Elian
“Come out. Even with that little trick of yours, I can still see you.”
The air shimmered like heat on stone, and a figure materialized — stepping forth with a sly smile curling his lips.
He bowed with mock courtesy.
？？？
“Greetings, my king,” *the stranger said.*
Lorenzo’s eyes were half-lidded, but their glint was sharp as a blade.
Elian
“Tell me, intruder, what business brings you here uninvited?”
？？？
“I come,” the man replied smoothly, “on behalf of my own king.”
Elian
"Using your ability to infiltrate my palace?” Lorenzo’s tone darkened. “You must have ill intentions. Speak — where do you hail from?”
？？？
“My king has ordered me to keep that secret, your Majesty.”
Lorenzo’s patience thinned visibly; the torchlight wavered with the subtle pressure of his power.
Elian
“Then answer plainly: what is your purpose here?”
The man — Ash — merely smiled, as if enjoying the provocation.
Ash
“Temper, temper, your Majesty. I bring only a message.”
Lorenzo’s voice cracked like thunder.
Elian
“Then deliver it before I make you regret standing here.”
Ash
Ash’s grin widened. “Very well. There have been assassins slipping into our Air territory under cover of night. My king wishes for your assistance in handling the matter.”
Lorenzo exhaled, disappointment flickering across his face.
Elian
“That’s all? You invade my hall just to relay a trivial warning? You could’ve sent a raven.”
Ash
Ash bowed his head slightly. “Forgive me, your Majesty. I meant no offense.”
Elian
“I’ll send my own to investigate tomorrow,” Lorenzo said curtly. “Now begone.”
Ash
Ash straightened, smirk returning. “As you command.”
Ash
He turned, pausing at the threshold.
“Such a pitiful king,” he murmured, voice dripping with amusement. “I wonder who will inherit your throne when you fall.”
Before the guards could react, Ash dissolved into air — vanishing into nothingness.
Lorenzo stared at the space where he’d stood, his expression unreadable.
Elian
“Mischievous little pest.”
He clapped his hands once, and the doors burst open as guards entered in haste.
Elian
Secure the palace,” he ordered, his voice cold as iron. “We may have serpents in our midst.”
Guards
“YES, YOUR MAJESTY!”
As the soldiers dispersed through the corridors, Lorenzo’s sigh echoed softly.
Elian
“People these days… so eager to play with fire.”
He rose from the throne, the deep red of his cloak whispering across the floor as he walked toward his private quarters.
A maid awaited him at the corridor’s end, bowing deeply.
Maids
“Your Majesty, dinner has been prepared. Princess Vida and Prince Harry await you.”
Lorenzo nodded, removing his cloak and handing it to her.
He entered the dining hall to find his younger siblings seated in awkward silence. The long table was lined with silver dishes, steam curling lazily into the air.
Elian
“What’s wrong with you two?” Lorenzo asked, sitting at the head. “You’re unusually quiet tonight.”
Harry
Harry scowled. “Vida broke my toy.”
Vida
Vida scoffed. “You’re eighteen, Harry. You shouldn’t be playing with toys anymore.”
Harry
“You’re so mean! Just wait — I’ll get my revenge!”
Vida
“Oh really?” she challenged. “What are you going to do, throw water on me again?”
Harry
“I’ll dump all your makeup into the lake!”
Vida
“Ha! Like you could even lift the box!”
Lorenzo sighed, though a reluctant smile broke through his composure.
Elian
“Enough, both of you. We’ll settle this after dinner.”
They folded their arms in unison, glaring at each other like sulking children before returning to their plates.
Elian
“Slow down,” Lorenzo said with a laugh. “You’ll choke. Honestly, you’re nearly adults — yet you bicker like children.”
Harry
Harry puffed his cheeks. “Hmph.”
Lorenzo shook his head, smiling faintly. For the first time that evening, the weight of the crown lifted — replaced by the simple warmth of family.
But as the laughter faded and the room quieted, his gaze drifted to the window, where the moon hung pale above the palace spires.
Somewhere beyond those walls, unseen forces were already moving.
And though the King of the Zodiacs smiled among his kin, the echo of Ash’s words lingered like a shadow in his mind.
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