The Fall of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Aeloria was a land of breathtaking beauty, known for its endless meadows, towering mountains, and the healing magic of its beloved Princess Selene. Her powers were a gift from the gods, capable of curing even the most grievous wounds and illnesses. The people revered her, viewing her as a beacon of hope and the embodiment of divine grace. Yet, even her divine abilities couldn’t save the kingdom from the betrayal that brought its downfall.

Selene’s days were filled with duties to her people—healing the sick, attending council meetings, and mediating disputes among nobles. She always relied on Kael, her childhood friend and royal advisor, to guide her through the complexities of ruling. Kael had been by her side since they were children, their bond forged in the innocence of youth. His sharp mind and strategic brilliance were assets she believed essential to the kingdom’s stability.

But trust proved to be her undoing. Beneath his warm smiles and unwavering support, Kael harbored ambitions far greater than she could have imagined. He saw Aeloria’s wealth and magic as tools to carve his name into history, even if it meant betraying those closest to him.

It began subtly—missing reports, strange movements along the borders, and whispers in the court. Selene dismissed her unease, trusting Kael’s assurances that all was well. Until the night of the coup.

The royal castle, a fortress of white stone and silver spires, was under siege. Fires raged through the corridors, and the clash of steel echoed through the halls. Selene, weakened from a poisoned chalice meant for her, stumbled through the chaos. Her heart sank as she witnessed loyal guards cut down by mercenaries bearing the emblem of the northern empire.

In the throne room, she confronted Kael. His once-kind eyes were cold, his expression unreadable. “Why?” she demanded, her voice trembling with betrayal and disbelief. “You were my friend, my confidant…”

Kael’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “Friendship doesn’t build empires, Selene. You were too soft, too trusting. Aeloria needs strength, not sentiment.”

Before she could respond, soldiers dragged her away. Her attempts to use her healing magic were futile; the poison coursing through her veins left her weak and disoriented. The people she had dedicated her life to saving watched in horror as she was paraded through the streets, bound and broken.

At the execution platform, Selene’s gaze swept over the crowd. She saw fear, anger, and despair etched into their faces. Her heart ached, not for herself, but for them. As the sword descended, her final thoughts were of the kingdom she had failed to protect and the overwhelming guilt that she had trusted the wrong person.

Darkness enveloped her.

…until she awoke, gasping for air

Selene sat bolt upright, her chest heaving as she struggled to comprehend her surroundings. Sunlight streamed through the windows of her chambers, casting a warm glow over the familiar furnishings. The scent of lavender and cedar filled the air, a stark contrast to the stench of smoke and blood that had haunted her final moments.

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