Chapter I: The Crown of Joy

It was the brightest day the kingdom had seen in decades. The skies above Lysandrel were clear, a crystalline blue unmarred by even a single cloud. A warm breeze drifted across the city, carrying the perfume of white roses and red tulips that bloomed in every window and garden—a rare pairing, symbolizing purity and courage. The palace bells rang with ceremonial grace as banners of gold and crimson fluttered from marble towers.

Today was a day for celebration. Today was the coronation of Princess Elizabeth Alara Lysandrel.

The streets of the capital were bursting with joy. Citizens of every age lined the paths from the palace gates to the cathedral steps, tossing petals, cheering, and waving embroidered handkerchiefs. “Long live Princess Alara!” they shouted, their voices rising with pride. “May the stars light her rule!”

Inside the palace, Elizabeth stood before her mirror in a gown of silk white and soft gold, her dark hair pinned into elegant waves that spilled over her shoulders. Her eyes—silver-gray like the edge of moonlight—watched herself carefully, but something in her gaze seemed distant.

She smiled, she bowed, she spoke graciously to every lady and lord in the court. And yet—beneath it all—there was a strange stillness in her heart. As if the joy of the day reached her ears but not her bones. Something was there, quiet and invisible, like frost behind glass.

“You’re thinking too much,” Queen Meredith said gently, adjusting the circlet that sat upon her daughter’s brow. “Today is for joy.”

Elizabeth offered her a smile. “Yes, Mother.”

The ceremony in the royal chapel was grand. Choirs sang hymns written generations ago, and the high priest of Lysandrel recited sacred verses that only the crown-blooded were permitted to hear. Elizabeth kneeled as tradition dictated, and the ceremonial circlet was touched with incense smoke and kissed by the royal seal.

Still, there was something… wrong. Not visibly. Not in the air. But within her.

As the crowd applauded and the music surged, Elizabeth caught her mother’s eyes from the dais. Queen Meredith was smiling—but it was practiced, still smiling. One that did not quite reach her eyes.

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... That's for this chapter:) ...

Spoiler Alert for Chapter II:

“What am I becoming?”

The door behind her creaked. Queen Meredith stepped through, barefoot, wrapped in a silver-gray cloak. “You can’t sleep either?”

Elizabeth looked up. “I keep dreaming… I think.”

Her mother said nothing for a moment. Then she gestured silently. “Come with me.”

They moved through dark hallways Elizabeth had never entered before. The palace was ancient—older than maps remembered. Queen Meredith led her past servant quarters and armories, past forgotten staircases. At the end of one hallway, she pressed her hand to a wall.

Stone groaned. A hidden door slid open, revealing a staircase spiraling into shadow.

“Where are we going?” Elizabeth asked, though she followed.

Author: This isn't much in one chapter I know, but this is it for now as I already finished the second chapter and will be posting it later.

Okay so as an author who's literally a beginner I'd be lying if I said that I don't care if no one read this story but the whole reason for me writing and posting it is that I want to share this story with some people. So to this amazing person who find this story I hope that you like it and thank you.

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