Behind the grandeur of Landbird Palace lies pain and intrigue that threaten the kingdom's harmony. Queen Elea Marre, a graceful and intelligent woman, faces her greatest trial when her husband, King Flynn, brings a mysterious woman named Beatrice to the palace. With her sweet smile and cunning ways, Beatrice gradually steals Flynn's attention, leaving Elea betrayed and isolated. But Elea is no weak woman. Upholding her dignity as queen, she endures, even as Flynn and Beatrice grow closer. At the same time, King Alaric of a neighboring kingdom-a cheerful yet enigmatic ruler-steps into Elea's life, offering her a glimpse of hope amid the chaos. The stakes escalate when Beatrice's dark secret is unveiled-the child she bore is not Flynn's bloodline. This scandal shakes Landbird to its core, plunging the kingdom into ruin. Now, by Alaric's side, Elea finds true love and a new life filled with happiness. Yet, can Elea truly leave behind a past riddled with pain? And will she rise as the leader of a kingdom that needs her strength more than ever?
Chapter 1 An Uninvited Guest
The Kingdom of Landbird stood majestically at the heart of the European continent, surrounded by vast green fields stretching as far as the eye could see. For years, its people lived in prosperity under the rule of King Flynn Landbird and Queen Elea Marre. Yet, behind the grandeur of the palace and their wisdom, one weakness whispered through the palace halls: the queen had yet to bear an heir.
Elea sat before the large, gold-framed mirror in her chamber. Her fingers gracefully applied a thin layer of powder to her face. Her bright blue eyes reflected determination, though her heart felt empty. Today, she would welcome Flynn, her husband, who had just returned from war. Yet, the excitement was tainted by news she had received from Daisy, her loyal maid.
"Is it true?" Elea asked softly, her voice barely a whisper. "The king brought a woman to the palace?"
Daisy, standing behind Elea, bowed respectfully before answering. "Yes, Your Majesty. The woman's name is Beatrice. His Majesty found her in the forest on his way back from the battlefield."
Elea nodded slightly, acknowledging the information. Without another word, she continued with her makeup. In her heart, she wondered what Flynn was truly planning.
***
Meanwhile, Flynn was in his chamber with Beatrice. The woman appeared disheveled, her clothes tattered, and her hair messy. Yet, beneath her appearance, her natural beauty was undeniable. Flynn sat beside her, his face showing a mix of sympathy and admiration.
"What happened to you, Beatrice?" he asked gently.
Beatrice lowered her gaze, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "My relatives cast me out, Your Majesty. I had nowhere to go. If it weren't for you, I might have died in the forest."
The story touched Flynn's heart. He took Beatrice's hand and promised to protect her. He decided to let her stay at the Lily Palace, the residence for the king's concubines.
However, the moment was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Enter," Flynn said.
The door opened, and Elea entered with graceful steps. Her gaze fell upon Beatrice, who was still sitting on the sofa, wearing dirty clothes and looking disheveled. Elea looked at the woman with a flat expression before speaking, "Take this woman to the Lily Palace. Clean her up. She doesn't belong in the king's chamber looking like this."
Elea's tone was cold, yet still graceful. Flynn, feeling offended, stood up. "Don't speak like that, Elea. Not every woman is born perfect like you. At least Beatrice has a kinder heart."
Those words felt like a slap to Elea. But she held her emotions in check. With grace, she took a deep breath and left Flynn's room without responding. However, beneath her calm exterior, there was an invisible wound, deeper than mere words.
***
At the Lily Palace, Elea took on a role she shouldn't have to. She prepared clothes and jewelry for Beatrice. Her loyal maid, Daisy, looked at Elea in confusion.
"Your Majesty, why are you doing this? That woman is just-" Daisy stopped herself, trying to maintain propriety.
Elea looked at Daisy with a small smile. "The king likes her, Daisy. That's enough."
"But if the king wants a concubine, at least he should follow the proper customs," Daisy muttered with frustration.
Elea raised her hand, stopping Daisy before the maid could continue her complaints. "Be careful with your words. Our duty is to serve, not to judge."
Daisy complied, though her heart was still filled with anger.
***
Beatrice now stood before Elea, her silver hair flowing beautifully, and a simple satin gown adorning her body. She looked much more graceful after being cleaned up. However, in her innocence, she called Elea, "Sister."
Daisy, standing next to Elea, immediately reacted. "Be careful with your words! The one standing before you is the Queen of Landbird. You're not even officially a concubine yet!"
Beatrice sobbed upon hearing the reprimand. She lowered her head and said with a trembling voice, "I just want to get closer to the Queen. Soon, I will be part of this family."
Elea sighed deeply. She raised her hand, signaling Daisy to stop. "Daisy, you're not wrong, but your words were too harsh. Beatrice, you must understand that there are manners to uphold. Don't forget your place."
Beatrice nodded slowly, wiping away her tears. Seeing her innocent demeanor, Elea felt a twinge of sympathy. Yet, deep in her heart, she also sensed something that couldn't be ignored.
When Beatrice left, Daisy approached and whispered, "Your Majesty, forgive me. But that woman... she's not just some lost girl. The aura she carries is not one of goodness."
Elea smiled faintly, trying to calm her maid. But secretly, she wondered, Is there really a dark shadow hiding behind Beatrice's beauty?
Nightfall arrived in the Kingdom of Landbird, enveloping the grand palace in a blanket of silence. Yet in Queen Elea's heart, there was no silence. She lay in her wide bed, staring at the ceiling adorned with golden carvings. Her mind drifted to Beatrice-the girl with silver hair who now resided in the Lily Palace.
Her thoughts were disturbed by Flynn's actions. As king, Flynn certainly had the right to take a concubine, but the way he brought Beatrice into the palace felt so... careless. Flynn was a wise man who rarely acted impulsively. Yet, this time, he seemed like a man blinded by something more than just sympathy.
Elea closed her eyes, trying to calm her thoughts. But in her mind's eye, she saw Beatrice's smile-seemingly innocent, but full of mystery.
Chapter 1 An Uninvited Guest
18/11/2024
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