TO RULE, SHE MUST BE KING.

echo the murmurs of a court filled with secrets and half-truths, and the banners that adorned the castle grounds fluttered like silent witnesses to the tale of a throne

iny body struggling against the pressures of royal expectations. The royal doctor had claimed that his health, always delicate, had finally failed him. It was a common illnes

th. She could not bear the thought of losing the throne. She could not let Ithar fall into the hands of those who might use the loss of their heir as a reason to

e had been stolen away in the night, replaced by a child who was meant to grow up in secret. The queen's decisi

and dressed her in the clothing of a prince. The transformation was complete, her hair cropped short, her figure disguised by layers of male regalia. From

yes, but the truth could not be buried forever. He feared the consequences, both political and personal. But the queen was steadfast, her resolve as unyielding as the stone walls of their castle. She

r questioned it. The princess's name-Avaline-was spoken only in hushed tones, a name that would never again grace the lips of the

sharp eyes, the high curve of her cheekbones, and the strong jawline-but the reflection felt foreign. Gone were the dresses and silks of royalty; instead, she wore th

d live. For years, she had walked the halls of Ithar as Aven, never once revealing her tr

a stranger in

y, and with his death, Avaline's world had been shattered. Her own identity had been stolen, replaced by a boy she would n

tector had now grown blind to the fact that his daughter was still alive, living a life she had never asked for. His mind was clouded by grief, by political pressure

ure. The kingdom, the people, all expected Aven to be the one who would one day rule. But deep within her, Avaline knew she wa

h be in vain. She would be king. And if she had

dom would soon need a new ruler. Avaline-Aven-was ready. But would the truth remain hidden forever?

hat would happen to her? All her decisions would be for not