The Queen's Wrath

Zara stood at the balcony, her gaze lost in the sight of the city below. The ruins of battle were slowly being reconstructed, workers toiling under the golden hues of the setting sun. The civilians were still scattered across safe zones, waiting to return. Soon, the kingdom would be whole again.

Yet, despite witnessing the rebuilding of her home, her mind was somewhere far beyond the present moment.

Her thoughts ran deep, tangled in the aftermath of war and the weight of unspoken truths. She barely noticed the wind brushing against her skin, nor the distant voices echoing through the castle grounds.

"Zara."

The sound of her name, spoken in a voice laced with desperation, snapped her out of her trance.

Before she could even turn fully, strong arms engulfed her.

Denzal.