morticia_raven

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Born as the fourth daughter of the reigning monarchs, Princess Anya of Westmere has always lived in the shadow of her elder siblings, particularly the brilliant and commanding Celia, second in line to the throne. With no real claim to power, Anya’s life seems destined for quiet insignificance—until a cryptic message disrupts a royal banquet, thrusting her into the center of a conspiracy that could unravel her family’s rule.

As whispers of betrayal echo through the palace halls and dark secrets threaten the fragile peace of the kingdom, Anya discovers that the crown she once thought untouchable hides a dangerous legacy. Guided by her cousin Leila—her closest ally despite the court’s disapproval—Anya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering truths about her family, her kingdom, and herself.

But Anya’s world shifts further when she meets Kaito, a mysterious traveler from distant shores. With his sharp intellect and enigmatic presence, Kaito offers both friendship and a love that challenges Anya’s guarded heart. Yet his origins hide a secret tied to the mystical forces shaping the kingdom’s fate, pulling Anya deeper into a conflict that spans beyond her world.

In a land where loyalty is fleeting and power comes at a cost, Anya must confront her sisters’ ambitions, question her parents’ rule, and make choices that could change the course of the kingdom forever. As danger closes in, she learns that sometimes, the most forgotten of princesses holds the power to reshape destiny.


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SHADOWS OF THE CROWN

Anya tossed and turned that night, the queen's words echoing in her mind. She dreamt of shadows curling around her sisters, pulling them away as she reached out, helpless to stop them.

The next morning, Leila found her pacing in the gardens.

"You're hiding something," Leila said, crossing her arms.

Leila stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "Don't lie to me. If we're going to fight this, we need to trust each other."

Anya wanted to confess, to tell Leila about the queen's warning and the truth she'd found in the archives. But the weight of the knowledge pressed down on her, and instead, she changed the subject.

"The Shadowstone… it might require more than we're prepared to give," she said vaguely.

Leila frowned but didn't press further. "Then we'll give what we have to. Together."

The First Threads of Betrayal