The room was dimly lit, the golden glow of the lanterns casting long shadows on the walls. Gwendolyn sat in silence, her thoughts a storm raging within her.
She had spent hours staring at the heavy doors that kept her imprisoned, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
Was this truly her fate? To be caged like a wild bird, wings clipped before she could ever fly?
Her father had turned his back on her. Morganna had tightened her grip over the throne. And now, she was alone.
Or so she thought.
A soft knock echoed against the door. Before she could answer, it creaked open slightly, and a familiar figure slipped inside.
"My lady..."
It was Elira, her personal maid. The woman who had cared for her since her mother's death. The only one left in this cold palace who still saw her as a girl, not a threat.
---
Elira knelt beside her, gently brushing Gwendolyn's hair out of her face. There was no pity in her eyes—only love and quiet understanding.
"Do not let hatred take root in your heart, my lady," she whispered. "It is a poison that will rot you from the inside."
Gwendolyn scoffed bitterly. "And what else should I feel, Elira? They have locked me away like a criminal for nothing. My father has turned his back on me. Morganna has stolen everything, and you expect me to smile and forgive?"
Elira sighed, taking Gwendolyn's hands in hers.
"I do not ask you to forgive, but I ask you to see clearly. Hatred blinds, but wisdom sharpens. You must see Morganna not as a monster, but as a weak, fearful soul. A woman who yells the loudest because she is afraid of silence. A woman who destroys because she fears being powerless. She does not seek the throne for her son—she seeks it for herself."
Gwendolyn's breath caught in her throat. She had always seen Morganna as a powerful enemy, an unstoppable force. But now...
"She is not a strength, my lady," Elira continued. "She is a woman drowning in her own greed. And you?" She placed a hand over Gwendolyn's heart. "You are still the rightful heir. You have something she will never have."
"And what is that?"
Elira smiled softly. "You have the love of the people. You have a heart that was made to lead, not to destroy. And that is why she fears you more than anyone else."
A flicker of something new ignited in Gwendolyn's chest.
Not rage.
Not vengeance.
But determination.
She would not let Morganna break her. She would rise.
And this time, she would not fall.
---
Just as Elira finished speaking, the door suddenly swung open with a loud bang!
Both women turned sharply as Darius strode in, his hands behind his back, his smile cruel and mocking.
"Oh, what a touching scene," he drawled, eyes gleaming with amusement. "The poor, fallen princess receiving comforting words from her lowly maid. How tragic."
Elira immediately stepped back, bowing respectfully.
Gwendolyn, however, refused to look away. She met his gaze head-on, her expression unreadable.
Darius chuckled. "Did you think you could rule this kingdom, sister? Did you truly believe you were destined to sit on that throne?"
He leaned closer, voice dripping with venom. "Father has already started listening to my mother. Soon, he will declare me as the true heir. And you?" He smiled. "You will be forgotten. Just another foolish girl who thought she could change the world."
Gwendolyn's grip tightened.
She would not let him see her break.
She refused.
Instead, she smiled sweetly. "Enjoy your time in the sun, dear brother. It does not last forever."
Darius's smirk faltered for just a moment. Then, with a scoff, he turned and strode out of the room.
As the door slammed shut behind him, Elira whispered, "He fears you too."
And Gwendolyn knew— she was not done fighting yet.
---