Chapter 26: The Secret Letter

A week passed in the village, but neither Alina nor Elric rested. With each day, they grew closer—not just in heart, but in purpose. Their mission was clear now: uncover the lies, expose Raelynn, and reclaim what had been stolen.

One morning, as the sky was still misty and pale, a rider arrived at their doorstep. A young boy, dusty from travel, handed Elric a sealed letter with trembling hands.

"It's from someone… inside the palace," the boy whispered.

Elric opened it carefully. The handwriting was elegant—someone educated, someone close to the court.

> To Princess Alina, rightful heir,

You do not know me, but I have served under Queen Raelynn for years. I've seen the truth she hides and the blood she's spilled to keep it buried.

Your mother, Queen Lily, was the light of the kingdom. Her death was not fate—it was betrayal.

Raelynn's reign has poisoned this land. But she has a weakness: her pride. In ten days, she will hold a grand celebration in your honor—a lie to show the world she raised a worthy princess.

Use this event. Come. Let the people see the real you. And let the world hear the truth.

I will help you from the inside.

Signed,

A Friend in the Shadows

Alina stared at the letter, her heart pounding. "She's celebrating me? Why now?"

Elric narrowed his eyes. "To claim credit. To use you as her puppet in front of the kingdoms. But we'll turn it against her."

Alina looked up at him, fierce and determined. "Then let's give the queen a show she'll never forget."

They began to prepare. Alina practiced her speeches, Elric trained the villagers loyal to Lily. Tailors arrived in secret to dress her not as Raelynn's daughter—but as Lily's.

The next ten days would decide the fate of two kingdoms.

And justice was coming, cloaked in royalty.