Silver_Blond

Elara was crowned queen—and murdered on the same night.

Reborn with every memory of betrayal still burning in her chest, she returns to the court with one mission:
Make them pay. All of them.

But standing between her vengeance and the throne are two men:

Cladus — her silent knight with secrets far older than his sword. Loyal. Cold. Deadly.
But what Elara doesn’t know… is that he’s no mere knight.
He’s Duke Rhain, the hidden power behind kingdoms. And he’s chosen her.

Auren — the beautiful, grinning prince who once killed her.
In this life, he’s unpredictable. Dangerous. Maybe even on her side.

In a palace ruled by masks and whispers, Elara must walk the edge of revenge, trust, and fate.

And when love stands beside the blade—

Will she cut down the past?

Or crown it?


He killed her once.
Another man swore to protect her now.
And this time—
She remembers everything.

Your Majesty, I Remember Everything

THE WORLD, IN CHAOS-FLAVORED BULLET POINTS

A once-mighty empire now held together by gossip, backstabbing, and silk threads. Nobility run the court like a play. Only the clever survive. Only the ruthless thrive.

Capital: Valenfort (home to the main palace, the Rose Trial Hall, and more secrets than furniture)

Magic: Technically forbidden. Practically whispered. Still occasionally seen glowing behind closed doors.

Current Status: A queen on the throne. A duke beside her. A prince missing. And vultures circling.

Auren Thalor: Crown prince. Fool. Monster. Surprise main character.

The Empress: The real horror under the crown. Raised Auren. Trained him. May or may not be a walking trauma dispenser.

House Vael (Elara's "Adoptive" House)

Elara Vael: The exiled queen. Daughter of prophecy. Has trust issues and a sword. Rightfully so.

Serina Vael: Her adoptive sister. Weaponized tears. Professional traitor. Tea always poisoned.

Cladus Rhain: Former knight. Actual duke. Emotionally constipated war god. Probably carved from marble and regret.

Known for loyalty, swordsmanship, and not talking about their feelings, ever.

A rotating cast of corrupt nobles who change sides more often than Auren changes disguises.

Controlled (or manipulated) by Maelric and Serina.

Religious faction. Wears too much gold. Preaches about salvation while funding assassins.

Secretly believes Elara is cursed. Publicly pretends to be neutral.

WHO'S TRYING TO KILL WHOM (AND WHY)

Maelric → Elara: Wants the throne. Wants her gone. Smiles like a politician. Lies better than one.

Serina → Elara: Jealousy. Ambition. Believes betrayal is a love language.

The Empress → Everyone: Mostly wants control. If she can't rule the empire, she'll burn it.

Auren → Himself: Guilt. Strategy. Maybe a little self-loathing.

Cladus → Anyone who touches Elara: No questions asked.

The Crimson Hall – Where the council votes and no one tells the truth.

The Trial Garden – Public execution site, now Elara's trauma arena.

Rhain Keep – Cladus's ancestral home. Cold walls, warmer secrets.

The Masked Theatre Ruins – Auren's current hideout. Has acoustics and emotional damage.

Crown Prince/Princess – Next in line. Usually doomed.

High Justice – Judge, jury, executioner. Probably bribed.

Lord Regent – Temporary ruler. Very much not temporary.

Knight of the Rose Court – Bodyguard with drama. Wears nice cloaks.

Duke/Duchess – Head of noble house. Has armies. Also has secrets.

1. Don't trust anyone with a soft voice and expensive shoes.

2. If Auren smiles and it doesn't reach his eyes—run.

3. If Cladus says, "I'll handle it"—he already did. You just haven't heard the screams.

5. If Elara draws her sword in a dress—someone's dying beautifully

Chapter 0.5 – A Beginner’s Guide to Not Dying in Valenhart (aka: “It’s Not Paranoia If They’re Actually Trying to Kill You”)