The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Epilogue

Queen Ophelia rushed through the halls of her palace, her heart heavy with worry and determination. The news from Corivam had arrived like a thunderbolt, carried by messengers whose faces were etched with fear. The once vibrant city was now a battleground, a victim of the chaos that had been unleashed. Their people suffered, yet her own pain was more acute – her children were missing.

Barking orders at her guards, Ophelia's voice carried a rare blend of authority and vulnerability. "Increase the patrols, search every corner of the city," she commanded, her gaze unwavering. "I want no stone left unturned until we find them."

The queen's grace and strength were well-known throughout the realm, but this was a challenge that struck at the core of her being. She had ruled Joithelm with wisdom and kindness, and her love for her children was unmatched. Unin, her son, and Rhea, her daughter, were her hope and her legacy.

As the palace buzzed with urgency, Ophelia's thoughts turned to the events that had led to this turmoil. The attack on Corivam was not just an isolated incident – it was a piece of a larger puzzle that threatened the stability of the entire land. Evil forces, hidden in shadows, sought power and dominance. She knew she had to face them, to protect her kingdom and her family.

As the Queen's commands reverberated through the halls, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Unin and Rhea were out there, somewhere, separated from her during this dire moment. She yearned to ensure their safety, to hold them close and protect them from the chaos that had erupted.

At the same time, every fiber of her being wanted to ride out to Corivam, to lead her troops and stand strong against the threat that had emerged. But her role as a mother was equally as vital, and the search for her children demanded her immediate attention.

With a heavy heart, she paused in her hurried steps, her gaze falling upon a painting that adorned the grand corridor. It depicted her children in happier times, their laughter frozen in vibrant colors. Unin's mischievous grin and Rhea's radiant smile reminded her of the deep love she held for them.

Swallowing her fears and reigning in her urgency, Queen Ophelia turned to her most trusted advisor, Sir Vaelar. "We will not be sending aid to Corivam," she declared firmly.

Vaelar looked shocked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "But, my queen, they-" he began to protest.

She cut him off with a determined yet sorrowful gaze. "My children come first. I understand the gravity of the situation, but I cannot risk their lives. I'm sorry, Vaelar, but I can't."

Vaelar's eyes held a mix of understanding and concern as he absorbed the weight of the queen's decision. His loyalty to Queen Ophelia was unwavering, but the depth of the crisis was undeniable. He knew that Corivam needed assistance, that the realm was facing a threat that could affect them all.

"Your Grace," Vaelar's voice was measured, his gaze steady as he addressed the queen, "I understand your concern for the prince and princess, but we must also consider the safety of our realm. Corivam is a key strategic point, and if it falls into the hands of these dark forces, our entire kingdom could be at risk."

Queen Ophelia nodded, her expression a mix of determination and anguish. "Vaelar, you know that I would do anything to protect my children. But I also know that you share that sentiment for your son, Vaelon. He, too, is missing, likely with the prince and princess."

A heavy silence settled between them, the unspoken understanding of a shared worry hanging in the air. Vaelar's features softened, his concern for his own son now mirroring the queen's fear for her children. They were united by more than just duty; they were united by the love and concern they held for the young lives entwined in this crisis.

"We will not give up on them," Vaelar's voice held a quiet determination. "We will find them, Your Grace. But we must ensure that these conquers do not prevail."

Queen Ophelia's gaze met Vaelar's, and in that moment, their shared resolve transcended the challenges that lay ahead. The fate of their children, their kingdom, and the very essence of their roles as leaders hung in the balance. They couldn't predict the outcome, but they could choose to fight against the encroaching shadows.

"Prepare the scouts," Queen Ophelia's voice held an air a fear. "send them to nearby kingdoms to look for our children, if they stay to help the citizens of the kingdom, they're in, I will be powerless to stop them."

Vaelar nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I will see to it personally, Your Grace. We shall gather information discreetly and bring back any news of Unin, Rhea, and Vaelon."

The queen's eyes glistened with a mix of gratitude and worry. She knew the dangers that lay ahead, both for their children and for the scouts she was sending into the unknown. But in this moment, the bond between ruler and advisor, the shared burden of leadership, was more crucial than ever.

"May the gods watch over them," Queen Ophelia whispered, a touch of vulnerability in her voice.

The End of "The Phoenix King: Bed of Ashes"