𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 | ✎

prologue.

"Never commit to anything unless you intend to give it your fullest."

At my father's words, I pressed my playing cards against my chest, as if I held the most precious secrets in my palms.

He chuckled down at me. "Seren, mi luna, that is not what I meant."

"Play your cards," I instead replied mischievously, motioning toward him.

The king of the Star Clime mirrored my smirk before laying down his hand. "Straight Flush."

I nodded, keeping my face neutral. "Impressive," I said. I couldn't help the smile that crept up the corners of my mouth.

"Your cards?" he asked impatiently. My father knew my silent gives. He knew what my smile meant.

I set my hand down. "A Royal Flush."

He pursed his lips, annoyance evident in the flicker of his brow. "It seems I've trained you well."

Before I could answer, the door that led to the inner courtyard burst open. My father and I both jumped to our feet, and I let my hand trail down to my thigh where the hilt of my dagger rested, strapped onto me.

"What is the meaning of this?" my father asked, his tone soft yet demanding, and laced with a danger I knew all too well.

Our most trusted royal guard, Fynn, stood at the door with his arms crossed. I grew skeptical at the two handcuffs hanging at his side - one more than usual. My suspicion heightened when two more guards flanked his side, pulling out small cloths.

"Fynn?" my father said, louder this time. "Do not make me repeat myself."

Fynn only smiled - a cruel, insensitive gesture. Then, to the guards next to him, "Grab them."

The next moment occurred in a blur. In one instant, I grabbed the knife on my thigh at the same time my father drew the blade that always hung at his side. The guards ran toward us as we charged at them, weapons at the ready.

We realized too late that we were overpowered.

I watched at least ten guards surround my father. The king held his ground, swiping at soldiers with his sword with perfect technique.

It was no use. They crowded further into him.

My vision turned blood red as I watched them place a cloth over my father's mouth, catching him as he went limp. I was faintly aware of the scream I let out. I lashed out blindly with my dagger, fighting the arms that were attempting to cage me in. Before I could fight them further, a hand clamped over my face. My eyes widened as I realized it was another cloth. I scratched at the hand, clawing at the fingers, trying everything to get it off of me.

But slowly, my vision hazed, and all went quiet.

✩ ✭ ✩

My head was spinning.