Chapter 25: Royal Turmoil
King Andrew, determined to solidify his relationships, summoned Venus to his chambers.
"Venus, from this day forward, you will be my queen," Andrew declared, his eyes shining with conviction.
Venus's face lit up, tears of joy welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Andrew. I promise to be a worthy queen."
But Andrew's next words stunned her.
"However, I also intend to take Elara as my concubine. She has captured my heart, and I will not let her go."
Venus's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing.
Just then, Queen Helena burst into the room, her face stern.
"Andrew, what foolishness is this?" she demanded. "You cannot make Venus your queen."
Andrew stood firm. "Mother, I am the king. I will decide who will be my queen."
Queen Helena's gaze turned icy. "You forget, Andrew, that the rightful queen of Harmelernoz is Lily, not Venus. And certainly not that...concubine."
Andrew's eyes widened. "What are you talking about, Mother?"
Queen Helena's voice dripped with venom. "Lily, the true heir to the throne. You would do well to remember your duty, Andrew."
Venus's eyes flashed with anger. "You can't mean to say that Lily, that impostor, is the true queen?"
Queen Helena's gaze silenced Venus. "I will not be ignored, Andrew. You will not marry Venus or take Elara as a concubine. You will do what is right for Harmelernoz."
Andrew's resolve wavered, torn between his duty and his desires.
Lily, watching from the shadows, realized her secret was on the verge of being exposed. She knew she had to act swiftly to reclaim her rightful place.
The palace was ablaze with tension, alliances shattered, and hearts torn asunder. The fate of Harmelernoz hung in the balance.
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forgotten maiden
Historical FictionIn a world where politics and passion collide, Lily finds herself entangled in a deadly game of love, hate, and revenge.As a powerful politician's daughter, Lily's life is already complicated. But when she falls for her family's sworn enemy, the sta...
