Hearts and Swords

Crown

Blood. Smoke. Tears.

Delonia lay in ruins, shattered by the brutality of war. Families wept over the bodies of their loved ones, while flames consumed homes and orphaned children cried out in despair. The grand palace burned, its once-majestic walls collapsing under the weight of sorrow.

Sofia knelt on the ground, holding her sister Natalia in her arms. Five arrows pierced Natalia's body, a cruel reminder of the violence that had torn their lives apart.

"I'm so sorry, Lia. This is all my fault. I brought this war upon us," Sofia cried, her voice breaking as she clutched her sister tighter.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, mingling with the dirt and ash around them.

With great effort, Natalia whispered, "Sofia, it's not your fault. You tried to protect us. But the crown... it came with a price. Remember me, not as a victim, but as your sister. Please forgive me for leaving you." Her voice faded, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

"No! Please, don't go!" Sofia shook her sister gently, desperation flooding her.

"Stay strong for me, Sofia. I love you," Natalia murmured, her breath growing shallow.

"No! No!" The anguish overwhelmed Sofia, and she shot up, gasping for air as reality crashed back in.

She was on the couch, still in her training armor, the golden fabric feeling heavy and suffocating. The nightmare lingered, a dark shadow over her heart.

"Just a dream," she whispered, pressing her palms against her face.

But the fear gnawed at her-what if one day it wasn't just a dream? What if she really had to hold Natalia's lifeless body?

"Your highness!"

Sofia looked up to see a servant bowing before her, eyes cast down.

"King William requests your presence in the garden for evening tea," the servant said softly.

A bitter taste filled Sofia's mouth at the mention of the king. She nodded, feeling the weight of dread settle over her as the servant left, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Sofia let out a heavy sigh, dragging her tired body to her feet. She needed to put on her royal robe and meet her father in the garden. She already knew what he would say: how she should prepare for the crown-giving ceremony, how to present her best qualities on her birthday. This was all part of an arrangement to confirm rumors of her becoming queen. She hated the title, despised the three-emerald crown that awaited her, and felt a growing resentment toward her father.

She walked to the window, gazing out at the north ocean. Delonia was the ruling nation, overseeing Wrathford and Wolfden, which served as its protectors. They had kings, but the rules they obeyed were established by Delonia. They were never forced to agree to any unsuitable rules by King William. He never charged them, as the other controlling countries did. As a result, they never depicted any rebels against the king. They were always treated fairly. He admired them. And had a close bond with the kings of both royal houses. They were invited to all of Delonia's events. Their kings respected her father, who treated them fairly, but she felt like a pawn in his game. He forged bonds with them, believing they were Delonia's wings, yet he never saw how trapped she felt.