Behind the Royal Mask

Prologue

"The wealth of the few is built upon the suffering of the many; and in the shadows, the restless hearts of the oppressed stir."

In a realm where the balance of power was as delicate as the threads of a spider's web, four kingdoms stood bound by destiny and ambition—Aeloria, Ceresvale, Thalassia, and Ereborin—each nation flourished by honing its unique strengths. Aeloria, renowned for its diplomacy, military strategy, and innovative spirit, served as the backbone of unity among the kingdoms. Ceresvale thrived in the art of agricultural production, nurturing the land to feed its people. Thalassia, with its expansive coasts, mastered the art of seafaring, navigating the waters to trade and explore. Meanwhile, Ereborin drew strength from its towering mountains, specializing in mining and exquisite craftsmanship.

The fragile peace among these kingdoms was shattered with the tragic death of King Edran, father to Prince Alaric, who fell valiantly in battle. In the wake of this loss, the four kingdoms forged a pact under Alaric's uncle's guidance—a sacred alliance vowing to protect one another. Each kingdom retained the exclusive rights to their practices, bound together by trade.

While the rulers of these four kingdoms preached fairness and development, their hearts were consumed by greed, satisfied only by imposing increasing taxes on the commoners. As the commoners struggled with meager incomes and worsening living conditions, the nobles reveled in extravagant feasts and lavish parties within their extravagant homes.

Amidst this growing disparity, a spark of resistance ignited among the oppressed. Recognizing the widening chasm between the rich and the poor, a group of determined individuals banded together to take action. They formed an underground movement known as the Vigil, led by Donovan Thorne, Beatrice's father. This group undertook daring raids on trains, carriages, and the homes of nobles, redistributing wealth and resources to those in need.

Years passed, and Beatrice grew up in the shadow of her father, Donovan Thorne. As she navigated her childhood, she became acutely aware of the injustices faced by the commoners, their struggles etched into her memory like scars. The sight of the aristocrats' indifference stoked a deep-seated resentment within her, fueling her resolve to join the Vigil and fight against the oppression that plagued her people.

Meanwhile, in the grand castle of Aeloria, Prince Alaric was raised with aspirations that echoed those of his late father, King Edran. He harbored a vision of reforms aimed at uplifting the underprivileged, yet he found himself ensnared by the intricate web of alliances binding the four kingdoms. The very structures designed to promote stability instead shackled his ability to act, leaving him frustrated and determined to navigate the political labyrinth that surrounded him.

As Beatrice donned the mantle of the Vigil, steeling herself for the battles ahead, and Prince Alaric wrestled with the weight of his royal duties, the stage was set for an inevitable clash. The hearts of the commoners burned with a desire for change, while the grip of greed tightened around the throats of the aristocrats.

Unbeknownst to them, their paths were destined to intertwine, setting into motion a series of events that would challenge their beliefs and redefine their kingdoms. In the shadows, a revolution brewed, waiting for the spark that would ignite a fire of rebellion.

And so, the tale begins—a journey of courage, betrayal, and the quest for justice beneath the royal mask.

Author's Note

Dear Readers,

Thank you for embarking on this journey through the kingdoms of Aeloria, Ceresvale, Thalassia, and Ereborin with me. As I pen the story of Prince Alaric and Beatrice, I am inspired by the timeless themes of justice, inequality, and the courage it takes to challenge the status quo.

In a world where the voices of the oppressed often go unheard, I wanted to explore the struggle for change and the power of rebellion. Through the characters' experiences, I hope to shed light on the complexities of human nature, the impact of choices, and the strength found in unity.

This tale is not just about kingdoms and royalty; it is a reflection of our own society, where the divide between the privileged and the underprivileged continues to grow. I invite you to reflect on these themes as you delve into the lives of Alaric and Beatrice, and consider what it truly means to stand up for what is right.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I hope you find inspiration in the pages that follow.

With warm regards,

Jess K.G.