A kingdom of Ash and Echoes

Chapter 24- The Girl who became the King

Night settled over the castle like a thick, protective veil. Within the quiet halls, Lyriana moved swiftly, her mind focused on the task ahead. The northern lands were ablaze with rebellion, and the fate of Avaranth rested on her ability to carry out a dangerous deception.

In the private chambers of King Callum, she began donning his armor, adjusting each strap, fitting the helm to obscure her features. Every movement, every posture, every tilt of her head had to reflect him perfectly. The soldiers who would follow her could not suspect that their king, the man they had sworn loyalty to, was being impersonated by his sister.
Callum watched in silence, his expression a mixture of pride and fear. "If anything happens..." he began, his voice faltering.

"I will not fail," Lyriana interrupted, gripping his hand. "I carry not only your strength but the hopes of Avaranth, the honor of our family, and the trust of every soldier who will follow us into battle. I will ride as the king and maintain the kingdom's strength in your absence."

The letter to Cedric had been sent days earlier, announcing that the king and his army would meet his forces at the border. Cedric's reply had been favorable: aid would come, including his army and his presence, but the king must lead. He had no knowledge of Callum's condition, and every step forward would be fraught with risk. The first glance from Cedric could expose the truth and shatter the delicate alliance.
At dawn, the army assembled in the courtyard. Lyriana, now fully armored and mounted on Callum's steed, was the picture of the king they expected to see. Soldiers bowed, saluted, and whispered among themselves, confident in their sovereign's strength. Each command she gave had to reflect Callum's voice, measured and commanding, leaving no hint of the young woman beneath the armor.
The castle gates opened, and the northern horizon stretched ahead, smoky and ominous. Scout reports had indicated rebel activity, but the army moved forward under Lyriana's command with purpose. She adjusted her helm, her gloved hands gripping the reins tightly. Every step of the horse, every command issued, carried the weight of the deception—and the lives of countless soldiers.
Elowen's trembling voice called from the castle walls. "Be safe, my daughter! Protect our kingdom! Lead with courage and wisdom!"
Lyriana inclined her head, her heart racing. The wind whipped her cloak as the army advanced. The soldiers' eyes were upon her, each seeking reassurance, each trusting the king who now was herself. Every movement, every order, had to be precise. One misstep could reveal the truth, collapse morale, and endanger Avaranth before it even met Cedric's forces.
The journey to Cedric's kingdom stretched for miles, perilous and tense. Rebel scouts and patrols shadowed their movements, and Lyriana kept her senses sharp. The armor was heavy, but she had trained for years, and each muscle remembered the drills and lessons. She would need that strength in the coming days.

The northern horizon darkened as smoke from the advancing rebels mingled with the morning sun. A crippled king could not ride to battle—but a princess disguised as him could lead the army with courage, cunning, and precision. Every decision, every command, and every stroke of the sword would shape the future of Avaranth, the trust of Cedric, and the legacy of her family.

Lyriana's heart thundered, but her expression remained calm beneath the helm. The soldiers looked to their king, the banners of Avaranth snapping in the wind, and she advanced with purpose. The rebellion awaited, the alliance with Cedric hung in balance, and the kingdom's fate rested in the hands of a young woman pretending to be a king.