The Regal Rogue

1. Backstory

I couldn't think The Castle of Grimshaw could get anymore bleak. But I've never been so wrong.

It was Aisling's, my eldest sister's funeral. She was only twenty-three and about to be crowned queen. Now the throne fell to Eleanor, my second and only other sister.
Aisling and Eleanor were complete opposites. Aisling was kind and wise and everything our kingdom needed as a ruler. Eleanor was wicked and cunning and couldn't wait to take the throne.

My father had already died some years back and my mother was half mad with grief and needed much comforting.
I didn't know what was to become of our kingdom. Its foundation was already beginning to weaken and crumble from its war history. But with Eleanor, it would only destroy us completely.
She had just turned twenty-three herself and desperately awaited her next birthday. In the meantime, mother had made arrangements for a suitor from our sister kingdom to visit.

I was and still am seventeen and have taken it upon myself to do the queen's work schedule. Eleanor doesn't do much of what is required of her except give orders, sign papers, and waste what's left of our family fortune.

Life goes on as we await the suitor.

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