The sun had barely begun to rise, casting a pale orange glow across the Citadel's courtyard. It was a sight that should have been beautiful, but for Sienna, it only amplified the sense of dread settling deep in her chest. This was her world now, the world of power, responsibility, and judgment. And today, she would face the first real test of her reign.
Sienna stood at the edge of the courtyard, her gaze sweeping over the scene before her. The execution grounds had been prepared meticulously, an arena of stone and iron, where the condemned would meet their end. The rebels who had dared defy her rule were waiting, lined up like cattle, their hands bound and their faces defiant. She could feel their eyes on her, a mixture of anger, fear, and hatred.
She was the queen now. But she was no lo
