The lost princess

Chapter One Chapter 1: The Night Everything Changed The kingdom of Eldoria had never shone so brightly. Golden lanterns illuminated every corner of the royal palace as music echoed through the grand halls. Nobles from every province gathered to celebrate the birth of the kingdom’s long-awaited heir. Princess Agatha. After years of praying for a child, King Alaric and Queen Eliana had finally been blessed with a daughter. The entire kingdom rejoiced, believing the little princess would one day become the greatest ruler Eldoria had ever known. But while laughter filled the ballroom, darkness waited beyond the palace walls. A cold wind swept through the royal gardens. Hidden among the shadows, cloaked figures silently climbed the palace walls, their swords gleaming beneath the moonlight. Inside the nursery, Queen Eliana gently rocked her sleeping daughter. “My precious Agatha,” she whispered, brushing a strand of golden hair from the baby’s forehead. “No matter what happens, never forget that you are deeply loved.” A loud crash shattered the peaceful silence. The nursery doors burst open. A royal guard stumbled inside, blood staining his silver armor. “Your Majesty!” he gasped. “We’re under attack! They’ve breached the palace!” Queen Eliana’s face turned pale. “What about the king?” The guard lowered his head. “His Majesty is holding them off… but they are coming here.” The queen’s hands trembled as she clutched her daughter tighter. She had always feared this day would come. Not everyone believed Agatha deserved the throne. Someone wanted the royal bloodline erased forever. Without another second to waste, Queen Eliana removed the sapphire pendant from around her neck and placed it around the baby’s tiny neck. “This belongs to you,” she whispered through tears. “One day it will guide you home.” Another explosion shook the palace. The guard rushed toward the hidden door behind the fireplace. “Your Majesty, please!” With tears streaming down her face, the queen kissed her daughter’s forehead one final time before placing her into the guard’s arms. “Protect her… even if it costs your life.” “I swear it.” The hidden passage opened. As the guard disappeared into the darkness carrying the infant princess, Queen Eliana turned back toward the nursery. She picked up a sword. If this was to be her final night… She would die as a queen. Moments later, the nursery doors were thrown open once more. Heavy footsteps echoed across the room. The queen raised her sword. “I will never tell you where she is.” A chilling laugh filled the chamber. “We’ll see about that.” Outside, flames swallowed the palace as the cries of soldiers echoed beneath the blood-red moon. Deep within the secret tunnels, the guard held the sleeping princess close. “You must live, Your Highness,” he whispered. “You are Eldoria’s last hope.” Behind him, the tunnel shook violently. Someone was following them.