A CROWN OF SHADOWS: BOUND BY RUIN

NALORIE In the hushed moments before my coronation, the weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air, my pregnant belly pulsating with nervous energy. Despite the culmination of my revenge and the imminent crown on my head, a persistent unease lingered, hovered like unattended loose threads threatening my hard-fought triumph. As the clock chimed noon, a light sound ran me out of my reverie, the doors to the royal court pulls itself slowly apart, like a clearing to my new path. My long embroidered white train tails after me, like a moth to the flame, I felt its hypnotic pull, its power and glory. The onlookers, a mix of admiration and resentment, greeted me with bowed heads. But not all gazes conveyed joy, and I sensed dissent among those who dared not conceal it. "As we are gathered here on this auspicious evening to crown the daughter of the beloved princess Isis Amenirdis Constantine and the Warrior king Elmar Ursag, we hope for the Most High and the guidance of the 12 Kingdoms to see you through a prosperous and long reign. I hereby crown you the 96th monarch of Crestal and the Golden kingdom of Azume, on the 25th day of the sun, the year of dragons." The crowning ceremony unfolded with the diamond-studded crown settling atop my head, symbolizing not just regality but an unwavering responsibility. As the crown bearer places the scepter in my hand, a cold and sticky substance splashed on my face, marring the moment and staining my pristine gown. The crown bearer fell with a thud, all hell broke loose. ~TWO YEARS AGO~ Life hadn't been so sweet on me, I lost everything in a night: my birthright, my home, and everything I hold dear. I'm trailing down a footpath in a dense forest with a nightgown so tattered that it left a lot to the male gaze. blood and smoke haunting my senses. Clutching the sapphire necklace, a vestige of my legacy, I drifted towards unconsciousness, a desperate plea for survival echoing in the silent forest. Awakening in the care of a mysterious woman, memories of a brutal m******e replayed in my mind. The Zulka warrior revealed my lineage and the dire need to reclaim my throne. My initial numbness transformed into seething anger, propelling me towards a quest for vengeance against Arthur Athanasios, the architect of my despair. I contemplated my past, questioning if meeting Arthur had altered my fate. As the door creaked open, the woman, whose name remained elusive, presented me with a choice. "I propose you two options, leave and never come back or stay, fight, and take your throne back. Spill the winter men's blood. The Zulka warrior trains no weakling." The specter of revenge loomed, and I demanded to learn the art of summoning wolves, a skill that could tip the scales in my favor. Uncertainty clouds her features, "You know what you're asking me for? You could die if done wrongly. I might not have much love for you, but I'll never endanger a royal, we Zulka warriors live for the royal family of Azume." Unveiling her true identity as Delphine, my father's estranged half-sister, she divulged the intricate web of alliances, unrequited love, and the burden of protecting our bloodline. Her revelation ignited a newfound determination within me. Despite the frosty demeanor, Delphine became an unexpected ally in my pursuit of justice. The gaping emptiness in me just makes me feel colder. And there, I decided I want my revenge, and I'll do anything, sacrifice anyone to get it. ****** Two months had passed since I lost my kingdom and humanity, two months has passed since I've subjected myself to brutal and Animalistic training. The Zulka warriors are both fierce and capable, their fighting skills and battle formation is something I've never seen or heard before. They are well trained and seasoned soldiers that has little to no mercy when it comes to training. Nobody went easy on me when Delphine introduced me as the daughter of their former king, some even went as far making me earn their respect. I still have so much learn, so many things to do. Everyday, Delphine tries so much in teaching me the howl of wolves, how to call and connect to them, by taking me to their pack cave. Each time I get either severely hurt or almost dead as the wolves feel threatened by my presence. It was as if I have no wolf's blood in me, the hostility of the wolves should have scared me but I'm more determined to connect to them. "Aye! the princess decides to spy on is eh." Storm, the strongest and cockiest warrior amongst the zukian. I jumped down from the tree, dusting off the debris from my thick strands. "Nothing I've not seen. Was not even worth my time. You see, you compete with a flea and you still lost at the game."his face turns a slight shade red, going unnoticed by others but not me. "I could change your mind princess, all you have to do is give me the order and I shall obey." The zulkians hoot louder, some whistled and laughed. Sweet talker, excessively charming and all muscles with veins, storm is every bit of a wolf warrior. His almost white hair and blue eyes earned him the name storm, he was the first warrior to challenge me to a duel which barely ended up in a draw. Ever since, he hasn't stopped with the side glances and flirting, my bloodline did nothing in intimidating him, it made his advances more fiercer. Had my heart been warm I'd fall again, I might find his advances intriguing and fascinating but storm will never have my love, not that I have any to give. The only thing I have left to give to the zulkian is loyalty and respect. "Pondering it.? I could make you feel good...... my queen." He's got guts, he stands in his rippled glory staring back with those stormy orbs, I smiled giving him a pat on the shoulder, "careful with the way you speak, storm. I'm still your queen, I could make you bleed out and die but I won't because I'm not a mad queen. On the battlefield and training ground we're equals outside that arena I'm your queen, and when I speak, you bow." He drops to one knee and give a bow, the warriors follow suit. "I tolerated the snide remarks because I wanted you to treat me like a fellow warrior and ally in the arenas, after that, I am your queen. I didn't demand your respect, I earned it with my blood, scar and sweat. It's f you disrespect me one more time I'll be sure to pull out your tongue as a warning." The moment I turn around, Delphine nods her head in approval and screams. "TO THE ARENA. NOW!!!!" The warriors all remain on their knees probably waiting for me to tell them to rise. "Rise Zulkian. To the fall of Delphinus!" I shout, my voice resonating within the arena walls. "To the fall of Delphinus”