The deep winter had fully settled over the Unified Realms, blanketing the capital city in a thick, glittering layer of pristine white snow. But inside the private royal study of the Winter Citadel, the air was comfortably warm, thick with the scent of burning pine and the faint, sweet aroma of winter roses.
Aaliyah stood by the massive arched window, looking out over the sprawling city. The streets were illuminated by thousands of glowing lanterns, a vibrant testament to the life and prosperity that had blossomed since the defeat of the Leviathan. The Empire was thriving.
She rested her hand absentmindedly against her lower abdomen, a soft, incredibly tender smile playing on her lips.
For the past week, Aaliyah had felt... different. It wasn't the volatile, explosive power of the Pri
