Fated to the cursed king

The halls of Everon’s castle gleamed under the golden torchlight, casting elongated shadows against towering marble pillars. At this hour, the corridors were eerily silent—most of the castle’s inhabitants had retired for the night. But for those who moved in the darkness, the night was when their work truly began. Two figures in deep black cloaks moved swiftly and soundlessly through the palace corridors, their presence acknowledged only by the subtle stiffening of the royal guards as they passed. These were no ordinary soldiers. They were Shadows—The Kingdom of Everon’s most secretive and elite intelligence operatives, trained in espionage, infiltration, and deception. The leader of the Shadows, code name Echo, walked with measured precision. His face, as always, was concealed beneath the signature black cloth of the Shadows, though strands of red hair peeked from beneath his hood. His amber eyes gleamed in the dim torchlight, scanning the path ahead with quiet intensity. Beside him, code name, Sierra, the most silent and elusive of the Shadows, moved like a phantom. No sound, no hesitation—just pure precision. Like Echo, her face was veiled beneath a similar black cloth, but for her, there were deeper reasons for this concealment. Reasons that very few knew. Tonight’s summons had come without explanation, and while Echo had been asked to accompany her as the unit’s leader, it was Sierra who had been specifically requested. That alone was enough to raise suspicion. Rarely did King Issath Everon—ruler of the kingdom and the previous leader of the Shadows—call for anyone specific save for Echo. Whatever this was, it was serious. As they reached the grand double doors leading to the King’s private study, the two guards stationed outside straightened, then stepped aside without question. They knew better than to stop the entrance to the Shadows. They could very well slip in and out unnoticed if they had wanted. Echo and Sierra entered without pause. Inside, the study was dimly lit, the golden glow of the lights glowed against the towering bookshelves and the grand table at the room’s center. At the head of the table stood King Issath Everon, his tall frame rigid with tension. His sharp, calculating eyes—so similar to Sierra’s own—scanned over an unfurled map before him. He did not look up immediately, and the silence stretched as he traced something on the parchment with his gloved fingers. Finally, he lifted his gaze, his grey eyes piercing through the dim light. “I need Sierra to infiltrate Zephyra.” No hesitation. The words hung in the air. Zephyra. The Forest Kingdom. The most advanced nation in the known world when it came to technology. Their advancements were unparalleled, yet they shared nothing with outsiders—not even with Everon, their closest ally. The kingdom was an enigma, and at its helm was King Kai Spear, a man as brilliant as he was unreadable. Sierra exchanged a glance with Echo. Neither of them showed outward surprise, but the unspoken question between them was clear. Why? “What are we looking for?” Sierra finally spoke, her voice smooth, unreadable. Issath exhaled, his gaze darkening. He pressed his palms against the table, the tension in his shoulders becoming more apparent. “I owe King Kai one thing—any one thing he asks for.” A pause. Echo frowned slightly. “Why?” Issath’s jaw clenched before he answered. “He beat me,” he admitted, his voice edged with reluctant frustration. “In a battle of wit. My wife—your queen, Leah—was under Zephyra’s protection for a year before I found her again. To get her back, I had to give my word to Kai. A debt that can be called in at any time, without question.” Sierra’s eyes narrowed slightly. A year ago, Leah had gone missing. King Issath had been almost driven insane trying to find her. When he had finally recovered her, it had been revealed that she had gone to Zephyra by accident believing that King Issath had been dead. Issath had reasons for foul play from the Zephyrans. “It wasn’t an accident,” Sierra murmured. “You think Kai orchestrated it?” Issath’s gaze flickered with something unreadable. “I know he did.” That was dangerous information. A calculated move. A long game played by a king who had nothing to lose and everything to gain. “What does he want from you?” Echo asked, always the strategist. “That’s what I want you to find out,” Issath said, his voice firm. “Kai is hiding something. Something that unsettles even me.” “I’m sending you to Zephyra under a diplomatic cover. You’ll be attending a three-month teaching program—a cover identity for your true mission.” Issath leaned back slightly. “It will give you the opportunity to observe Kai closely.” Sierra nodded without hesitation. “I’ll do it.” Echo turned his head slightly toward her, but he didn’t speak. She knew what he was thinking. A mission into Zephyra was risky, especially given its protective barriers and advanced surveillance. But Sierra had never once hesitated when duty called. Issath seemed to relax just slightly, but he wasn’t done yet. “Echo, you are dismissed. I need a moment alone with Sierra.” Echo hesitated for only a breath before giving a curt nod. “Your Majesty.” With that, he exited the study, closing the doors behind him. Silence settled. Sierra reached up, pulling down her hood and untying the cloth mask that concealed her face. Her pale blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the golden glow of the candelabra, her ice-blue eyes unwavering as she met her his gaze. Lena Everon, Princess of Everon, Issath’s sister. Issath sighed as she scoffed at him. “And what will you tell Mama, Sath?” she asked, crossing her arms. “That you’re sending me away for three months?” Their mother, Queen mother, Iris, would sooner die than allow her daughter to leave Everon for so long. Lena was the youngest of the Everon royals—the one both Issath and their other brother, Liam, doted on the most. “I’ll make up an excuse,” Issath said, rubbing his temple. Lena scoffed. “As if Mama would let you.” Issath laughed, the sound dry but amused. He hated sending her away as much. But they both knew that Lena was the only one capable of succeeding in this mission. She had been one of the Shadows recruit shortly after Issath had formed the Shadows, long before he became king. During the day, she was a teacher to one of Everon’s preschools. But by night, she was something else entirely—a spy, a ghost, a figure who could slip in and out of places without leaving a trace. If anyone could infiltrate Zephyra, it was her. Lena studied the map on the table, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. “King Kai, huh?” she murmured. She had met him once. Just once. And even then, he had been an impenetrable enigma. She tilted her head, her interest piqued. “Well then,” she said softly, her fingers grazing over the map. “Let’s meet again.”