Chapter 16
231 Words
Chapter 16: The Kingdom of Stone
The palace of Eldoria was colder than ever, not from the weather, but from the presence of its king—Ivory’s father—who sat high on the obsidian throne, his crown heavy with years of pride and war. His council spoke in hushed tones, afraid of his temper, but even more afraid of his silence.
A letter lay open in his hand. It was from Gretel. From Vichen.
He crushed it slowly.
“The alliance is holding,” Lord Rhemor dared to say.
“For now,” the king replied, his voice sharp as steel. “But don’t be fooled. That boy is no ally. He is a serpent I invited into my garden.”
“But your daughter—”
“My daughter,” he cut in, “is the price I paid. Nothing more. Do not mistake a pawn for a queen.”
There was silence. Heavy. Drenched in unspoken tension.
He rose from his throne and walked to the window. The clouds hung low over the city. The drums of war were already echoing in the distance.
“She will serve her purpose,” he said. “And when this war is won, I’ll decide if she still has a place in this kingdom.”
Far away, in the heart of Gretel, Ivory’s blood chilled—and she didn’t know why.
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