A queen from ashes

The grand courtroom fell silent as King Jones rose from his throne. “We all know why we are gathered here today,” his deep voice echoed across the hall, instantly silencing the ministers and royal chiefs. “Crown Prince Chase of Ravencrest is here to choose a bride.” To the king’s left sat Queen Rebekka, regal and proud, with her daughters beside her Princess Victoria, Princess Stella, and the youngest, Princess Arya. On the king’s right sat Crown Prince Darius, the queen’s eldest son, alongside Princess Valerie, the king’s only illegitimate child. The royal sisters had dressed extravagantly for the occasion. Victoria wore heavy makeup and a tightly fitted corset that emphasized her curves. Stella’s gown was even more revealing, clearly designed to attract attention. Valerie, however, wore a simple but elegant silver gown. Her makeup was light, enhancing her natural beauty instead of hiding it. Arya, being only fourteen, wore a modest dress suitable for her age. The courtroom felt colder than usual as Valerie kept her eyes fixed on Chase. They had known each other since childhood. They had grown up together, laughed together, dreamed together. Chase had once promised that one day she would become his wife and the mother of his children. A promise her stepmother and sisters had always hated. Ever since Valerie stepped foot into the palace at the age of five, she knew they never wanted her there. They tried countless times to break her spirit, but Valerie was never the type to bow her head quietly. Everyone in the kingdom knew one thing about Princess Valerie. She never allowed anyone to walk over her. Only Darius and little Arya had ever treated her like family. Victoria had always been cruel. Stella had always been jealous. And Chase… Stella had always wanted Chase. “Ahem.” King Jones cleared his throat, pulling everyone’s attention back to him. “As we all know,” he began, “Crown Prince Chase has long shown affection toward Princess Valerie, and now that she is finally of age for marriage—” “With all due respect, Father.” Stella rose gracefully from her seat, interrupting him. “May I speak?” The king hesitated before nodding slowly. “Go on.” Stella smiled confidently before facing the courtroom. “As we all know, Princess Valerie lacks knowledge in politics and has received no proper bridal training,” she said loudly. “And besides… what kingdom would truly accept an illegitimate princess as their future queen?” Whispers spread across the hall. “Unlike her,” Stella continued proudly, “I have mastered diplomacy, wine brewing, royal etiquette, and political affairs. I can stand beside my husband as a true queen should.” A smug smile spread across her lips. “And I know how to satisfy a king and bear strong royal heirs.” Disgust twisted inside Valerie’s stomach. “So,” Stella finished, “why not allow Prince Chase to choose for himself?” “Yes, she’s right,” Victoria quickly added. “Mother, what do you think?” Queen Rebekka’s eyes landed on Valerie with poorly hidden contempt. “A king needs a strong woman beside him,” she replied calmly. “Not a liability.” Valerie’s heartbeat quickened. Slowly, her gaze shifted toward Chase. For the first time, she saw uncertainty in his eyes. Fear crept into her chest. “Darius,” King Jones said, “what do you think?” Darius remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. “I believe Mother and Stella are right.” The words hit Valerie harder than a slap. Even Darius had turned against her. The room suddenly felt suffocating. But none of it mattered. Only Chase’s answer did. King Jones turned toward the prince. “So, Crown Prince Chase… after hearing everything, which of my daughters do you choose as your bride?” Chase slowly rose from his seat and walked toward the center of the courtroom. Valerie held her breath. Please… Please choose me. “After careful consideration,” Chase began, “I believe I must choose a queen capable of ruling beside me.” He paused. Then finally spoke the words that shattered her world. “Princess Stella.” Gasps filled the courtroom before turning into delighted laughter from Victoria and Stella. Queen Rebekka looked victorious. King Jones avoided Valerie’s eyes entirely. But Chase… Chase could not even look at her. Tears burned Valerie’s eyes as betrayal wrapped around her chest like chains. “Your Majesty,” she whispered shakily, “please excuse me.” Without waiting for permission, she turned and ran from the courtroom. She burst into her chambers with tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. “Princess!” Alicia rushed toward her in panic. “What happened?” “He chose Stella,” Valerie cried between sobs. “After everything… he chose her.” Alicia gently pulled her into her arms. “It will be alright, Princess,” she whispered softly. But Valerie knew it would not. Hours later, Valerie finally cried herself to sleep. Alicia quietly exited the room only to stop at the sight of a tall figure standing outside the chambers. “Your Majesty,” she greeted with a bow. “Rise,” the prince replied. “How is she?” “She finally fell asleep.” Darius nodded slowly. “Inform me when she wakes.” Without another word, he turned and walked away. Darius should have felt guilty for betraying Valerie in that courtroom. Part of him did. But another part of him could not regret it. Because he could never allow another man to take away something so precious to him. The next morning, warm sunlight brushed against Valerie’s face as she stepped onto the balcony. “Good morning, Your Highness,” Alicia greeted warmly. “I made jasmine tea for you.” “Thank you.” Valerie sat quietly while Alicia poured the tea. Her mind drifted back to yesterday. To Chase. To betrayal. To humiliation. “Val!” Arya’s cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts. Valerie looked up just as the young princess rushed toward her. “Are you okay?” Arya asked worriedly. Valerie forced a small smile. “I’m alright, little one.” “I’m sorry for what Stella and Victoria did to you.” Valerie’s heart softened instantly. “Arya,” she said gently, touching her cheek, “you’re supposed to be the younger sister. I should be worrying about you, not the other way around.” Arya giggled softly. “Now go study before your tutors start searching for you.” “Okay!” Arya laughed before running off. After breakfast, Valerie headed toward her chambers when loud arguing echoed through the hallway. Frowning, she walked outside. To her annoyance, Stella and Victoria stood arguing with her guards. “What is happening here?” Valerie asked coldly. “Your Highness,” one guard answered immediately, “the princesses insisted on entering your chambers despite being told you were asleep.” “It’s fine,” Valerie sighed before turning toward her sisters. “What do you want?” Stella smirked. “No need to be bitter, sister.” The sound of her voice alone irritated Valerie. “We only came to inform you about my wedding date,” Stella continued mockingly. “Since you left the courtroom so early yesterday.” Victoria laughed loudly. “And we were wondering if you would like to be Stella’s maid of honor.” Both sisters burst into laughter. Valerie clenched her fists tightly. “Are you done?” Stella smiled wickedly. “The wedding is in two weeks. Don’t miss it.” The moment they left, rage exploded inside Valerie. She stormed into her chambers, changed into her training clothes, grabbed her sword, and headed straight for the palace gardens. The punching bag barely had time to swing before she attacked it furiously. Punch after punch. Strike after strike. Until tears blurred her vision. “It’s enough, Princess.” Valerie froze at the unfamiliar male voice behind her. “And who are you?” she asked without turning around. “I am your new royal knight,” the man replied calmly.