I sat by the grand window of my chamber, staring at the vast gardens below. The wind carried whispers of deceit, and i knew that playing the fool was my only way forward. Every move had to be calculated, every word measured. i had to wait for the perfect moment to strike back.
Rumors spread like wildfire through the palace corridors. Whispers of miyaa purity being tainted slithered from servant to noble, staining her honor. The words were meant to break her, to shatter her spirit before the forced marriage. But Miyaa was stronger than they realized.
i turned to Lily next to me, my voice calm yet sharp. "You're good at finding out who spreads lies. Do your part."
Lilly smirked. "I already have. It started from the concubines' quarters."
My jaw clenched. It was always them. The concubine and her daughter, desperate for power, willing to destroy anyone who stood in their way. But I won't't let them see me falter.
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Lily, My other lady-in-waiting, entered, her face pale with urgency.
"My lady," she whispered, bowing deeply. "Prince Damien has been taken."
My heart stopped. "What?"
"They locked him in the Eastern Tower. The King ordered it himself."
Anger surged through my veins. Damien had always been my shield, my protector. If he was imprisoned, it meant he had tried to stop this madness—and father had silenced him.
I rose from my seat, my hands trembling. "I need to see him."
my lady in waiting hesitated. "It's heavily guarded. The King does not want him interfering."
Lilly tried to comfort me . "This is what they want. To make you reckless. Don't give them the satisfaction."
I exhaled slowly. i needed to be careful. One wrong move, and I would share my brother's fate.
---
In the Western Empire
Prince Rex stood in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, his sword dripping with the life of his enemies. War was never his choice, but ruling an empire meant carrying the weight of battles.
He removed his helmet, running a hand through his damp, dark hair. His eyes scanned the horizon—victory was his, for now.
But shadows lurked beyond the battlefield. His elder brother, a man filled with jealousy and ambition, was gathering an army in secret. Rex could feel it in his bones. A war within his own walls was coming.
A messenger arrived, bowing before him. "Your Highness, there is news from the Eastern Kingdom."
Rex raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
"The Princess, Miyaa, has been shamed. They say she is no longer pure."
Rex's grip tightened around his sword. He had never met Miyaa, but he knew the politics of royals well enough to recognize a lie when he heard one. Someone wanted to break her before she could rise.
He turned to his generals. "Prepare for my brother's next move. I must return to the palace soon."
---
I stood before my father, King Fredrick, my heart pounding but my face unreadable.
"You locked Damien away," I said, my voice steady. "Why?"
The King sighed, rubbing his temple. "You know why, Miyaa. He would only make things worse."
"Worse for whom?" I challenged. "For you? For the empire? Or for the truth?"
King Fredrick's eyes darkened. "We cannot afford war with the Western Empire. This marriage must happen."
I clenched her fists. "So you would sell me off like cattle?"
He exhaled sharply. "Do not test me, Miyaa. You think I enjoy this? You think I want to sacrifice my daughter? If we refuse, they will wage war, and thousands will die."
My heart ached. my father had always been a strong ruler, but now I saw the weight of his crown crushing him.
"There must be another way," I whispered.
King Fredrick shook his head. "There isn't."
I turned away, fury burning within me. If my father wouldn't fight for me, i would have to fight for myself.
The palace was a battlefield of whispers and secrets.i moved through the halls with Lilly by my side, my presence alone making the gossipers pause.
When I reached the Eastern Tower, I found my mother, the Queen, waiting for me.
Tears welled up in my eyes as i stepped forward. "Mother…"
My mother embraced me tightly. "My brave girl."
I felt the warmth of my mother's love, something I had longed for in these dark times. "They're trying to break me," I whispered.
The Queen pulled back, brushing my hair from her face. "Then don't let them. A Queen does not shatter—she bends, she adapts, and when the time is right, she strikes."
I nodded, determination hardening in her chest. She would survive this.
But first, she needed to free Damien.
---
As i walked through the halls, I felt the weight of every gaze. The rumors had done their damage. Servants looked at me with hidden smirks, nobles whispered behind their fans, and the concubines' daughters giggled as I passed.
I clenched her fists. Let them talk.
But there was one person who was enjoying this more than anyone—Annie.
I spotted her standing in the courtyard, her mother by her side. The two were whispering, their expressions smug. They were behind this.
Annie turned her gaze toward me, a slow smirk forming. "Sister," she called, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I heard some rather interesting news today."
I did not slow her steps. i would not give Annie the satisfaction of a reaction.
Annie's smile widened. "Oh, come now. We're family, aren't we? You should share your thoughts."
I finally stopped, my sharp gaze locking onto Annie's. "I would, but I prefer conversations with people who matter."
Annie's smirk faltered for a moment before she scoffed. "Such confidence for someone who will soon be discarded."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only Annie could hear. "And yet, despite all your schemes, I still stand."
Annie's mother placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, offering me a knowing look. "Enjoy your final days of freedom, child. Soon, you will belong to another kingdom."
I turned on my heel, refusing to let them see me anger. But inside, my rage burned.
This was far from over.
Later that evening, I sat with my mother in her chamber. A warm fire flickered, casting shadows across the walls.
My mother gently ran her fingers through my hair, her touch soothing. "You cannot let them see you break."
I exhaled, my hands tightening around the fabric of my dress. "Damien is locked away. Lies are spreading about me. Father has given up on me. What am I supposed to do?"
My mother lifted my chin, forcing me to meet her gaze. "You endure."
I swallowed. "And then?"
My mother eyes darkened. "And then, when the time is right… you strike back."
A shiver ran down my spine. my mother was many things—graceful, kind, poised—but weak was not one of them.
I nodded. "I will."
---
I knew I couldn't leave Damien imprisoned. my father wanted him out of the way, but Damien was the only one who would fight for me.
That night, I made my move.
With Lily at my side, she slipped through the halls, avoiding the guards' patrols. When she reached the Eastern Tower, she found her most trusted guard, Leo, waiting.
"You're late," he murmured, glancing around for any signs of danger.
Miyaa smirked. "I like to make an entrance."
Leo shook his head but said nothing more as he pulled out a key. The heavy iron door creaked as it opened, revealing Damien inside. His clothes were slightly disheveled, but his sharp blue eyes were filled with relief at the sight of his sister.
"You shouldn't have come," he said, stepping forward.
Miyaa raised an eyebrow. "You shouldn't have gotten caught."
A smirk pulled at Damien's lips as he ruffled her hair. "I suppose we both made mistakes
Brother let me take you away I was the reason why you were locked up.
I tried persuading Damien but he won't bulge,
Miyaa I think you should pretend like you don't know I'm here, I'm the crown prince no matter what father won't let me stay here for long I have my duties to do.
At this point I know Damien has already made up his mind I could only return to my chamber dejected.