Chapter 3 THE ROYAL REVELATION

As the guards guided Sapphire through the palace's opulent hallways, her heart pounded like a drumbeat of dread. Gilded pillars stretched up to a ceiling painted with scenes of celestial battles. Intricate carvings of warriors and former rulers lined the walls, their golden eyes glinting in the flickering torchlight as if watching her every move. She could hear the echoes of her footsteps against the marble floors, each step heavier than the last. Her palms were clammy, and fear coiled in her chest like a beast trying to claw its way out.

What did this queen want with her?

And who was she-this ruler of a land Sapphire had only heard about in whispered tales and ancient lullabies?

The enormous wooden doors in front of her creaked open, revealing a throne room so grand it took her breath away. Polished floors reflected the warm glow of hundreds of torches. Banners of silver and indigo hung from the arched ceiling, bearing the crest of a forgotten kingdom-one she didn't recognize.

At the far end of the room, on a raised platform, sat Queen Isolde. She radiated power like the sun in full blaze. Her royal robes shimmered like liquid silver with every movement. Her skin was dark and flawless, catching the light with an almost otherworldly sheen. Her long braided hair was adorned with ornaments of moonstone and crowned with a circlet of polished obsidian. Her eyes-keen, ancient, and unreadable-pierced through Sapphire like daggers made of moonlight and storm.

Sapphire's breathing became labored. Her legs threatened to give out beneath her.

She had never seen a woman so regal, so commanding, yet so terrifying.

Prince Kieran stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "We located her in the village of Ajani, Your Majesty," he said. "The golden mark showed up."

A low murmur rippled through the court. Nobles shifted in their seats. Some leaned in to get a better look, while others cast skeptical or astonished glances at Sapphire.

Queen Isolde's gaze rested on her for a long, silent moment. Then she rose gracefully and descended the stairs with an elegant glide, her robes whispering behind her. Each step echoed like the toll of a bell in Sapphire's ears.

When the queen finally stood in front of her, she lifted a hand. Without asking for permission, she reached for Sapphire's torn tunic and gently pulled down the ripped sleeve. Gasps echoed through the chamber as the golden crescent birthmark shimmered on Sapphire's shoulder-bright and pulsing like it had a heartbeat of its own.

Queen Isolde's voice dropped to a reverent whisper. "So it is true."

Sapphire's throat tightened. "What is true?"

The queen straightened, lifting her chin. Her expression was grave. "You are not just an apprentice to a healer. You are the lost heir of the Kingdom of Okarion."

Sapphire froze. Her mind screamed in protest. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.

"That's not... I'm no heir to anything," she finally choked out. "My mother was a healer. Just a healer. We lived quietly. We-" Her voice cracked. "This must be a mistake."

Queen Isolde's tone softened, though her posture remained unyielding. "Queen Seraphina of Okarion was your mother. The gods themselves marked your birth under the crimson moon. You bear the crest of royal blood."

Sapphire shook her head violently. "No. You're wrong."

The queen didn't flinch. "Okarion fell twenty-one years ago. Obadele, the Dark King, led the assault. Your parents were betrayed-someone inside the royal house delivered them to him. The kingdom was lost, and the royal bloodline was believed to be extinguished."

Sapphire's breaths came faster, shorter. The walls seemed to be closing in around her.

"How-how could I be a princess?" she whispered. "I don't even know how to hold a sword."

Kieran stepped forward, his face unreadable but steady. "That's why we've been searching for you. Because Obadele is preparing to rise again. His spies are moving. His armies grow in secret. Now that you've been found, he won't wait any longer."

Sapphire's eyes darted between them. The golden birthmark. The strange dreams. The feeling of heat whenever she was in danger or afraid. Her heartbeat that sometimes seemed to pulse through her very skin.

All of it-signs?

"But why me?" she asked, her voice barely audible. "If I'm just some forgotten royal, why would he care? Why would I be a threat to him?"

Queen Isolde's face darkened like a storm cloud. "Because only you have the power to destroy him."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Sapphire could feel every eye on her. But it was the queen's voice that clung to her soul like a shadow.

Only you have the power to destroy him.

She staggered back a step, nearly losing her balance.

"I'm not a soldier," she muttered. "I don't know anything about magic or kingdoms or war. I can't even protect myself."

"You were never meant to live hidden," the queen said, stepping closer. "Your power has always been a part of you. It only needs to be awakened."

Before Sapphire could ask how, a deafening crash echoed from the far end of the palace. The throne room doors swung open with a loud bang. A guard-bloodied and gasping-staggered in, eyes wide with terror.

"They're here!" he cried. "Obadele's men. They've breached the outer gates. They're coming for her!"

The court exploded into chaos. Courtiers screamed. Guards shouted commands. Weapons were drawn. Sapphire stood frozen in place, watching it all unravel like a nightmare she couldn't wake from.

Kieran didn't wait. He rushed to her side and seized her wrist. "Come with me. Now!"

Sapphire didn't resist. Her legs moved before her mind caught up. Together, they raced through a side corridor as the walls trembled with the sounds of battle-metal against metal, cries of war, the roar of flames.

As they ran, Sapphire glanced over her shoulder. Through the open throne room doors, she caught one final glimpse of Queen Isolde, standing firm before the throne, her eyes locked on Sapphire's.

In that moment, Sapphire understood.

Everything had changed.

And it would never, ever be the same.