Book 4: Chapter 1

Queen Lydia

Unwelcome and motive-driven, humans force their way into my kingdom, and then my home, and capture my darling husband, king Pyrus. He is a hydrokinetic sprite, a creature among many, with the ability to manipulate water.

Crouching down on an imperial rug on the ground, in a designated safe room behind a false wall, I quietly hide with our violet-eyed, eight-month-old-daughter, Princess Maia. This room is connected to an underground tunnel that leads me away from the castle.

Looking up in the direction of the moon and the stars, I know my husband’s life will not end well. In spite of this, I pray to the moon goddess that no harm should come to him, and I shed tears for him, our marriage and our beautiful life together as I quietly flee through the hidden passage toward the forest border. I run as fast as possible, using all my energy while holding Maia.

Leaves and branches whip my face and tear my dress as I hastily rush past them.

Pan