Rayan gently held my hand. His voice was steady as he said, "If this is what you wish for, my queen, then I promise I will build such a kingdom. A kingdom worthy of you. A kingdom both of us can be proud of."
After that day, the rise of a new kingdom began.
The once silent lands slowly awakened to life and purpose. Roads stretched across villages. Dams and bridges stood tall as symbols of strength and progress. New homes, schools, and orphanages began to rise from the ground, carrying hopes of a brighter tomorrow.
Art and creativity were no longer ignored—they were celebrated. Inventors, builders, and dreamers found their place in this growing empire. The streets buzzed with ideas, laughter, and determination. With every passing day, the kingdom became stronger—not just in wealth, but in spirit.
Employment opportunities blossomed, giving every hand a task and every heart a reason to believe again. The kingdom was no longer just a land; it had become a promise of a better life for all who lived within it.
But everything changed one day...
It had been five months since our marriage — how fast time flies.
So much had changed in those months. The great King Rayan's father had passed away after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and strength. The Queen, though distant at first, had begun to warm up to me. I could sense a quiet fondness growing between us — slow, but genuine.
Mira and Alex, too, seemed closer than ever, though neither of them would dare admit it. As for Rayan and me, we were still the same — happy, playful, and deeply in love.
That morning, I was wandering through the corridor, lost in my thoughts, when I heard two servants whispering in urgent tones. Their voices were low, but there was something serious in their words that caught my attention.
Curiosity drew me closer. "What are you two talking about?" I asked softly.
The moment they saw me, they froze, panic flashing in their eyes. Both bowed deeply.
"We're so sorry, Your Highness, for neglecting our duties," one of them stammered.
"Oh no, it's fine," I said gently. "But tell me — what were you talking about? Has something happened?"
They both bowed deeply before me, their faces pale with worry.
"Your Highness," one of them began hesitantly, "we overheard something today… outside the royal meeting hall."
I frowned slightly. "What is it?"
The servant exchanged a nervous glance with the other before speaking again. "Many of our guards were killed last night during a revolt. And… it seems the matter is somehow connected to you."
My heart skipped a beat. "Connected to me? What did I do?" I asked quickly.
They remained silent, heads still lowered.
"Please," I urged, my voice firm yet anxious. "Tell me. Why?"
After a long pause, one of them finally spoke. "The ministers in the meeting were saying that the revolt was led by a group who believe you are unfit to be Queen — because you were not born of royal blood."
For a moment, I stood speechless, the words echoing in my mind. Then, half in disbelief, I said, "What? But isn't it too late for that? It's been five months since I became Queen. What's the point of a revolt now?"
Both servants exchanged uneasy looks. "We're afraid, Your Highness," one said quietly, "we do not know the answer to that."
The entire day, the morning's conversation lingered in my mind like a shadow. No matter what I did, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I waited anxiously for Rayan to return, hoping he would have the answers I needed.
When evening came and he finally entered our room, I couldn't hold back any longer.
Without a pause, I bombarded him with questions.
"Did the guards really die?"
"Was it because of me?"
"But why?"
"Isn't it too late for that now?"
"Were they caught?"
"What will happen next?"
Rayan froze for a moment, eyes widening at my outburst. Then he sighed softly and asked, "First tell me — how do you know all this?"
"It doesn't matter," I said quickly. "Please, Rayan… just tell me what really happened."
He stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. "My love, you don't need to worry so much. I promise you — there's nothing for you to fear. I'll take care of everything myself. I'll protect you with everything I have. For now, just rest and take care of yourself, alright?"
His reassurance soothed me a little. "Alright," I said quietly, feeling my heart settle.
Rayan took a deep breath. "I'll be leaving tomorrow to resolve the matter. Wait for me, okay? Once I've handled everything, I'll tell you everything."
I nodded slowly, trying to hide the unease that still lingered inside me.
The next morning, Rayan left early. I decided to trust his words and tried to calm myself. For a while, I succeeded — but that calm didn't last long.
Not long after, I was summoned by the Great Queen, Mrs. Margarette.
And that meeting… was the moment that changed everything in my perfect life.