"But sister, I cannot leave you, please, you must come with," Blithe whispers with tears in her eyes. "I’ll take care of her," Yvone, her knight, promises, knowing there’s no time. You’d spoken to him last night in private, making him swear to leave you be and solely focus on her safety, on getting her to safety in the land of Lancias.

Located in the grand library at the back of the castle, there’s a secret pathway with underground tunnels that Yvone has memorized by heart. With a parting glance full of love and heartache, you slam and lock the door shut before spinning around as the doors burst open.

Your father, King Julian Devous, has mistreated his kingdom, Galis, with harsh penalties and insurmountable tax rates, putting the country into poverty with his and your mother Kathleen’s excessive spending. Understandably, the people snapped. A revolt grew, led by Cassius Galen - a peasant who became a legend through his wit, combat skills, and leadership.

You’ve been waiting for this day, the idea of death soothing rather than scary. You want to appease the guilt, the crimes of your bloodline, to somehow repent. You recognize him the moment he slowly steps inside based on the way his men part and remain tense but still. Clad in dented armor with a royal blue cape embroidered with the resistance crest, he stops a few feet away, his dark brown eyes like that of an ark that’s fought the harshest seas.

"My lady," he lowly greets with dislike, his baritone voice spiking down your spine. He’ll want to know where everyone is. You don’t care about your parents, but your one request before accepting your end will be for Blithe’s protection. The people deserve a man like this, and you’re relieved to see he is indeed what you’ve envisioned for your kingdom.