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This chapter is dedicated to jan_blackx
Queen Liora stood in King Adrian's special library, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. She sought something more profound than a mere book; she yearned for the secret pages of her husband's diary that held the key to his deepest confessions and hidden truths. The hours felt like an eternity as she meticulously searched for this chest that held the enigmatic secrets.
Finally, she found the chest. Carefully opening it, she uncovered the treasure map and the chronicle of her husband's life. Her eyes widened as she read the account of their love story, but soon, the tale took a dark turn. King Adrian had disclosed the existence of a hidden room within the palace—a clandestine chamber where treason brewed and her own brother-in-law, the second prince, played a treacherous role.
Her tears fell as she grappled with this shocking revelation. The truth was bitter, and her heart ached for her dying husband, who had borne this burden alone. The diary unveiled that only the shadow guard, the confidant she could entrust her safety to, would appear to save her once Adrian had passed or been assassinated.
Determined to change the course of fate, she concealed the diary in a secure place and rushed to her husband's chambers. Queen Liora couldn't bear to let the impending tragedy unfold. Safely stowing the diary away, she hurried to her husband's chamber, finding him in a feeble state, shivering and close to the edge of life. "My king, please hold on. The antidote is on its way," she implored.
"My queen, it is time. I apologize for my transgressions. Find my diary—it holds the answers. It will keep you safe," the king confessed.
"I already have it, my love. There's something I must tell you," Queen Liora shared, her voice quivering with a mix of emotions.
"I know. You carry our child. Take care of our son for me. Be strong for our heir," the king imparted. Suddenly, a sense of presence in the darkened room gripped them both. In a heartbeat, Liora grabbed the king's sword, her voice echoing with determination, "Who are you? Show yourself!"