As Queen Liora stood among the thousands of soldiers known as shadows, she couldn't help but marvel at the assembly. These were Adrian's men, carefully preserved for an undisclosed purpose. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the shadows looked to her, awaiting her command.
In a meticulously organized ceremony, Nathaniel orchestrated the announcement of the queen, marking her ascendancy. The shadows stood in a formation that depicted a dragon, a symbol of their loyalty to the true ruler. Their synchronized movements were a sight to behold, showcasing their unwavering allegiance and emphasizing their united purpose under Queen Liora's leadership.
Following the announcement, Nathaniel approached her for a private conversation regarding the elusive ice dragon and her role as the dragon keeper. The revelation puzzled Queen Liora, and she voiced her concerns about her lack of dragon keeper lineage.
"But I am a princess, with no blood of a dragon keeper in me," she pointed out, struggling to comprehend the prophecy's connection to her.
"The prophecy unequivocally points to you," Nathaniel affirmed, explaining the prophecy's depth and the significance of her unborn child.
"Could the prophecy refer to my baby?" she inquired, her hand resting tenderly on her belly, contemplating the impending responsibility.
"No, since you are the dragon keeper, he is the destined one foreseen in the prophecy. He carries the weight of the future," Nathaniel clarified. "Now, you must begin your training to fulfill the prophecy."
Torn between her maternal instincts and her newfound duty, Queen Liora grappled with the decision. "I need to return to the palace and seize the throne from Max before he causes irreparable harm," she insisted, recognizing the urgency.
Nathaniel, however, cautioned against hasty decisions, using an adage to convey the importance of thoughtful action. "No, we mustn't rush into the river," he urged, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach.
The weight of her choices pressed heavily on Queen Liora. She knew that the fate of her kingdom rested on her shoulders, and the destiny laid out before her was inescapable. With unwavering resolve, she made her decision, choosing the mantle of the guidance, the dragon keeper, and the daunting journey that lay ahead.
Addressing the shadows once more, she commanded, "Prepare for our next steps. We are about to embark on a quest that will test our strength, resolve, and loyalty to this kingdom." The shadows responded with a resolute affirmation, standing tall, ready to face the impending challenges.
This chapter concluded with Queen Liora embracing her new role and accepting the immense responsibility that accompanied it. She would need to summon all her courage and wisdom to navigate the intricate web of destiny, secrets, and power that lay ahead. The shadows, a symbol of hope and allegiance, stood ready, awaiting her guidance into the unknown.