Shattered Crown Monica Kayne

**"The Return of the Hidden King"** The echoes of wedding bells still lingered in the air when Kael Renforth, a humble yet brilliant man of lowly origins, was summoned to the frontlines alongside the formidable Lord Alaric Denvair to defend their homeland. Five brutal years of war changed everything. Alaric, the unyielding Earl of Port Avallon, fell in battle. Kael returned triumphant—but to a world he no longer recognized. The once-proud Denvair legacy lies in ruins, and the once-thriving Port Avallon is now carved up by ruthless factions, each vying for control. Worse still, Kael’s beloved wife, the elegant and sharp-witted Lyria Denvair, has caught the eyes of these power-hungry lords. To them, Kael is nothing more than a war-worn soldier, a pawn in a game too big for him. But they are wrong. Kael Renforth is no ordinary man. Beneath his unassuming exterior lies a mind of extraordinary talent and a spirit unyielding as steel. With cunning strategy, unshakable resolve, and secrets that could change the balance of power, Kael will rise from the shadows to claim his place in the urban jungle. His return marks the dawn of a new era—one where he will seize what is his and prove to all that he is the one true king of Port Avallon. War was only the beginning. Now, the game for the city’s soul begins.

Dylan de Helios, the Youngest Prince of the neighboring Kingdom of Helios, pays a visit to the Kingdom of Anemoi with diplomatic representatives. The royal family of Helios used to be quite close with the royal family of Anemoi until they lost touch with them after the Queen of Anemoi passed away seven years prior. Prince Dylan is sent by his relatives to thoroughly check on the Crown Princess Lyra and the Eldest Princess Astrid of Anemoi. He, in particular, is keen to meet Crown Princess Lyra Belle de Anemoi because they were close and he used to write her letters up until seven years ago when she suddenly stopped contacting him. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Lyra refuses to become the Queen and lives her life outside of the royal palace.  Ever since her mother passed away, she along with her sister did not attend any social event nor showed their face in public. It seems everyone has even forgotten what they look like as they purposefully live abandoned in their separate palace, with everyone appearing to have forgotten even their existence. What happened over the seven years that inevitably caused this change? Why did Crown Princess Lyra stop contacting Prince Dylan? Will they be able to reconnect as they once did in their childhood or will something more like romance will blossom between them? Will they be able to change their lives for the better? Read to find out more!

Akash, a boy shunned by his village, seeks to gain admiration and reunite with his friends by proving his worth in the war-torn sands of Reem. His fight for respect and connection propels him through trials that test his resolve, courage, and the depths of his humanity. Daenys never wished to lead, but destiny had other plans. Thrust into prominence amidst a feud between the kingdom of Astad and the kingdom of Estil, she must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power. Her journey is one of reluctant acceptance, as she transforms into the leader her people desperately need. Mirak is driven by an insatiable desire to understand the magic that shapes their world. His quest leads him into the clutches of an empire, where he becomes enslaved as a Publici. Determined to break free, he must master the very magic that binds him, turning his chains into sources of strength and liberation. Unbeknownst to them, hungering gods pick at the carcass of a dying world—a time when the Infinite Arcana was whole, unbroken into Essences, and humanity remained in the dark. For over one hundred centuries, the Ninth Age of Stagnation has reigned, bringing war, strife, and the suffocation of knowledge. In a world teetering on the edge, will these unlikely contenders rise to become heroes, or will the malicious powers that haunt their steps consume them entirely?

Deacon Kensington, a scout for the Banished Order of the Deep Veil, is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding his order. However, in order to protect those who live with him in seclusion, he must venture beyond the safety of his fortress and become entangled in the wars raging outside. While Deacon’s actions are meant to protect the order, the wider world grows ever more dangerous. The iconoclasts, a dark and growing faction summoning demons from the Chaos realm, threaten the very fabric of society. If not eradicated, their influence will spread, causing devastation in Virelia and beyond. With the royal family’s knightly orders preparing for war, the Deep Veil must tread carefully, keeping their true strength hidden, even as the forces of darkness close in.

Book 1: Crown of Vengeance "Blood cannot be washed away, and vengeance burns brighter than any flame." Selene Draven was once the most feared assassin in the Ironclad Kingdom, a master of shadows who answered only to the king’s command. But when her family is butchered, and she’s framed for their murder, her world crumbles. Imprisoned in Ironkeep, a fortress designed to break even the strongest, Selene is offered a dangerous bargain: infiltrate the Frostveil Court of the enigmatic King Caelan Veyrannis and uncover his secrets. Thrown into a deadly game of politics, power, and betrayal, Selene must navigate a world of hate while hiding her true nature, one that could change the balance of power in all Aeloria. But as tensions rise between the kingdoms, Selene finds herself drawn to two men who threaten to unravel everything she’s fought for: the cunning Prince Kade Blackthorn, who wields charm like a blade, and the cold yet compelling King of the North, who sees far more than he should. Betrayal is inevitable. Love is dangerous. And vengeance...vengeance is everything. Excerpt: Selene's hand ran down his abdomen, he cocked his head to the right, "Are you here to kill me or seduce me?" "How about both? I mean...a girl do have needs." she bit her lips leaning close enough, their lips were just inches apart. Her other hand moved in a flash, pressing a blade against his inner thigh, just inches from his manhood. He tensed, but the grin on his lips didn’t falter. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Selene, careful where you aim that thing.” “Careful?” she echoed, “You’re the one who’s unarmed, Your Majesty. Maybe you should be the careful one.”

A cursed Rose Crown. A lost princess. And a contract that binds her to a mysterious knight. Elena must face deadly trials to reclaim her kingdom and rewrite her destiny.

In a world shattered by ancient wars and divine intervention, a young man named Kael awakens to a destiny far beyond his wildest dreams. Born with a unique affinity for both light and darkness, he embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the mysteries of his past and protect the fractured realms from impending doom.

With the whole globe snowed over, humans are no longer on top of the ladder. Violent aliens have forced humanity into various locations of hiding, and an evil ancient clan reveals itself. Taking control of sanctuaries all over Earth as Mafia Bosses, Dictators, Conquerors, and other forms of leadership, in an attempt to prove which is the strongest amongst them. After being in hiding for three years, humans have begun to acquire "abilities" just from slaying one of these aliens. Shortly after leaving their sanctuary/apocalypse training academy, two old friends, Katsu and Saku, are matched together not only as an academic team, but choosen by the last surviving "Creator of Humanity". Each one is 'blessed' as the vessels for the universe's contemporary forces and use their unique abilities to achieve their own (secretly combative) goals. Accompanying them is a female descendant of the greatest 'unknown' Scandinavian sword fighter. After being revealed to about her destined lineage, and the lost "mythical" history of her highly respected grandmother from the Viking/Valkyrie Age, Shelly is determined to retrieve all of her slain grandmother's stolen weapons from a both physically and magically gifted covenant of witches. If you have a beloved purpose you can't live without, do you truly have any freedom? If you have complete freedom to do or say whatever you desire, do you truly have any purpose worth caring about? [All art is not done by AI but by my good friend Amon-kun] ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ WARNING/DISCLAIMER: This series spotlights coincidental parallels between various religious scriptures, and scientific theories but is in no way discrediting or belittling the beliefs of others whether that be Creationist or Evolutionist. The views, ideas, and conversations between characters aren't in any way meant to change anyone's beliefs. The conscious use of certain psychological elements from theistic ideology and out of context holy verses is only to support this fictional plot and it's characters. As well as aid the reader as to how one could theoreticize or philosophicize the plot. Instead of using various conflicting ideologies to shame or undermine those who believe, the intention is for deeper thinking and uniting those who believe peace and tranquility between humanity is most important above all.

In a world where the stars themselves bestow power, the heavens have been shattered. Once whole and luminous, the celestial canopy now hangs broken, its pieces scattered across the mortal realm. The constellations—embodiments of strength, wisdom, and magic—lie in fragments, their power unleashed to the world below. What was meant to guide and protect now threatens to tear the world apart. The calamity was the work of Orion the Skybreaker, a celestial turned rogue. In his hunger for ultimate power, Orion shattered the heavens, breaking the constellations. Fragments rained upon the mortal world, granting unimaginable abilities to those who found them. But the power is wild and dangerous, corrupting those unworthy of wielding it. As chaos spreads and factions rise to claim the fallen stars, the celestial council is left weakened, unable to restore the shattered sky. Their only hope lies in a mortal: a young, unremarkable man named Kael. Kael’s courage and resolve catch the attention of Astraea, one of the last remaining celestials, who entrusts him with a sacred mission: to reclaim the fragments, rebuild the constellations, and repair the shattered sky. Kael’s path is fraught with sacrifice. To mend the heavens, he must face the truth about the constellations’ origins, Orion’s betrayal, and the terrible cost of repairing what has been broken. As he pieces together the celestial works, Kael learns that some stars burn too brightly, and some wounds may never heal. Will Kael have the strength to reunite the stars and stop the Void’s return? Or will he be consumed by the very power he seeks to restore? The journey to heal the shattered sky begins here—a tale of courage, betrayal, and the boundless hope that lies within even the smallest spark of light. The Shattered Sky: Herald of the Celestials is an epic fantasy of cosmic proportions, filled with breathtaking battles, intricate power struggles, and a protagonist whose growth inspires as much as it astounds. Prepare to witness the rebirth of the heavens, one chapter at a time.

Hwayeong’s Hilarious Struggle to Flunk Out of the Crown Princess Selection! Hwayeong’s peaceful life is turned upside down when her younger sister, inspired by rumors about the Crown Prince’s less-than-stellar appearance, submits her name for the Crown Princess selection without her consent. For Hwayeong, who loathes the very idea of stifling palace life, it’s a nightmare come to life. So, she comes up with a cunning plan: To delay her arrival at the imperial palace no matter what! However, her carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos when, out of nowhere, a galloping horse nearly tramples her. Furious at the reckless rider, she takes off after him through the bustling streets, her anger fueling every step. It’s only when she skids to a stop, heart pounding, that she looks up and realizes she’s standing before the towering gates of the very place she swore she would never go. “I won’t let this slide. Just you wait!” Confronting the rider later that evening, Hwayeong demands an apology, but instead of showing remorse, he arrogantly dismisses her complaint. Enraged, she impulsively hurls her shoe at his back in an act of defiance. Days later... Her frustration turns to horror when she learns the man’s true identity—he’s none other than the Crown Prince himself, the very focus of the competition she’s been dragged into. Though initially panicked, Hwayeong refuses to give up. Her new goal? Become such a nuisance to the Crown Prince that he’ll have no choice but to kick her out and send her back home! Unfortunately, the Crown Prince has no intention of playing along with her schemes... “You’ll stay here for six full months—completely, properly, and absolutely trapped!” Now caught in a battle of wills, Hwayeong must decide: Can she outsmart the Crown Prince and escape the confines of the palace, or will her rebellion only tighten the chains around her? Text copyright ⓒ 2024 by JeongHyun All right reserved. The Korean edition was originally written by 정현, Korea Translated and Published by We’ve Lab.

Faced with the betrayal of his people and the brutal death of his family, Prince Leo is cast into a world of shadows and blood. His father, King Hadrian, lies dead, and his kingdom is left in ruins. With every ally turned enemy and every corner filled with treachery, Leo is torn between two paths: one driven by a thirst for revenge, the other by the fragile hope of restoring peace to the land. As secrets unfold and the truth of his family’s downfall becomes ever more elusive, Leo must confront a choice that will shape the future of his kingdom. Will he let rage and vengeance consume him, or will the embers of his past ignite a new, unshakable resolve to rise from the ashes and rule with justice?

Theresa was born out of wedlock was taken care of by her mum and grandmother. They moved to the city to find a job she got employed as a waitress in a coffee shop. She had 2 friends in high school, which she spends a lot of time with. She was someone who took studying very seriously and her dream was to be one of the greatest scientists. She got enrolled into one of the top 5 rated schools in the country. She then meets 2 other girls in her dormitory who changed her lifestyle completely to an unacceptable one. This behavior lasted for a long while. She was introduced to a boy by one of her friends. She started spending more time with him than her friends. She was warned by her friends and her mum to be careful with her boyfriend because he might have other plans. She ignored their advice and went on having fun with him. Not knowing he had a bet on her with his friends and she was later raped by her boyfriend when she was drunk. She regretted her actions but couldn’t go back home and to her friend since she abandoned her mum and ignored her friend for a very long time. So, she left home and went to the village to look for job so she can be earning some money. Fortunately, a man offered her a job to work as a vender at one of the markets in the village where she sold fruit and vegetables. There she meets her high school friend who has always loved her. They dated for some time and got married.

When Kael Drayth awakens in a broken world governed by a glitching System, survival becomes his only priority. He doesn’t remember how he got here, but one thing is clear: this isn’t just a game—it’s a death trap where the rules are fragmenting as fast as the reality around him. Assigned the hybrid class Edgeweaver, Kael discovers his abilities are as unstable as the System itself. Shadow-based powers grant him versatility but at a cost: every skill he uses chips away at his health, and every choice pushes him deeper into danger. The System is failing. Nodes, the anchors of this world, are shattering, spawning corrupted creatures, and unleashing chaos across the land. Kael’s only chance of survival is to restore the Nodes while navigating treacherous dungeons, unlocking powerful skills, and forming fragile alliances with sentient NPCs and players—each with their own hidden agendas. But the deeper Kael delves into this broken reality, the more questions arise. Why was he brought here? What is causing the System’s collapse? And who—or what—is the shadowy force pulling the strings behind the scenes? In a world where progress isn’t just survival but the key to reality itself, Kael must outwit deadly foes, master his unstable powers, and rise through the chaos of a fractured system. But every victory comes at a cost, and the line between savior and destroyer is razor-thin. Level up. Adapt. Ascend. Or be consumed by the collapse.

The Patrician aka Desmond is a shadowy figure of power and intrigue, a relic of an age when noble houses ruled with steel and cunning. Once a celebrated warrior and statesman, his life was shattered during a violent uprising that claimed his parents and nearly destroyed his family. Now, he operates in the shadows, pulling the strings of an empire rebuilt on blood and ambition. Cold, calculating, and enigmatic, Desmond will do whatever it takes to protect his two younger brothers—the last remnants of his shattered lineage. With a deadly poleaxe at his side and an arsenal of political manipulation at his disposal, he seeks to entrench his family’s survival within the empire’s very foundations. But as he navigates a world of treacherous alliances and looming conflict, Desmond faces an impossible choice: how far will he go to ensure his family’s safety, and how much of himself will he sacrifice in the process? For readers who crave morally complex characters, high-stakes political drama, and a gripping tale of loyalty and revenge, Shadow Of The Crown promises an unforgettable journey through a world where survival demands both brilliance and ruthlessness.

Dying was no longer a new experience for Lena. After the fifth time, when a malfunction with the toaster had done her in, she started to see it almost as a routine. #Harem

Abandoned on the battlefield, all he could do was endure the hellish life. He had no family to rely on, as they had turned their backs on him. A soul from the battlefield, Lucavion Thorne. But apparently, he was a lot more than a mere soldier, as fate had many things stored for him. A soul from Earth....When they merged, he realized. He was a one-chapter villain whose sole purpose was to serve as a background setting for the protagonist's tragedy. But was he truly a one-chapter villain, or did fate still have some tricks up its sleeve? Watch the story of Lucavion Thorne as he finds the purpose behind his transmigration and discovers his own fate. ---------- One or two chapters daily. Chapter Length 1500-2000 You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available. https://discord.gg/BQRMhDxZr8

In the glittering halls of royalty, power is often born from betrayal, and love can be a dangerous luxury. Gray Montclair, a woman forged by hardship and haunted by secrets, must navigate a treacherous world where family is both her greatest strength and her deepest wound. When the return of a long-lost loved one threatens to unravel the fragile peace between two kingdoms, Gray is thrust into the center of a storm that will test the bonds of loyalty, love, and forgiveness. With her enemies lurking in the shadows and her past refusing to let her go, Gray must decide how far she is willing to go to protect those she loves—even if it means confronting the bitter truth of her own bloodline. Amid whispers of betrayal, the clash of ambition, and the weight of a crown that was never meant to be hers, Gray discovers that the greatest battles are often fought within the heart.

There’s nothing more heart -wrenching than seeing the one you love, betray and forsake you. Zina sacrificed everything she had, including devoting two years of her life to a man who eventually betrayed her. Despite being pregnant with his child, she chose to kick him completely from her life. Few years later, she soared to success as a medical doctor. Alongside her professional recognition, she stumbles upon her hidden identity and a formidable power within herself. Suddenly, Xaden crawls back to her, seeking a place in her life again. And not only that, she finds herself fated to two mates, plunging her into a web of love, deception, and the struggle for forgiveness.

Kaida Storm is an ordinary girl with a vibrant life in the bustling city of Zenith. Raised amidst the mundane joys of her loving family and friends, Kaida believes her life is as regular as the morning sunrise. But an unforeseen accident traps her consciousness in Ethereal Nexus, a VR world so advanced it feels more real than reality itself. In this surreal yet perilous universe, Kaida discovers she's more than just a player—she’s a pivotal force in an ancient conflict between factions vying for control over Ethereal Nexus. The journey unravels secrets about her own existence, the true nature of the virtual realm, and a power dormant within her that could reshape not just the VR universe but the real world. As Kaida oscillates between the desolate reality she longs to escape and the utopian VR world where she thrives, she must grapple with profound choices: Is true freedom an illusion? And does paradise come with a price too steep to pay?

Kaizen Valor, born a prince in the Kingdom of Valeria, he was a child born with everything but felt like it was nothing. He only wanted one thing- Freedom. Little did Kaizen know how hard that word was to obtain... The world Kaizen once knew began to change, but the fire within him— started to burn brighter than ever. In those ashes, Kaizen must find a way to rise, and take back what he thought was a burden, all while the future of the kingdom and the world itself rests on his shoulders.

Lumian Light had always been a boy marked by sorrow. At the age of 12, his world crumbled. His mother was taken from him, and his father abandoned him, leaving behind only the shards of trauma. **December 24, 2222** Lumian found himself growing up in the care of the government federation, a nameless face among countless others. Betrayal came early in life—his only girlfriend played with his heart, discarding him like a passing joke. **December 20, 2227** Life only grew more miserable. On the night of his school’s farewell ceremony, Lumian became the laughingstock of his peers—a disgrace in the eyes of everyone he knew. **January 4, 2228** Broken and hopeless, Lumian had given up on everything. Yet, in the darkness of his despair, a faint memory of his mother’s voice echoed in his mind. Before parting, she had whispered a cryptic last wish: *"Go to the caves of Mt. Atlantas. You will find a wooden house. Save the hanging woman."* It had been six years since that day. The date she had given him—**January 17, 2228**—was now here. Could this journey change his life? Could he rise above his pain and find strength? Was there still a chance to reunite his shattered family? Only time—and courage—would reveal the answers.

In a world shattered by the fall of the Aetherstone, a forgotten soul named Garen awakens once more. Unlike others who are caught in a tragic cycle of reincarnation and rebirth, Garen knows the truth: he is a regressor. A thousand times over, he has lived through the same events, seen the same battles, and ultimately failed. Each time he dies, the world resets, the Aetherstone fractures, and the cycle begins anew. But with each life, he learns, he remembers—and now, he is determined to break free from this endless loop.

Sage and Rosemary, two best friends who are inseparable. after graduating from the academy, their lives are turned upside down by sudden disappearances, murders, and learning their families secrets. While going through different circumstances they wonder who can be trusted, but what happens when they find out their lives are in danger by someone that's suppose to love them.

In the opulent halls of the imperial palace, whispers of a prophecy spread like wildfire—a child born with the emperor's crimson eyes will rise to save the kingdom from an impending crisis. The emperor, known for his cold-blooded rule and fierce loyalty to his wife, Empress Lei Yue, is overjoyed at the birth of his son, who indeed shares his unique eye color. However, the day of the state minister's death brings a shocking twist when the two-month-old prince is stolen from his chamber, leaving the emperor enraged and desperate. Meanwhile, in the 21st century, An Ni, a college student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, is living a life marred by pain and solitude. His adoptive parents, consumed by their hatred for him, orchestrate an attack that results in his untimely death. Unbeknownst to him, An Ni's soul is bound by a mysterious force to the stolen baby, reincarnating him into a world of ancient grandeur and political intrigue. The baby was first discovered by a wolf who believed that A Ni is a baby in need of food and days later he was discovered by Chen Mu, a merchant on the forest near the village, who finds him in a critical condition. Moved by compassion, he adopts the child as his second son, naming him Chen Xuan. Little does Chen Mu know that Chen Xuan is a reincarnated person and the kidnapped prince, whose soul carries the burden of a powerful curse and the fate of the empire. Growing up in the Chen family, Chen Xuan faces the wrath of his jealous elder brother, Chen Bai. With the help of his loyal servants turned clan members—Hong Meng, Zhou Rong, Zhou Bai, Bai Ying, Xiao Cuo Cuo, and the ever-watchful Shi Gu—Chen Xuan begins to develop his own sense of justice and purpose. Despite his cold demeanor, he is deeply loved by these people, who see in him a beacon of hope. He created a clan after his wolf companion ‘The Shadow Wolf Clan’ from that on the clan became the strongest dominating the world… Read more if you want to know >_

Angelus Rathmore, heir to the Sevigoria throne, has been treated unfairly since childhood by his father, the king, who favours his mistresses children over those he had with his queen. His preference for men instead of women sparks a series of events that push out of the shadows and into the light where he aims to fight for his identity and birth right. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse. His first love is married off to his sister in his mother's attempts to protect his secret, and he loses a piece of his soul. This puts him on a path to punish the people who hurt him. When he meets a charming shapeshifter, Cassiel, who offers to put the world at his feet, Angelus finds security in the forbidden spark the male gives him. With magic and the practice of same sex relationships being punishable by death in Sevigoria, the prince and his new lover navigate the challenging ups and downs of their forbidden relationships. Will they find their way to a happy ending?

"You've got to dominate, and I don't care if you're the seventh mundane or not". She spoke with intense gaze rooted on him "Am I?...." "You are the Crown's Mundane". Alvah, the soul of Celestial, son of First Chamber Empyreal of Fire Deivigan Vimal because the first ever infernal who lived anonymously and as the Seventh Mundane. Zillah will be the mediator between Alvah and Tartarus. Costing her life will have to be the priority if Elysian has to be saved but what if Alvah takes the risk instead?. This is a realm of the conflict between Elysian and Tartarus.

[Warning: r18+/strong mature content] He is her salvation. She, his demise. Yet, he refuses to let her go… Mineah, the youngest Princess of Ebodia, was cursed at birth to remain untainted and bring misfortune to those around her. This prophecy looms over her like a dark cloud, growing bigger every year it does not come to pass. She exists in hushed rumors as a pitiful figure - fragile, meek, unwanted. Underneath that mask is a strong and feisty vixen worthy of being a queen. And this would-be queen has set her eyes on breaking her curse, even if that means tricking the most cunning vampire ever born. Nikolai, though reclusive and enigmatic, is revered by the Kingdom of Valcrez as a wise and powerful ruler. Unbeknownst to his loyal subjects, his image of perfection is a web of lies that if exposed can send their kingdom and everything they hold dear crumbling beneath their feet. When these two find their paths crossed in a marriage alliance, the game of Crown's Seduction begins. But just who is the hunter and who is the prey? ******** Excerpt: “Why are you stripping naked in front of me?” she questioned with a frown, doing little to hide the irritation in her voice. Her goal was to capture only his heart, not his whole body! “Am I not allowed to have a bath with my wife?” he remarked with a cold tone. “I purposely asked for a big tub to just make sure that the two of us will fit in it together.” She sighed, not tearing her gaze away from him as she regained her composure. Seeing him smirk she forced herself to get comfortable as he spoke. “That’s more like it. You said it yourself that no one forced you into marrying me. Instead, you offered and volunteered yourself willingly for it, so I expect that you’ll be confident enough to share a bath with your husband,” Nikolai confidently stated. “After all, we’ll do more than this soon enough.” Shameless… Preventing herself from rolling her eyes, she managed to give him a smile as she said, “Don’t blame me if you die on me then.” **** Note: Volume 1: Main Story Status - Completed (Chapters 1 to 403) Volume 2: Side Story Status - Completed (Chapters 404 to 472) Volume 3: Side Story Status - **** PS: Commissioned Book Cover owned by the Author! Do not use it!

“Say you’ll do it.” He choked out, his hands white-knuckling the collar of her night dress. “Promise me.” In that moment Valeria looked at the man in front of her for who he was: the man who, upon his father’s orders, pillaged her country; murdered all disenters; executed her family; manipulated her into signing a marriage pact to save her cousins; instated a military occupation; dragged her to this Mother-forsaken country to make her a spectacle;  and forced her into a marriage she did not want. And yet his worst crime was being a man. Had he been a monster perhaps she wouldn’t have felt sympathy, perhaps she would have laughed in his face while his mother’s blood was still wet on his skin. Mother, perhaps it would have better is she was as apathetic to the world like Elisa, but she was not.  Elisa had been right all along, she gave her energy to people that weren’t deserving of it and some day it would be her undoing. It wouldn’t matter in the end, she had nothing left to give. “Fine.” She breathed. “Say that you will. Say it.” Valeria reached forward and grabbed his jaw to force his eyes to hers. His normally crystalline blue were red rimmed, and his pupils were blown wide- unfocused.  “I will make you emperor.”