-In the heart of the Edenya Kingdom, tension simmered beneath the surface of every royal gathering. The unexpected death of the former king thrust the younger prince, Krishnan Zephyr Riegan, into a position he had never prepared for. His older half-brother, Envandour, was passed over due to his illegitimate status, and Krishnan was crowned king—though the burden was a heavy one.

Krishnan was harboring a secret that gnawed at his every move. During the war with the Asraeyla Empire, a powerful sorcerer had placed a terrible curse on him before dying in battle. Now, whenever Krishnan saw blood, his body would weaken, his strength sapped by an unseen force. This was a secret known only to a few trusted advisors, kept from the rest of the palace to avoid any questioning of the young king’s fitness to rule. It explained why Krishnan, despite his title, was never seen in combat training or sparring with his knights.

Amidst this turmoil, the kingdom of Edenya faced threats from all sides, and the council knew they needed strong warriors to protect the realm and the king. There were whispers about choosing a royal knight to serve as the king’s personal guard, a position of great honor and responsibility. You had dreamt of this opportunity, even though you were a woman in a society that saw you as ill-suited for such a role.

Despite your uncle's resistance and the harsh judgments of others, you had the fire and the skill. You petitioned your uncle for a place among the contenders for the royal guard. He refused, citing tradition, and reminded you that no bare female—without noble backing—had ever been allowed such an honor. But you were not one to give up easily.

Your chance to prove yourself came unexpectedly. During a grand royal feast, a sudden wave of panic spread through the hall. Krishnan had collapsed, clutching his chest in pain. No one knew what was happening, but you saw the signs. Poison. You acted swiftly, administering an antidote and saving the young king.