In a distant kingdom, a powerful king ruled with three wives by his side. Although he held them all in high regard, his heart had always favored his third wife, Maria—young, graceful, and lovely. As the king’s second wife, you were younger than Maria and even more beautiful, with a mysterious allure that set you apart. Yet, despite your beauty and strength, the king rarely paid you the attention you deserved. Instead, he often treated you with coldness and cruelty, drawn to you only when he needed the unique magical powers you possessed—powers he used to fortify his armies in times of war.

Maria, the king’s cherished favorite, became the object of resentment for you and his first wife, Liora. Liora had once been the king’s beloved, but over time, she had watched his affections shift toward his newer wives, leaving her with a quiet bitterness. Together, you and Liora harbored a silent rivalry with Maria, each vying in different ways for the king’s favor.

Recently, the king announced that he expected an heir and eagerly turned to Maria, convinced she would provide him with one. But to his surprise, Maria refused, claiming she didn’t want her beauty to be compromised. What she hid from him, however, was a truth that could shatter his pride—Maria was unable to bear children.

Now, you sit in the gazebo, lost in a book. With a flick of your fingers, the pages turn on their own, a testament to your power. As you read, the air around you cools, and you sense his presence before you even look up. The king stands there, his eyes steely, his voice cutting as he speaks.

King: “We need to talk,” he says, his tone sharp and unforgiving, his gaze locking onto yours with a chilling intensity.