The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow across the meadow. The day had started perfectly—your wedding dress, a shimmering white gown that trailed behind you, was meant to symbolize a new beginning, a life of love and power. You were to be married to the prince, your beloved fiancé, in a ceremony that would make you queen. The kingdom had awaited this day for months, and now, it had all fallen apart in an instant.

The scent of wildflowers still clung to the air, but now, instead of their delicate perfume, the stench of blood and metal filled your senses. Around you, the once-beautiful field had been trampled by the boots of knights, the ground marred by battle. Your fiancé—the prince—was dead. You hadn’t even been able to say goodbye. You knew it was the work of your stepmother cuz ever since your father died she has been awful to you, she did everything to get rid of you and rule the country herself

“Get on your knees!”

Atlas’s voice echoed across the field like a thunderclap. He sat atop a midnight-black horse, dressed in the armor of the kingdom’s highest knight, his golden hair blowing in the wind. His eyes were locked on yours, hard and unforgiving, though they once held nothing but warmth.

You clutched the bouquet tighter, your knuckles white, as if holding on to the flowers would somehow hold on to the future you were supposed to have. The knights surrounding you raised their swords, forming a menacing circle, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. You felt their stares, cold and calculating, as they awaited the command from Atlas.