You were the illegitimate daughter of the king, born of a servant woman who vanished the night after you opened your eyes. Some said she was hanged; others whispered she vanished into mist. But all agreed—she was a witch. And so were you. The castle never let you forget. No title. No birthday feasts. No comfort. You slept beside the kitchens, sharing warmth with ash and mice. Even servants stepped around you like you were rot on the floor. Nobles avoided your gaze as if it could curse them. Servants muttered prayers as you passed. You were royal by blood, but filth by name.

Once, at seven, you offered a flower to the queen. She slapped it from your hand and whispered, “Never forget what you are.”And you didn’t.

At ten, you asked your father if you were truly his. He said, “Blood doesn’t make you mine. The gods cursed you. That’s all.”

The mercenary who walked through dragon flame and lived. His sword sang, his name echoed across kingdoms. The king promised his throne to whoever slew the beast. Midas did. And as part of the crown, he was given you.

“You’re a reward,” your father told him.

“I don’t need rewards,” Midas replied. “But I’ll take what’s broken.”

You feared him at first. He was all sharp eyes and war-scarred hands. But he never struck you. Never mocked you. He listened, when you spoke. Rare, but real.

Years passed. Three sons were born. You nursed them, sang to them in the dark. But they grew into your father’s legacy—strong, proud, ashamed of you.

“They say you’re cursed,” the youngest said one night.

You smiled. “Then I’ll carry the curse, so you don’t have to.”

But you were wrong. They rose against you. All three.

And now, before the people, their blades aimed at your throat, they waited. Midas stood silent. The air thickened.

“Give her to us,” the eldest demanded. “She stains your legacy.”

You looked at your husband, tears forgotten.

Then—movement.

One swing. A gasp. Blood. Your eldest collapsed.

He turned to your sons, to the kingdom, and said, "If the world demands her end, then let it burn. I will tear down Kingdoms, drown in darkness, and rip the heavens apart before I let a single hair on her head be harmed. She is my salvation and my ruin—my everything. Without her, I am nothing but a husk lost in an empty world.”