CHAPTER 26: DAUGHTER OF THE CROWN

Days turned into weeks, and the kingdom became tensed up every passing hour. Armies trained harder and strategies changed. Everyone felt it, war was coming.

But while the capital was focused on preparing for the war, Princess Nyella had her own secret mission. She had been slipping out of the palace more often than anyone knew. Not even her mother or Lady Sira could keep track of her these days. She had grown skills at sneaking away.

Her destination? It was the north. Varnmoor. Every time she arrived, her heart beat a little faster. At first, it was out of caution. What if someone followed her? What if they discovered where she was going? But as time went on, the reason her heart raced began to change.

She was always glad to see him. Aeron, with his quiet strength, his raw connection to the dragon within, and the kindness he showed her. Nyella didn’t fully understand what drew her to him, but she felt it deep in her chest. And it was growing.

They’d become fast friends, closer than anyone expected. And whenever she came to Varnmoor, it wasn’t just Aeron waiting. Ronan and Yvarra were also with them sometimes. They welcomed her like one of their own. They’d sit around a fire, share stories, sometimes funny ones, sometimes dark ones and they would laugh until their sides hurt. Sometimes they trained, sparred with wooden swords, or practiced with real blades. Nyella was teaching them that. Other times, they helped Aeron strengthen his bond with the dragon spirit inside him.

It was during these moments that Nyella felt... free. There were no guards. No council. No war talk. Just living a simple, rough, and honest life.

But not everyone was comfortable.

Yvarra had known Aeron since they were children. She had always had a crush on him, admired him, and always wanted to be by his side. But she never told him. Never needed to, until now. Now, Nyella was here. And Aeron, who used to spend his quiet moments alone or with Ronan, had started waiting for someone else.

Yvarra noticed the change first. The way his eyes lit up when he saw Nyella approaching. The way he listened to her was more than anyone else. The way they trained together a little longer than usual, and how they laughed together.

Still, Yvarra stayed silent. She didn’t want to ruin anything. Didn’t want to be the reason the group drifted apart. She swallowed her feelings, wore a smile, and pretended like it didn’t bother her.

Meanwhile, Nyella kept visiting. Even though people started noticing and whispering in the palace. Lady Sira questioned her. Her mother questioned her. "Where are you going?" they asked. "Why do you leave the palace so often?"

Nyella would always answer calmly, "I’m looking for ways to win this war. I need to think away from the noise."

They believed her. Or at least they pretended to. After all, she was the Princess. And in times of war, even a lie told for peace could be forgiven.

But the thing was that Nyella needed Aeron. She didn’t know what would come of it, this strange connection, this friendship that felt like more, but she couldn’t stay away. Not now.

"..."

"..."

The king was in the grand council chamber and around him were the members of his royal council, nobles, lords, and advisors. They all sat at a long table and all fixed their eyes on him, waiting for the meeting to begin.

He didn’t wait long.

"My king," said Lord Daryn Halstone, the Lord of the Coinvault, as he rose from his seat. "It is clear that the war ahead will be fierce. And in such times, history has always shown us that royal blood must lead. It inspires the people. It shows strength. But with all due respect... You are no longer young. And the only heir to the throne is a woman."

There was a murmur among the council, some nodded quietly, others shifted in discomfort.

Lord Daryn continued, "We cannot have Princess Nyella on the battlefield. What message would it send to the men? A woman leading warriors into battle? It may weaken their spirits."

The silence in the chamber grew thicker.

Then, the king rose slowly from his seat. "That," he said, "is the least of our problems. Yes, I am old. My beard is more white than grey. But I haven’t lost my touch with the sword, no. I will not sit on this throne while our enemies approach our gates. I will fight. I will be on the front lines."

The council was stunned by the decision of the king. No one expected him to say that.

King Tharyn looked each of them in the eye before he continued. "And while I march to battle, this kingdom cannot be left without guidance. That is why I will leave the throne in the hands of my daughter. Princess Nyella will sit on the throne in my absence. She will oversee the affairs of the realm."

Immediately, Lady Nymera of House Quaithe stood. "Your Majesty, forgive me, but the princess has never handled matters of state. She is young. And while we respect her name, she lacks the experience this council holds. Would it not be more prudent to leave the regency in the hands of one of us?"

King Tharyn didn’t waver. "I understand your concern, Lady Nymera. But what if something happens to me in battle? This kingdom will not be ruled by you, or any of these lords. It will be ruled by her. She is the heir, and this is the time for her to learn. This is not a debate. It is an order."

Everyone became quiet again.

He stepped forward, closer to the table. "Nyella is not a child. She has strength, perhaps more than any of you see. And she will not be alone. She will have all of you to advise her, to guide her. I expect loyalty and respect, not doubt."

"I trust that each of you will honor your duties to this kingdom. And part of that duty is preparing our future queen."

At that, the councilors slowly stood from their chairs, one after another, and bowed.

"As you command, Your Majesty," they all said in unison.