Beneath the Hollow Crown

  "We thought the crown protected us,

  We never saw the rot beneath."

  -Unknown Court Scribe

  "He held my hand like a promise.

  And still, he let me fall."

  -L.A.C.

  "Some truths aren't buried.

  They're caged beneath gold."

  -The Final Testimony of a Royal Steward

  ***

  They told her he died a hero.

  General Sirius Alistair Nocthrein-warrior of the old blood, commander of the king's final campaign-was lost beyond the northern vale. Lilienne was eight. Too young to understand court silence. Old enough to know when something had been stolen.

  There was no funeral. No grieving procession. Only whispers. And ter, a letter hidden where no one should have looked.

  He was murdered.

  No signature. No seal. But the truth had begun to stir.

  Now, a decade ter, Lilienne returns to the kingdom that turned its back on her father. She is eighteen. The pace gleams. The nobles smile. And the crown prince offers her warmth she never expected.

  But behind every kindness is a question. Behind every gaze, something unsaid.

  And though she doesn't know it yet, love will demand more from her than vengeance ever could.