Chapter 31 – Whispers of a Crownless Heart
A heavy storm rolled across the skies the next morning—thunder echoing like war drums, rain slicing through the heavens. But the palace remained still. Too still.
Prince Kimo stood atop the balcony of his tower chamber, his icy blue eyes scanning the courtyard. His thoughts were loud—haunted by dreams and shadows. His heart, no longer frozen, ached with new warmth... and new fear.
Behind him, Oki entered quietly, the hem of her gown damp from the morning dew.
"You didn't sleep again," she said softly.
Kimo didn't turn. "How could I? The whole kingdom watches me like I'm a threat… or a myth."
She walked closer, slipping beside him. "Let them watch. But when the truth comes… they'll kneel."
He glanced at her, studying her face. "Even you hide the truth."
Oki tensed—but forced a calm smile. "Not because I want to lie. Because some truths can destroy before they heal."
Kimo touched her cheek, his fingers cold but gentle. "Then let me carry the burden with you."
Before she could respond, a royal messenger knocked urgently at the door. "Your Highness—an urgent gathering has been called."
In the throne hall, nobles and soldiers stood stiffly. The king sat, older than ever, his golden crown weighing heavy with guilt.
The queen stepped forward with exaggerated grace, tears sparkling in her eyes. "A dark threat looms over us," she began. "A force that has already crept inside our walls. We were blind—but now, we must act before it's too late."
Her eyes flicked toward Oki.
Murmurs stirred.
A guard captain stepped forward, visibly conflicted. "We… found strange burn marks near the western wall. No signs of enemy presence. Some believe… it was internal magic."
All eyes shifted to Oki.
"She's not even one of us," someone whispered.
"Where did she go during the war?" another asked.
Kimo stepped forward. "She went where none of you dared—into fire and wind, for this palace."
But the room rippled with suspicion.
The queen clutched her chest. "I'm only trying to protect us."
Kimo's voice dropped cold. "From what? Loyalty?"
The king raised a weary hand, silencing them all. "Enough. My son speaks with strength. His trust is my trust."
Oki remained silent, her gaze low… but inside, her spirit burned.
Later that evening, in the stillness of the royal garden, Kimo found her sitting by the moonlit fountain.
"You should have let me defend you," he said.
Oki looked up. "You did. More than I expected."
He sat beside her, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "Tell me… what are you afraid of?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she whispered, "Do you believe in fate, Kimo?"
"I believe in you."
Their eyes locked again. But before the moment deepened, a guard arrived breathlessly.
"Your Highness… a letter arrived from the border."
The seal was cracked. Inside, a single sentence:
"The serpent has begun to coil. The crownless shall rise."
Kimo's jaw clenched.
Oki stood. "It's beginning, my prince."
As the night deepened, the queen stood in her mirror chamber, her reflection whispering back at her in an ancient voice.
"She's slipping through your fingers…"
The queen smiled, dark and bitter. "Then I'll shatter her wings before she takes flight."
To be continued…