Evelyne had tried to push away her doubts. Aldric was kind, charming, and patient. He gave her space when she needed it and listened when she spoke. He was everything a future king should be.

And yet, she still felt the weight of unseen eyes in the night.

Alec had vanished. Since the day of Aldric's arrival, she had not seen a single arrow, heard no whispers in the wind. The forest felt emptier without him.

The wedding was held in Caldris' grand cathedral, a spectacle of gold and crimson. Nobles from across the land gathered to witness the union. Evelyne stood at the altar, adorned in silk and jewels, her heart pounding.

Aldric smiled at her as he took her hand. "Are you ready, my love?"

She forced a smile. "Of course."

The vows were spoken, the rings exchanged. When Aldric kissed her, the crowd erupted in cheers. Evelyne belonged to him now.

And she had never felt more alone.

---

The years passed, and Evelyne played her role well. She was the dutiful wife, the poised princess. But the walls of the castle felt like a prison, colder than even her childhood home.

Then, one night, everything changed.

Aldric stormed into her chambers, his face pale with fury. His fingers trembled as he held an old parchment, its ink faded with time.

"Is it true?" he demanded.

Evelyne frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He threw the parchment onto her lap. She picked it up, eyes scanning the words. A family tree. Bloodlines traced back centuries. And at the very bottom, her name—connected to another she had only heard whispered in legend.

Aradon the Dark.

Terror seized her. "Where did you find this?"

Aldric's voice was ice. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that you deceived me. You carry the blood of a monster."

Evelyne shook her head. "I didn't know—"

"You expect me to believe that?" His eyes burned with betrayal. "You are the last descendant of a cursed line. A threat to my kingdom. To my people."

He turned sharply, striding toward the door. "The council will hear of this. By morning, you will stand trial for treason."

Evelyne's blood ran cold. "Aldric—please—"

But he was already gone.