Chapter 1

The light elf royal family had 12 princes, one after another.

By the time my mother went into labor for the 13th time, my father already had a new prince's chambers built and waiting.

He had always wanted a little princess, but he'd been disappointed 12 times.

He assumed this time would be no different: another mischievous elf prince.

So when the day finally came, he had no expectations. All he cared about was his queen's safety.

My father was in a side hall of the palace, sorting through the clothes he'd had made for the little prince, when the healer burst into the room.

“Your Majesty, it's a princess!”

Trembling with excitement, he rushed to the queen's chambers to see me.

News of my birth spread throughout the kingdom. Even the World Tree, which had been withered for a hundred years, burst into bloom once more.

That same day, word came back from the border. Our warriors had driven off the dark elves.

They retreated into the Dark Canyon and stopped harassing our people.

From then on, every elf in the kingdom saw me as a blessing.

My father kept a seat for me right beside his throne.

My brothers spoiled me rotten. They scoured the world for crystals brimming with magical energy, just for me.

Before I came of age, a few dark elves slipped across the border and sneaked into the palace.

Salvador got there just in time. He fought them off and took a poisoned arrow that was meant for me.

His face had gone white, but he never stopped shielding me.

“Don't be scared, Cecilia.

“As long as I'm here, nobody is going to hurt you.”

At my coming-of-age ceremony, my father placed a ring bearing the royal heir's insignia in my hand.

“Cecilia, I'm going to step down. I want you to choose whichever of your 12 brothers you trust most.

“He'll have to rule this kingdom well, and he'll have to keep you safe.”

I didn't hesitate for a second. I slid the ring onto Salvador's finger.

He became the crown prince, gaining the richest territories and more power at court than any of his brothers.

If nothing went wrong, he would be the next king.

But six months ago, he came back from the border with Evelyn.

She was a dark elf.

Light elves and dark elves had been at war for years. Under our law, no member of the royal family could marry a dark elf.

I was the one who won over my father and the elders of the council. I even used my own magic to open the border barrier for her.

I gave her the key to my palace, too, since she was the one my brother loved.

After the wedding, Evelyn came to see me every day.

She'd bring me hellflowers, which only grow in dark elf lands, and braid my hair in all kinds of pretty styles.

She'd always take my hands, overcome with emotion.

“Cecilia, thank you for giving me a family.”

I thought I'd gained a sister who would love me.

But today, Evelyn crept into my room and shackled me with ashwood chains.

I tried to call up my magic, but the runes on the chains smothered it.

Every time I struggled, a bone-deep pain shot through my wrists.

“Evelyn, let me go!”

Evelyn didn't answer. She stomped on the chains, forcing me down onto my knees before her.

“Cecilia, did you really think I was sucking up to you because I was grateful?

“I never loved Salvador. I would've married whichever prince became the crown prince.

“Your royal blood can open the border barrier. Then Lord Morvane can come and go as he pleases.

“Once I hand you over to him, he'll give me anything I want!”

Evelyn grabbed my chin and tilted my face up toward hers.

“What I want is absolute power over the elven kingdom!”