Two weeks had passed since Valerie had become the king’s chosen, and in that short time, her life had transformed entirely. She and her mother now lived in the higher quarters of the palace, their days brighter, their nights safer—or so she thought. The king’s attention came without warning, summoning her whenever he pleased. They played chess, walked the gardens, shared quiet conversations—but always, the underlying power of his presence reminded her: refusal was not an option. One word, one hesitation, and both she and her mother could have lost everything.Yet, despite the fear, a strange sense of belonging had settled over her. For the first time, she felt seen, desired, and protected, even as she knew the precariousness of her position.The palace whispered its secrets, and the news of the king’s new mistress traveled faster than she could imagine.When the king left the palace for a two-day hunt, Valerie thought a brief reprieve might come. She had not counted on the queens. Th
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