Chapter 11
Surrounded by armed soldiers, Eric, Cynthia, and Philip prepared for battle. But to their surprise, the soldiers stepped aside, parting to form a pathway. Then, a familiar figure emerged—an older man with kind eyes and a sorrowful expression. Cynthia gasped.
He walked forward and embraced her tightly.
"My sweet girl," he whispered. "We've missed you so much. Your people have been waiting for your return. Ever since the Dark Tribe breached our thorn wall and took your parents and many of our noble men and women, we've been like sheep without a shepherd."
He raised his voice, addressing the crowd.
"Rejoice! Our queen has returned! Let all the people celebrate!"
The soldiers and villagers cheered. "Long live the queen!"
"Come, sweet girl," Uncle Den said, leading her toward the palace.
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Cynthia's Thoughts (Cynthia's POV)
Uncle Den… He was always my favorite. He brought me gifts, took me to the White Stream, told me the most magical stories. I felt safer with him than even my parents sometimes. My mother always called him husband jokingly, and though I knew he wasn't my father, I called him Uncle Den. Those memories are all flooding back now—and for a moment, I feel found again.
But there's something off. Eric doesn't seem to like him. And honestly, something doesn't feel right.
I still remember what happened nineteen years ago… That evening, I was in my room while my father met with his council. Suddenly, darkness fell—so thick we couldn't see each other. I heard my mother screaming. Swords clashing. Then a knock on my door. I was terrified. A strange coldness covered my body—and the next thing I remember, I was in Tryzo.
Now I understand… that was the night they took my parents. That was the night everything changed.
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Back in the Nature Palace, everyone seemed joyous. But my father's throne sat empty—and I remembered a rule: only those of royal blood could sit on the Thorn Throne, or they'd be struck down.
So... does that mean my parents are truly gone?
Then I noticed the man seated beside Uncle Den—a Dark Tribe leader. Why is he here?
Eric and Philip refused to eat, though they mingled politely. I couldn't ignore my questions any longer, so I pulled Uncle Den aside.
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The Uncovering
"Uncle," I said quietly, "does this mean my parents are truly gone? What really happened that night? And why is a Dark Tribe leader sitting next to you? How did they even breach our defenses? Why is everyone acting like nothing happened?"
Uncle Den's face grew somber. He cleared his throat.
"My dear Cynthia," he said, "we mourned your parents long ago. And we still mourn. But we had to protect what was left. The king—my brother—was killed that night. I arrived too late to save him. Since then, we've done all we could to fortify our community."
He glanced back at the celebration.
"To keep the peace, we formed a treaty with the Dark Tribe. The man beside me is their leader. He's been... an ally ever since."
Before I could respond, Eric stepped out from the shadows. His voice was sharp and cold.
"You made a treaty with the ones who murdered your king? With the same people who plunged your land into darkness?"
Den flinched slightly at Eric's tone. I turned to him, heart pounding.
"Uncle," I asked, "why weren't you in the palace that night? Why did you move on so easily—making peace with our sworn enemies? The joy I see in this palace doesn't belong to a grieving kingdom."
Den's smile returned, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"My little princess... that's how fate works. If I had been in that meeting, they would have killed me too. But fate spared me. We made the treaty to prevent more bloodshed. The universe has changed. The Dark Tribe controls more than you think—ask the Ice Prince. He knows."
He moved closer, voice lowered.
"What you must do now is take the crown, bless it, and hand it over to me. The Dark Tribe knows you've returned—that's why their leader is here. If you cooperate, you'll be under his protection."
Cynthia narrowed her eyes. "Are you threatening me?"
"No, my daughter," Den said, "I'm trying to protect you. The world is in chaos. We need to choose the winning side."
Eric stepped forward, his voice sharp.
"And if she doesn't want to give up her father's throne?"
Den didn't answer.
Cynthia stepped between them, her gaze locked with Den's.
"What if I refuse to give up the throne? Will you kill me like you killed my parents?"
Green energy surged around her, glowing and fierce. "Go ahead,
Uncle. Try it. But if you don't kill me now... I swear, I will come for you."