The sun had just begun its descent, casting an amber glow over the small village of Riverton. Nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, the village was a quiet place, home to simple folk who lived off the land and the river that gave the town its name. Life was predictable here, a steady rhythm of days marked by the changing seasons.
Elise, a young woman of about twenty summers, had known no other life. Her days were spent tending to her family’s modest farm, her hands calloused from years of hard work, yet her spirit remained unbroken. She had always dreamed of something more, a life beyond the fields and the dusty roads of Riverton, but she knew such dreams were foolish for someone of her station. A commoner like her had no place in the world of nobles and royalty.
"Elise!" Her mother’s voice called from the cottage, pulling her from her thoughts. "Elise, come inside! Supper’s ready!"
Elise wiped the sweat from her brow and picked up the basket of freshly picked vegetables. The scent of stew wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. As she entered the small, thatched-roof cottage, the warmth of the hearth welcomed her, and she smiled at the sight of her family gathered around the table.
Her father, a burly man with graying hair, sat at the head of the table, his expression as stern as always. He was a man of few words, but his love for his family was evident in the way he worked tirelessly to provide for them. Elise’s younger brother, Tomas, a boy of twelve, was already digging into his meal, his face smeared with gravy.
"Wash your hands, Elise," her mother chided gently, her eyes crinkling with affection. Elise did as she was told, dipping her hands into the basin of water by the door before taking her place at the table.
"Good harvest today?" her father asked gruffly as Elise served herself a portion of the stew.
"Yes, Father," Elise replied. "The fields are doing well this year. We should have enough to take to market next week."
Her father grunted in approval, and the family ate in comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the room. But as they finished their meal, a loud knock echoed through the cottage, startling them all.
"Who could that be at this hour?" her mother wondered aloud, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I’ll get it," Elise offered, rising from her seat. She walked to the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Visitors were rare in Riverton, especially after dark. She opened the door cautiously, peering out into the fading light.
To her surprise, a group of soldiers stood on the doorstep, their armor gleaming in the twilight. At their head was a man dressed in rich, dark robes, his face hidden beneath a hood.
"Elise of Riverton?" the man inquired, his voice smooth and authoritative.
"Yes, I am Elise," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "What business do you have here?"
The man removed his hood, revealing a sharp-featured face framed by dark hair. His eyes were piercing, and they seemed to see straight through her.
"I am Lord Malric, an envoy of King Aldric," the man introduced himself, bowing slightly. "I have come with a message from the king himself."
Elise’s breath caught in her throat. The king? What could he possibly want with her? She exchanged a bewildered glance with her family, who had gathered behind her, their faces pale with fear and confusion.
"A message… for me?" Elise stammered, unable to comprehend what was happening.
"Indeed," Lord Malric confirmed, his tone brisk. "By royal decree, you are to be brought to the capital immediately. The king has chosen you to be his bride."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Elise could hardly believe her ears. Her, a queen? It was impossible, absurd even. She was nothing more than a farmer’s daughter, a simple girl from a small village. Why would the king, the most powerful man in the realm, choose her of all people?
"This must be some kind of mistake," her father protested, stepping forward protectively. "My daughter is not suited for such a position. She’s just a commoner."
"The king’s will is absolute," Lord Malric replied, his expression unyielding. "He has decreed that Elise of Riverton shall be his queen, and it is not our place to question his decision. She must come with us at once."
Elise’s heart raced, her mind spinning with questions and doubts. She had always dreamed of a different life, but not like this, not so suddenly and without warning. She looked at her parents, searching for guidance, but they were as lost as she was.
"Elise," her mother whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "This is an opportunity, a chance for you to have a life beyond this village. But it is also a great responsibility. You must do what you feel is right."
Elise swallowed hard, trying to steady her nerves. Her mother was right—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it was also terrifying. Could she really leave everything she knew behind to become a queen? Could she shoulder the weight of an entire kingdom?
"I… I don’t know," Elise murmured, her voice barely audible. "I don’t know if I’m ready for this."
"You must decide quickly," Lord Malric urged, his tone impatient. "The king does not like to be kept waiting."
Elise closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. This was her moment of truth, the moment that would change her life forever. She could stay in Riverton, continue her simple life, or she could take a leap of faith into the unknown, into a world of wealth, power, and danger.
When she opened her eyes, there was a newfound determination in them. She had made her decision.
"I will go," Elise said, her voice firm despite the fear that gnawed at her insides. "I will marry the king."
Her family gasped, their emotions a mix of pride and sorrow. They knew this meant losing her, but they also understood that this was her destiny, one she had to follow.
Lord Malric nodded approvingly. "Very well. Gather your things. We leave at once."
Elise quickly packed a small bag, her hands trembling as she stuffed a few clothes and personal items into it. She tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill, knowing she had to be strong for what lay ahead.
Before she left, she embraced her family tightly, not knowing when she would see them again.
"Be brave, Elise," her mother whispered, stroking her hair. "You have always been strong. Don’t forget who you are."
"I won’t, Mother," Elise promised, her voice choked with emotion. "I will make you proud."
With one last look at the cottage that had been her home for so long, Elise stepped out into the night, following Lord Malric and the soldiers. They mounted their horses, and Elise was given a gentle mare to ride. As they set off towards the capital, the village of Riverton slowly disappeared behind them, swallowed by the darkness.
The journey to the capital was long and arduous. Elise had never traveled so far from home, and the unfamiliar landscape only heightened her anxiety. The soldiers were silent, their faces unreadable, and Lord Malric offered little in the way of conversation. Elise was left alone with her thoughts, the reality of her situation sinking in with every passing mile.
As they neared the capital, the landscape began to change. The rolling hills gave way to vast plains, dotted with villages and towns far larger than Riverton. The road became busier, filled with merchants, travelers, and soldiers, all heading towards the city.
Finally, after days of travel, they reached the gates of the capital. Elise’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the towering walls and the spires of the castle rising in the distance. The city was unlike anything she had ever seen—bustling with activity, vibrant and alive. The streets were filled with people, from richly dressed nobles to humble peasants, all going about their business.
"Welcome to Ebonridge, the heart of the kingdom," Lord Malric announced as they passed through the gates. "The king awaits you in the castle."
Elise barely had time to take in the sights and sounds of the city before they reached the castle. The fortress was an imposing structure of stone and iron, its walls steeped in history and power. As they entered the grand courtyard, Elise felt a sense of awe and fear wash over her. This was where she would live, where she would rule as queen.
"Follow me," Lord Malric instructed, dismounting from his horse. Elise did the same, her legs unsteady from the long ride. She followed the envoy through the castle’s winding corridors, her heart pounding with every step.
They finally stopped before a set of ornate double doors, guarded by two soldiers. Lord Malric gestured for Elise to wait as he approached the guards.
"The king is expecting her," he said simply, and the guards stepped aside, opening the doors.
Elise took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She stepped through the doors, entering a grand hall bathed in the warm glow of torches and chandeliers. At the far end of the room, seated upon a golden throne, was the king.
King Aldric was a man in his early thirties, with a strong, commanding presence. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, and his sharp blue eyes seemed to pierce through the distance between them.
King Aldric was a man in his early thirties, with a strong, commanding presence. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, and his sharp blue eyes seemed to pierce through the distance between them. He was dressed in royal garb, a deep crimson cloak draped over his broad shoulders, a gold crown resting upon his head. As Elise walked slowly toward him, she felt the weight of his gaze, as if he were measuring her worth with each step she took.
When she reached the foot of the throne, she curtsied deeply, her heart pounding in her chest. The hall was eerily silent, the only sound the crackling of the torches on the walls.
"Your Majesty," Elise began, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to stay calm, "I am Elise of Riverton, as you requested."
King Aldric studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he rose from his throne and descended the steps toward her, his movements graceful and deliberate. When he stood before her, Elise had to tilt her head up to meet his gaze, her breath catching in her throat.
"Elise of Riverton," the king spoke, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the authority of his position. "You must be wondering why I have summoned you here, why I have chosen you to be my queen."
Elise nodded slightly, too overwhelmed to speak. She had wondered about that ever since Lord Malric had appeared at her door, and now, standing before the king himself, the question burned in her mind.
King Aldric looked at her intently, as if searching for something in her eyes. "There is a prophecy," he began, his tone solemn. "A prophecy that speaks of a queen who would rise from the common people, a queen whose humility and strength would save this kingdom from darkness. For years, I have searched for the one who fits this prophecy, and when I heard of you, a young woman from a small village with a pure heart and an indomitable spirit, I knew you were the one."
Elise’s mind reeled at his words. A prophecy? Could it be true? She had always considered herself an ordinary girl, not someone who could change the fate of a kingdom. She struggled to find her voice, to express the confusion and disbelief she felt.
"But… Your Majesty," she stammered, "I am just a simple farmer’s daughter. I have no experience in ruling, no knowledge of courtly manners or politics. How can I possibly fulfill such a prophecy?"
The king smiled faintly, a glimmer of warmth in his otherwise stern expression. "That is precisely why I chose you, Elise. You are untainted by the corruption and intrigue that plagues the nobility. You are a symbol of hope, of a new beginning for this kingdom. And as for your lack of experience, that can be remedied. I will have the finest tutors in the land teach you everything you need to know."
Elise’s heart raced with a mixture of fear and exhilaration. The king’s words were both a comfort and a burden. She had always longed for something more, for a life beyond the confines of her village, but this—this was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
"I… I don’t know if I can live up to your expectations, Your Majesty," Elise admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But if you truly believe I am the one spoken of in the prophecy, then I will do my best to serve you and this kingdom."
King Aldric nodded, his expression approving. "I have no doubt that you will, Elise. From this day forward, you will be my queen, and together, we will lead this kingdom to a brighter future."
The king turned to Lord Malric, who had been standing silently nearby. "See to it that Lady Elise is properly accommodated and prepared for the coronation," he instructed. "She is to be treated with the utmost respect and given everything she needs."
Lord Malric bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty." He then gestured for Elise to follow him, and she did so, still reeling from the whirlwind of events that had brought her to this moment.
As they left the throne room and made their way through the castle, Elise’s mind was a tumult of emotions—fear, excitement, uncertainty. She had just agreed to become the queen of a kingdom she knew little about, to marry a man she had just met, and to fulfill a prophecy she didn’t fully understand.
Lord Malric led her to a luxurious chamber, far grander than anything she had ever seen. The bed was draped in fine silks, the furniture carved from the richest woods, and the floor was covered in plush carpets. Servants were already bustling about, preparing her bath and laying out an array of elegant gowns for her to choose from.
Elise stood in the center of the room, feeling utterly out of place. She had spent her entire life in a simple cottage, and now she was surrounded by opulence that seemed almost surreal. As the servants attended to her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was living in a dream, one from which she might awaken at any moment.
Once the servants had finished and left her alone, Elise sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts racing. How was she to transform from a farmer’s daughter into a queen? Could she really meet the expectations that had been placed upon her?
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She looked up as the door opened, revealing a young woman with kind eyes and a warm smile.
"My lady," the woman said, curtsying respectfully, "I am Lyria, your personal maid. I am here to help you with anything you need."
Elise offered a hesitant smile. "Thank you, Lyria. I… I’m afraid I don’t even know where to begin. This is all so overwhelming."
Lyria’s expression softened with understanding. "It’s natural to feel that way, my lady. But you’re not alone. I will be by your side to guide you through everything. If there’s anything you need, anything at all, just ask."
Elise nodded, grateful for the offer of help. "Thank you, Lyria. I think… I think I just need some time to process everything."
"Of course, my lady," Lyria said gently. "Take all the time you need. I will be right outside if you require anything."
As Lyria left the room, Elise lay back on the bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling. Her thoughts drifted back to the king’s words, to the prophecy that had brought her here. Could she really be the one destined to save the kingdom? She didn’t feel like a hero, didn’t feel like someone who could make such a difference.
Yet, despite her doubts, there was a flicker of determination deep within her. She had always been strong, always faced challenges head-on. This was no different, she told herself. She would learn, she would adapt, and she would do her best to be the queen the kingdom needed.
As the night deepened, Elise drifted into an uneasy sleep, her dreams filled with visions of the throne, the king, and a shadowy threat looming over the kingdom. But beneath the fear, there was also a glimmer of hope, a belief that perhaps, just perhaps, she could rise to the challenge.
---
The morning came too quickly, the sunlight streaming through the tall windows of her chamber. Elise awoke with a start, momentarily disoriented as she took in her surroundings. For a brief moment, she had forgotten where she was, but reality quickly set in as she remembered the events of the previous day.
She rose from the bed, her heart heavy with the weight of the day ahead. Today, she would be officially introduced to the court, and the preparations for her coronation would begin. The thought filled her with both excitement and dread.
Lyria entered the room with a tray of breakfast, her presence a welcome comfort. "Good morning, my lady," she greeted with a smile. "I hope you slept well."
"Well enough, thank you, Lyria," Elise replied, though the truth was that her sleep had been anything but restful.
As she ate, Lyria began laying out one of the elegant gowns for her to wear. "The king has requested your presence in the throne room this morning," she explained. "You will be introduced to the court, and the official announcement of your engagement will be made."
Elise nodded, her stomach twisting with nerves. "What… what should I expect?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"The court can be a difficult place, my lady," Lyria admitted, her expression serious. "There will be those who welcome you, but there will also be those who will question your place here. It’s important to stay strong and to remember why you are here."
Elise took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She had faced challenges before, and she would face this one too. "Thank you, Lyria," she said, her voice firmer. "I’ll be ready."
Once she was dressed, Elise followed Lyria through the castle’s grand corridors, her footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The weight of the gown and the elaborate hairstyle Lyria had fashioned for her only added to her sense of unease, but she forced herself to walk with her head held high.
As they approached the throne room, Elise could hear the murmur of voices from within. Lyria gave her an encouraging nod before stepping aside to allow her to enter.
The doors were opened, and Elise stepped into the throne room, her heart pounding. The room was filled with nobles, all dressed in their finest attire, their gazes immediately turning toward her as she entered. At the far end of the room, King Ald
ric stood beside his throne, his expression unreadable.
"May I present Lady Elise of Riverton," Lord Malric announced, his voice carrying through the hall.
Elise curtsied deeply, her eyes downcast as she tried to steady her nerves. When she finally looked up, she saw the nobles watching her with a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and, in some cases, outright disdain.
"Lady Elise," King Aldric said, his voice commanding the room’s attention, "you stand before the court as the woman I have chosen to be my queen. I trust that you will all welcome her as you would any member of this royal family."
There was a murmur of polite acknowledgment, but Elise could sense the tension in the room. She knew that her presence here was controversial, that many of the nobles would not easily accept a commoner as their queen. But she also knew that she had no choice but to prove herself worthy of the title.
One of the nobles, a tall man with a haughty expression, stepped forward. "Your Majesty," he began, his tone respectful but laced with condescension, "may we ask what qualities you saw in Lady Elise that led you to this decision?"
Elise’s heart skipped a beat as all eyes turned to the king, waiting for his response. King Aldric’s gaze shifted to her, and for a moment, she felt as though he could see straight into her soul.
"The qualities I value most in a queen," the king replied, his voice steady, "are strength, compassion, and the ability to connect with the people. Lady Elise possesses all of these qualities in abundance. She may not come from noble blood, but she has a noble heart, and that is what this kingdom needs."
Elise felt a surge of gratitude toward the king for his words, but she also knew that this was only the beginning. She would have to work hard to gain the respect and trust of the court, and that would not happen overnight.
The noble who had spoken bowed his head slightly. "As you say, Your Majesty," he conceded, though his tone suggested that he was not entirely convinced.
King Aldric nodded, satisfied with the response. "The preparations for the coronation will begin immediately," he announced to the court. "In the meantime, I expect you all to extend the same respect to Lady Elise as you would to me. She is to be treated as your future queen."
With that, the king turned to Elise, his expression softening slightly. "Lady Elise, I trust that you will take this time to familiarize yourself with the court and its customs. If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Elise replied, curtsying once more.
As the king dismissed the court, the nobles began to disperse, many of them casting curious glances in Elise’s direction as they left the throne room. Elise remained where she was, feeling a sense of relief that the ordeal was over but also a lingering apprehension about what lay ahead.
King Aldric approached her, his demeanor less formal now that they were alone. "You handled that well," he said, his tone encouraging. "I know this is all new to you, but you have a natural grace that will serve you well."
Elise smiled faintly, grateful for his reassurance. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best to learn and to be the queen this kingdom needs."
"I have no doubt that you will," the king replied, his gaze steady. "We will face challenges, but together, we can overcome them."
Elise nodded, feeling a sense of resolve settle over her. She had been thrust into a world she did not fully understand, but she would rise to the occasion. She had to—for herself, for the king, and for the kingdom that was now her home.
As she left the throne room, Elise couldn’t help but feel that her life had truly begun anew. The road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to walk it, no matter where it might lead.