Chapter 9

N o matter how exquisite the palace was, the tour of the Ilkanisa was draining Liana’s lifeblood.

It left her on edge and jumpy, and she longed for the clean, open skies of the K’rakian archipelago.

Still, this was her fate, and she resigned herself to it.

Liana spent the next few hours walking through the corridors of the Ilkanisa.

K’Shana and Ja’Kan led her through the grand corridors, showing her the ornate chambers, the sprawling gardens, and the regal throne room where she would one day sit.

Sunlight streaming through tall windows, their footsteps echoing in the halls—all of it felt distant, secondary to the thoughts swirling in her head.

Ja’Kan pointed out the spaces where the royal council met, treaties signed, and battles planned.

K’Shana added her usual colorful commentary, but Liana found it hard to focus on it.

But nothing held her attention for long.

They arrived at the great library—a vast, echoing room with towering shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls.

The scent of old paper and leather filled the air, and Liana felt a sense of tranquility for a moment.

This was a place of knowledge, of history, and it grounded her in a way the rest of the palace did not.

‘Your Majesty,’ Ja’Kan said, ‘this is one of the oldest libraries in the kingdom. It holds the histories of your people, the stories of your ancestors. This is where your predecessors spent many hours. It is a sanctuary of contemplation and wisdom. Perhaps it will bring you some peace.’

Liana ran her fingers along the spine of a worn book, her thoughts finally settling for a moment. She turned to her attendants and smiled. ‘I think I’d like to stay here for a while.’

K’Shana nodded. ‘Of course, Your Majesty. We will be nearby if you need anything.’

As soon as they exited the serenity of the library, Liana sighed, sitting at a table in the center of the room.

Surrounded by ancient tomes, scrolls, leather-bound books that whispered of the past, and the scent of parchment and ink filled the air, settled Liana’s restless mind.

The light filtering through the tall, arched windows cast golden beams across the floor, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the atmosphere.

Here, it was quiet—almost sacred—away from the noise of the world and the responsibilities pressing on her shoulders.

Liana was drawn to the history section, where the stories of her ancestors awaited.

She ran her fingers along the shelves, feeling their lingering energy.

One book caught her eye.

Its gilded title read, ‘ The Kwen?s of Ilkan: Their Triumphs and Sacrifices .’

As she opened it, the pages came alive with tales of queens leading armies into battle, making impossible decisions for the kingdom’s survival. Their bravery and resolve echoed through time, reminding her she wasn’t alone.

Liana felt a deep connection to these women. Their strength filled her with purpose, their struggles and victories becoming hers.

Immersed in the stories, battles, blood, and tears that had shaped her kingdom.

She read about the ancient feuds among the Ilki tribes and between the Ilkanites and Katánians that had raged for centuries.

Hours slipped away, and she lost herself in their tales.

She didn’t notice the passing of time or realize that night had fallen outside and the library had grown dim.

‘Your Majesty?’

A voice interrupted, giving her a slight fright.

She whipped her head around and found Elder K’Lita approaching, her long silver dress swaying behind her.

‘My lady, I came to check on you. K’Shana told me I’d find you here.’

‘I’m well.’

Liana closed the book, half rising from her seat. ‘How can I help you?’

K’Lita came to a standstill before Liana, giving her a slight bow. ‘Have you given thought to the council’s proposal? The armies await your command.’

Liana’s conflict was reflected in her emerald eyes. ‘Not yet. I need to be certain this is my path. Leading our people into war is an immense responsibility.’

‘One that we believe you are destined for. The spirit of King Khiron chose you, my dear. Trust in that.’

Liana sighed, sank back in her chair, and gazed out the window, imagining the turmoil brewing beyond the horizon.

The weight of the suffering in the border conflict pressed upon her shoulders.

Perhaps Khiron saw something in me, she thought. A strength I’ve yet to discover in myself. But what if I falter? What if I lead us astray?

‘I know you have reservations,’ K’Lita said as if sensing her inner doubts. ‘But remember, you will not face this alone. The generals, elders, the armies, the Queens who went before you, and the very spirit of Ilkan stands with you.’

‘I’ve been reading about a long tradition of female rulers,’ Liana said, leaning forward in her seat.

K’Lita smiled, a gleam of approval in his eyes. ‘Indeed, the Ilkanite Kingdoms have a proud history of women in power. For centuries, our Kwen?s have ruled with wisdom and strength, guiding our people through times of peace and strife.’

Liana nodded, lingering on the one thing she’d read about all afternoon: there was always a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.

She pictured her homeland’s verdant fields and shimmering rivers, the resilient people who had endured so much.

They deserved a monarch who would fight for their future and strive to build a just and thriving kingdom.

Can I be that leader? she wondered, her heart quickening at the thought. Can I rise to meet this challenge?

‘I will need more time,’ Liana murmured. ‘Time to reflect, to prepare myself for what lies ahead.’

‘Of course.’ K’Lita bowed her head. ‘The Ilkanisa shall be your sanctuary for as long as you require. May wisdom light your way, my lady.’

As the elder took her leave, Liana turned back to the window, her gaze drifting to the distant mountains. Somewhere beyond those misty peaks, KaKos’ K?str?ls gathered their menace and the fear they hoped to seed infusing the atmosphere.

I must find the strength within me, Liana vowed. To make the right choice for Ilkan and me.

She was so deep in thought that she started at the sound of more footsteps coming her way and the voices of K’Shana and Ja’Kan.

She had to get away from them, from it all.

She ran for the library terrace, seeking fresh air and solitude.

Once there, the skies the Ilkanisa called to her, and on a whim, she transmuted, unfurling her coquelicot wings.

She heard her attendants call out as she leaped into the heavens.

With one look back at their incredulous faces, she shook out her crimson pinions and gained height even as she sought clarity in the air above the golden minarets.