Chapter 1 The Accusation

Elara learned a long time ago that the palace kitchen was the safest place. It was hot and crowded, but she liked it better than the grand halls where rich people walked around with pride. In the kitchen, nobody cared about her background. She was just Elara, a simple servant. That was exactly how she wanted it.

She stood near a large wooden table, washing heavy pots while cooks shouted around her for firewood and fresh bread. Elara kept her head down and washed the dirt away. Her hands were wet and red from the hot water, but she never complained because complaining only slowed down her work.

A young servant tapped her shoulder. "The head cook wants these plates taken to the eastern hall."

Elara looked at the big stack. "All of them?"

"Yes, all of them."

She wiped her hands on her apron and lifted the heavy tray. The eastern hall was busy because the royal family was preparing for lunch, and many important guests had arrived that morning.

Elara walked carefully through the back door. She kept her eyes low to follow her own rules: do not look at rich people, do not talk unless asked, and stay invisible. Staying invisible had protected her for years.

Inside the hall, she heard young women laughing by the tall windows. She instantly recognized Lady Liora, the daughter of a powerful lord. Liora was rich, beautiful, and hoped to marry Prince Kael. Elara ignored the court gossip, set her heavy tray down, and turned around to leave.

"Wait," Liora called out.

Elara stopped and turned. "Yes, my lady?"

Liora walked up to her and stared at her simple clothes. "Did you touch anything else?"

"No, my lady."

"Are you sure? Because my necklace is missing."

Elara felt her stomach tighten. "What necklace?"

"The silver one I wore this morning. You were in the royal wing carrying breakfast, so you must have seen it."

"I was there, but I did not take it," Elara said firmly.

"Search her," Liora commanded the nearby servants.

Elara took a step back. "You cannot search me without proof."

The room went completely quiet. Elara knew she had made a mistake by talking back, but she was not a thief.

Before anyone could touch her, Prince Kael entered the room. He wore simple royal clothes, and his dark hair was messy. "What is happening here?"

Liora changed her tone immediately. "Kael, my silver necklace is gone, and this servant took it."

Kael looked at Elara. "Did you take it?"

"No, Your Highness. I did not enter her room."

Kael turned to Liora. "We should search your room first before making accusations."

Just then, a noblewoman noticed a piece of blue cloth wrapped around Liora's fingers. Liora suddenly pointed at Elara again. "Now I remember! You were standing near the treasury this morning!"

"I was not," Elara insisted.

Kael watched Elara closely, looking as if he was trying to remember her face. "Search her," he ordered softly.

Two servants checked Elara’s dress and small belt pouch. "She has nothing, Your Highness," they reported.

Suddenly, a servant shouted from across the room. "My lady! Here it is!"

The missing silver necklace with a bright blue stone was lying near a chair. Liora ran over and picked it up. But as soon as her fingers touched it, the blue stone began to glow bright blue.

At that exact moment, Elara felt a burning pain on her wrist. Under her sleeve was a birthmark she had hidden her whole life. Whenever she felt scared, it grew warm, but now it felt like burning fire.

The glowing light from the blue stone stretched through the air, pointing straight at Elara.

"Forbidden magic," a servant whispered in fear.

Elara pulled her sleeve down, but the mark burned so bright that light shined right through the cloth. Prince Kael stared at her arm in shock.

"Elara..." he said.

"Your Highness, I can explain," she stammered, though she had no idea what was happening.

Before anyone could move, the heavy doors opened. King Aldric walked into the hall with his royal guards. He looked at the glowing necklace on the floor, then turned his gaze straight to Elara.

"Who is that girl?" the king demanded.

Elara stood frozen as the magic burned through her body. Her secret was gone, and the king was watching.