Woven in Stormlight Prologue

The woman arrived in a rush, demanding to speak with the monarchs. The palace staff, caught off guard, only watched as she was escorted to the towering doors outside the throne room. Two guards in black uniforms accented with royal purple and gold stood motionless in front of her. Each held a polished sword, their eyes, as sharp as their blades, scrutinized the woman before them. 

Arms crossed tightly over her chest; the woman tapped her foot. This wasn’t her first time waiting under the guards’ judgmental gaze. But patience had never been her strong suit.

After a tense moment, the heavy wooden doors groaned open, revealing the throne room beyond. Gothic architecture blended with intricate Victorian details, all highlighted in dark gray, guiding the eye to the raised dais on the other end of the room. 

Squaring her shoulders, the woman took a deep breath. Sunlight spilled into the room, reflecting off the gold-framed thrones at the far end. The flag of Wyverna - a purple dragon coiled protectively around the tree of life, set against a sea of black - hung prominently behind the royals, a silent symbol of their authority. 

In the center of the room, the woman dropped into a deep curtsey. Her head lowered to show respect. After a moment, she rose and met the piercing gaze of King Hart. His dark eyes narrowed as they studied her. His short black hair shone beneath the golden crown resting on his head. 

Beside him, Queen Hart sat in regal poise, her hands delicately folded in her lap. Long black hair cascaded past her shoulders, held back by a sparkling tiara encrusted with diamonds that caught the light like stars. 

“I need your help again, your Majesty,” The woman bowed her head, eyes locked on the ornate floor. Her heart raced, a bead of sweat grew on her forehead. 

The King leaned forward, steepling his hands beneath his chin. His sharp gaze pinned her in place. “What’s happened now?” 

“She was selected in the lottery to attend Wyverna University. I didn’t think she’d be chosen. I won’t be able to hide her while she’s there,” the woman’s voice broke and tears spilled freely down her cheeks. Her hands smashed together in a desperate plea as she dropped to her knees. 

The King’s expression remained stoic, though his eyes glinted with intrigue, “What would you have me do? She must attend.”

“I know, but… She deserves a normal life for as long as possible.” Her voice faltered as she looked to the Queen for support. 

The Queen shook her head. “Your desire for her to live a normal life is a delusion. She is too powerful.” A weight settled over the room. 

“She wants normalcy, otherwise she would’ve told me about the powers.” The woman whispered, praying the Queen understood. “She deserves the facade for as long as possible.”

“She is twenty-two. She’s had many years of normalcy.” The Queen sat straighter. “It’s time for her to embrace her powers.”

The King leaned back in his throne, commanding silence. He tapped his fingers in a rhythm on the armrest of his throne. “This changes things.”

“Anything to keep her safe.” The woman’s attention returned to the King. She bowed so low her forehead brushed the cold marble floor. A shiver ran down her spine, her heart pounded, as she waited for his response. 

After a moment of contemplation, the King spoke, “Stand.”

She rose shakily, her head still bowed. 

“The deal you made when she was four, and reaffirmed at eleven, must be altered.” The King declared. He smirked, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. “Her twenty-fifth birthday is no longer the deadline. If you want my men to ensure her safety at Wyverna University, your part of the bargain must be fulfilled by the end of her first year.”

The fleeting hope of a few more years of normalcy for her daughter vanished like smoke. “I agree.” She whispered, almost inaudible, as her heart plummeted.

“Good.” The King’s expression softened, though his eyes remained gleeful. “Rest assured, she will be kept safe. I’ll inform my men.” He waved a dismissive hand. 

“Thank you, your Majesty.” The woman curtseyed deeply before she spun on her heels and left. 

The heavy doors closed behind her with a resounding thud, sealing the new terms into place. What had she just done?