Chapter 2
For months, Elena recovered in the Northern Palace.
Emperor Liang treated her with kindness.
"You may stay here as long as you wish," he told her.
"Why are you helping me?" Elena asked.
Liang smiled.
"Because someone once saved my life. I believe debts should be repaid."
Slowly, Elena learned the truth.
Her father had never betrayed Adrian.
The evidence had been forged.
Someone inside the royal court had manipulated Adrian.
One evening, Liang entered Elena's garden.
"I have received news from the south."
Elena looked up immediately.
"What happened?"
"King Adrian is preparing for war."
"Against you?"
Liang nodded.
"He believes we kidnapped you."
Elena laughed bitterly.
"He threw me into a river."
Liang hesitated.
"Then perhaps it's time he learned the truth."
Years passed.
Elena became Liang's closest adviser.
The people adored her intelligence and compassion.
When Emperor Liang suddenly fell ill, he shocked the entire empire.
In front of thousands of nobles, he announced:
"I name Elena as my successor... and future Empress."
The court erupted.
At that exact moment, messengers arrived.
King Adrian had invaded the Northern border.
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And he was marching directly toward the capital.
END OF CHAPTER 2.
