CHAPTER 1: FORBIDDEN LOVE

Althea sat in her chambers, staring out the window at the beautiful kingdom of Aradia. She knew that as the princess, she had a duty to her people, but she couldn't help feeling trapped.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," she said.

Kael, the handsome commoner who worked in the palace, entered the room. Althea's heart skipped a beat as she saw him.

"Princess Althea," he said, bowing respectfully. "I have a message from the king."

Althea nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. She knew that her father would never approve of her feelings for Kael.

As Kael handed her the message, their hands accidentally touched, sending a jolt of electricity through Althea's body. She looked up at Kael, and saw the same longing in his eyes that she felt in her own heart.

But before they could say anything, there was a knock on the door. "Princess Althea, the king requests your presence in the throne room," a guard said.

Althea sighed, knowing that she had to go. She looked at Kael one last time, and saw the same sadness in his eyes.

As she made her way to the throne room, Althea couldn't help but think about Kael. She knew that their love was forbidden, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to him.

When she reached the throne room, her father, the king, was waiting for her. "Althea, I have important news," he said. "We have received word that an evil sorcerer named Lucius is planning an attack on our kingdom."

Althea's heart raced. She knew that Lucius was one of the most powerful and dangerous sorcerers in the land. "What can we do?" she asked.

The king looked at her sternly. "We must prepare for battle," he said. "And we must be vigilant against any threats to our kingdom, including forbidden romances."

Althea felt a sense of guilt wash over her. She knew that her father was referring to her relationship with Kael. She tried to hide her emotions, but she knew that her father was watching her closely.

As the meeting ended, Althea made her way back to her chambers. She knew that she had to be careful, but she also knew that she couldn't ignore her feelings for Kael.

As she sat alone in her chambers, Althea made a decision. She would do whatever it takes to protect her kingdom, but she would also follow her heart. And if that meant risking everything for her forbidden love, then so be it.