The kingdom of Thays sat in ruins.

Twenty years ago it was beautiful. I still remember the stories my parents told me as a child. A kingdom that welcomed all of the magical creatures. There would be various kinds of flowers blooming along the stone paths that the townspeople once walked. The sun was bright and cast a glow on the Golden castle that sat on top of the hill overlooking the town. In it was the royal family named Thay. The king and queen were gentle rulers that everyone loved. They listened to the people of the Kingdom and heard all of their cries, creating a sanctuary for the magical beings that the other rulers hunted down.

That was my parent's legacy. I stand here now, as Princess Amiria Thay, the daughter of King Dorian and Queen Maria Thay. I can't help but feel I've disrespected them. My kingdom was invaded and burned down. The place that once oozed quietude was now full of ruins and singed houses. The castle was long abandoned. My parents' grave alongside it.

I stood on the dark stone balcony that gave a gorgeous view of the Kingdom Alther and I appreciated it, but not enough to forget the tragedy it caused my people.

I was betrothed to the firstborn son of King Berdread long ago. I hated him at first. I found Prince Kingston to be very egotistical, lacking knowledge of his Kingdom's dark past, but over the past year, he has proved to be more than that. To be more than his father is.

"The Kingdom offers a beautiful sight," I hear him say before I feel him walk up from behind me and wrap an arm around my waist, pulling me back onto his chest. "It will never be as beautiful as my future queen though."

"You always aim to flatter me, don't you?"

"Should I not," He asked and raised a brow, peeking down at me.

"No," I laugh gently pushing back into him. "Keep doing it. I love it when you compliment me."

"I know you do."

His other arm wraps around my chest and his hand rubs my shoulder. The warm breath from his mouth felt gentle on my neck when he leaned down and kissed it. I never imagined being here. I couldn't see a future with him in the beginning, but he wrapped his hands around my heart and warmed it, causing it to soften for him. Our Kingdoms still war with each other, or at least what's left of mine. The townspeople who had escaped in the initial war are still fighting. While I do my part and try to create peace between us.

His father still rules with an iron hand, but he won't for much longer. Not if we have anything to do with it, because now I have the Prince of Alther on my side fighting with me.