CHAPTER 5

In a silent kingdom at night, exactly 20 years ago, when the moon shone brightly in the sky, darkness enveloped the palace. Queen Ravenna, a beautiful but cunning woman who holds complete control in the kingdom, plans a betrayal that will change fate. With a cold heart, she ordered her loyal servant, a woman named Isolde, to commit cruel acts.

The crown prince, a one year old baby, named Prince Alaric, fell asleep in an innocent sleep in his luxurious bedroom. Isolde, who had grown up with the royal family, was supposed to be a trustworthy figure. However, in her hidden heart, Isolde held a grudge against the kingdom and the royal family.

With light steps, Isolde entered the crown prince's room. The softly shining hue of the moon illuminated his dark steps. Meanwhile, baby Alaric was still sleeping in an innocent dream. Isolde, with courage and cruelty that cast shadows in her heart, carried the baby away from her bedroom.

Isolde's footsteps sounded shaky in the dark corridor of the palace. He was trying to sneak out of the palace without leaving any suspicious traces. When passing through quiet alleys, black shadows could be seen covering his steps, as if the universe itself was also witnessing his evil actions.

Isolde arrives at the location Ravenna has prepared to carry out her foul plan. At the edge of a dark forest, he finds a mysterious man who has been hired by Ravenna to complete his task. The man held a sharp weapon and waited with great anticipation.

"He is the crown prince who must be kidnapped and killed," whispered Isolde in a cold tone, although her heart was struck by the cruelty of the plan.

The mysterious man nodded and took Alaric's baby from Isolde's arms. The baby woke up, unaware of the danger that threatened him. Isolde looked into the baby's eyes, trying to suppress the emotional tremors that hit her heart. However, he knew that he couldn't let himself fall in love with the baby.

The mysterious man disappeared into the darkness of the forest, leaving Isolde with a heavy heart. Even though she knew that her actions were part of Ravenna's evil plan, Isolde could not contain the feeling of loss that was growing inside her.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Queen Ravenna laughed cruelly. He believed that by eliminating the crown prince, he could ensure instability in the kingdom and strengthen his power. However, his decision to trust Isolde to carry out his plans may be a terrible mistake that will change the fate of the kingdom forever.

King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina felt the loss deeply after their crown prince, Alaric, was kidnapped that dark night. The palace, which should be full of happiness and joy, is now immersed in an atmosphere of emptiness and sadness.

King Leonidas, known as a wise leader and strong personality, could not hide his sadness. Every step he took in the palace was accompanied by images of loss that made his heart feel heavy. Despite trying to remain strong in front of his people, deep down, he felt haunted by questions about the fate of his crown prince.

Empress Seraphina, a gentle but determined woman, mourned Alaric's loss every day. Her bedroom, once filled with the joy of babies, is now a painful reminder of their lost son. Empress Seraphina can often be found sitting there, reminiscing about happy moments with Alaric.

The sadness of King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina spread throughout the kingdom. The people who felt closely connected to the royal family also mourned and felt the impact of Alaric's departure. Ceremonies in the palace, which were once lively and colorful, were now filled with sad silence.

However, amidst deep sadness, courage grew in the hearts of King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina. Even though the loss has scarred them deeply, they vow to find the courage and strength to face an uncertain future. With one common goal - to recover their crown prince - King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina embark on a long journey towards justice and hope that can bring light back to their kingdom immersed in darkness.

Time passes, and uncertainty continues to surround King Leonidas' kingdom. In an attempt to bring back the light of life that had been lost, King Leonidas summoned his best soldiers to an emergency meeting in the palace hall. The room that should be filled with family warmth, is now filled with tension and worry.

In their shining warrior attire, the knights gathered before King Leonidas who sat on the throne. His face, which was previously full of strength, now radiated worry and sadness. Empress Seraphina sat beside him, the sun that once shone in her eyes, now forgotten by the shadows of loss.

"My loyal soldiers," said King Leonidas in a voice that sounded hoarse due to pent-up feelings. "My crown child, Alaric, has been kidnapped from me. We must find him, bring back the light that has been taken from this kingdom."

The faces of the soldiers united in an expression of despair and anger. Those who have been standing on the front line of the kingdom's defense now feel challenged by this bigger and more meaningful task. King Leonidas continued, "I need every soldier to be ready. Search every corner, explore the forests, and examine the surrounding villages. Find my crown prince, bring him back to me, and we will restore the honor of our kingdom."

The soldiers nodded as a sign of their devotion to the king and kingdom. They left the hall with firm determination, ready to begin their uncertain search. In the middle of the dark night, their steps became traces of hope drowning in the darkness, while King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina waited with hearts full of prayer and hope still shining in their eyes.

The loss of the crown prince had torn Empress Seraphina's heart into countless pieces. The deep sadness brought him into an endless wave of pain. Seraphina, once known as a figure full of gentleness and wisdom, has now fallen into sad silence. Nights and days passed without the presence of the small shadow that once filled his life with joy.

This unhappiness was not only felt in Seraphina's heart, but also had a real impact on her health. His weak body and waning spirit made him sickly. The palace, which was supposed to be a place of protection, is now a silent witness to the suffering of an injured empress.

The hospital in the palace is where Seraphina spends a lot of her time. The palace doctor tried his best to cure the disease that came from a broken heart. However, the loss is too great to make healing a difficult task. King Leonidas saw his wife languish, and his heart was torn at the dramatic change in his queen.

Meanwhile, outside the palace, the concubine Ravenna smells an opportunity to gain more power. Seeing Empress Seraphina's weakness, Consort Ravenna began to poison the minds of the nobles with deceit and intrigue. With her cunning ploy, she spread rumors about Seraphina's inability to fulfill her obligations as empress.

In a luxurious room of the palace, Consort Ravenna meets a group of nobles who are shaken by the loss of the crown prince and Empress Seraphina's inability to carry out her duties. The consort Ravenna, filled with ambition and deceit, saw an opportunity to shake their support for the empress.

Consort Ravenna: (with a sly smile) "Honor your presence, wise nobles. I come with news that may interest you."

Noble 1: "What news do you bring, Consort Ravenna?"

Consort Ravenna: "We all feel sorrow for the loss of the crown prince. However, it is a shame to see that weakness seems to be rampant among us. Our revered Empress Seraphina appears to be no longer able to carry out her duties."

Noble 2: "We understand that the loss is very difficult for King Leonidas and Empress Seraphina. However, how can we be sure that they are still capable of leading?"

Consort Ravenna: "Brothers, the power of this kingdom should remain firm. King Leonidas needs someone who can help him manage this kingdom wisely. Unfortunately, Empress Seraphina no longer seems to have the necessary power."

Noble 3: "What do you propose, Consort Ravenna?"

Consort Ravenna: "King Leonidas needs a strong partner beside him. Someone who can bring strength and stability. I believe, with your support, I can make a great contribution to the glory of this kingdom."

Noble 1: "However, Empress Seraphina is the rightful queen. Replacing her is not an easy decision."

Consort Ravenna: "Of course, the decision was not easy. But we have to be realistic. Do we want to see this kingdom continue to decline into ruin? King Leonidas needs a strong partner, and I am ready to be the empress who will lead him in a better direction."

Noble 2: "You have our support, Consort Ravenna. We wish to see this kingdom recover and shine as it once did."

With the admiration radiated from the nobles, Consort Ravenna gained support