(Yadieliz) The afternoon sun streamed through the open windows of the castle, casting a warm golden light over the nursery. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lavender and freshly cut grass from the gardens that wound around the castle grounds. It was a peaceful moment, one I cherished more than anything else in the world. Annaliz, my precious four month old daughter, lay nestled in her crib, her tiny chest gently rising and falling as she slept. She looked like a little angel, her face soft and cherubic, framed by dark curls that reminded me so much of her father, Elijah. How could something so beautiful exist in a world that often felt harsh and unforgiving? My heart swelled with love and a sense of purpose. I'm the Queen, yes, but above all, I'm a mother, fiercely protective o