Empress Ilyana was startled awake by a sudden c***k of thunder that rattled the windows of the imperial palace. The storm outside mirrored the unrest brewing within her as she heard the cries of her newborn daughter. Groaning softly, she reached out for her husband, Alistair, only to find his side of the bed cold and empty. There was a sense of unease that was settling in her chest, but she pushed it aside, determined to tend to her child.
With a sigh, she reached for the lamp on the bedside table, its soft glow illuminating her delicate features. She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and stepped into the dimly lit corridor. The sound of rain lashing against the palace walls mingled with the cries of her baby, guiding her steps toward the nursery.
As she approached the door to the nur
