The Duchess Who Defied Fate

Chapter 1

Aurora stared at the man standing before her-King Lucian Du Maurier of Sylvaris-as he addressed the court, listing the crimes she had allegedly committed.

"Lady Aurora Ambrose is accused of practicing forbidden magic, torturing innocent victims to gain power within the kingdom, the attempted murder of Queen Bella Du Maurier, and the murder of Queen Bella's unborn child."

The court listened in stunned silence. Gasps echoed throughout the hall as the audience heard the heinous accusations against Lady Aurora, all supposedly driven by her infatuation with King Lucian Du Maurier.

Aurora's thoughts shattered as she heard the final verdict.

She would be executed at sunset.

Escorted from the courtroom to the royal prison, Aurora sat alone in her cell, reflecting on the choices that had led her here-the deaths of her parents, the downfall of her duchy, and the countless schemes she had orchestrated over the years.

Hours later, she heard the rattle of keys.

Looking up, she saw a soldier unlocking the cell door while two others waited to escort her to the execution grounds.

As she walked toward the scaffold, memories of her parents flooded her mind-their warm smiles, their laughter, and the love they had once given her.

Kneeling before the executioner's block, Aurora gently rested her neck upon the cold wood. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Mom, Dad, please forgive me," she whispered. "I wish I could turn back time and change the fate of all our lives. I'm sorry."

As the executioner's blade fell, Aurora closed her eyes and surrendered to an endless darkness.