Thalia, a young psychologist with a troubled past is transported back in time, where she must navigate a kingdom ruled by a cunning lord and a melancholic king, all while confronting her own inner demons.
Episodes release every Thursday at 9:00 am EST. This is Episode 5 of 7.
CW: depression, suicide, violence, alcoholism
NEXT EPISODE
Princess Elara had not only been King Alexander’s fiancé but his first love. The couple had been engaged as young teens and found comfort in each other’s presence, craving an escape from the loneliness of the palace.
The king, once a sickly prince, found in Elara a reason to look to the future with confidence instead of submerging himself in the usual contempt and fear that ate at his heart.
She was the only one that did not mind that he was not like the other young royals. That he lived in gloom instead of the world of a sparkling youth. She did not care that he pondered, rather than spoke, sat silently rather than played, and that his mind was sickly, weak, and fragile as glass.
But one foggy night, the princess had been found face down, floating in the court pond by an attendant. Her budding life had slipped away under the angry shadow of the silver, crescent moon. And the king, at the time a prince, would never be the same.
But nowhere had King Alexander killing his fiancé been mentioned in the book. Or maybe Thalia had not gotten to that portion of the ancient volume.
“How did you kill her?” Thalia asked cautiously, as they made their way back to the palace. Her shock had been replaced by curiosity.
The king pursed his lips and seemed to be fighting a battle within himself. He did not want to show this side of himself to her.
“I gave her a task that was too large for her to handle,” he said, trying to hide the trembling of his voice. “I told her to ask for the freedom of my subjects that were being held as prisoners by her people.”
“Then why do you wish to ask for forgiveness?” asked Thalia. “Why do you seek forgiveness from her murderers? Why–”
“They had no choice but to have her killed,” the king interjected. “She tried to free them against her father’s wishes. And that is considered high treason.”
“Do you actually believe that?” asked Thalia. “That they had no choice?”
The king was silent for a moment. “Do not trust me. Do not rely on me. If you are ever in danger, I can not protect you.”
“I don’t need you to protect me,” said Thalia. “But the kingdom would benefit, if you learned how to protect yourself.”
“She died by the garden,” the king continued wistfully. His train of thought had shifted. “That was her favorite place in the palace.”
Thalia was silent for a few moments. “Let’s go to the garden,” she said.
“The garden is forbidden,” the king said woefully. “I can never look at it the same. Not after what has happened.”
“It’s been fifteen years,” Thalia replied. “Forgetting the garden is as good as forgetting her. Do you wish to do that?”
The king held her gaze and for once Thalia did not look down. She would do what she knew how to do best. She would guide him on the path of healing. But whether she would be successful, she did not know.
Thalia viewed this as a second chance. She had been unable to save Nisa but maybe she would be able to save the king of this unfamiliar, distant land.
“The court physician says that I have a glass heart,” said the king as the two waded through the palace gardens.
Tall, lush, greenery served as protection against the harshness of the blazing sun as gentle flora danced against the swirling current of the wind. The humming of the birds and fairy-like dragonflies served as the garden’s own personal song, drowning out any dismal thoughts possessed by the visitors. It was not hard to see why Princess Elara had treasured the place.
“I know the cure,” Thalia said as they walked side by side. She smiled at the king playfully.
The king stopped walking and turned to her with interest. “What is the cure?”
“Sharing your words with me,” said Thalia. “Letting yourself relax. Taking a walk through the gardens.”
The king smiled. “Does that mean that I’m already being cured?”
Thalia laughed. “If you reduce your daily wine intake, then maybe.”
The king bent down and gently pulled a yellow flower by its root. He placed it in the palm of her hand.
“Here. A gift.”
Thalia held it, cupping the flower and its wet soil in her hands.
“Not many can say that they have received a gift from the king.”
Thalia looked up at him and smiled.
“You look radiant,” the king said as he gazed down at her face. “Thalia—”
His next words were cut off by the whizz of an object as it sped through the air.
Thalia jumped in front of the king but it was already too late. Blood blossomed on his chest like a crimson flower, soaking into brown earth as he slumped to the ground. Within seconds, the garden was flooded by the palace security team, herbs and young blossoms getting flattened beneath their feet.
Thalia attempted to explain what had happened but she was roughly dragged away, kicking and screaming.
Later that evening, when Thalia was thrown into the throne room, she was surprised to see that the king was present. He looked regal, sitting up in his throne, though his face was still a bit pale. She let out a sigh of relief. The injury had not been fatal.
The court officials were gathered once again and Lord Malgor stepped out from among them.
He addressed the king.
“Why were you in a cursed area of the palace grounds, your highness?” Lord Malgor turned to glare at Thalia. “The Great Shaman has already advised you to avoid the gardens.”
The king was silent for a moment before answering. “Does a king need to explain himself to his subjects?”
Lord Malgor bowed his head. “If the king wishes to be just.”
Thalia wondered where Lord Malgor had gained the confidence to speak to the king in such a frank manner. Who was this man? How did he get away with such behavior? There had been little mention of him in the ancient book.
“If she can see the future, then why did she not know that an arrow would pierce the royal flesh of our respected ruler?”
Lord Malgor’s gold amulet once again caught her eye as he moved around animatedly.
“She is a traitor. A traitor and a fraud.”
The court officials murmured in agreement as the word “traitor” had sent a flurry of excitement among them. It had been a while since there had been a scandal in the court. And scandals bred the gossip that they so desperately wished to share.
The king leaned back into his throne, resting his chin on his hand. “Then what do you propose I do?”
“Have her hanged,” said Lord Malgor. “She has failed at her duty. She has failed to protect you, your highness. And that is the most unforgivable treason of all!”
Thalia held her breath as King Alexander turned and looked her in the eyes. Surely, he would save her. Just as she was trying to save him. Although, he might not have noticed.
“Your proposal…” Thalia felt the king’s eyes burning deep into her soul. “It is accepted.”
Thanks for reading!
Don't forget to like, comment, and restack if you enjoyed this episode!
You can subscribe to read more episodes for free!
NEXT EPISODE