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The aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly baked bread. I took a moment to savor the ambiance before rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.

I decided to make a simple yet hearty meal: roasted chicken with garlic and thyme, accompanied by a side of sautéed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. I began by selecting a plump chicken from the larder, washing it thoroughly, and patting it dry. I rubbed it with a generous amount of olive oil, then seasoned it with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.

Sliding cloves of garlic under the skin, I placed the bird in a roasting pan and put it into the oven.

Next, I turned my attention to the vegetables. I chose a colorful assortment: carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. I chopped them into even pieces, ensuring they would cook uniformly. In a hot skillet, I melted a knob of butter, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent it from burning. I tossed in the vegetables, stirring them occasionally until they were tender and slightly caramelized.

A sprinkle of salt and a dash of black pepper completed the dish.

For the mashed potatoes, I selected the finest russet potatoes, peeling and cubing them before boiling them in salted water. Once they were soft, I drained them and added a generous amount of butter, a splash of cream, and a pinch of nutmeg. Using a masher, I blended the ingredients until the potatoes were smooth and creamy.

The kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering scents of my cooking. I plated the food meticulously, arranging the chicken and vegetables with care. Sitting down at the wooden table, I took a moment to appreciate my efforts before digging in.

Each bite was a small comfort, reminding me of the simple pleasures in life. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling of longing for Seraphina. I missed her presence, her strength, and her unwavering support. But I knew that I needed to stand on my own, at least for now.

After finishing my meal, I cleaned up the kitchen, washing the dishes and wiping down the counters. With a full stomach and a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to explore the castle further. There had to be evidence somewhere that could help me understand what was truly happening in the eastern province.

The castle was vast, with countless rooms and corridors. I started my search methodically, moving from room to room. The library seemed like a good place to begin. It was a grand room, filled with towering bookshelves that reached the ceiling. The scent of old parchment and leather-bound volumes filled the air.

I scanned the shelves, looking for anything that might provide clues about the province's troubles.

After an hour of fruitless searching, I moved on to the council chambers. The room was imposing, with a long, polished table and high-backed chairs. Tapestries depicting scenes of battle and peace hung on the walls. I rifled through drawers and examined documents, but nothing stood out.

Next, I ventured into the less frequented parts of the castle, where dust and cobwebs hinted at years of neglect. In a small, dimly lit room, I found a chest filled with old letters and maps. As I sifted through them, my heart raced. Some of the letters discussed the financial struggles of the eastern province and hinted at corruption within the castle walls.

I carefully examined each letter, noting the signatures and dates. It became clear that the queen had been diverting funds meant for the province to her own coffers. The maps showed areas where resources had been depleted, further evidence of the queen's mismanagement and greed.

My pulse quickened with each new piece of information. I was getting closer to uncovering the truth. As I gathered the documents, a noise behind me made me jump. I turned, my heart pounding in my chest.

There, standing in the doorway, was the queen. Her eyes blazed with fury, and her presence filled the small room with a palpable sense of menace.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, her voice cold and sharp.

I swallowed hard, clutching the papers to my chest. "I'm searching for the truth. The people of the eastern province are suffering, and I intend to find out why."

The queen stepped closer, her expression darkening. "You have no right to interfere in matters that do not concern you."

"These matters concern everyone," I replied, mustering as much courage as I could. "The people deserve to know the truth."

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The queen's lips curled into a sneer. "You are meddling in things beyond your understanding. You are not fit to rule, and you will only bring ruin upon us all."

I stood my ground, meeting her gaze with determination. "I will not stand by while innocent people suffer. I will do whatever it takes to help them, no matter the cost."

The queen's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of uncertainty. But then her expression hardened once more.

"You will regret this," she hissed, her voice low and menacing. "I will make sure of it."

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving me standing there, clutching the documents that held the key to the province's salvation.

With the documents clutched tightly in my hands, I hurried through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. My heart was pounding, but I knew I needed to find Nara. She was the only one I could trust to help me make sense of the evidence I had found. I made my way to the training grounds where Nara often spent her time.

As I approached, I saw her practicing with her blade, her movements precise and powerful.

"Nara!" I called out, my voice shaky with urgency.

She turned, immediately sensing the seriousness in my tone. "Elara, what is it?" she asked, sheathing her sword and striding over to me.

"I found these in a hidden room," I said, holding out the documents. "They prove that the queen has been diverting funds meant for the eastern province. The people there are suffering because of her greed."

Nara's eyes widened as she took the papers from me, quickly scanning their contents. "This is serious, Elara. We need to act fast."

"I know," I replied. "We need to find a way to expose this corruption and help the people of the eastern province."

Nara nodded, her expression grim. "We'll need to be careful. The queen won't take this lightly. We should gather more evidence and allies before confronting her directly."

Just as Nara finished speaking, the door to the training grounds burst open, and the queen stormed in, flanked by guards. Her eyes locked onto the papers in Nara's hands, and her face twisted with rage.

"You dare to defy me, Elara?" the queen spat, her voice filled with venom. "Hand over those documents immediately."

I stepped in front of Nara, trying to protect the evidence. "No, your Majesty. The people of the eastern province deserve to know the truth. They deserve better."

The queen's eyes narrowed, and with a swift motion, she reached out and snatched the documents from Nara's grasp. "You are a fool, Elara," she hissed. "You think you can undermine my authority? You will regret this."

Before I could react, the queen produced a small, ornate lighter from her pocket. She flicked it open, and the flame danced menacingly in the dim light.

"No!" I shouted, reaching out to stop her.

But it was too late. The queen held the papers over the flame, and they quickly caught fire. The edges curled and blackened, the incriminating evidence turning to ash before my eyes. I felt a surge of helplessness as the last remnants of proof were consumed by the fire.

The queen dropped the smoldering ashes to the ground, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. "You have nothing now," she said coldly. "You are powerless."

I stared at the ashes, my mind racing for a way to salvage the situation. But the queen's guards stepped forward, blocking any chance of retrieving what was lost.

Nara placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, her grip firm. "We won't give up, Elara," she said quietly. "We'll find another way."

The queen's eyes glinted with satisfaction as she turned to leave. "Remember this, Elara," she said over her shoulder. "You cannot win against me. This is my realm, and I rule it as I see fit."

With that, she strode out of the room, her guards following closely behind. I stood there, my heart heavy with the weight of our loss. But Nara's presence beside me reminded me that we still had each other, and together, we would continue to fight for justice.