(Within the Castle of the Kingdom of Earnest)

  Far to the north stood the Kingdom of Earnest, a land of unparalleled wealth and exclusivity.

  Its towering golden spires pierced the skies, a symbol of its riches.

  But within the gilded walls, there was no place for commoners; not even a single night could be afforded by those outside the noble class.

  Here, every loaf of bread, every sip of wine, and every breath of comfort was reserved for the elite.

  On the balcony of the queen's chamber, a young knight gazed out over the lavish kingdom.

  Xavier Edwards, a man of honor and bravery, had earned his place in this world of wealth.

  Known for his daring feats in battle, he had been rewarded not just with titles but with the personal favor of Queen Jasmine herself.

  As the morning sun bathed the city in gold, Xavier watched the kingdom's daily rhythm unfold: merchants preparing for trade, children heading to their private academies, and soldiers indulging in wine before their morning drills.

  He sighed, reflecting on the life he had been born into and the choices that had brought him here.

  "Enjoying the view, my champion?" Jasmine's voice was soft, almost hypnotic, as she appeared beside him.

  She kissed his cheek gently and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder.

  "Milady," Xavier began, his tone both respectful and conflicted, "I apologize for not waking beside you. I was... thinking about the consequences of my actions. Your husband is a powerful man, and I am risking my—"

  Before he could finish, Jasmine placed a finger on his lips, "Shhh," she whispered.

  "My husband is away, and he won't touch you. I'll make sure of it." Her lips brushed against his neck as her fingers trailed down his chest, "Now, come back to bed. Let me enjoy my champion while I can."

  Xavier hesitated but ultimately nodded. "As you wish, milady."

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  The two returned to the queen's bedchamber, the silken sheets and golden décor a stark contrast to the turmoil in Xavier's heart.

  As they lay together, Jasmine broke the silence.

  "Do you know why I became the queen of this kingdom?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and bitterness.

  Xavier shook his head, "No, I assumed you came from a noble family and that the king saw you as a valuable match."

  Jasmine laughed softly, a sound that was both enchanting and sorrowful, "The truth is far less romantic. Lorenzo didn't want a noblewoman. He'd had bad experiences with the elite, women who called him fat and ugly when he was younger. When his father's health began to fail, he needed a wife to secure the throne. So, he went to the common lands and played a little game to find 'the fairest of them all.' I was chosen because I was naive, someone he could mold and control. To him, I was nothing more than a simple sheep."

  Her tone grew colder as she continued, "But those years with him opened my eyes to the true nature of this kingdom. Lorenzo hides behind his wealth and the reputation of being the 'savior' of Earnest, but in reality, he's just as corrupt as the system he claims to uphold."

  Xavier furrowed his brow, unsure of what to say, "Why are you telling me this?" he asked cautiously.

  Jasmine leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "Because I've found my new king. You. Together, we can tear down this corrupt kingdom and build something better. A land without class divides. A haven for those who stand against the Heavenly Army."

  Xavier's eyes widened in shock, but the weight of her words quickly turned his expression to one of sadness.

  He turned his gaze back to the city below, "I can't do that," he said quietly.

  Jasmine frowned, her voice softening, "Is this about Patricia?"

  Xavier's shoulders tensed, and he nodded, "The king helped me find her. He even paid for her treatment when she become mad, now she is recovering at William care. How could I betray him after that? I don't deserve the throne, and I don't see myself as worthy of being your king."

  Jasmine moved closer, resting her head against his shoulder, "What if I told you that Axel might attack us? That we're already on his list because of what Lorenzo's father did to his kingdom?"

  Xavier's eyes narrowed as he turned to her,"What?"

  Jasmine placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him, "Lorenzo envies Axel. He's been obsessed with the stories of Axel's travels, his conquests. He wants to make Axel his royal advisor. But don't be fooled—this isn't about peace. It's about power. He wants to use Axel to elevate his own status."

  Xavier's frustration boiled over. His fists clenched, and his eyes shimmered with a faint rainbow glow, the magic within him responding to his emotions. "You're saying he's willing to risk the kingdom's safety for his own vanity?"

  Jasmine cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze, "We can stop them together," she said, her voice filled with conviction.

  "Your heart burns with the desire for justice. I know it does. I see it every time you look at me, every time you think of what happened to Patricia. Let's end the corruption in this kingdom. Let's create a new world—together."

  Xavier's resolve wavered as he stared into her eyes, the weight of her words sinking deep into his soul.

  He knew she was right. But was he truly ready to pay the price for ambition?