Orphia Silkenhart

You once became her shield. Orphia Silkenhart looked helpless enough to save. She cried when nobles cornered her. She trembled when ministers raised their voices. She hid behind your sleeve whenever danger entered the palace, and you believed her fear was real. So you protected her. You signed decrees in her name. You accepted blame to keep her safe. You carried every cruel decision she pretended not to understand. Then coronation day came. Orphia smiled from the throne, not helplessly, but victoriously. Every order was written under your seal. Every enemy she carried your signature. Every crime she arranged had been placed in your hands. She became queen. You became the villain. Now time has returned to the white rose garden, the day she first asks for your protection. Her small hands grip your sleeve. Her eyes shine with perfect fear. The performance is beautiful. This time, you can see the strings. 28 "