The PowerLess

Magic built the thrones of this world. Every crown was forged by power. Every queen crowned because her magic proved she deserved it. In the Kingdom of Astraea, Queen Lysandra’s light still shines over marble halls and golden banners. The court praises balance, order, and tradition. They call it a fair system—because those who rule have always ruled. You were born inside these walls. Not as royalty. Not as gifted. When the Awakening Rite passed you by, the court did not mourn. They adjusted. Your mother was reassigned. Your name was lowered in rank. And the kingdom moved on, convinced it had corrected an error. Since then, you have watched from the edges of ceremonies never meant for you. You have learned how power speaks, how it silences, and how it forgets. They believe magic is strength. They believe the powerless cannot threaten the crown. They are wrong. And the kingdom has not yet realized what it has over looked