THE KING'S WIFE

As Corolla stood there, her mind racing with questions, Ayden turned to leave. "Wait," Corolla called out, her voice barely above a whisper. Ayden turned back to her, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "What's going on, Ayden?" Corolla asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "What do you mean, my destiny is not what I think it is?" Ayden's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "All I can say is that you're in danger, Corolla," he said. "And the only way to protect yourself is to uncover the truth about your family's past." Corolla felt a chill run down her spine as Ayden turned to leave. "Wait," she called out again, but Ayden was already gone, disappearing into the darkness of the gardens. Corolla was left standing alone, the journal still clutched in her hand. She felt a sense of unease wash over her, and she knew that she had to uncover the truth about her family's past. But where could she start?

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As she stood there, trying to make sense of everything, Corolla heard a faint rustling in the bushes. She turned to see a figure emerging from the darkness. It was a woman, tall and stately, with piercing green eyes. "Who are you?" Corolla asked, her voice shaking with emotion. The woman smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm someone who's been watching you, Corolla," she said. "And I'm here to help you uncover the truth about your family's past." Corolla felt a sense of hope rise up inside her. Maybe, just maybe, she was one step closer to uncovering the secrets that had been hidden from her for so long. But as she looked into the woman's eyes, Corolla saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. Something that made her wonder if she could really trust this mysterious stranger. And as Corolla stood there, frozen with uncertainty, the woman reached out and took her hand. "Come with me, Corolla," she said, her voice low and husky. "And I'll show you the truth about your family's past." Corolla felt a shiver run down her spine as she hesitated, unsure of what to do next. But as she looked into the woman's eyes, she saw something there that made her trust her. Something that made her know that she was ready to uncover the secrets that had been hidden from her for so long. And with that, Corolla nodded, and followed the woman into the unknown. As they walked, the woman remained silent, her eyes fixed on some point ahead. Corolla tried to ask her questions, but she just shook her head, her expression enigmatic.

They eventually arrived at a small, unassuming cottage on the outskirts of the gardens. The woman pushed open the door and gestured for Corolla to enter.

Inside, the cottage was cozy and warm, with a fire crackling in the hearth. The woman motioned for Corolla to sit, and then began to rummage through a small trunk in the corner.

As Corolla waited, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Who was this woman, and what did she want from her?

The woman finally turned, a small, leather-bound book in her hand. "This was your mother's," she said, her eyes locked on Corolla's. "It contains the truth about your family's past."

Corolla's heart skipped a beat as she took the book. It was old and worn, the pages yellowed with age. As she opened it, she saw that it was filled with handwritten notes and diagrams.

"What is all this?" Corolla asked, her eyes scanning the pages.

"It's the history of your family," the woman replied. "A history that has been hidden for centuries."

Corolla's eyes widened as she began to read. The words on the page told a story of magic and power, of secrets and lies. It was a story that challenged everything Corolla thought she knew about her family.

As she read on, Corolla felt her mind reeling. She couldn't believe what she was reading. It was too incredible, too fantastical.

But as she looked up at the woman, she saw something in her eyes that made her realize the truth. This was real. This was her family's history.

And with that realization, Corolla's world was turned upside down. She knew that nothing would ever be the same again.