The Sacrifice Queen

PROLOGUE

❦❦❦

They say you're an incredibly lucky woman if you become the Thysia or offering to the King. 

You will become the Queen of the entire kingdom, where all your desires and wishes will be fulfilled and granted unto you. You will be renowned throughout the realm, admired, and esteemed by the masses.

Almost everything that most women dream of will be yours.

You'll lift your entire family out of poverty or even ensure that your entire lineage thrives.

There will be no struggle, hunger, or sorrow from poverty, for poverty is the greatest source of sadness in this world.

The King will grant all your wishes, be it gold, diamonds, or even the lives of others. All you have to do is become his Queen to sit beside his majestic throne.

You will have no other task but to lavish him with your love and be his companion and partner.

But a question will linger in your mind before you desire to become a Thysia.

Why has not a single Thysia ever been reported to have left the palace? Why do all Thysias disappear, separated from their loved ones?

Is it truly so difficult to be the Queen and the wife of the King? Why does it seem that while the wealth and prosperity of Thysia's family grow, it comes at the cost of her life?

Will she indeed become a Queen and a mother to the next Prince and Princess?

Or will she become nothing but food and a slave to the King, regarded as a monster by others?

The word Offering.

Offerings of the people who were afraid of being consumed by demons.

CARMELLA'S POV

❦❦❦

I carried the basket full of apples, knowing I still had several stores to visit to supply our goods. I must return home early to assist Mom with household chores.

Before leaving my parents' home, I must first lend them a hand. They're getting older and frequently fall ill, so I must ensure they're in good shape before the King summons me.

"Carmella! Why are you lifting such a heavy load? Do you want all of us to suffer? Tomorrow is your coronation as the Thysia in town, do you even realize that?" I shook my head as Uncle Emir raised an eyebrow.

"You know, uncle, I won't break a bone carrying a basket of apples! I've been doing this for almost ten years." He shrugged and called his youngest son.

I just sighed and rolled up the sleeves of my white polo shirt, which was pristine this morning but now filled with dirt from my work on the farm and in town.

"Cedric! Come here and h