ã€ŠThe Mage and Iã€‹


 Chapter 1: The Princess in the Tower

    In the Empire of Crystalia were many palaces. One of them was the Sapphire Palace¡ªone of the grandest and most beautiful palaces built in the empire. The architecture and gardens were inspired by the realm of Sapphiria, a close friend and ally of the Crystalian Empire. It was beautifully embellished with gold and jewels, but mostly sapphires. Anyone who visits is in awe of its majestic beauty. The Sapphire Palace was where the former King Aurelius resided whenever he came to Crystalia. Now, it is the current residence of Princess Eternia Seraphina of Sapphire, princess of Crystalia.

    Princess received her name from her father, King Aurelius. Her name meant eternity and fiery. Despite being born a girl, her father gave her a name fit for an empress. She wasn¡¯t first in line for the throne. She had two older siblings before her. There was a Prince named Octavius and another named Cassian. Unfortunately, the heir died at birth, and the other just a year after its birth. Desperate, the king and queen tried for another and Eternia was born. She was poisoned, unfortunately, and was only saved thanks to her father¡¯s magic.

    The King and Queen divorced shortly after. It was said the reason for their divorce was the fact that the Queen was unable to give the King an heir¡ªa male heir to be specific. Once the settlement was done, the King left his beloved daughter in the hands of his ex-wife, Queen Marcella. He would¡¯ve brought her with him, but the law states that she is to remain with her birth mother until she¡¯s twelve.

    Eternia was the very image of her father. She had a pair of sapphire-blue eyes and midnight-black hair. She even had the same star-like birthmark on the back of her shoulder. She was the painful reminder of the Queen¡¯s first marriage, and for that, the Queen neglected her. And so, the sweet princess was given to an army of maids and knights to tend her in the Queen¡¯s stead. Days turned into nights and months into years. The princess grew up to be a healthy five-year-old.

    ¡°Princess!¡± called the maids worriedly. Today was a very important day. It¡¯s the annual visit of King Aurelius¡¯ emissary. If the King found out his daughter was missing, it could start a war. The King, after all, has no heir but the princess. It seems that the current queen of Sapphire is also unable to give him an heir.

    All the maids and knights scoured the palace. Of course, Queen Marcella was already notified, but she couldn''t care less about her daughter¡¯s disappearance. The Queen was too busy doting on her youngest. Little did she know that the emissary was no emissary, but her previous husband, the King himself.

    Aurelius stepped out of the carriage in disguise as a common knight along with his friend and guard, Sir Magnus. They were received by the Sapphire Palace immediately and were thrown into a drawing room to wait.

    ¡°My King,¡± said the secretary, Sir Theodore, ¡°Have you heard? No one knows where the princess is.¡±

    Aurelius¡¯ eyes were cold and empty like a bottomless ice pit. It immediately sent shivers down all their spines. He knew this would happen. That at some point, the court of Crystalia would fail to protect and take care of his daughter once he¡¯s gone. That enraged him.

    ¡°Shall we look for the princess ourselves?¡± asked Magnus, ¡°I¡¯m certain we could find her easily.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the Queen notified of her daughter¡¯s disappearance?¡± asked Theodore.

    Magnus sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I have been coming here every year to check on the child and not once was the Queen present at the visit. I doubt that her grace cares for the King¡¯s daughter.¡±

    Hearing them babble about made Aurelius¡¯ mood sour even more. The reason he came here was because of the spy he planted in Crystalia. He says that the princess was in deep neglect and often shoved in the palace. On top of that, he heard rumors of assassination attempts on the child. ¡°I¡¯m going to search for her,¡± he said, standing up.

    ¡°We¡¯ll search as well,¡± said Theodore, ¡°Surely if the princess is missing, we¡¯ll be the only ones capable of finding her.¡±

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    ¡°Do what you want,¡± said Aurelius, dismissing them. Exiting the drawing room, he noticed the many changes that had fallen on the Palace he once called home. It appears that furniture and portraits that were from his marriage were thrown out of the main palace and brought here. He stopped in the hallway, staring at the portrait before him¡ªhis wedding portrait. Although it hasn¡¯t been that long, it sure felt like a lifetime ago. They were young and happy in a way he couldn¡¯t explain. The smiles on both their faces were proof enough that they were at some point in love. He shoved the memories at the back of his mind and continued the search. He walked until another portrait stopped him. Well, it wasn¡¯t a portrait. Rather, it was the cloth that they carried Prince Octavius in.

    Aurelius could remember that day vividly. He was so happy and grateful to be a father. The baby was small and had a powerful cry. Unfortunately, the baby died in his arms. The physicians say it''s due to it being born prematurely. The baby didn¡¯t develop enough to survive in their world. He was crushed beyond words could describe and his wife was devastated. Aurelius wiped the stray tear falling from his eye, again shoving the past where it belonged.

    ¡°Y-you¡¯re majesty!¡± one of the maids recognized him, immediately bowing at his feet. It was none other than Lady Jessica, a friend of Marcella. Jessica was appointed to care for Eternia once the divorce was finalized.

    Aurelius met her gaze and he walked towards her. His hand clenched his sword tighter with every step he took. With one swift move, his sword landed at the base of her neck, cutting her skin lightly. ¡°Some nerve you have to show your face to me knowing you¡¯ve failed at your job severely,¡± he said through gritted teeth, ¡°Friend or not, you¡¯ve committed treason by failing to care for and protect my child.¡±

    ¡°Y-your majesty,¡± she says, ¡°Please forgive me. I assure you that the princess is safely in the palace. She often disappears due to the lack of attention from either of her parents. I assure you, she emerges once she intends to be found.¡±

    Aurelius sheathed back his sword, allowing Jessica to stand. ¡°Lady Jessica,¡± he says coldly, ¡°Allow your Queen to know that his Majesty, the King of Sapphire, is here to ensure that his daughter is safe. Tell her I¡¯m more than prepared to go to war if she doesn¡¯t show her face.¡±

    ¡°Y-yes, your majesty,¡± she said before running off.

    He shook his head. After searching the palace through and through, he still found nothing. Then it hit him. There was still the tower. It¡¯s highly unlikely for a child to be there since the tower is sealed and only magic-wielders of a certain lineage can enter. Sighing, he entered through the hidden door in the wall. The tower was dark and was only lit up by a few candles and blue flames. Endless books and artifacts were scattered everywhere like a whirlwind had gone through it. Then he heard it¡ªa giggle of a child. His pounding heart then started to calm as the giggles grew louder.

    Midnight-black hair and blue energy. His eyes darted at the little girl who was playing with a spirit fox and a spellbook. Soon, her sapphire eyes met his and her smile dropped into a feeling of shock and slight terror.

    ¡°Eternia,¡± he called out.

    The little girl stood and gave the king a low curtsy. ¡°Your majesty,¡± she greeted, meeting his gaze. She was incredibly well-mannered for her age.

    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± he asked, kneeling to level with her. He held her hand to assure her no harm would be done to her.

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± she replied, ¡°You¡¯re my father, King Aurelius of Sapphire, former King Consort of my mother.¡±

    Aurelius wasn¡¯t at all pleased at what he saw. She was a small and skinny child. She should be healthy as a princess and heir. This¡ªher health and appearance¡ªis of a peasant. ¡°What are you doing in the tower, little one?¡± he asked finally, ¡°and who¡¯s this you¡¯re playing with?¡±

    ¡°I come here,¡± she replied with a grin, softening her father¡¯s heart. ¡°I come here when I want to be alone. I mean, I¡¯m always alone, however, I come here to practice magic. This is Whisper. I called upon her.¡±

    ¡°Do people know you come here often?¡± he asked, ¡°It¡¯s dangerous in the tower, you know? Some say there¡¯s an evil spirit hiding here.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Adrian?¡± asked the princess.

    ¡°Adrian?¡± the King asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s the little boy in the tower. I met him when I followed him here,¡± she explained, ¡°He¡¯s not evil. He¡¯s just a kid.¡±

    Nodding, the King picked her up in his arms. As expected, she was incredibly light. ¡°Everyone is looking for you, Princess. Adrian and Whisper can follow later. Right now, we have to go and talk to your mother.¡± That said, they appeared in the drawing room in a flash. Aurelius placed her gently on the chair and immediately asked the servants to bring in some tea and cakes.

    ¡°Your grace,¡± Theodore greeted, ¡°You found the Princess.¡±

    ¡°Who else would find her but her father?¡± said the King, shaking his head in disbelief, ¡°Eternia was in the tower of all places.¡±

    ¡°The home of the evil spirit?¡± asked Magnus.

    ¡°That¡¯s Adrian!¡± said the princess, ¡°He¡¯s my friend. He¡¯s just a kid like me!¡±

    ¡°The monster has taken the form of a child, I believe,¡± concluded the King, ¡°Anyway, when shall the Queen arrive? I¡¯d like to have a word with her regarding my daughter¡¯s safety and well-being. All of this is unacceptable.¡±

    As if on cue, the doors flung open and the Queen entered. She looked the same as the day he last saw her¡ªbitter and full of rage. ¡°King Aurelius,¡± she greeted, shaking his hand. Her eyes then darted at her daughter, ¡°Princess.¡±

    ¡°Good day to you, Mother,¡± Eternia smiled.

    ¡°Leave us,¡± the King ordered and everyone vanished leaving the family alone. Here it is. The confrontation. What lie and excuse could Marcella have to get away from this now?

 Chapter 2: Family Reunion

    Marcella never expected the visit of her previous husband, Aurelius. He was so eager to have a male heir; she never thought he¡¯d care this much to visit his only surviving heir. She imagined that after their divorce, he¡¯d leave her be and never return. So the amount of shock that surged in her body upon learning his arrival was deadly. Her ex-husband isn¡¯t always cruel, but he is a monster when he intends to be. If he was Prince Charming, why would they divorce in the first place? Not that she¡¯s entirely flawless. She neglected her child; she admits that. But how could she take care of a child that reminded her so much of the pain of their past? A child that looked so entirely like the man who broke her heart?

    Quiet. Everyone was silent. It was more deafening than any child¡¯s cry.

    Eternia sat properly, hands over her lap, avoiding either of her parents¡¯ gaze. She knows what¡¯s bound to happen anyway. She heard the stories. They¡¯re about to go on a full-blown fight.

    ¡°You look well,¡± Aurelius complimented, pointing at Marcella¡¯s belly. ¡°Marriage must be good for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, King Aurelius,¡± Marcella responded, ¡°You don¡¯t look bad yourself. Your new Queen must be making you happy.¡±

    ¡°Are you?¡± he asked, ¡°Happy¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, ¡°I am. My husband seems to cherish me. As you can see, I¡¯m pregnant with our third child. The magicians claim it to be another girl.¡±

    ¡°So happy that you neglected our child?¡± Aurelius¡¯ eyes turned cold, ¡°I understand that you now have a duty to your new husband and family, but we have a daughter who also needs your care. So, why is it that you neglected her throughout the years, huh?¡±

    It was Marcella''s turn to become cold. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious, your grace?¡± she scoffed, ¡°This girl resembles you. I don¡¯t want to remember you.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s as much as yours as she is mine, Marcella!¡± he snapped, ¡°She¡¯s skinny. I found her in the tower, for god¡¯s sake! Do you even care that she¡¯s in there? Do you intend for her to die just as our children before her? What kind of mother are you?¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re a perfect father?¡± she growled, ¡°You decided to divorce me because I couldn¡¯t give you a son. This girl wasn¡¯t enough for you that¡¯s why you left!¡±

    ¡°You gave me two sons, Marcella,¡± he corrected, ¡°But it¡¯s your fault they died. Even Eternia¡¯s poisoning all those years ago was your fault! I didn¡¯t leave you because you couldn¡¯t give me sons; I left you because you failed to protect our children! God knows I would¡¯ve taken our daughter with me, but your laws forbade me from doing so!¡±

    Eternia watched as everything unfolded before her. The anger¡­ the rage¡­ the pain both her parents felt. ¡°Father,¡± she said, standing up. ¡°Please don¡¯t fight anymore. Mother is with child and isn¡¯t in the condition to argue.¡±

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    Marcella shed a tear, immediately wiping it from her cheek. She was too pregnant for this. She didn¡¯t want this. She doesn¡¯t care to be called a horrible mother, she just can¡¯t be in the same room as these people. ¡°If you want her, take her, Aurelius,¡± she offered, ¡°She¡¯s of course, welcome to stay in this palace, however, I can never love her. She¡¯s better off with you.¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± Eternia cried, trying to reach for her mother¡¯s hand. Unfortunately for her, her mother wants nothing to do with her.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t care about Eternia?¡± Aurelius asked, placing his hands over Marcella¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You don¡¯t care if I take her? You don¡¯t care that she¡¯s the legal heir to both our thrones? You don¡¯t care if she dies in that tower?¡±

    ¡°Would you crown her?¡± she mocked, ¡°She¡¯s not the son you so crave.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s our daughter, Marcella,¡± he says, ¡°Whether I have a son or not, she¡¯s mine. I would always care if something happens to her. Even if she reminds me of you, I¡¯d still care!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t care for her because remembering you is too painful, Aurelius,¡± she said honestly, ¡°I once thought I couldn¡¯t live without you¡­ Now, I can¡¯t live being reminded of you and what you put me through. I don¡¯t want her, Aurelius. And yes, she is the heir to my throne, but I don¡¯t have to take care of her. Besides, anything could happen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re counting on her death; is that it?¡± he growled, ¡°Mark my words, Marcella. So long as I live, no harm will befall our child. No matter how much you despise us, she will live and she will become queen.¡±

    ¡°Take her,¡± she says, ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for everyone to prepare everything. As soon as you leave, the palace will be closed until she returns. Just promise me that I never have to worry about you causing trouble again.¡±

    ¡°You hate us that much?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied without hesitation, ¡°I want to close our chapter, Aurelius. God knows I can¡¯t since we have a child¡­ But until she ascends my throne, I¡¯d like to keep this book on the shelf.¡± That said, the queen left leaving the king and his child.

    Aurelius looked at the crying child. She was a silent crier. He knelt down and held her hand. ¡°I apologize, Princess. You shouldn¡¯t have had to hear your parents fight like that.¡±

    ¡°Mother doesn¡¯t want me here,¡± she cracked.

    ¡°No,¡± he said, wiping the tears off her face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you were born into a family like ours¡­ Being a royal isn¡¯t easy. Having us as parents is a nightmare, too. I do promise you this: You¡¯ll be taken care of at Sapphire. You¡¯ll learn and have some friends. You¡¯ll be loved.¡±

    ¡°Do you love me?¡± she asked.

    Aurelius felt a shard in his heart. His immediate reaction was to pull the child into his embrace. ¡°Of course, I love you, my princess,¡± he said, ¡°Had I known sooner of how terrible they¡¯ve been treating you, I would¡¯ve come to get you long before.¡± He just held her like that for a while. Soon, the child fell asleep in his arms. He sent her back to her chambers while he remained in the drawing room with his friends.

    ¡°That was chaotic,¡± Theodore commented.

    Magnus agreed, ¡°I could hear both of your voices from the other room. I could only imagine how awful it must¡¯ve been for your daughter.¡±

    Aurelius chugged on his liquor. He knew Marcella hated him, but to take it out on their daughter? He didn¡¯t think she¡¯d go this far. Did he hurt her that much to drive her that far? She¡¯s not the only one who got hurt, though. He did too. She killed their children.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Theodore asked, ¡°Are we taking the child?¡±

    Magnus hit him hard in the head. ¡°Are you an idiot?¡± he glared, ¡°Of course, we¡¯re bringing the child with us! She¡¯s the only heir we have. The future of the Sapphire rests on that baby¡¯s shoulders.¡±

    ¡°Sorry I asked,¡± said Theodore, ¡°I¡¯m just curious about how the Queen will react to this.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll do well to accept the child since she herself can¡¯t give me one,¡± said Aurelius.

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t marry for love, did you?¡± said Theodore.

    Aurelius shook his head, taking another drink. ¡°My first marriage was out of love,¡± he reminded them, ¡°Need I remind you how that ended?¡± Sighing, he threw a chest at Magnus. ¡°We¡¯re taking that with us along with a few other things on the morrow. Prepare the staff.¡± That said, Aurelius vanished into the shadows to God knows where.

 Chapter 3: Goodbye, Crystalia

    Eternia, Aurelius¡¯ beloved daughter, was woken at dawn to prepare for their departure. The child was no doubt depressed about their family reunion and the sudden decision to leave the palace she recognizes as ¡°home.¡± This, to her, was obviously a banishment from her cruel mother. The mother she longed for wished to love her just as she loved her other sisters.

    Lady Jessica, the woman who practically raised her, dressed her in the royal family colors¡ªcrystal blue and white. This day she truly looked the part as the heir to the Crystalian Throne. She brushed the princess¡¯ long locks of straight hair and styled it in two pigtail buns. She placed crystal hairpins on both sides of her head and for the finishing touch, pinned a silk ribbon over her chest. Despite what Aurelius thought, Jessica truly cared for the child. She loved Eternia as though she was her own.

    ¡°Will I ever see you again, Lady Jessica?¡± sniffled Eternia. She clutched the stuffed fox that was given to her on her first-name day.

    Jessica embraced the child. ¡°My sweet Princess Eternia,¡± she says, ¡°I believe it will take a long time before we meet again. But do not fret. Sapphire is a beautiful realm and you will be loved. I shall write to you often and will wait for your return as the heir and future queen of the Crystalian Empire.¡±

    ¡°Mother won¡¯t miss me, will she?¡± asked the child, ¡°She ever wanted me in the first place.¡±

    ¡°Your mother loves you, Eternia. The feeling is just buried deep within her that she cannot reach it,¡± she lied.

    Eternia was smart beyond her years. Lies, to her, are like windows¡ªshe could see past them. And though she knows that Jessica said that to comfort her, she only felt worse. ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie, Lady Jessica. I know my mother loathes my existence. She said it herself.¡±

    Jessica shook her head and changed the subject. ¡°Look on the bright side, Princess. Your father loves you,¡± she says, ¡°The King came all the way here to find you.¡±

    ¡°And yet I will never be enough because I am not the son he craves to have,¡± she replied, eyes losing their light. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Lady Jessica. You don¡¯t need to say things to make me feel better.¡±

    Before Jessica could respond, the doors flung open and the King entered. ¡°Your royal Highness,¡± she bowed, presenting the princess. ¡°She¡¯s ready.¡±

    Aurelius gave a nod of approval. ¡°How is your neck, Lady Jessica?¡± asked the King.

    ¡°T¡¯is fine, Your Majesty,¡± she replied, ¡°May the heavens grant you safe travels as you set forth for Sapphire.¡±

    Aurelius looked at his child. She looked like him, yes, but the sadness in her eyes was the very sadness he saw in her mother¡¯s all those years ago. He knelt down and held her hand. ¡°We¡¯ll be going to Sapphire now, Princess. It will be your new home.¡±

    ¡°What about my friend, Adrian?¡± she asked, ¡°and Whisper?¡±

    ¡°They can come along too,¡± he said carelessly.

    ¡°Really?¡± a boy appeared out of nowhere. He was small and about just a few inches taller than his daughter. He had curly brown hair and a pair of red, ruby-like eyes. He was handsome and adorable like a young prince. The boy held the spirit fox in his arms with a bored expression all over his face.

    ¡°What the,¡± the King gasped, hiding his shock almost instantly.

    Eternia grinned. ¡°Adrian!¡± she hugged him.

    The boy struggled to escape her grasp. ¡°My name is Adrian,¡± he introduced himself, ¡°We met before.¡±

    ¡°Have we?¡± asked Aurelius, trying his best to recall.

    ¡°You were just a boy then,¡± replied Adrian, ¡°You came to visit with your family.¡±

    Then it hit him. The boy¡¯s voice did sound familiar. But if he was the same person he met all those years ago, how is he still a child? ¡°How old are you?¡± he asked, ¡°And what is it that you want exactly?¡±

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    The boy¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°I¡¯m much older than you; that¡¯s for sure,¡± he says, ¡°I¡¯m a warlock. However, I¡¯ve been trapped in the tower for quite some time. I¡¯ve lost all my strength therefore I¡¯m trapped in a child-like form until I regain all my power.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s my friend,¡± said Eternia. ¡°Can we please bring him?¡±

    ¡°Warlocks are dangerous!¡± said Lady Jessica, ¡°And if he is the spirit trapped in the tower, all the more reason to stay away from him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m indebted to Her Majesty, the princess,¡± said the boy, ¡°I can¡¯t harm her even if I wanted to.¡±

    Eternia grabbed the boy¡¯s wrist and showed him the bracelet. It was an ancient artifact made to keep monsters from harming the giver. ¡°He can¡¯t hurt me,¡± she grinned, ¡°Besides, he¡¯s my friend. Please, your majesty¡­ Let Adrian and Whisper join us.¡±

    Aurelius had no choice but to agree in order to ease the pain his daughter was feeling. He nodded and the rest was history. The carriage was grand, unlike any other carriage the princess had seen before. She, Adrian, and the spirit fox along with Theodore sat in it. Meanwhile, Aurelius and Magnus rode on horseback along with the other knights. He still felt disbelief that the Queen didn¡¯t bother to see them off.

    Inside the carriage, Theodore watched the two kids chatter away. He felt absolutely stunned at how the tiny child in front of him was actually much older than he was. Another thing that shocked him was how easily the King agreed to bring the warlock along.

    Eternia peered through the window, watching as the palace slowly became smaller and smaller. ¡°Goodbye, Mother,¡± she muttered sadly.

    ¡°Will you really miss the queen?¡± asked Adrian who seemed bored.

    Eternia blinked, thinking hard. What kind of question was that? Of course, she¡¯d miss her mother. They¡¯re bound by blood. But then again, Adrian had a point. How could she miss someone she never knew?

    Theodore answered in her stead, ¡°Of course, the princess would miss her mother. But she¡¯ll be fine. She has the love of the King, my friend. She also has us as well.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, sir Theodore,¡± she grinned, ¡°Say, are you married?¡±

    Theodore blushed a deep shade of crimson, making the princess giggle. ¡°W-what kind of question is that your grace?¡± he stuttered in disbelief.

    ¡°A simple one,¡± said the warlock.

    Theodore glared at the young boy. How he¡¯d like to hit him knowing that he¡¯s actually a man trapped in a kid¡¯s body.

    ¡°So, are you?¡± Eternia asked again.

    ¡°Let me ask you this,¡± said Adrian, ¡°Does he even look like the type of person who¡¯d be married?¡±

    ¡°Annoying brat,¡± glared Theodore. He then looked at the princess, saying, ¡°What made you ask that, your grace?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± she grinned, ¡°You look absolutely beautiful! I wanted to know if someone already has your heart!¡±

    Eternia made Theodore¡¯s heart melt. ¡°Oh dear princess,¡± he says, ¡°I swear I¡¯ll be loyal to you until my dying breath!¡±

    Adrian rolled his eyes, muttering, ¡°Still didn¡¯t answer the question.¡±

    ¡°The answer is no, I¡¯m not married,¡± said Theodore, ¡°But that¡¯s absolutely fine as I¡¯m always occupied by my work. Being his majesty¡¯s secretary and friend is hard work.¡± He then looked at the other kid and said, ¡°What about you? Were you married?¡±

    Adrian stuck his tongue out. ¡°My beauty and power are too grand to be tied down by marriage,¡± he said arrogantly. He then peered through the window and watched the tower fade from his sight.

    Long ago, during the formative years of the Crystalian Empire, Adrian emerged as a prodigious talent in the magical arts. His unmatched skill and dedication propelled him to the prestigious position of Royal Magician at an unprecedentedly young age, earning him the distinction of being the youngest ever in all realms.

    Adrian''s prowess extended beyond magic; he also donned the mantle of a knight, becoming the valiant protector of Crystalia alongside the reigning monarch, King Endymion. Together, they safeguarded the realm against threats both mundane and arcane, forging a legacy of bravery and loyalty.

    For centuries, Adrian faithfully served as Crystalia''s sworn protector, his name becoming synonymous with the empire''s strength and resilience. However, as time passed, the new monarch grew wary of Adrian''s immense power and influence. Fearing a potential challenge to his authority, the king issued a decree to curb Adrian''s might.

    In a swift and decisive move, the king summoned a legion of magicians from distant lands to neutralize Adrian''s power. Despite his formidable abilities, Adrian was overwhelmed by the sheer numbers arrayed against him. The once-great Royal Magician and knight fell from grace, his legacy tarnished by betrayal and treachery.

    No one knows the story of what happened that dreadful night. The many deaths that occurred. The innocent people that paid the price for the betrayal they made¡­ It was as if Adrian was erased from history itself. He became nothing but a ¡°ghost¡± wandering around the Tower of Crystalia that was once his home. Still, despite his enemies¡¯ best efforts, they couldn¡¯t destroy him completely. Only a true Royal Crystalia with immense power could break the curse that befell him and exactly that happened.

    Princess Eternia, a girl of mere five years of age, broke the curse and awoken the sleeping demon that is Adrian Shadowbane, the former Crystal Guardian known as Arcane Sentinel, who was later feared as the Abyssal Dread. The story could only end in two ways: he¡¯d be her destruction, or, hero.

 Chapter 4: Welcome To Sapphire

    A long time ago, before the many realms emerged, there was a powerful House. Its name was Sapphire. The name of that very house would bring fear and respect all over different realms. The Sapphires were a rich family who invested in weaponry and fighting. People respected them and feared them greatly. House Sapphire established its Kingdom when it conquered the land surrounding it. They became a legend and a force to be reckoned with. Realms from different sides of the world wanted to be their ally for their abundance of jewelry and advanced weaponry.

    The Sapphires have distinct features. One of their well-known features was their midnight-black or midnight-bluish hair and sapphire eyes. Another distinct thing about them is the ability they possess to wield magic. They¡¯re known for their beauty, intelligence, and ruthlessness when it comes to battle. People like them¡ªif they weren¡¯t royal¡ªwould¡¯ve been considered monsters that descended from the devil himself.

    There are a number of Houses that are close allies with the Sapphirian Dynasty. Three of them are House Solaris, House Verdant, and House Azure. Theodore, the King¡¯s Secretary, is from that very House. Magnus, the knight, is from House Azure.

    The ride from Crystalia to Sapphire was a rather long one. Fortunately, they didn¡¯t come across any monsters along the way. It had been quite a peaceful journey other than the occasional wild boars that were running around the forests. At long last, the princess arrived in Sapphirian soil.

    ¡°Princess,¡± Theodore said, pointing at the window. ¡°Welcome to Sapphire, the land of which you shall rule one day.¡±

    Eternia was in awe. She had never imagined that Sapphire would be this beautiful even at night. The realm was absolutely different from the place she grew up in. The stars here were different. They were brighter and more scattered throughout the sky. The night sky was filled with beauty and constellations you could only read of in books. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful!¡± she beamed.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it,¡± said Theodore, ¡°The reason, if you¡¯re wondering, as to why the stars are so evident in our sky, is because we try our best not to light up the realm. We believe that the light from the heavens is much brighter than any lamp made by man.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing compared to the beauty of Crystalia all those centuries ago,¡± commented Adrian, earning a smack on the head from Theodore. He rubbed his temple, glaring at the ¡°older¡± looking yet younger man. ¡°Whatever,¡± he says, still glaring at him. ¡°It¡¯s only this beautiful thanks to the Arcane Sentinel.¡±

    ¡°The fairytale from the children¡¯s books?¡± asked Theodore.

    Adrian rolled his eyes. If only they knew who he actually was. Instead of looking down on him, these men would absolutely cower at him. Alas, there¡¯s nothing he can do for now. Yes, he¡¯s got power. Still, he hasn¡¯t recovered yet. Another thing was that he¡¯s bound to Eternia thanks to the bracelet. Unless he could break free from it, he can¡¯t leave the princess¡¯ side. At least, not permanently.

    Soon enough, the carriage stopped at the Palace gates where the queen and the rest of the courtiers were waiting. The trumpets sounded their arrival and the carriage door opened.

    ¡°The King has returned,¡± announced the pager, ¡°Long live and forever reign, the house of Sapphire!¡±

    Theodore first stepped out followed by the boy and the spirit fox. Aurelius stepped into the carriage to help his daughter out of the box. She was trembling, but she could put on quite the act. Everyone bowed and was in awe of her beauty and grace.

    ¡°Behold, everyone,¡± the King presented, ¡°My only child and heir, Princess Eternia Seraphina Crystalia-Sapphire. May her presence be respected at all times. All those who ever say a single negative thing about my daughter shall be put to the sword.¡±

    ¡°Long live the princess,¡± cheered the courtiers.

    The Queen received them with a warm welcome. She bowed humbly before the king and smiled. ¡°I have missed you, your majesty. I hope your travels have been well.¡±

    He shrugged, kissing her hand as a kind gesture. ¡°This is my daughter,¡± he presented, ¡°Do be good to her. She¡¯s been through hell enough. I¡¯m not asking you to love a child that¡¯s not your own, but show some kindness.¡±

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    The queen smiled, nodding. ¡°But of course, Your Majesty,¡± she looked at the young girl and knelt in front of her. ¡°You are a beautiful child, your grace. I¡¯ve heard so many things about you. I hope that we can be a family despite my not being your mother.¡±

    Eternia curtsied in respect, earning the Queen¡¯s approval. ¡°It is with great honor to finally meet you, Your Highness, my father¡¯s wife. I hope we can live at peace with each other,¡± she greeted.

    The queen nodded. ¡°What a well-mannered child,¡± she comments, ¡°Follow Lady Mariette. She shall take you to your chambers. We shall discuss everything else on the morrow seeing that you¡¯re exhausted.¡±

    ¡°It was nice to meet you, Your Highness,¡± Eternia bids.

    Aurelius nodded at her, gesturing for her to do as the queen instructed. The other guests were put in a room near the princess¡¯ new quarters as well. The King then proceeded to walk with his wife back the the Queen¡¯s chambers. ¡°How, might I ask, do you feel about my bringing my child home?¡± he asked, breaking the silence.

    With all honesty, she replied, ¡°Surprised. But seeing that you brought her here despite the Crystalian law, something serious must have happened. I¡¯m glad the child isn¡¯t harmed.¡±

    ¡°Are you offended?¡± he asked.

    She was surprised at his questions. The King barely spoke to her and was usually stoic. The only time they ever spent time together was for official engagements and for the marital act. ¡°No,¡± she replied, ¡°It is within your right to bring your child. Besides, I am in no place to complain. I failed at my part in this marriage.¡±

    ¡°We still have time,¡± he replied, ¡°We¡¯ll have children.¡±

    ¡°And if I can¡¯t?¡± she asked, ¡°My King, you have been so gracious enough to not divorce me within the first year of our marriage¡­ I fear you will soon tire of my uselessness.¡±

    ¡°When that happens, I assure you that I won¡¯t send you back to that hell of a house you came from,¡± he said coldly, ¡°So you needn¡¯t worry.¡± Finally, they reached the Queen¡¯s chambers. He followed her into her bed where various petals were scattered everywhere. Obviously, she made an effort.

    ¡°Will my husband spend the night?¡± she asked, undressing.

    Aurelius turned his back with a simple ¡°No¡± and vanished from her sight. Once again, he left the Queen. Despite what the rumors say, the King had only been with one other person¡ªMarcella. Since the downfall of his marriage, creating an heir has been a struggle. It should be simple since lesser men could do the deed, but it¡¯s not. His heart and body continue to betray his mind. Perhaps that¡¯s the reason why he¡¯s unable to produce a male heir. The person his heart still longs for will forever be Marcella.

    Aurelius made his way into the princess¡¯ new chambers. The candles had already been blown, but the child¡¯s still wide awake staring out the window. ¡°Eternia,¡± he called, her gaze meeting his.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± she curtsied respectfully.

    He sat down beside her and thought about what he could say. There were a million things he¡¯d like to tell her. In truth, he long waited for the moment when he could finally talk to her again, but now that it was here he couldn¡¯t find the right words.

    ¡°Will you be crossed if I exchanged letters with Lady Jessica?¡± she asked, fidgeting her fingers.

    ¡°No,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Then I would be grateful, Your Majesty,¡± she smiled.

    ¡°Do you not like this place?¡± he asked curiously, ¡°I could find you another room if you¡¯d like. We¡¯ll discuss the preparations for your future on the morrow.¡±

    ¡°I like it here, Your Majesty,¡± she assured him, ¡°And I am very grateful for your generosity. Truly, I am. No one has ever shown me this much kindness other than you. I am truly blessed to have been born your daughter.¡±

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d resent me for the mistreatment you¡¯ve endured for being my child,¡± he thought to himself. He then smiled warmly at her and said, ¡°It is a greater honor to have a daughter who¡¯s as beautiful and intelligent, and yet still as kind-hearted as you. As for the past, I hope whatever those lesser people said to you will remain in the past. You are my daughter and no one shall ever harm you here.¡±

    Eternia grinned. ¡°You¡¯re so pretty, Your Majesty.¡±

    Her words caught him off guard, making him blush. At the same time, they stung his heart for the same words once came out of her mother¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Father,¡± he corrected.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

    Warmly, he said, ¡°Call me father.¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± she beamed.

    ¡°Welcome to Sapphire, my princess,¡± he said, planting a kiss on her head and tucking her in. Tomorrow unfolds a new chapter in all their lives.

 Chapter 5: The Princess and the Queen

    Sapphiria, the land flowing in jewels and abundance, had much cooler weather than Crystalia. The air was colder and the realm was full of different beasts. Dangers and wonder surround the realm of blue.

    Eternia woke up to the cold touch of an unknown being. It was huge and monstrous with its two gigantic horns and angel-like wings. It had the head of a goat and a body that resembled death. Eternia shrieked in horror.

    The beast was about to make its move when suddenly Adrian appeared and slashed its heart out. The King and guards came rushing in upon hearing the princess¡¯ screams. To their relief, the young boy they looked down upon had slain the beast in just three moves. Adrian met their gaze with bored dreamy eyes, but something in them would make you sick in your stomach.

    ¡°Sir Adrian,¡± the King acknowledged, giving him a nod of approval. ¡°I thank thee for ensuring the safety of my child.¡± The King then glared at his men who were supposed to have been guarding her chambers. ¡°How useless,¡± he thought angrily, ¡°My only child would¡¯ve been eaten just like that.¡±

    Adrian only shrugged.

    Eternia jumped from her bed and pulled Adrian into an embrace. Her actions startled him, making his heart pound unusually. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, releasing him from her grasp.

    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t have happened if the candle was lit,¡± said Adrian, pointing at the holy candle. The holy candle is made and blessed in the temples to ensure the safety of the owner. It was a custom to have it lit every night in order to keep horrid beasts from attacking. ¡°Someone must have blown it seeing that it hasn¡¯t even burned halfway,¡± he concluded.

    The King¡¯s rage only grew upon realizing the attempt on his child¡¯s life. In Crystalia, there were a number of people he could suspect. But they¡¯re in Sapphire now. The princess has barely been here for twenty-four hours. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint who¡¯d dare do this.

    ¡°Double the guards,¡± the King commanded, ¡°No one shall leave their posts. I don¡¯t know how any of this happened, but I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t happen again. Because if it does, I¡¯ll have the heads of the imbeciles who failed.¡±

    ¡°F-father,¡± Eternia stuttered, ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± he said, patting his daughter¡¯s head. He then grabbed his sword and placed it over Adrian¡¯s shoulders, decreeing that he was now lord protector of the Princess. ¡°I shall not be disappointed.¡±

    ¡°No, Your Majesty,¡± said Adrian.

    The King then left the Princess in the hands of her new lady, Lady Evangeline. She¡¯s to care for her just as Lady Jessica did back in Crystalia. Lady Evangeline was much younger and appeared warmer than her old lady.

    ¡°Your grace, it¡¯s a pleasure to serve you,¡± she said, brushing the princess¡¯ long hair. ¡°I shall prepare you to meet Her Majesty the Queen.¡± And that she did. She dressed Eternia in a pastel pink dress and tied her hair neatly in two long braids. ¡°You¡¯re ready, Princess.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lady Evangeline,¡± Eternia smiled. She was then led to the Queen¡¯s section of the palace where she was eagerly waiting for her arrival.

    Queen Alexa is the King¡¯s second wife. She came from House Evergreen, a house known for its expertise in botany and herbs. Their House is one of the richest in the realm of Sapphire. She possessed the Evergeen¡¯s blonde hair and forest-green eyes. She was considered one of the most beautiful ladies in the land of Sapphire.

    ¡°Your Grace,¡± Eternia curtsied low and respectfully. ¡°It is an honor to be invited by you.¡±

    The queen smiled, welcoming her to the garden. ¡°Please, Princess, take a seat,¡± she says, gesturing for her to sit. ¡°I see the King¡¯s reflection in you. He must be so proud to have such a beautiful and well-mannered daughter.¡±

    ¡°You honor me, Your Grace,¡± Eternia smiled, ¡°My father seems to like her grace very much.¡±

    ¡°I am in no comparison to your mother¡¯s beauty, though,¡± the queen thought to herself. She smiled, pouring the princess some tea. Handing her the tea, she says, ¡°I assume Lady Evangeline has been kind to you. She is your new nanny after all. We shall discuss your upbringing for we have a long way ahead of us in preparing you to become the future of this nation.¡±

    ¡°Forgive me for asking, Your Grace,¡± the princess asked, ¡°But isn¡¯t it customary for a male heir to ascend the throne? Surely you and father are still trying to have a boy.¡±

    Alexa bit her lip at the sting of her words. She tried to remind herself that the princess was only five years old and had no idea how to have ¡°conversations.¡± Her words cut deep. Of course, the queen tried her best to give the king the son he always wanted. Even then, during their first year of marriage, the king wasn¡¯t performing his duty well. She tried her best to win his affection, but she soon accepted her fate in this loveless marriage.

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    ¡°I apologize,¡± the princess said, realizing her mistake. ¡°That was awful of me to ask about¡­ that.¡±

    The queen gave her a smile of reassurance. ¡°Of course, the king and I are still trying for a male heir. It is what¡¯s expected of us, after all,¡± she says, ¡°However, I am to ensure that even you get the best education there is. We never know what could happen. Should we fail to deliver a male heir, you are to lead this nation. You, dear princess, are the future.¡±

    Perhaps that was too much to put on a young girl¡¯s shoulders, but those words aren¡¯t new to her. In the few encounters that the princess has with her mother, she often gets criticized. No matter how ¡°perfect¡± she is, her mother finds fault in her. The common phrase she¡¯d hear was ¡°You are to be the future of this nation and yet you are incapable of perfection. You lack in everything.¡±

    ¡°Are you alright, princess?¡± Alexa asked, pulling the girl from her thoughts.

    ¡°I am, your grace,¡± she responds.

    ¡°So what are you good at exactly?¡± asked the Queen, ¡°Did you have formal education back in Crystalia?¡±

    No, she didn¡¯t. Lady Jessica taught her everything there is to know, however, she didn¡¯t receive a proper tutor or governess. ¡°Lady Jessica taught me how to read,¡± Eternia replied, ¡°I can count, read, write, and can dance. I am also skilled in swordsmanship for children my age. I can also shoot some arrows although I¡¯m not entirely good at it.¡±

    Alexa was baffled. No governess. No formal education. Swordsmanship and archery? The child must have been raised by the knights guarding the Sapphire Palace. However, she is glad that the child learns some self-defense. She strongly believed that princes were given the privilege to learn more things. Eternia shall learn whatever latest knowledge there is for young princes. Alexa is determined to create the perfect heir. If she can¡¯t win the King¡¯s affection by welcoming him to her bed, then she shall gain it by raising his daughter as her own.

    ¡°Are you disappointed, your grace?¡± asked the child.

    ¡°No,¡± was her quick response. ¡°I am appointing Lady Isadora Starlight to be your governess. She will teach you etiquette, dance, and everything there is to know about being a fine lady. As for philosophy, languages, sciences, and mathematics¡ªthe ¡°princely¡± subjects that are usually given to male heirs shall be taught to you by Sir Nathaniel Stone and Theodore Verdant. As for fencing, archery, and being a ¡°knight,¡± I can think of no better man to train you than Magnus Azure. There is much to discuss in your education. Do not fret, princess. I shall ensure that you will become the best there is. I shall teach you how to become a powerful lady in this court.¡±

    Tea time lasted longer than anticipated. In fact, the whole day was spent with the Queen, draining the little girl¡¯s energy. One thing the queen forgot to discuss was magic. That shan¡¯t be a problem, though. The princess already has ideas on who shall teach her on that subject.

    ¡°The Queen was¡­ interesting,¡± Eternia said to Adrian. He snuck into her room out of boredom along with the spirit fox.

    ¡°Is that all you have to say?¡± he asked, folding his arms across his chest. He didn¡¯t like the queen. In fact, he didn¡¯t like any of them. The only person he seems to be fond of is her. She did free him from the tower, after all.

    The princess looked puzzled. What else was there to say? She can¡¯t speak out of line. She¡¯s only been here for a day and she¡¯s well aware that speaking ill of royalty is treason. She trained herself to never speak her mind.

    ¡°No one¡¯s here, you know? It¡¯s just us so you can drop the good girl act,¡± he says, ¡°Besides, the princess I knew from the tower isn¡¯t this prim and proper. My loyalty is with you if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about.¡±

    ¡°She seems nice,¡± she said, ¡°Although something about her seems off.¡±

    ¡°Meaning?¡± he pressed on.

    ¡°She reminds me a little of my mother,¡± she said honestly, ¡°But she appears to be warmer. I suppose it¡¯s all in my head. Nevermind! So how was your day?¡±

    He thought long and hard before giving a response. ¡°Because I¡¯m fond of you, kid, I will bestow upon you this wisdom. Someone who appears warmer isn¡¯t always warm. Sometimes, they¡¯re even worse than the cold.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re also a kid,¡± she points out.

    He smirked. A light enveloped him and suddenly the adorable child disappeared and a sashing young man appeared before her. He was incredibly tall and handsome. His eyes were hypnotizing and he looked like a prince that had come to sweep you off your feet.

    ¡°This must be his true form,¡± she thought, jaws dropping. Never in her life has she seen such beauty. She¡¯s aware of his true age, but she never once imagined his image.

    And in a flash, he morphed back into the child form he was stuck in. ¡°I¡¯m not a kid,¡± he said.

    She grinned. ¡°But you¡¯re stuck as one for the time being,¡± she teased, ¡°That¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t want anyone staring at you all the time anyway.¡±

    ¡°And why is that?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Because you¡¯re mine,¡± she said.

    He choked on air upon hearing those words. What kind of child claims a person?

    ¡°You¡¯re like my puppy,¡± she grinned, sticking her tongue out.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like you, kid,¡± he said, pinching the girl¡¯s cheek. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying.¡±

    ¡°I was just kidding!¡± she glared, ¡°You¡¯re my friend. And I don¡¯t like people staring at you because we¡¯re always together. I don¡¯t like attention.¡±

    ¡°Good night, princess,¡± he bids, closing the door behind him. Ever since meeting her, he has been a ¡°puppy.¡± A puppy whose master is merely a child. If she hadn¡¯t freed him, he wouldn¡¯t be indebted to her. ¡°A small price to pay,¡± he thought. He can¡¯t die anyway. At least not like mere mortals. A few years serving the girl wouldn¡¯t hurt. Besides, he¡¯s got all the time in the world.

 Chapter 6: The Jewel in the Palace

    Word of the princess¡¯ return to the land of Sapphiria spread like wildfire. The King¡¯s court was eager to meet the new heir to the throne. Alas, the King forbade anyone from meeting the girl until he was certain that the realm was safe enough. It¡¯s been weeks since her arrival. Eternia spent her days with her governess, tutors, and the queen who ensured her plans were carried out.

    Since their first meeting, the queen has decided to create the perfect princess. She thought that it would take months before the princess could cope and act like a true noble girl. She¡¯s greatly impressed by the princess¡¯ performance. She was quick to learn etiquette as well as dances. She worked the girl from as early as seven until half past five in the afternoon.

    The King sat with the Queen for lunch. There was an awkward silence between them. Though that¡¯s nothing new. They¡¯ve had an arrangement since they were wed. The King would join her for at least three meals a week.

    Alexa decided to break the silence in an attempt to lighten the mood. ¡°The princess is a prodigy,¡± she says, ¡°She¡¯s as intelligent as any prince could be, if not more. She¡¯s quick to learn the manners of a princess her age as well as dances.¡±

    ¡°You honor her,¡± he says, ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to thank you for treating her as your own and ensuring her proper upbringing. Thank you, Alexa.¡±

    She blushed. He rarely calls her by her name.

    ¡°Did I say something to offend you?¡± he asked, a little surprised by her reaction.

    ¡°N-no,¡± she assured him, ¡°I¡¯m just glad that you appreciate my efforts.¡±

    ¡°I always have,¡± he tells her, holding her hand. He released her hand quickly and returned to his meal. He didn¡¯t want to give her false hope of affection.

    Alexa¡¯s heart was left fluttering. She watched as he ate his meal, wondering if he¡¯d spend the night with her. She highly doubted that. Tomorrow¡¯s the banquet for the princess. He¡¯d be incredibly busy.

    ¡°You know, Your Majesty, what surprised me the most is her skills in fencing,¡± she tells him with much enthusiasm. ¡°She¡¯s also a capable archer. Her swordsmanship is quite advanced for her age.¡±

    ¡°I heard the stories from Magnus,¡± he replied, ¡°She¡¯s quite the little warrior. I am surprised that you allowed her to train in such pursuits. It¡¯s uncommon for a lady to¡­¡±

    ¡°Forgive me for being rude, Your Majesty,¡± she says, ¡°But I¡¯d like to stop you right there. I believe that she should be able to know these things just as any prince should. So, I beg you not to stop¡­¡±

    It was Aurelius¡¯ turn to stop her. ¡°I won¡¯t. I was just amazed that you allowed her to train,¡± he smiled genuinely. ¡°Though I am curious. Do you not have any plans on giving me a son?¡± He found it quite odd. Any woman in her right mind wouldn¡¯t do what she¡¯s doing. She should want her blood on the throne; not a princess of divorce.

    ¡°Of course, I do, Your Majesty,¡± she said shyly, ¡°I just wanted to give the princess the same opportunity as any child of ours that we may have in the future.¡±

    ¡°I never give you enough credit for how wonderful you are as a person,¡± he says, ¡°Genuinely, thank you. My daughter hasn¡¯t had the best childhood so far. It means a lot to me that you¡¯re treating her as your own.¡±

    ¡°Will you visit me tonight, Your Majesty?¡± she asked almost pleadingly.

    His eyes widened. He should visit her. They haven¡¯t been performing their duty for three weeks now. Rumors will spread. In response to her, he simply nodded.

    ¡°Really, Your Majesty?¡± she asked.

    ¡°If we¡¯re to have an heir, then we must keep trying,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ll see you tonight then.¡± The King didn¡¯t bother to finish his meal and left the queen.

    Alexa smiled. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps the key to his majesty¡¯s heart is through his daughter. That concluded, she decided to visit the princess¡¯ dance class. The queen entered the room in secret, watching the princess practice the steps for the banquet¡¯s dance. If she¡¯s to impress everyone, she must make no mistake. She has to be as perfect as a doll.

    ¡°What brings you here, Your Grace?¡± Adrian asked from behind, startling the queen. He examined her with bored eyes, arms crossed over his chest.

    ¡°What the!¡± she exclaimed, quickly regaining her composure. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± she thought to herself, ¡°It¡¯s said that she came with a pet and a friend.¡± She examined the boy from head to toe. He didn¡¯t seem like an all-powerful warlock. He¡¯s just a kid. ¡°I came here to see that the princess is performing up to the standards,¡± she replied finally, ¡°You must be the boy they called Adrian. Nice to meet you, child.¡±

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    ¡°I¡¯m titled the Princess¡¯ Protector,¡± he corrected, ¡°I¡¯m no child.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± the queen acknowledged, ¡°However, shouldn¡¯t you be practicing your magic rather than watching the princess? You should enhance your talents instead of wasting them here. You might distract the princess from her lessons.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, Your Grace,¡± he says, ¡°I¡¯m not distracting her. And as for my talents, I am practicing them. I just don¡¯t feel comfortable leaving the princess for long periods of time.¡± Lies. Protecting her is like a curse. Given that he¡¯s still bound to her, just a simple thought of him or a call would be enough for him to appear by her side.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the King to give you a more suitable role in the palace as a reward for protecting the princess,¡± she says, ¡°Excuse me.¡± She then proceeded to approach the girl and her tutor. ¡°She lacks more grace,¡± she said, pointing at her face. ¡°Eternia, if you mean to become your father¡¯s pride, you must remember that your face is as dangerous as any weapon you could hold. The way you look uncomfortable says a lot about you. Think of your face as a shield. Put your guard down and there shall be an opening for an enemy to strike.¡± Alexa bent over and cupped the princess¡¯ face. ¡°More grace,¡± she said before releasing her.

    ¡°Adrian was right all along,¡± Eternia thought fearfully, ¡°The warmer a person appears, the more dangerous they are¡­ And my stepmother¡­ I¡¯m scared of her.¡± She quickly composed herself and smiled. ¡°I apologize, Your Grace,¡± she said, ¡°I shall do as you say. I thank you for the wisdom you bestowed.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace,¡± Lady  Isadora, her governess said, ¡°She¡¯s but five. We can¡¯t expect her to be a master dancer yet. And besides, it has only been a week since we started schooling her.¡±

    Alexa¡¯s eyes darkened, frightening the child and her teacher. ¡°Do you question my authority, Lady Isadora?¡± the Queen glared, ¡°She is the daughter of our king. She needs to be perfect just as any prince is!¡±

    ¡°Forgive me,¡± said Isadora, ¡°I spoke out of line.¡±

    ¡°Then you shall remember that for next time I shall have your tongue ripped out by my daughter herself,¡± the Queen warned. Really, it was a promise.

    ¡°This woman is just as cruel as Marcella, if not more,¡± Adrian ponders, ¡°She¡¯s a dangerous player the King fails to see. I¡¯m assuming that she used to be a pawn her family used to get to the King.¡± Adrian soon left, leaving the princess at the hands of her stepmother.

    Meanwhile, everyone was buzzing like bees in the great hall where the King was seated. The only topic there was the jewel in the palace. Eternia was still a mystery to them. To most courtiers, the princess is a new prospect. Rumors about the queen¡¯s inability to produce heirs were already surfacing. So should she fail, the princess is the best pawn to have their lines on the throne.

    Duke Gareth Sapphirepeak, ruler of the illustrious House Sapphirepeak and sovereign of the vast Sapphirepeak Duchy, strode into the grand hall with an aura of authority that demanded reverence. Known throughout Sapphiria for his cunning and unyielding demeanor, he cast a formidable figure against the backdrop of courtly intrigue. As whispers of the princess''s return reached his ears, Duke Gareth''s interest was immediately piqued. With eligible sons in tow, the prospect of securing a marriage alliance with the royal family ignited a spark of ambition within him. Behind his steely gaze lay a mind calculating every opportunity, every advantage, as he assessed the unfolding political landscape with a keen eye.

    The King met Gareth¡¯s eyes and gestured for him to join his table. There was no doubt in Aurelius¡¯ mind that the Duke came to confirm the news.his facade of composure faltered, revealing the simmering disdain that lay beneath. Gareth''s reputation as a womanizer and his ruthless conduct during wartime had long fueled Aurelius''s disgust. Yet, despite his visceral distaste for the man, Aurelius knew all too well the power and influence that House Sapphirepeak wielded. Thus, he begrudgingly extended an invitation, knowing that cutting ties with the Duke would be no simple matter.

    As Duke Gareth Sapphirepeak drew closer, his striking presence commanded attention. His platinum blonde or silver hair cascaded in sleek waves, framing a face of sharp angles and rugged masculinity. Piercing eyes, reminiscent of molten silver or stormy skies, held an enigmatic allure, betraying none of the secrets that lay behind them. A confident smirk played at the corners of his lips, hinting at a charm that had ensnared many a noblewoman in its grasp. Clad in fine garments that bespoke his noble status, Duke Gareth exuded an air of effortless elegance and power, a formidable figure indeed.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he bowed, greeting the king with utmost respect. ¡°Forgive me for being late. There was an urgent matter that had to be dealt with.¡±

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± the King gestured.

    Gareth sat with the men, a self-satisfied smirk playing across his features. Magnus of House Azure and Theodore of House Verdant were present as expected, their expressions tight with tension in his presence. However, the absence of the Duke of Solaris Crest caught him off guard. There was never a moment when the king''s group wasn''t complete, and the missing Duke''s absence stirred a flicker of curiosity in Gareth''s calculating mind.

    ¡°I suppose you heard the news, Duke Sapphirepeak?¡± said Theodore, ¡°That the princess has finally returned to the Kingdom of Sapphiria.¡±

    Gareth nodded, taking a sip from his wine. ¡°Why yes,¡± he replied, ¡°I suppose I heard a rumor. It¡¯s all the ton ever talks about.¡± Changing the subject, he then asks, ¡°Where is Duke Solaris? I never imagined a meeting where he¡¯s not present.¡±

    ¡°His wife is ill,¡± replied the king, ¡°He sends his apologies. He shall be at the banquet tomorrow with his son, Alexander. Say, don¡¯t you have a number of sons as well?¡± Since he was bound to bring his son to meet his daughter, there was no point in delaying it.

    ¡°I have three,¡± replied Gareth.

    ¡°Three bastards or three legitimate?¡± slipped out of Magnus¡¯ tongue. He had no regrets though. He found Gareth¡¯s presence unnecessary.

    ¡°You should bring your kids to the banquet,¡± the king suggested, ¡°It would do well for my daughter to have friends.¡±

    Gareth ignored Magnus¡¯ jab. ¡°So the rumors are true. There¡¯s a jewel in the palace,¡± he said.

    And so the game begins with the players placing their pawns at the table. The men in the room are thirsty for power. They don¡¯t care how bloody it gets or what they need to sacrifice. The prize is worth it after all.

 Chapter 7: His chess piece

    Eternia gazed at her reflection in the mirror, marveling at the changes that had overtaken her. It still felt surreal, this transformation from the simple life she knew in Crystalia to the grandeur of her current surroundings. In contrast to the modest attire she was accustomed to, she now found herself adorned in luxurious silks and fabrics, each outfit carefully selected by Lady Evangeline to accentuate her status as a princess. Her hair, once left to cascade freely, was now styled in elaborate ways that seemed to defy gravity, a testament to the creativity of her attendants. Despite the strangeness of it all, there was a part of Eternia that couldn''t help but be captivated by the beauty and extravagance surrounding her.

    ¡°Any longer and the mirror shall crack,¡± said Adrian, pulling her back to reality. He¡¯d been there for quite some time now. He¡¯s quite impressed at the efforts the maids put into making her beautiful; not that she needed it.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she breathed out, thoughts momentarily scattered. ¡°You look handsome, Adrian!¡± she complimented in awe. To say that Adrian looked handsome was an understatement. He looked as though he was royalty with the way he was dressed. He wore a crisp shirt under a royal blue doublet, trousers, boots, and a royal blue coat. The boy''s hair remained a curly mess on his head, however. If his eyes were sapphire, he could be mistaken as a bastard child of the royal family.

    Adrian rolled his eyes, a bored expression on his face. ¡°You don¡¯t look ugly,¡± he said, ¡°I suppose the maids know what they¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still so grumpy,¡± she said, pinching his cheek. Eternia twirled around, showcasing her attire. She was dressed in a silver and blue gown that was embellished with countless sapphires and diamonds. Her long black hair was tied in two pigtails under two buns at the top of her head. Indeed, she was the heiress of the Sapphirian Throne.

    Adrian let out a smile, congratulating the princess for finally becoming part of a family. He¡¯d known her for quite a while now. Whether he¡¯d admit it or not, he did grow fond of her even a little. He took her hand and escorted her to the great hall where the courtiers and guests were eagerly awaiting her arrival.

    ¡°Ready to meet your people, kid?¡± he asked rhetorically.

    Still, Adrian received a nod from the little girl. She took Alexa¡¯s advice religiously and kept a straight and confident face. Within her, however, her heart felt as though it would explode. She¡¯s incredibly horrified and nervous as she¡¯s not used to seeing so many people.

    The pager announced her arrival and all eyes darted at her as she gracefully descended the stairs. It felt as though time stopped and she felt frozen, unable to move. Thanks to Adrian¡¯s hand, she¡¯s able to reach the foot of the staircase where her father had been waiting with a warm smile.

    ¡°She¡¯s all yours, Your Majesty,¡± Adrian said, handing the King his daughter.

    ¡°My,¡± he says, ¡°You look like a prince, Adrian.¡±

    ¡°I thank thee for thy compliments, Your Majesty,¡± Adrian replied.

    Aurelius¡¯ eyes then shifted back to meet his daughter¡¯s gaze. He was proud of how the child presented herself, but at the same time, he felt bitter for not being there to see her grow.

    Eternia curtsied low and respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± she greeted.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel a thorn stuck in his heart. Marcella abandoned her as an infant and yet he still sees her in his child. The way she talked, curtsied, smiled¡­ everything leads back to Marcella. ¡°You look beautiful, princess,¡± he managed to say, taking the girl¡¯s hand and leading her to the throne. Upon reaching it, he proudly presented his daughter to the masses. ¡°This is my eldest and only child, Princess Eternia Seraphina Crystalia of Sapphire, daughter of House Sapphiria. I want all of you to see her for as she is¡ªmy daughter and heir. At long last, she¡¯s come home.¡±

    ¡°Long live the princess!¡± they cheered, ¡°Long live the King! Long live the Queen! Glory and Blessings to the Sapphirian Dynasty!¡± The banquet then proceeded and so did the festivities.

    Alexa stood from her seat and greeted the princess with a nod of approval. She was proud of what she created¡ªa jewel that everyone wants. ¡°You look beautiful, Princess Eternia,¡± she said, running her fingers through one of her pigtails.

    ¡°Thank you, Your Grace,¡± Eternia smiled.

    Duke Gareth entered the scene, interrupting the Queen¡¯s conversation. His presence commanded attention. As always, his criminally good looks stole the hearts of the many women in court. This time, though, it wasn¡¯t just him that caught people¡¯s attention. He brought along his sons, Lucas, Christopher, and Zachary. Lucas is the very image of his father and is five and ten. He¡¯s been studying at the Royal Academy as well as training to become a warrior and duke. The middle child is Christopher who is one and ten. He¡¯s also a student at the Royal Academy and will soon train to become a knight. The youngest is Zachary who¡¯s merely eight years old¡ªthe perfect age to be friends with the princess.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Gareth greeted, bowing along with his sons.

    ¡°Duke Sapphirepeak,¡± the King acknowledged, ¡°And these must be your children.¡±

    ¡°Your Royal Highness,¡± Lucas bowed respectfully.

    Christopher greeted, ¡°Your majesty.¡±

    Zachary, Gareth¡¯s pawn, greeted the King with just a bow.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Welcome to court,¡± the King said. He sighed internally and presented his child to them. ¡°This is my daughter, Eternia. She¡¯s five years old.¡± He knelt down to level with her and pointed at the boys. ¡°These are the children of House Sapphirepeak. I believe Zachary is about your age.¡±

    Before Eternia could greet them properly, Zachary took her hand and planted a gentle kiss. It was sweet, bringing the courtiers in awe. Eternia blushed immensely, receiving his warm greeting. ¡°Why is my heart beating so fast?¡± she thought, hiding her face.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,¡± Zachary said with a sweet and innocent smile. ¡°I¡¯m Zachary. The third child of the House of Sapphirepeak.¡±

    ¡°What a charming young master,¡± the queen commented, ¡°I¡¯m sure she and the princess will become great friends.¡±

    ¡°Master Zachary,¡± Eternia greeted, ¡°It¡¯s a delight to meet your acquaintance.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to,¡± before Zachary could finish his sentence, Duke Solaris entered the scene with his wife and son, Alexander.

    The House of Solaris is known for its intelligence, power, and beauty. They possess hair as gold as the sun and eyes that resemble embers. They have incredible ties with the Royal Family and are one of the Guardians of the realm. They¡¯re rich in wealth, power, and influence. They¡¯re the biggest rival of House Sapphirepeak. Solaris is known as the bright and shining sun, while Sapphirepeak is known as the moon.

    ¡°My King,¡± Duke Solaris greeted, bowing respectfully. ¡°Apologies for coming late. The Duchess is still a bit nauseous.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Aurelius smiled, welcoming his friend. ¡°Duchess Lumina Solaris,¡± Aurelius greeted, planting a kiss on the Duchess¡¯ hand. ¡°Welcome to court. The Queen was eagerly waiting for your arrival.¡±

    ¡°My King,¡± the Duchess curtsied. She then curtsied at the Queen, greeting her, ¡°My Queen.¡±

    ¡°Duchess Lumina, my dear friend,¡± Alexa says, holding Lumina¡¯s hand. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°It appears she isn¡¯t gravely ill,¡± said Duke Solaris, ¡°We¡¯re expecting another child.¡±

    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Aurelius, Gareth, Theodore, and Magnus said in unison.

    ¡°Theodore, Magnus, Duke Sapphirepeak,¡± Solaris greeted. Usually, none of them¡ªAurelius, Theodore, and Magnus¡ªuse titles to address each other. But on formal occasions, they, of course, greet His Majesty with the utmost respect. The three of them¡ªMagnus, Theodore, and Maximilian¡ªaren¡¯t obligated to address each other formally.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time,¡± said Theodore, shaking his hand.

    ¡°Duke Solaris,¡± Eternia curtsied. They had completely forgotten that Eternia and the children were still there.

    ¡°What a beautiful child indeed,¡± Maximilian complimented, ¡°She resembles you, King Aurelius.¡± Still, he recognized Marcella in her just as everyone else did. She may be Aurelius¡¯ child, but half of her is still Marcella. Max pulled his son from behind him and introduced him to the Royal Family. ¡°Princess, My King,¡± he says, ¡°This is Alexander, my firstborn and heir. He¡¯s eight years old.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Alexander bowed. Shifting his gaze at the princess, he greets, ¡°Princess Eternia.¡±

    ¡°Master Alexander,¡± Eternia curtsied, accepting his hand and gentle kiss. He¡¯s the second person to kiss her hand tonight and all this was new to her. She had never seen other children before other than Adrian who doesn¡¯t even count as a child.

    ¡°Our children would be excellent friends, don¡¯t you think?¡± Max said, smiling happily at the sight of them. ¡°The next generation of House Sapphiria, House Solaris, and House Sapphirepeak. I wonder when House Verdant and House Azure would have heirs of their own.¡±

    ¡°I am in no rush to wed,¡± said Theodore.

    Magnus agreed, ¡°Same here.¡±

    ¡°My daughter,¡± the King said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you enjoy the banquet with your new friends? They are our allies and it would be meaningful to establish bonds with them.¡± As the princess, one of Eternia¡¯s duties is to entertain guests. However, she¡¯s but five. He knows she should be enjoying her childhood, but it¡¯s best that she learns her duties at a young age. Another benefit is keeping his enemies close¡ªnamely House Sapphirepeak.

    Eternia curtsied and did as she was told. She walked with the young masters of House Sapphirepeak and House Solaris.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s sudden, but I have to ask,¡± Gareth said, ¡°But have you chosen a match for the princess, My King?¡±

    Aurelius arched his brow, not bothering to conceal his distaste. As he expected, Gareth will soon plant the seeds he intends to sow. Promising Eternia¡¯s hand is an important decision he does not intend to make just yet. She, after all, is his only daughter and heir. Marrying into the Sapphirepeaks would keep the peace between their Houses, however, it grants Sapphirepeak too much power. If he chooses the son of Solaris, then Sapphirepeak might intend to wage war given that he has the influence and resources. As much as he¡¯d like his daughter to be happy in a love match, it¡¯s just too complicated.

    ¡°The Princess is merely five,¡± said Max, ¡°She shouldn¡¯t be pressured into marrying someone this young. Cut her some slack.¡±

    ¡°Need I remind you that she¡¯s the only heir to the Throne?¡± said Gareth, ¡°She has an obligation to this country and the entire future of the Dynasty rests on her. Her father was betrothed to Marcella when he was but six.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain that the Dynasty is capable of giving the princess the luxury of choosing her own groom,¡± said Magnus, ¡°The King had a love match. I assume he wants the same for his daughter.¡±

    ¡°A love match that went to flames,¡± Gareth thought.

    ¡°My daughter will wed a fine man who inherits power,¡± the King said, breaking his silence, ¡°Of course, I will be the one who decides which realm, kingdom, or House is best. At the end of the day, she shall choose the groom, herself.¡±

    Meanwhile, the children are having conversations at the other end of the hall. Lucas, the teenager and heir of House Sapphirepeak, found the princess adorable and ahead of her years. He could¡¯ve sworn she was a ten-year-old with the way she carried herself and the way she spoke.

    ¡°Master Lucas,¡± Eternia said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you enjoy the festivities? Surely, you find us boring company. We¡¯re children, after all. I¡¯m sure you have other interests.¡±

    ¡°How kind of you, Princess,¡± Lucas acknowledged, planting a kiss on her hand. ¡°I do find your company pleasurable, don¡¯t get me wrong. I shall see you later.¡± He then looked at his brothers, giving them the ¡°look.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t cause any trouble,¡± Christopher, the troublemaker, groaned, shooing his brother away. He then grinned at the three younger kids, an evil look in his eye. ¡°Shall we have fun then?¡±

    ¡°Your idea of fun is trouble,¡± Zachary dismissed, ¡°I think it¡¯s best if you joined the dancefloor with the other eleven-year-olds present tonight.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± said Alexander, ¡°I remember the last time we met at a ball¡­ It was chaotic.¡±

    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 8: His Chess Piece II

    Princess Eternia watched Young Master Lucas¡¯ image fade into the dance floor, wondering about what the future has in store for her. From her observation, Lucas is a fine young man. He seemed like a gentle person and he commands respect. Christopher, the second son, seemed incredibly mischievous. He had a look in his eyes that just screams trouble and a wicked smile. She found Zachary to be quite pleasant company. Just like his eldest brother, he was kind and gentle. Zachary made sure she enjoyed the party. Alexander, the son of Solaris, wasn¡¯t as ¡°gentle¡± as she thought. She found him beautiful like the sun, however, his personality wasn¡¯t as pretty. He didn¡¯t seem interested in her whatsoever.

    ¡°What are you thinking of?¡± Alexander asked, arching his brow. Just as any heir to a powerful house, Alexander had the ¡°talk¡± with his parents. He understood what was expected of him as the first son, but he didn¡¯t like the idea of marrying a foreigner.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she gasped, ¡°N-nothing important, Young Master Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at her like that, Xander,¡± Christopher reprimanded, ¡°You¡¯re scaring the princess.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the way I look at her?¡± asked Alexander, slightly confused. ¡°This is how I look at everyone.¡±

    Zachary sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Even so, you should at least look at her with kindness. She¡¯s the princess, after all. You should look at her with gentle eyes.¡±

    Truly, Alexander didn¡¯t understand what was wrong. Why should he conform to their standards? This is how he looks at people. Do they expect him to smile all night long just to please the stranger? ¡°What nonsense,¡± he muttered beneath his breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared,¡± Eternia spoke, ¡°Please don¡¯t make a big deal out of it.¡±

    ¡°If you say so,¡± Christopher nodded. He looked around the room, trying to find something fun to do. He¡¯d love to create some mischief with his new friend, the princess, however, his father made it clear that he¡¯s not to make a fool of their House tonight. ¡°This is boring.¡±

    ¡°I apologize,¡± said Eternia.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± said Christopher, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault this party is boring. The people who arranged it are old people, right? They can¡¯t possibly understand what fun is for us. Perhaps we¡¯ll get the chance to have some fun some other day.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Princess agreed, feeling a bit of relief. Her stepmother made it clear that she was to win the hearts of every courtier tonight. Anything less would be a failure on her part.

    ¡°Say,¡± said Zachary, ¡°What do you like to do for fun?¡± The three boys shifted their gaze at her, waiting for her reply.

    She thought for a second before responding, ¡°I enjoy magic, archery, and swordsmanship.¡±

    The three boys blinked in a bit of confusion. A princess practicing archery and swordsmanship? It was a peculiar idea. They¡¯ve never seen a noble girl hold a sword or bow; not even once.

    Zachary commented, ¡°That¡¯s not very princess-like.¡± His comment earned him a hit from Christopher.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Eternia bit her lip in panic. Perhaps sharing that wasn¡¯t the best way to win them over. She¡¯s a princess; of course, they¡¯d react that way.

    ¡°It may not be very princess-like, but anyone can enjoy it, I suppose,¡± said Alexander. That must have been the only kind words to escape his mouth tonight. ¡°What?¡± he asked upon receiving their looks of disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m just stating facts. It is peculiar for a girl to enjoy these things, but it isn¡¯t restricted. I thought girls only enjoyed dancing, music, and tea parties.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with enjoying those either,¡± said Christopher, ¡°I happen to enjoy tea parties.¡± Christopher thought, and then an idea hit him. ¡°Why don¡¯t we enjoy a round of archery next time? We could even spar if you¡¯d like! I think we¡¯ll enjoy that.¡±

    Eternia¡¯s eyes lit up. She has never been invited to anything before. The joy made her heart flutter. ¡°I¡¯d like that very much!¡± she said, nodding excessively.

    ¡°And we could have some tea and snacks afterward,¡± Zachary contributed, ¡°What do you say, Xander? I think it¡¯s a marvelous idea.¡±

    Alexander shook his head in disagreement. ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to join you, do you think that the King would allow his only child to engage in such activities with us young men? I doubt that. And remember, monsters are always lurking around. I¡¯m certain he wouldn¡¯t allow his daughter to leave the safety of the palace.¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    He had a point. Still, Christopher is not one to give up. ¡°Then I shall ask His Majesty¡¯s permission to do those things in the palace. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d agree if we all asked him. Judging by the way he looks at the princess, he¡¯d do anything to make her happy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but my stepmother might disagree,¡± Eternia pondered sadly. Changing the topic, she asks, ¡°What are your interests, Young Master Christopher?¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Christopher replies, ¡°I suppose I like fighting. I¡¯m to become a knight, after all. I also enjoy reading about history and stories about the other kingdoms. I like riding horses, too.¡±

    ¡°And you, Young Master Zachary?¡± she asked curiously.

    Zachary replied, ¡°I enjoy learning about sciences. I find magic quite interesting, too. Most of all, I enjoy fencing.¡±

    ¡°Sounds fun!¡± Eternia beamed. She then turned to Alexander and asked him.

    With a bored expression, he replied, ¡°I¡¯m interested in becoming a Knight like Sir Magnus Azure. I¡¯d like to fight monsters and dragons one day.¡± Alexander glanced at the clock and remembered the echoing reminders of his father: Remember to dance with the princess and welcome her. He groaned inwardly and extended his hand to the stranger.

    Eternia looked at him quite puzzled.

    ¡°It¡¯s rude to keep a person waiting, you know,¡± he says, waiting for her hand.

    Hesitantly, she accepted his hand and followed him to the dance floor. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest in her nervousness. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± she muttered, but he heard.

    ¡°Don¡¯t understand what?¡± Alexander asked, holding her firmly. ¡°We¡¯re going to dance just like them. As the future of House Solaris, I am to welcome you warmly.¡±

    ¡°But it seems that you don¡¯t like me,¡± she said accidentally.

    Alexander started to lead her gracefully as the music began to play. ¡°I don¡¯t particularly like engaging with foreign people,¡± he admitted, twirling her gently. As they danced around the hall, their families watched in approval. As expected, they would make a handsome match.

    ¡°It appears the Princess is fond of your son, Maximilian,¡± said the King.

    Maximilian nodded, smiling proudly at his son. It was a struggle to convince him to welcome the girl with open arms. ¡°It appears so, Your Majesty.¡±

    Gareth was very much displeased with the sight of them. Solaris won this round, but sooner than late, he¡¯ll have the princess in the palm of his hand. If he played his cards right, Christopher would have won the princess¡¯ friendship by now.

    Time moved quickly and soon it was midnight. Eternia danced with all three boys and had plenty of fun learning about them. She was very much moved by Christopher¡¯s enthusiasm to push on their playdate. She felt accepted and welcomed by them.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± The three of them bowed and Eternia curtsied.

    ¡°I trust you had a pleasant time,¡± said the King, ¡°I saw you dancing with a smile across your face.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± she nodded enthusiastically, ¡°I had a splendid time with my new friends. It was a great pleasure to have been able to meet them.¡±

    ¡°Truly, the honor is ours, Princess,¡± said Maximillian, ruffling the hair of his son. ¡°I hope Alexander didn¡¯t scare you with his icy stare. Everyone seems to be frightened by it at first, but he really is a good child.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, Duke Solaris,¡± replied Eternia with a grin, ¡°He was¡­ interesting.¡± Lies. She was beyond frightened of Alexander. The way he looked at her made her insides upset. It was as though he would devour her at any minute.

    ¡°If I may,¡± Christopher says, ¡°We all found out that we all enjoy archery as well as swordsmanship. And though it isn¡¯t normal for girls to take part in it, we thought it would be great fun to enjoy such activities with Princess Eternia.¡±

    ¡°Archery and Swords?¡± Gareth asked. Does the Princess really enjoy such things? He wasn¡¯t in any position to dismiss the idea since the girl grew up in Crystalia. Perhaps things are done differently there.

    Zachary nodded, saying, ¡°It appears the Princess is quite fond of them.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said the King, ¡°But I cannot allow the Princess to leave the palace due to the dangers. The increase of monsters in the realm is at an alarming rate as of now.¡±

    Magnus chimed in, suggesting, ¡°We could allow them to practice here. There¡¯s no harm in doing so in the palace since there¡¯s a barrier spell around us.¡±

    Aurelius thought about it deeply. This was Gareth¡¯s move to win over his daughter¡¯s favor. It should be fine if Maximillian¡¯s son joins them. As much as he¡¯d like to prevent Gareth¡¯s plans, he can¡¯t refuse his request. ¡°Would you like to engage in this, my princess?¡± he asked his daughter.

    Eternia¡¯s eyes shined like diamonds as she said, ¡°Yes! I would very much like to, Father! I mean, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Then I shall grant it,¡± Aurelius declared. He then looked at Maximillian, their eyes having a conversation of their own. ¡°Your son must join the festivities as well, Maximilian,¡± Aurelius said.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Solaris nodded, ¡°He shall be there. This would be a great opportunity for all our children to get to know each other.¡±

    ¡°Then I shall arrange for it,¡± said Theodore, the King¡¯s secretary.

    Aurelius, Theodore, Magnus, and Maximillian saw through Gareth''s facade. His ambition to place his bloodline on the throne had been evident since their youth. Even as men, he remained unchanged; his relentless drive for power propelled him forward. However, it would be a cold day in hell before they allowed him to seize the throne. While he may have won tonight''s battle, the crown would never be his. His efforts would ultimately be in vain.

    ¡°You will be the destruction of your own house,¡± Aurelius mused as he watched the Sapphirepeaks make their exit.

 Chapter 9: The Queenâ€™s Delight

    Time is such a wonder. Sometimes, it feels as though everything is frozen. Other times, it feels like quicksand and everything seems rushed. And so days passed since the banquet, and days turned into weeks, and eventually months.

    Eternia found herself frozen as she stared out of her window, watching the sunrise. ¡°Another day of torment,¡± she mumbled sadly. She recalled the plans she made with her new friends. How happy she was that night and how excited they all were. Alas, the Queen somehow persuaded the King to change his mind.

    A few days before the planned playdate, an attack was made on the Kingdom''s borders. Monsters from the West made their way to our lands and all the mages and knights had to destroy them. They were eventually vanquished, however, some breached the castle walls and attacked a nobleman. The werewolf was killed, but the noble was infected and later executed. Because of this, the King agreed that it wasn¡¯t safe.

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Adrian asked, tapping her shoulder. But he already what it was. He saw how happy she was that night to meet new children. He never saw her smile that way before.

    Eternia sighed, keeping her gaze at the sunrise. ¡°I just wish I could see them again, Adrian. I never get to play with other children, you know? Not in Crystalia and not in Sapphiria. It¡¯s always, books, studies, training, and etiquette; never enough time for myself,¡± she shared, wiping the tears from her eyes.

    Adrian hugged her in an attempt to comfort the child. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just tell your father that the queen is abusing you,¡± he suggested, wiping the tears from her eyes. ¡°If he knew that the queen¡¯s making you work from seven in the morning until half past five, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll object on your behalf.¡±

    ¡°And make an enemy of my stepmother?¡± she said, almost trembling, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare. Besides, she means to make a suitable heir.¡±

    Adrian shook his head in disbelief. ¡°God, sometimes I forget that you¡¯re merely five years old when you talk like that,¡± he says, ¡°Anyhow, I¡¯ll make you a promise. When you are eight years old, I¡¯ll take you out some time for some fun. I think you¡¯d enjoy the village.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± she beamed, ¡°You truly mean it?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± he says, satisfied at the smile on her face. ¡°When you turn eight, I shall show you around. Perhaps that¡¯ll cheer you up and give you something to look forward to.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!¡± she says, jumping onto him. She practically squeezed him to death.

    ¡°Let me go,¡± he said, pushing her away. ¡°Anyway, about your magic lessons, Princess¡­ I think you should take a break.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Because your body will give up with all the work the queen is putting you through,¡± he explained, ¡°Too much work is bad for you. If you want, you can speak to the queen regarding this and we can arrange a proper schedule.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± she said obediently.

    And so the hours passed and the princess made her way to her private study where the Queen was already waiting. Eternia curtsied in respect to her stepmother, and greeted her, ¡°Good morning, Your Grace.¡±

    Alexa smiled, receiving her warmly with a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Good morning, my princess,¡± she responded, ¡°I trust you¡¯ve had a good night¡¯s rest.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Grace,¡± she replied, ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to ask you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing incredible in your studies and training, of course, I¡¯ll grant your wish. What might it be, my princess?¡± she asked.

    Eternia went pale and she felt sweat trickling down her forehead. The queen is quite terrifying when her mood is off. Hesitantly, she began, ¡°As you know, both my parents have the ability to wield magic¡­ A-and so¡­ I inherited that trait a-and have come to l-learn how to wield it.¡±

    ¡°Speak clearly, child,¡± the queen commanded, eyes darkening. Parents? As far as the queen is concerned, Marcella is out of the picture. The only parents Eternia has now are the king and queen. Merely hearing her say that made the queen¡¯s blood boil.

    ¡°Father said that I am quite talented,¡± Eternia continued, ¡°So, I wanted to ask if I could study magic and alchemy. I believe it is a subject that would prove to be helpful to the realm one day. So please, allow me to learn it.¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± the queen contemplated, ¡°I suppose that is an important subject to learn. You would prove to be a warrior, too. Then I suppose you shall. Your Mage friend can teach you since I hear that he¡¯s all-powerful.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Grace!¡± Eternia exclaimed gratefully.

    ¡°Your schedule shall change then in order to squeeze that into your plans,¡± Alexa says, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll arrange it for you. Anyhow, proceed to your studies.¡±

    And so Eternia did as she was told. Eternia studied hard and exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations. As time passed, she mastered reading ancient texts and learned to become fluent in several languages. She is excellent in all her subjects, but what she most excelled in was magic and alchemy. At such a young age, she became a prodigy. She didn¡¯t lag behind her training as an archer and a swordsman either. She became a dangerous weapon and card to play by the King and Queen.

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    Her days aren¡¯t easy. There were times when the Queen would strike her with a whip as a form of discipline whenever she made a mistake. Of course, the whip Alexa had was specially made for her. The whip inflicts pain just as any, but it would never leave a single trace on one¡¯s skin. In other words, there will be no proof of the Queen¡¯s abuse.

    Eternia became known as the ¡°Queen¡¯s Delight¡± with the way Alexa showed her off. If only her father knew what a monster she really was, perhaps he¡¯d leave her. But she could never tell him that. Everyone in the Queen¡¯s household was afraid of her, so no one would ever dare tell the king. Sometimes, she wondered if she traded one prison for another. But she knew such thoughts wouldn¡¯t help her. She prayed hard every night that the queen could finally conceive an heir that maybe her attention would leave her.

    Two years in the palace had changed her. Today is a very special day. It was the Queen¡¯s birthday, and she was to perform a special song for her with a guitar. Nothing must go wrong. If not, tomorrow shall bring her excruciating pain.

    ¡°Announcing the arrival of Princess Eternia,¡± the pager announced, ¡°The Queen¡¯s delight!¡±

    And so Eternia descended the stairs like a soft cloud, receiving the warm welcome of the courtiers. She curtsied before the King and Queen, greeting, ¡°Your Majesty and Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°Rise,¡± Aurelius said, smiling proudly at his daughter.

    Eternia rose like the sun, saying, ¡°I have a song prepared especially for Your Grace. A token of my gratitude for your being here and for appreciating what you¡¯ve done for the realm.¡±

    ¡°My delight, Princess Eternia,¡± Alexa said sweetly, ¡°Go on.¡± Her voice was so sweet as though honey had been slathered all over them. Easily, she fooled the realm into believing that she¡¯s the doting stepmother who stepped up into taking the role of Eternia¡¯s mother.

    Eternia received her guitar from her nanny. It was a beautiful piece that was crafted especially to thank her parents for listening. ¡°I hope that Your Grace enjoyed it,¡± she said.

    And so the great hall was filled with praises and applause. Truly, no one could ever match the Princess¡¯ talents. For that very reason, everyone acknowledged the queen for her diligence in making her so.

    ¡°It was lovely,¡± the queen acknowledged, ¡°Thank you, Princess.¡±

    One last curtsy and Eternia faded into the crowd with Adrian. Because she is young, she¡¯s not required to stay in court for long. All they need is a moment of her presence and she¡¯s free to leave. The one good thing there is today was that she didn¡¯t need to attend her studies.

    ¡°You did great, princess,¡± Adrian acknowledged, ¡°I¡¯m sure the queen of darkness can¡¯t harm you now.¡±

    ¡°Sh,¡± she warned him. They may be outside of the great hall, but people might still hear. The only person she could vent to about her sufferings was Adrian. Not even her nanny knew what was going on. ¡°Be quiet,¡± she glared at him. She then dragged him to the training ground where her weapons were already prepared for her.

    ¡°You want to spend the day training?¡± he asked, ¡°Can¡¯t we just spend the day in the library or something? I don¡¯t wish to be your sparring partner today.¡±

    She ignored his protests and grabbed her bow. Concentrated, she took an arrow from her quiver and eyed her target with unwavering resolve, her focus narrowing on the bullseye as she drew back the bowstring, readying herself to release the arrow. She released it, the arrow soaring through the air with a swift and graceful arc. With a satisfying thud, it struck the target dead center, hitting the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy.

    ¡°So you really do like archery,¡± said a cold familiar voice, startling her.

    Eternia turned around to meet a familiar face. Hair golden as the sun and eyes the color of embers¡ªthere¡¯s no doubt that the person standing before her was the firstborn of the House of Solaris. ¡°Y-young Master Alexander!¡± she stuttered, almost stumbling as she stepped towards him. Fortunately, the boy caught her in his arms before her face could meet the ground.

    His cold eyes pierced through her soul, intensifying her unease. Gently, he helped her stand. With a respectful bow, he greeted her, ¡°Princess Eternia,¡± and planted a soft kiss on her hand.

    She blushed immensely at his gesture. She hasn¡¯t seen him in two years. What does she say to him? Her mind went completely blank and she felt like an utter fool.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked, a bit confused. ¡°I saw you at the party, however, you disappeared. The King said I¡¯d find you here. I believe Christopher and Zachary are on their way here as we speak.¡±

    ¡°Shall I leave you then?¡± Adrian broke his silence.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Alexander asked, keeping the princess behind him. He felt a sense of duty to protect her for some reason he can¡¯t explain.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Adrian says, ¡°I¡¯m the Royal Magician and the Princess¡¯ royal protector.¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes grew wide. He didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or believe him. He was told that the Royal Magician was quite young, but he didn¡¯t expect him to be a child. They were practically the same age. ¡°Exactly how old are you?¡±

    ¡°My body appears to be that of a ten-year-old,¡± Adrian replied, uninterested.

    Changing the subject, Alexander says, ¡°Anyway, you made quite the shot, Princess. I didn¡¯t believe you then when you told us you¡¯re fond of archery. I must apologize.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary, Young Master Alexander,¡± she smiled, ¡°Would you like to shoot some arrows? I¡¯d be more than happy to spend time with you.¡±

    Alexander nodded, his movements fluid and effortless as he retrieved a bow and quiver of arrows from the rack of weapons. With a calm demeanor, he aimed at the second target, his gaze steady and focused. With minimal effort, he released the arrow, and with a satisfying thud, it struck the target dead center.

    His cool demeanor remained unchanged as he glanced briefly at Eternia. There was still an air of aloofness about him, a stark contrast to her youthful exuberance.

    ¡°That was impressive, Young Master!¡± Eternia acknowledged with much enthusiasm.

    Their moment was then interrupted by the call of two young boys with silver hair and stormy eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, yeah!¡± Christopher shouted from across the grounds. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you!¡±

    Eternia''s heart swelled with warmth at the familiar voices. "They''re all here," she thought, clutching her fist against her chest. Finally, at long last, a day with her friends had arrived.

 Chapter 10: A damsel in distress

    The day she longed for finally came. A simple day with her friends. As a special treat, even Adrian was present! This surely is a day she will forever treasure.

    ¡°You¡¯ve grown, Your Grace,¡± greeted Christopher with a jolly smile. He sure was surprised to see the child he met two years ago had blossomed into a prodigy in archery.

    ¡°You as well, Young Master Christopher,¡± she smiled, ¡°You¡¯re much taller than before. I¡¯m surprised you made it to the queen¡¯s party.¡±

    ¡°Well, Mother insisted that we attend,¡± Christopher explained, ¡°I am to return to the academy tomorrow, though. I¡¯m afraid that today¡¯s the only day I¡¯ll get to see you.¡±

    ¡°Then I shall treasure our time together even more!¡± she responded warmly. Turning to Zachary, she remarked, ¡°You¡¯ve grown as well, Young Master Zachary. You¡¯re much taller now!¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯ve become even more radiant, Princess,¡± Zachary replied, gracefully kissing her hand. ¡°Please, call me Zach. No need for formalities when we¡¯re among friends.¡±

    ¡°Then you may call me Eternia,¡± she replied, her smile widening.

    Christopher interjected with a cheerful grin, ¡°And you can call me Chris.¡±

    Meanwhile, Adrian observed the exchange with a keen eye. Smooth moves, kid, he thought to himself. Sapphirepeak has certainly trained his son well.

    ¡°Are we shooting arrows or what?¡± Alexander interrupted impatiently, his tone curt. His father''s words lingered in his mind, urging him to seek friendship with the princess for the sake of their house''s reputation. To make an enemy of the crown isn''t wise, he reminded himself. Despite the jovial atmosphere, he couldn''t shake off his distrust towards the enigmatic foreign princess.

    "Alright. Alright," said the brothers in unison, nodding to each other before they proceeded to engage in a match of archery. Christopher, as expected, demonstrated his mastery, effortlessly claiming first place with precise shots that hit the mark with unwavering accuracy. Alexander followed closely behind, his skill evident as he secured second place with steady aim and controlled technique.

    Eternia, the youngest among them, surprised all with her remarkable talent and determination. Despite her tender age, she displayed a natural instinct and eagerness to learn, earning herself third place in the match.

    However, the biggest surprise came when Zachary, usually skilled in various endeavors, faltered and ended up in last place. His arrows missed the mark by wide margins, betraying a lack of focus and composure that was uncharacteristic of him.

    The outcome of the match left them all with a mixture of surprise, amusement, and a newfound respect for each other''s abilities.

    ¡°You impress me, Princess,¡± Zachary complimented, ¡°You are a natural at archery. We must do this again sometime.¡±

    Eternia concealed her blush with a nod of agreement, unable to contain the warmth that spread across her cheeks. Engaging in another match with them sounded delightful; it had been the most enjoyable experience she''d had in a long while.

    Even Alexander couldn''t help but offer praise for Eternia''s skills. "You''re something, I guess," he remarked, his tone begrudgingly admiring. Those words were enough to elicit a smile from Eternia, filling her heart with joy.

    Christopher''s face lit up with excitement as he suggested another activity. "Why don''t we spar with our swords?" he proposed eagerly. "Everyone has them, right? A friendly match wouldn''t hurt."

    However, Alexander shook his head in disapproval. "I must disagree, Chris," he objected firmly. "Swords are too dangerous. What if you accidentally strike the princess? The King would have your head served on a silver platter, and your house would be ruined."

    He had a point, but Christopher wasn''t one to give up easily. "We''ll be extra careful," he assured them, determination shining in his eyes.

    Eternia chimed in, suggesting an alternative. "Adrian can practice healing magic, so we can have a match," she proposed, pointing to her sworn protector.

    Adrian''s expression turned stern as he shook his head. As much as he''d like to refuse, he knew he had to obey her request, begrudgingly accepting the role assigned to him.

    "I will take on Zachary, and you can take on Xander," declared Chris confidently.

    With that decided, Christopher and Zachary moved to the sparring area, their swords clashing with resounding echoes. Each movement was precise and calculated, a testament to their training and skill.

    With swift strikes and agile footwork, Christopher gradually gained the upper hand, his movements fluid and confident. Zachary fought valiantly, but Christopher''s mastery proved to be too much to overcome.

    In a final flurry of strikes, Christopher delivered a decisive blow, disarming Zachary and emerging as the victor of their friendly match. With a grin of triumph, he offered his hand to Zachary in sportsmanlike acknowledgment of his opponent''s efforts.

    Meanwhile, Alexander and Eternia observed from the sidelines, their eyes following the swift movements of their friends as they clashed in friendly combat.

    Eternia applauded, giving praise to Christopher and Zachary. ¡°That was excellent!¡± she cheered, ¡°You truly are amazing, Young Master Chris! You were also great, Young Master Zach! I admire your skills as a swordsman.¡± Her words made the brothers smile. They greatly appreciated her praises.

    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now, Eternia,¡± said Zachary, pointing at Alexander, who was already at the sparring area.

    Alexander''s intense gaze sent a shiver down Eternia''s spine, his eyes seeming to pierce through her very soul.

    Undeterred by Alexander''s intimidating demeanor, Eternia stepped forward, her determination unwavering. She approached the weapon rack and retrieved her sword, a magnificent blade crafted especially for her. A gift from her father in recognition of her prowess in swordsmanship, the blade was a marvel to behold. Fashioned from magic crystal and iron, forged with dragon fire and heart, it was a weapon of unparalleled strength and lethality, capable of vanquishing even the mightiest of monsters with a single strike.

    Alexander gestured for Eternia to make the first move, and without hesitation, she launched into action. The clash of their blades echoed throughout the training grounds as they engaged in a mesmerizing display of swordsmanship. Eternia''s movements were fluid and precise, a testament to the rigorous training she had undergone under Magnus Azure''s tutelage. She fought with a fierce determination, her every strike calculated and strategic.

    As the battle raged on, it became evident to all observers that Eternia was a force to be reckoned with. Her skill with the sword surpassed expectations, catching even Alexander off guard. Despite his initial confidence, he soon found himself hard-pressed to keep up with her relentless assault. The match stretched on longer than anticipated, each combatant refusing to yield an inch.

    In a breathtaking display of skill, Eternia gained the upper hand, her blade poised to deliver the final blow. Victory seemed within her grasp, her opponents watching in awe at her prowess. But in a cruel twist of fate, she stumbled at the last moment, her footing faltering on the hem of her dress. It was all the opening Alexander needed.

    With lightning-fast reflexes, Alexander seized the opportunity, delivering a decisive strike that caught Eternia off guard. In an instant, the tables were turned, and victory slipped from Eternia''s grasp. Despite the disappointment of defeat, she rose to her feet with grace, her pride wounded but her spirit unbroken.

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    As Alexander stood victorious, a sense of smug satisfaction played across his features. Though he concealed it well, there was a hint of admiration in his gaze as he extended a hand to help Eternia to her feet. In that fleeting moment, amidst the rivalry and competition, a fraction of respect was earned, a silent acknowledgment of Eternia''s skill and determination.

    Eternia accepted Alexander''s hand, her pride wounded but her spirit unbroken. Despite the sting of defeat, she held her head high, her resolve undiminished. With a nod of thanks to Alexander, she silently vowed to redouble her efforts and emerge even stronger from this setback.

    The brothers applauded.

    ¡°That was an insane match,¡± commented Zachary, ¡°Even I saw a glimmer of fear in Xander¡¯s eyes.¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Alexander dismissed, glaring at him. He then turned to Eternia with a genuine smile of acknowledgment. ¡°I don¡¯t say this often so listen well,¡± he says, ¡°You¡¯re not as bad as I thought. Your skills in archery and swordsmanship are respectable. For that, you have my respect, Princess Eternia.¡±

    Eternia blushed immensely at his compliment. ¡°Thank you, Young Master Alexander. You honor me,¡± she says, looking down at their still-intertwined hands. ¡°Can you please release my hand now?¡±

    It was Alexander¡¯s turn to blush. Immediately, he released her hand upon realization. ¡°Apologies,¡± he said looking away.

    Laughter and chatter filled the air as they whiled away the day, delving into topics ranging from history to alchemy, their conversation flowing freely. Time seemed to slip away effortlessly in the company of cherished friends, until the fading light signaled the approaching dusk. Suddenly, their jovial atmosphere was shattered by the thunderous roar of an undetected monster, its presence announced with chilling clarity: an ogre, and a formidable one at that.

    Instinctively, Alexander pushed Eternia behind him, shielding her with its body. ¡°Stay back,¡± he says, keeping her close. He looked at his friends, signaling them to surround Eternia. ¡°Don¡¯t let the monster get to her,¡± he commanded, raising his sword.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a damsel,¡± Eternia objected, ¡°I can very much protect myself. You saw what I¡¯m capable of, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Christopher shook his head in disapproval. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have to side with Xander on this one, Eternia. You¡¯re the crown jewel and we must do what we can to protect you,¡± he said firmly. He then shifted his gaze at the mage, saying, ¡°Will you be able to create a barrier around it?¡±

    Adrian nodded, his brow furrowing in concentration as he began to weave his protective spells. "I can contain it within a barrier, but I fear I can''t hold it for long," he explained, the strain evident in his voice as he tapped into his dwindling reservoir of power. Once a formidable warlock, Adrian''s strength had waned over the years of his captivity in the tower. Though still potent, the demands of maintaining barriers around the palace and other tasks threatened to exhaust his remaining energy. ¡°Princess,¡± he called, struggling to keep the ogre in place, ¡°You must strike it now!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± the trio said in unison.

    ¡°No!¡± objected Christopher, ¡°It isn¡¯t safe! The ogre might kill her!¡±

    ¡°The ogre will kill all of you if you don¡¯t let her through this instant!¡± Adrian said, ¡°You have to let her through before the barrier breaks! Now!¡± Adrian soon gave out after waiting and the ogre broke free, threatening the life of all four children. Shit, he thought furiously, They should¡¯ve listened when they had a chance! I¡¯m all out of power!

    "Protect the princess!" Christopher''s command rang out as he launched himself at the towering ogre. Despite his considerable skill, his strikes seemed to have little effect on the monstrous creature. Each blow landed with force, yet the ogre appeared unfazed, its thick hide deflecting the onslaught. Desperation etched across his features, Christopher faltered, his confidence waning as fatigue set in. "Why won''t it fall?" he gasped, frustration evident in his voice as he struggled to comprehend the creature''s resilience.

    ¡°You fool!¡± Adrian shouted, ¡°Your swords are merely toys! Do you really think that those tiny blades could harm a monster such as this? Only Eternia can strike it down!¡±

    Determined to protect the princess, all three boys charged at the beast with their swords, their resolve unwavering in the face of danger. Despite the odds stacked against them, they pressed on, their blades flashing in the dim light as they struck at the monstrous creature. However, in a moment of misfortune, the ogre managed to seize Zachary by his foot, its grip tight and unyielding.

    With the ogre poised to devour him, Eternia sprang into action, her courage driving her forward. With a swift and decisive motion, she leaped over Christopher''s back and brought her blade down upon the creature''s neck, severing its head in a single stroke. As the monstrous form fell, Eternia continued her assault, delivering precise strikes that rent the ogre''s body asunder. Blood sprayed forth, drenching both Eternia and Zachary in its sickening warmth.

    The sight of the mangled beast and the stench of its blood filled the air, sending shivers down their spines. Yet, amidst the horror, there was a sense of triumph in Eternia''s actions. With her blade held high, she stood as a beacon of strength and defiance, a testament to her bravery in the face of danger.

    Eternia, still catching her breath and feeling the weight of her sword in her small hands, stumbled forward, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. Just as she felt herself about to fall, she was caught by Alexander, whose arms wrapped around her gently yet firmly, steadying her.

    "Careful there, Princess," Alexander said coolly, his tone softening slightly as he helped her regain her balance.

    Eternia nodded, her heart still pounding from the adrenaline of battle. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Alexander nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable. For a moment, they simply stood there in silence, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

    Finally, Alexander spoke, his voice gruff yet oddly gentle. "You did well out there," he admitted, his gaze flickering briefly to meet hers before returning to the ground.

    Eternia''s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected praise. "Thank you," she said again, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

    ¡°You saved us,¡± Christopher acknowledged, ¡°We were wrong to stop you. I apologize. Had we listened to the mage, the ogre would¡¯ve been vanquished far sooner, and your life would¡¯ve never been put at risk like that. My sincerest apologies, Eternia.¡±

    Adrian glared at them, still furious. ¡°Next time, would you just do as I say?¡±

    ¡°Yes, your powerfulness,¡± the trio said in unison, a hint of humor in their tone.

    The scene intensified as a squadron of knights, accompanied by the King, Magnus, Theodore, Maximilian, and Gareth, hurried towards them. Concern etched on their faces, Aurelius hastened to his daughter''s side, swiftly assessing her for any signs of injury. Maximilian mirrored his actions, attending to Alexander, while Gareth turned his attention to his two sons, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos.

    The King''s voice thundered with wrath as he demanded, "What happened?" His fury was palpable, his eyes ablaze with anger. His only daughter, the princess, had just endured a terrifying ordeal, her innocence tarnished by the blood of a beast. Furthermore, noble children, including his own, had narrowly escaped harm. The palace''s formidable barrier, bolstered by Adrian''s unparalleled magic, should have rendered such attacks impossible. Yet, despite their defenses, an intruder had breached their sanctum. There could be no other explanation¡ªtreachery lurked within their very walls, a betrayal that threatened the safety of his kingdom. Knowing that Adrian was bound to Eternia, he couldn¡¯t be the suspect.

    ¡°An ogre breached our barrier, Your Majesty,¡± explained Adrian, ¡°Somehow, it came through undetected which should¡¯ve been impossible.¡±

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Gareth asked his boys.

    ¡°None of us are thanks to Princess Eternia,¡± Alexander answered in their stead, ¡°The Princess was surprisingly skilled in combat and swordsmanship. She was the one who vanquished the beast and saved us.¡±

    Gareth''s steely gaze darkened with disappointment, his thoughts swirling with incredulity. This was not the tale he had anticipated. How could a mere child, a little girl, emerge victorious against such a formidable foe? The revelation stirred a bitter sense of failure within him, a gnawing realization that his own sons had been outmatched by a girl scarcely out of infancy. They should have been her protectors, her saviors, not the ones in need of rescue. Though a storm of anger raged within him, Gareth masked his emotions behind a facade of composure. "I''m glad everyone is safe," he forced himself to say, his words laden with a thinly veiled veneer of civility.

    ¡°The incident shall be investigated thoroughly and every mage and knight in the palace shall be questioned. This is an act of betrayal and an attempt to endanger the heir and noble children. This crime is treason. Kill whoever¡¯s necessary and find out which rat brought that beast into the palace,¡± Aurelius ordered Magnus and Theodore. He then shifted to Adrian, commanding, ¡°Take the princess to her chambers and never leave her side. I imagine you must be exhausted, but dangers are still near.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Your Majesty,¡± Adrian bowed, obeying the king.

    Aurelius then faced Maximillian and Gareth with a stern expression. ¡°The party is over,¡± he said, ¡°Take your children home. I assume they need to rest after the torment they endured today. I shall see you tomorrow at the council chamber where we will discuss the incident in full detail.¡±

    "Yes, Your Majesty," both Dukes bowed in deference, their expressions reflecting a mixture of reverence and apprehension. As they watched the King vanish into the depths of the palace alongside his squadron, a somber silence fell over them. Aurelius was not known for his tyranny or cruelty, but there existed within him a shadowed aspect, a side capable of ruthless determination. He was no saint, after all. And in the wake of this incident, with the looming specter of betrayal hanging over them, it was clear that countless lives would be imperiled in the unfolding turmoil.

 Chapter 11: The Snake

    The atmosphere in the palace was eerie after the events that took place during the Queen¡¯s party. The Palace was supposed to be the safest place in the Kingdom. The barriers were strong and security was tight. The best magicians in Sapphiria and the fiercest knights are the sworn protectors of the palace. How could an ogre enter the palace without being detected? Impossible. Either a guard was slacking off his duties, or a traitor was in the palace. Either way, the King¡¯s wrath will have its vengeance.

    Adrian''s thoughts meandered through the labyrinth of possibilities, a tangled maze of intrigue and suspicion spun from the threads of his ancient wisdom and jaded cynicism. He mulled over the incident with a detached air, his mind a finely tuned instrument dissecting the motives of those around him. "Plenty would covet the throne, but few possess the audacity to act," he murmured to himself, his voice tinged with a hint of rueful amusement. The queen''s involvement seemed improbable, her affection for Eternia a shield against suspicion. Solaris, a staunch ally, stood beyond reproach, leaving only Sapphirepeak in the shadows of doubt. "Gareth Sapphirepeak," he muttered, the name carrying the weight of accusation. "A man with much to gain and little to lose. Perhaps he thought his sons could play the heroes, yet he underestimated the resilience of our young princess." With a knowing nod, Adrian''s assessment crystallized a testament to his shrewd insight into the machinations of power.

    He watched as the princess slept peacefully on her bed. Her face was angelic and at peace. Gone were the traces of blood and the stench of that dreadful beast.

    Adrian''s muttered words betrayed a mixture of frustration and resignation, his voice a low rumble of discontent. "What am I doing?" he questioned himself, his tone laced with self-reproach. "I should be finding a way to break ties with this child. This bracelet has to come off!" His gaze flickered to the bracelet, a tangible reminder of the bond that bound him to her, before returning to the young girl before him. With a shake of his head, he voiced his incredulity, addressing her directly. "You''re lucky I''ve grown fond of you," he admitted, his admission tinged with a hint of grudging affection. "In less than a century, I''ll be rid of you. Until then, I''ll help you through this." With deliberate care, he produced a bracelet crafted from a dragon heart, its surface pulsating with a protective spell. Slipping it onto her wrist, he ensured her safety with a solemn promise. "One call and I''ll be there," he vowed, his voice carrying the weight of his unwavering loyalty.

    Night morphed into dawn as the sun began to rose. Much to the queen¡¯s displeasure, Eternia was excused from her lessons because of the incident. Alexa would be confined to her chambers until the culprit is caught. Eternia too.

    ¡°Princess,¡± her nanny, Lady Evangeline knocked. She had a warm smile on her face, and in hand an envelope.

    ¡°Lady Evangeline,¡± Eternia greeted, keeping her gaze fixed on her window. She had grown bored after having finished reading a novel. Adrian was nowhere to be found and she was confined to her chambers.

    Evangeline tapped on her shoulder, gaining her attention. She curtsied in respect and showed the envelope with a wide smile. ¡°A letter arrived from House Solaris,¡± Evangeline explained, ¡°It was addressed to you, Princess. The King asked me to hand it to you. I assume the Young Master of that house asked his father to hand this to you.¡±

    Eternia brimmed with excitement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She gladly accepted the letter and held it close to her heart. It was the first time someone¡ªa friend¡ªwrote her a letter. Hastily, she opened the seal of the envelope and pulled out the letter. It smelled like warmth, reminding her of its writer.

    ¡°I shall leave you to it,¡± Evangeline said, giving her privacy.

    She unfolded the parchment, the delicate paper crackled softly from her touch. With a sense of anticipation, she began to read the words written upon it, each letter etched in elegant script, revealing the secrets held within.

    Princess Eternia,

    I hope this letter reaches you without delay.

    I must begin by expressing my gratitude for your actions last night. It was... unexpected, to say the least. Your swift dispatch of the ogre caught us all off guard, reminding us of the strength and determination that reside within you. As heirs to our respective houses, duty compels us to protect you, but it seems you are more than capable of holding your own.

    In light of recent events, I feel compelled to offer my apologies. My initial doubts regarding your abilities were unfounded, and for that, I am sorry. It appears I underestimated you, Princess, and for that, I ask for your forgiveness.

    It is clear to me now that there is much more to you than meets the eye. Your courage and skill are evident, and I have no doubt you will continue to make history in your own unique way.

    Until our next encounter,

    Alexander Rayborn Solaris

    Eternia found herself smiling and kicking her feet. Who would¡¯ve thought that Alexander had some warmth hiding beneath his icy exterior? She then recalled the moments after she vanquished that monster¡ªthe way Alexander showed warmth subtly by keeping her steady in his arms. Her cheeks warmed up at the thought.

    Meanwhile, Adrian was summoned by the king to the council room in which Theodore, Magnus, and Maximillian, were already present. As Adrian entered the council room, he felt the weight of the situation settle upon his shoulders. The atmosphere was tense, charged with a sense of urgency and concern. The king sat at the head of the table, his expression grave as he surveyed those gathered. Theodore, Magnus, and Maximillian were already deep in discussion, their brows furrowed in concentration.

    Adrian approached cautiously, his mind already racing with possibilities. He knew that the events of the previous day could have far-reaching implications, and it was crucial to uncover the truth behind the attack. With his vast knowledge and experience, he was determined to assist in any way he could.

    "Your Majesty," Adrian greeted respectfully, bowing his head in acknowledgment. "I am here as you requested. What is the situation?"

    The king¡¯s initial anger had ebbed away, replaced by a sense of controlled determination. The aura surrounding him, however, remains unchanged. ¡°I¡¯d like you to explain what happened that day,¡± he said firmly, ¡°There is to be a meeting later regarding the matter. I¡¯d like to know how things went from your perspective.¡±

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    Magnus''s words echoed with conviction as he addressed the gathered council members. "Let it be known that everyone present here holds no ill intentions towards the princess," he declared firmly, his gaze sweeping across the assembled individuals. "The true perpetrators of this crime lie beyond these walls, out there in the wider world."

    And so Adrian explained everything. As Adrian recounted the events of that fateful day, his voice carried a weight of urgency and concern. He spared no detail, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and danger they had faced. With each word, Magnus, Theodore, and Maximillian listened intently, their expressions ranging from deep contemplation to outright alarm.

    Meanwhile, the king sat at the head of the table, his features grave and his gaze piercing as he absorbed every word spoken. His presence lent an air of authority to the proceedings, underscoring the gravity of the situation at hand.

    Seated around the table in the dimly lit chamber, King Aurelius, Theodore, Maximillian, Magnus, and Adrian exchanged troubled glances. The weight of their suspicions hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over their discussion.

    "We find ourselves in a precarious position," King Aurelius began, his voice measured yet tinged with frustration. "All signs point to Gareth Sapphirepeak, but we lack the evidence to substantiate our suspicions."

    Theodore nodded solemnly, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "We cannot risk accusing him without concrete proof," he agreed. "To do so could ignite the flames of war between our houses."

    Maximillian''s jaw clenched with tension, his fists tightening around the edges of the table. "Yet, we cannot ignore the possibility of treason within our midst," he added, his voice edged with determination.

    Magnus sighed heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. "We must proceed with caution," he cautioned. "Without evidence, any accusation we make could be seen as baseless."

    Adrian, the youngest among them yet possessed of an ancient wisdom, spoke up, his tone grave. "We must tread carefully, Your Majesty," he urged. "The consequences of a misstep in this matter could be dire."

    Silence fell over the chamber as each man grappled with the weight of their predicament. In the absence of proof, they were left with little recourse but to wait and watch, hoping for a breakthrough that would reveal the truth behind the shadows of suspicion.

    Aurelius groaned in frustration. The snake was without a doubt Gareth. His failed attempt at painting his children as the heroes of last night¡¯s fiasco¡­ Adrian was right about his theory. For sure, the children were innocent. The fear in their eyes last night was genuine. What kind of father risks his own children¡¯s life for power? Aurelius pondered.

    ¡°It appears we¡¯re at a dead end regarding taking Gareth down,¡± Theodore concluded, ¡°I¡¯m certain he¡¯ll pay off someone to admit to the crime. No evidence was left, so we can¡¯t make our case.¡±

    ¡°The princess¡¯ life will be in constant danger here in the palace,¡± said Maximillian, ¡°Why don¡¯t you send her to the royal academy for noblewomen? Surely, they can conceal her identity. She¡¯ll be safer away from Gareth¡¯s clutches.¡±

    ¡°That academy only accepts girls of a certain age,¡± Adrian reminded, ¡°Princess Eternia is only seven. The age requirement to attend is fourteen.¡±

    I can¡¯t send her back to Crystalia knowing how they treated her there, Aurelius thought deeply, Marcella despises her. In my Kingdom, however, she¡¯s at risk of being a pawn. Life as a royal isn¡¯t easy; I knew that from the start. Our lives are always at risk just because we¡¯re born into this family. I suppose she might as well stay by my side.

    Maximilian asked, ¡°Did anyone write to Queen Marcella regarding this matter? As her mother, she has the right to know, does she not?¡±

    An even darker aura surrounded the king upon hearing those words from his best friend¡¯s mouth. His face, no matter how hard he tries to regain control, shows nothing but rage. Whenever they mention her name, he falls into a state of anger, rage, and denial. Knowing him, a tantrum was sure to follow.

    Silence filled the room. Theodore wanted to make a run for it. Magnus wanted to choke Maximillian for his stupidity. Adrian, no matter how calm, was sweating from the tension he felt.

    Finally, Aurelius burst, unleashing his anger at his friend. ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± he growled at Maximillian, ¡°Do you think that Marcella cares about our child? She practically erased her from her life!¡±

    "Calm down," Maximilian says, his tone dismissive as he gestures with a wave of his hand. He still hadn''t grasped the gravity of his misstep. To him, Marcella was more than just Aurelius'' previous wife; she was their friend, a connection dating back to childhood. ¡°I thought you moved on. Why are you getting so angry?¡±

    Maximilian¡¯s words fanned the flames even more, making Aurelius slam his fists on the table. ¡°Don¡¯t start with me, Maximilian,¡± he growled.

    Maximilian stood up, his gaze steady as he walked towards Aurelius to face whatever consequences awaited him. "Or what?" he challenged, his voice tinged with defiance.

    Theodore cut in, breaking them apart. ¡°We should end the meeting here,¡± he says, ¡°We¡¯re all tired. Let¡¯s not engage in something we¡¯ll later regret.¡±

    Magnus held Aurelius back, nodding in agreement with Theodore. ¡°I agree. We¡¯re all tired and saying things we don¡¯t mean. We¡¯ve been working too hard. Maximilian clearly doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s saying anymore.¡±

    ¡°Why are you taking his side?¡± Maximilian questioned, ¡°He may be the king, but what good friends are we if we simply go along with everything he wants? And what¡¯s wrong with asking if anyone wrote to Marcella? She was our friend as well, not to mention the mother of your child.¡±

    ¡°Max, we¡¯re really trying to help you here. Will you shut up!¡± Magnus snapped, ¡°We understand what you mean. But you need to shut up for now.¡±

    The argument stretched on, seemingly endless, as Adrian observed from a safe distance. They bickered like children, he mused, a pang of secondhand embarrassment washing over him. How much longer would this ordeal drag on?

    Just then, a disruptive interruption broke the tense atmosphere. "Announcing the arrival of the Duke of Sapphirepeak," the pager announced, drawing their attention away from their squabble. Their eyes darted at the door as Gareth made his cold entrance.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Gareth bowed, greeting him.

    ¡°The council meeting isn¡¯t for another three hours,¡± Magnus said dismissively, ¡°You should return later.¡±

    Gareth¡¯s lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk, his eyes glinting with disdain. ¡°And yet you¡¯re here,¡± Gareth responded, his voice thinly veiled with contempt. With deliberate defiance, he claimed the vacant seat next to Magnus. ¡°I assume you¡¯re discussing the events that transpired yesterday,¡± he says, his gaze sweeping over them with a calculated measure of superiority. ¡°Allow me to enlighten you with my theory.¡±

    And so Gareth made his move as they predicted. With cunning and guile, he wove a tapestry of lies, painting the perfect picture for his escape. His story about mercenaries, complete with a coerced witness and a conveniently blamed culprit, is enough to leave him unscathed. House Sapphirepeak remains unharmed yet again despite the Duke¡¯s schemes.

 Chapter 12: A Letter From Home

    It¡¯s been a week since the attack transpired. As a formality, a trial was held, and both the witness and the culprit were sentenced to death. All went according to Gareth¡¯s plan, of course. House Sapphirpeak is safe and the innocent paid for his sins. As an act of mercy, Theodore slipped a numbing potion into the prisoners¡¯ cells to help with the pain.

    In the aftermath of the ogre attack, Alexa¡¯s manner grew more rigid and demanding. Eternia resumed her studies under the queen¡¯s guidance, suffering in silence. With every flaw Alexa relentlessly scoured, hunted, and sought, Eternia received a painful blow from the whip. The only true difference she had with the slaves was the title she possessed. A princess by birth and an oppressed child by chance.

    ¡°Straighten your back!¡± the queen instructed, her tone dripping with tyranny. Eternia¡¯s poor posture earned her another sharp strike on her calves. Alexa hovered around her like a vulture, scrutinizing every step she took during her dance lessons. You either become the perfect weapon or perish, Alexa thought ruthlessly, I will do this as many times as necessary without remorse if it means erasing the resemblance of your wretched mother.

    Eternia straightened her back obediently, daring not to flinch despite the pain shooting through her calves. Though young, she possessed a wisdom beyond her years, understanding that true power requires patience and perseverance. At the tender age of seven, obedience is her only recourse. She endured the queen¡¯s rigorous and oppressive training, knowing that every lesson, every ounce of knowledge gained, will serve her in the future. With determination burning through her heart, Eternia promised herself that when the time was right, she would seize her freedom and forge her own destiny.

    ¡°Announcing the arrival of the King!¡± the pager declared, disrupting their lesson.

    Father, Eternia sighed in relief.

    Alexa¡¯s face turned pale, startled at the King¡¯s unannounced visit. Without a second wasted, she instructed her staff to conceal the whip, hiding every evidence there was of her abusive nature. She composed herself, her face expressing sweetness and tenderness towards the princess.

    Aurelius entered the chamber with a menacing aura enveloping him. His eyes bore into the room with chilling intensity¡ªthe same emotionless gaze Alexa had grown accustomed to before Eternia¡¯s arrival in the palace.

    ¡°Your majesty,¡± they all greeted him.

    Did he find out? Alexa pondered, trembling in fear. No¡­ It¡¯s impossible. No one would dare to defy me.

    ¡°My daughter is excused for the day,¡± he declared firmly, taking Eternia¡¯s hand. As they were making their exit, he paused momentarily, turning his head to meet the queen¡¯s gaze. ¡°You look pale, Alexa. Are you unwell?¡±

    ¡°No, Your Majesty,¡± Alexa almost stuttered, ¡°I thank you for your concern.¡±

    Aurelius only shrugged, leaving with Eternia to the main palace.

    Alexa watched as their image faded in the distance, her heart finally beating at a calmer pace. ¡°That was close,¡± she muttered, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect His Majesty¡¯s visit. What could have possibly soured his mood?¡±

    Aurelius brought Eternia to his private study, sitting her down on the special chaise lounge he had purchased for her. The entire walk from the Queen¡¯s palace to his study was in utter silence. She was awfully quiet. Did I frighten her? he reflected, Perhaps she¡¯s just exhausted.

    ¡°Father,¡± Eternia finally broke her silence, meeting his concerned gaze with joyful eyes and sweetness. It was as though the torment she endured earlier never happened. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I¡¯m happy to see my father, but the queen will surely punish me for that unannounced visit, she thought woefully.

    Aurelius hesitantly retrieved two envelopes from his desk. The elegant stationery, the Royal Crystalian seal, and the familiar scent¡­ They were letters from the Queen.

    ¡°Those are,¡± Eternia gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.

    Aurelius nodded, handing her the letter her mother had written to her. Curiosity, worry, and anticipation surged through him. What could Marcella possibly want? It¡¯s been two years since they last saw each other and not once had she written.

    Eternia felt a sharp pain in her chest and a lump in her throat. Her hands gripped on the envelope tightly as the word ¡°mother¡± slipped out of her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes, unable to keep the mask she forced on herself. Her father would understand, wouldn¡¯t he? He¡¯s not cruel like Alexa.

    She¡¯s crying. I never once saw her cry since that day in Crystalia, he pondered in dismay. He placed his hand over her shoulder in an attempt to bring her comfort, but tears only fell harder. Frustration consumed him as he struggled to find the right words or actions to comfort his daughter. How could I stop her from crying? He pondered, wishing he could swallow the pain for her. Seeing her like this¡­ Damn it! What could I possibly say to ease her pain?

    Eternia sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes. Her father is still the King and showing such weakness is unacceptable. ¡°I apologize, Father,¡± she bowed her head regrettably, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have to see your daughter cry like a child.¡±

    Aurelius blinked in confusion. ¡°But you are a child,¡± he said, pinching her cheek affectionately. ¡°Cry if you must. Don¡¯t hold it in like that.¡±

    You¡¯re truly kind, Father, she thought happily. Shaking her head with a cheery smile, she says, ¡°I¡¯m too old to cry, Father. A princess doesn¡¯t cry.¡±

    His eyes widened, her stubbornness reminding him of someone he once knew. A smile cracked on the corner of his lips. He patted her head, a gesture of affection his grandmother used to share with him. ¡°Stubborn like your mother,¡± he says, ¡°Anyway, I brought you here because of that letter. The Queen of Crystalia never writes. That said, she must have an important reason to.¡±

    ¡°You wish to read the contents of this letter?¡± she asked, offering it to him without hesitation. Marcella holds no affection towards her and she¡¯s aware of that.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not the reason why,¡± he struggled to articulate, ¡°I simply wanted you to feel at ease¡­ no, comfortable.¡± He scratched his head, searching for the right words. ¡°What I¡¯m trying to convey is that I didn¡¯t want you to be alone in case the contents of your mother¡¯s letter brought you distress.¡±

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    She furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I did when I received the envelopes,¡± he admitted, the words slipping out unconsciously. He glanced down at his envelope¡ªthe seal still intact. He couldn¡¯t find the courage to open it. Whenever he hears her name, thinks of her, or is reminded of her, something inside him stirs, reigniting past anger. To receive something from her¡ªit¡¯s driving him to the brink of madness.

    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Father,¡± she smiled, touched by his affection. Her small hands squeezed his, a silent reassurance that he wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t cause you any pain as my mother did.¡±

    His eyes widened, a mixture of shock and bewilderment flooding his senses. ¡°Why would you think that?¡± he questioned, struggling to comprehend her question.

    ¡°Because I see it when you look at me,¡± she replied, her eyes empty of emotion. ¡°When you see her in me¡­¡± It¡¯s not so different from the way she used to look at me on the rare occasions we crossed paths, she recalled sorrowfully, I resemble you, Father. Seeing my face broke her heart because it reminded her of you.

    He threw his arms around her, embracing her tightly. The revelation caught him off guard, and he had no idea she harbored such feelings. "My Princess Eternia," his voice was hoarse with emotion, "I apologize if you ever felt that way. When I see her in you, I don¡¯t feel resentment towards you. You received the very best of Marcella. Your mother and I, we¡¯re not who we used to be. I loved her deeply. When I see her in you, I''m reminded of that love. And I admit that I do feel a tiny sting, but it¡¯s not because of you. It¡¯s because I miss her terribly."

    ¡°You miss her?¡± she asked, astonished. Father and I rarely talk about these things, she pondered, It was always about my lessons and achievements¡­ the future of the kingdom. To be able to talk about my mother¡­ it¡¯s delightful!

    Aurelius expressed, ¡°We were friends a long time ago. So, yes, I do miss her.¡± From one of his pockets, Aurelius pulled out a small pendant and secured it around her neck. ¡°This was from Marcella. She gave it to me when we were nine as a token of our friendship. She said it would protect me from harm.¡±

    Eternia clutched the pendant. It was a blue Crystalian stone with a protective rune engraved on it. The stone was encased in a simple but sturdy silver wrapping, evidence of Marcella¡¯s youthful craftsmanship. Though the setting was not perfect, each twist and turn of the wire held a story of her determination and love for her friend. It was beautiful.

    ¡°It¡¯s yours now,¡± He says, reminiscing that day¡­

    Eternia still couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Mother was that kind, huh?¡± she asked curiously.

    ¡°She was,¡± he says, ¡°She was a good friend. She was smart, brave, beautiful, and full of life. You embody that part of her.¡±

    The way he smiled and his eyes lit up when he talked about her¡­ It¡¯s almost as if my father still loves her, Eternia contemplated, Father doesn¡¯t talk about her and gets in a bad mood when her name is mentioned. I barely know anything about them.

    ¡°Marcella loves you,¡± Aurelius emphasized, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity. ¡°You should know that. Despite everything that happened, your mother loves you.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Eternia¡¯s tone turned cold, suspicion lacing in her words. ¡°I remember that night, Father. How she pushed me to you as though she was disposing rubbish¡­ The words she released¡­¡±

    "I just know," he responded with a gentle smile, ruffling her hair affectionately before making his way back to his desk. Taking a deep breath, he handled the envelope with care, feeling a sense of resolution wash over him. Somehow, talking to Eternia had brought him more comfort than he had expected. It gave him the courage he needed to finally read the contents of the letter.

    King Aurelius,

    It¡¯s been two years since you¡¯ve taken Eternia, our daughter, with you. Not once have I written personally, so I assume this letter may unsettle you. I am writing to you as word regarding the attack on Eternia has reached me. As the Princess¡¯ mother and Queen of Crystalia, I am entitled to receive a report on this matter directly from you, King Aurelius. It is my right as her mother and your duty as her father. When such things happen, I implore you to inform me.

    ¡°What right do you have to demand such things?¡± That thought crossed your mind, didn¡¯t it? I confess my shortcomings. I won¡¯t make this long. I failed Eternia as a mother. I abandoned her because I put myself first. I wanted to forget the past. I couldn¡¯t look at her without seeing you. Still, that¡¯s no excuse for what I did and I can¡¯t undo what¡¯s already done. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for failing our child.

    I am not asking to be part of her life. I still believe that she¡¯s better off with her father who never once gave up on her. I¡¯d also like to express my gratitude for how well Eternia turned out to be in just a span of two years.

    The purpose of this letter is mainly to remind you to report her well-being to us as she is also the heir to the Crystalian Throne. We both have our duties as rulers of our respective realms. Our daughter inherits a great amount of power. Until she returns to claim what¡¯s rightfully hers, protect her.

    Sincerely,

    Marcella Crystalia

    Aurelius folded the parchment back in the envelope, resting his forehead against his hands. The handwriting was no doubt Marcella¡¯s. The manner of how she spoke¡­ I haven¡¯t seen this side of Marcella since our second child¡¯s death¡­ he contemplated, What is she planning? I don¡¯t know what¡¯s real and what¡¯s not anymore. Is this some sort of trap? ¡°Shit,¡± he cussed, momentarily forgetting his daughter¡¯s presence.

    ¡°What is shit?¡± Eternia asked curiously, eyes wide and innocent.

    ¡°Never mind that,¡± he says, switching the topic, ¡°Your mother acknowledges your talents. She said you turned out well in just a span of two years.¡± Looking down at her hand, her envelope seems to be still unopened. Sitting next to her, he expressed, ¡°You know, the more you wait, the more heavy you feel in here.¡± He pointed at her heart.

    ¡°I know,¡± she nods, ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ I don¡¯t know what to expect.¡±

    ¡°Only one way to find out,¡± he encouraged.

    With determination in her eyes, she opened the envelope and unfolded the parchment.

    Princess Eternia,

    Before anything else, I¡¯d like to express my apology. You¡¯re seven years old now. For seven years, I¡¯ve failed you. I wasn¡¯t a good mother. I understand the justifiable resentment and anger you must feel towards me. You have every right to feel enraged. I simply wanted you to know that I¡¯m sorry.

    Although there are many things I regret in my life, letting you go with your father, Aurelius, isn¡¯t one of them. That¡¯s not because I can¡¯t bear to look at you. It¡¯s because you deserve someone who would never give up on you. Your father loved you from the day you were conceived and he never stopped. He fought for you and protected you. Not once did he show disappointment when when you were born a girl. Although he and I aren¡¯t on the best terms, he is a good person; I can¡¯t deny that. He is a good father.

    You grew up to be quite an intelligent and brave child. I heard all the stories about you, Eternia. You¡¯re a brilliant little girl. A graceful princess. A little warrior who defeated an ogre and saved three young gentlemen. I can¡¯t express enough how proud I am of that.

    There are so many things I¡¯d like to say to you, our miracle child. You must grow up and become a person worthy of wearing the crowns of Sapphiria and Crystalia. Take every knowledge you can take and use it to your advantage. Should you need my aid, don¡¯t ever hesitate to ask. Always remember who you are. You¡¯re the only surviving child between the love of King Aurelius and Queen Marcella. Never let anyone step on you.

    Your Mother,

    Marcella Crystalia

 Chapter 13: A Chilling Realization

    As the rising sun painted the palace walls with a golden hue, Eternia awoke to the weight of a heavy heart. Since the King¡¯s unexpected visit, her world had spiraled into a maelstrom of torment. Her stepmother, Queen Alexa, unleashed a torrent of cruelty that grew ever more violent when she discovered Marcella¡¯s letters.

    ¡°She¡¯s far from over,¡± she murmured.

    ¡°I¡¯m informing the King,¡± Adrian declared, his voice laced with poison and vengeance. Witnessing it¡ªhow Alexa ¡°disciplined¡± her¡ªfueled his hunger for vengeance and hatred.

    That night, Alexa discreetly summoned Eternia to one of her private chambers. The air was thick with tension as Eternia dared not utter a sound, knowing the consequences of defiance. In the dim light, Alexa''s eyes gleamed with madness as she unleashed her fury upon the young princess, each strike of the whip accompanied by a deafening silence. Eternia endured the torment in silence until her legs could no longer support her weight. This merciless punishment continued for five harrowing nights until Alexa stumbled upon the letters penned by Marcella. The discovery only fueled Alexa''s rage, leading her to inflict even more severe punishments upon the helpless princess.

    ¡°No,¡± Eternia objected, her eyes dark and tired.

    ¡°The King would choose your side over hers,¡± Adrian reasoned, placing his hands over her shoulders. ¡°And if you do not seek His Majesty¡¯s help, then write to your mother. You¡ªno matter how strong your heart is¡ªwill die before you can sit on your throne. Your body will eventually betray you.¡± I can¡¯t just stand by and watch you get whipped like an animal! He thought with rage-filled eyes, If you refuse, I might just end her myself.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to make an enemy of my father¡¯s wife,¡± she explained, ¡°So, please, don¡¯t do this.¡±

    ¡°That woman doesn¡¯t deserve to breathe for what she¡¯s done to you,¡± his voice was cold drenched in hatred. ¡°The gods know her true nature. Her inability to conceive an heir must be the judgment that befell on her.¡±

    The doors flung open, startling them. Aurelius came in with a smile planted across his face. ¡°Ah,¡± he pointed at Adrian, ¡°You¡¯re here. I was coming to wake my daughter, but it appears she¡¯s already up. Did I interrupt something?¡±

    In defiance of Eternia¡¯s wishes, Adrian laid his hands on her, pushing her up against the wall, and tore the fabric of her nightgown, revealing her smooth, white back. His actions startled the King, who was taken aback by the sight.

    ¡°You dare lay your hands on my daughter?¡± Aurelius growled, his voice dripping with menace as his eyes darkened with fury.

    ¡°I implore you to take a closer look, Your Majesty,¡± Adrian urged, his tone urgent and yet respectful. ¡°Your eyes hold the truth within them, fueled by the power of mana that courses through you. They seem to have forgotten that.¡± His words resonated in the chamber, drawing the King¡¯s attention to the scars etched into Eternia¡¯s back.

    Aurelius'' eyes widened in horror, shock, and rage. He stepped closer, examining his daughter¡¯s deeply scarred back. Kneeling down, he hesitantly lifted her dress to examine her legs. To his dismay, he found them completely marred with scars, a cruel testament to the suffering his daughter had endured. Who would ever dare do this? He contemplated the possible suspects. It didn¡¯t matter. Whoever was the culprit, only death awaits them. But death is too easy. He wanted the person who did this to suffer the way his child did. Guilt and rage built up within him, but he maintained his composure for the sake of his daughter.

    Eternia stood frozen, as rigid as a doll. Her heart raced within her chest, and sniffles escaped her lips. How could she face her father? No, how could she explain it to him? She wanted to cry and let it all out as he once instructed her to, but it would only make matters worse. After all, it was the queen who did this.

    With a demeanor of calm authority, Aurelius gently guided Eternia to face him. His eyes, normally a source of strength and command, now shimmered with a mixture of tenderness and restrained fury. ¡°My miracle child,¡± his voice was a soothing balm wrapped around a core of simmering anger, ¡°Adrian has brought to light the grave injustices you have suffered. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡± His hands cradled her face, a silent promise that he would protect her. ¡°Tell me, who did this to you.¡± I failed to protect you yet again, my dearest child.

    Eternia¡¯s lips pressed into a firm line, a silent declaration of her defiance. She remained resolute, her gaze meeting her father¡¯s with unwavering determination. I don¡¯t want to be a burden to you, Father, she thought, her eyes reflecting deep sadness.

    Aurelius shifted his gaze to Adrian, his eyes commanding him to provide a name. His daughter¡¯s defiance and stubbornness reminded him of her mother. Just as Marcella protected the person who harmed her, history repeats itself with Eternia repeating her mother¡¯s mistakes. And at that moment, a chilling realization dawned on him as to who the culprit might be.

    In what seemed to be a lifetime ago, the promise of the union between House Crystalia and House Sapphire faced a dire challenge when a tempting proposal arrived from another powerful kingdom. Fearing she¡¯d marry another, a young Princess Marcella ran away from home. However, her act of defiance and rebellion incurred the fury of her mother. Consequently, her mother took drastic measures by sewing a tracking thread into her flesh, ensuring that she could never escape the palace.

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    Aurelius gently held Eternia by her arms, his eyes meeting her still expressionless gaze. ¡°I will only ask this once,¡± he declared, his tone commanding, ¡°Was this Alexa¡¯s doing?¡±

    Her pain-filled, determined eyes, the quivering of her lip, the way her hands gripped the fabrics of her dress¡ªher mannerisms mirrored Marcella''s with unsettling clarity, confirming the King''s suspicion. Alexa Evergreen.

    ¡°When did it begin?¡± Aurelius asked Adrian.

    Without hesitation, Adrian detailed to the King the extent of the queen''s cruelty, including her methods of torture, when it began, and how frequently she inflicted it upon Eternia since the day of their arrival in Sapphiria. The more Aurelius heard of it, the more he realized how evil Alexa was. Adrian then asked him, ¡°What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a simple question as House Evergreen wielded significant wealth and influence in Sapphiria. Divorcing Alexa posed challenges due to the family''s status, but the King was resolute in his decision to eliminate her and her entire house. Despite the potential shame it might bring to House Sapphiria, he was determined to see Alexa gone.

    ¡°Send word to Theodore, Maximilian, as well as Magnus to meet me in my private study within three hours,¡± he ordered, his countenance unreadable. ¡°As for my daughter¡­ Tell me, Adrian, will you be able to heal her body? I want no trace of that woman¡¯s oppression left on her.¡±

    "Understood, Your Majesty," Adrian replied. "However, this goes beyond a simple healing spell. While Sapphiria boasts abundant power, sorcery, and mages, our magic is primarily defensive. The scars on Eternia''s body are best treated in Crystalia."

    Crystalia, huh? Eternia pondered, recalling the letter her mother had written her. Should you need my aid, don¡¯t ever hesitate to ask.

    Aurelius nodded in agreement. The Crystalian Empire possessed vast resources that could aid in treating Eternia''s wounds. The tower from which Adrian hailed was known for its abundance of magical tools and knowledge, making it an ideal place for Eternia''s recovery. The Crystalian mages were among the most skilled in the world, and Aurelius had no doubt that they would be able to heal his daughter''s scars. Moreover, it was an opportunity to verify the veracity of Marcella''s letters and discern whether they contained truth or deceit.

    "Eternia," Aurelius murmured softly, drawing her into a tender embrace, "I apologize for not seeing this sooner. If only I had been more vigilant..." He faltered, his voice laced with regret as he grappled with the weight of his failure to protect his daughter. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for falling short in my duty to you."

    As Eternia nestled into her father''s embrace, her small arms encircling him, she spoke softly, her words laden with understanding and empathy. "I kept it from you because I feared you would feel isolated once more. I understand the weight of having a male heir, especially for a king," she confessed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "You already carry the burden of the kingdom on your shoulders, and I didn''t want to add to it. You''ve been a wonderful father to me... Please, there''s no need for apologies."

    Your maturity never ceases to amaze me, he thought, holding her a moment longer before pulling away. Looking into her eyes, he continued, ¡°Alexander, Duke Solaris¡¯ son, will accompany him today. He¡¯ll keep you company while sorting this out, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± she replied obediently. The mention of the young master¡¯s name seemed to lift her spirits, a genuine smile gracing her face.

    Satisfied with her reaction, Aurelius departed to carry out his plans and the day continued as they intended.

    Aurelius sat behind his desk, his fingers trembling as he crumpled page after page of paper. Before anything else, he had to inform Marcella just as she had reminded him in the letter she wrote. He never was skilled with words.

    ¡°Queen Marcella, I thought I should inform you that my current wife has been abusing our daughter with a whip! Congratulations! It appears that you aren¡¯t the worst mother in the world!¡± he muttered bitterly to himself, sounding like a frustrated teenager. Aurelius slumped forward, his face meeting the cool surface of his desk with a heavy thud. ¡°Do this for your daughter, Aurelius!¡± he reminds himself, ¡°Marcella¡¯s support would aid in ending the Evergreens.¡±

    Queen Marcella,

    I received your letter. As you said, I¡¯m obligated to inform you of our daughter¡¯s well-being. I¡¯m certain that you¡¯re aware of who was in charge of Eternia¡¯s upbringing here at Sapphiria. I regret to inform you that Alexa Evergreen has been subjecting our daughter to unimaginable cruelty. Her methods of discipline have left our daughter scarred both physically and emotionally. I must confess that I was unaware of the extent of the suffering our daughter endured. I did not know the truth until this morning. The shortcomings on my part shall be rectified.

    The atrocities inflicted upon our daughter amount to treason. Rest assured, I will ensure that justice is served and House Evergreen faces its downfall. However, considering, their influence in Sapphiria, your voice in this matter would be invaluable. With your support, their fate will be sealed sooner than late.

    I must also convey the severity of Eternia¡¯s wounds. The scars from the lashes run deep, and her healing cannot be fully achieved here in Sapphiria. The greatest favor you could ever bestow upon her as her mother would be permitting her return to Crystalia for her treatment. Your realm boasts some of the most skilled healers in the world, and their expertise would be invaluable. Thus, I humbly beseech you for your assistance in this matter.

    I eagerly await your response. Perhaps just this once, we could set aside our differences and put the past behind us, joining forces to ensure Eternia¡¯s well-being and the justice she deserves.

    Sincerely,

    Aurelius Sapphiria

 Chapter 14: A Failed Attempt At Courtship

    Endurance¡­ it¡¯s more than just holding on, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s about standing tall even when everything around you crumbles. The strength to keep going even when every step forward feels like I¡¯m marching to my inevitable death¡­ Eternia reflected, her gaze fixated on her reflection in the mirror. Adrian¡¯s betrayal angered her, but she understood why he did it. He¡¯s been a loyal friend and companion since they met. He couldn¡¯t bear to stand and watch her go through hell for simply existing.

    Everything happened so fast. With the king now privy to the truth, the impending downfall of the queen seemed inevitable, a fate she unwittingly orchestrated. Eternia endured countless trials for the freedom she so craved, however, the swiftness of its arrival and the manner in which it unfolded caught her off guard. Her father¡¯s determination to erase any trace of the queen¡¯s affliction on her brought up the possibility of returning to Crystalia, the place she once called her home. The prospect of returning to Crystalia, though promising, stirred a turbulent mix of emotions within her, leaving her with a sense of apprehension about what lay ahead.

    Eternia gingerly reached towards her left shoulder, her fingertips delicately tracing the jagged lines of scars left behind by Alexa¡¯s brutal outbursts. The magic-infused whip concealed the marks from the eyes of most, but not from those who endured its agony. Eternia could see and feel everything¡ªthe lingering pain etched her skin, a constant reminder of her suffering. Some, like Adrian and her father, possessed an extraordinary affinity for mana, allowing them to perceive the scars that marred her body, a testament to the cruelty she endured.

    ¡°How ugly,¡± she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, as she gently traced her fingertips over the open wounds on her back, just below her nape. ¡°How could any of this be erased? My father is reaching for something impossible.¡±

    A soft knock on her door heralded Lady Evangeline¡¯s entrance. As always, her face was a picture of warmth. ¡°The Duke of Solaris had just arrived with his son, Young Master Alexander,¡± she informed, ¡°The King sent him to the drawing room to wait for your arrival.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Eternia nodded, rising to adjust her dress. ¡°How do I look?¡± She was adorned in a simple Crystalian blue dress, embellished with delicate trims of lace and ribbons. The fabric boasted intricate embroidery of flowers in the color of sapphire. Her attire resembled both facets of who she was¡ªSapphirian and Crystalian, reflecting the very essence of her parents. Her long locks of beautiful black hair cascaded freely down her back, with two dainty braids framing her face, tied at the back of her head with a lace ribbon.

    ¡°Beautiful as always, Princess,¡± Evangeline beamed with admiration, her eyes unable to discern the scars on Eternia''s body, making her compliments genuine. ¡°You¡¯re the very epitome of beauty!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lady Evangeline. You¡¯re too kind!¡± Eternia accepted her compliments happily. Although, I do wonder if you¡¯d still feel the same way if you could see the real me, she thought sadly, a convincing smile still gracing her face. ¡°Let us go to the drawing room then. We mustn¡¯t keep the Young Master waiting for too long,¡± she said, prompting them to depart from her chambers. As they made their way to the drawing room, the memory of their last encounter loomed over her, along with the weight of the letter he had written her.

    ¡°The Princess has arrived,¡± the pager announced, its echo reverberating through the drawing room as guards ceremoniously opened the doors to herald her entrance. With every step she took, grace and serenity emanated from her, painting a portrait of regal elegance.

    Alexander¡¯s cold ember eyes fixated on her entrance, prompting him to rise from his seat with a composed demeanor. Their gaze locked in a silent exchange; his eyes remained stoic, while Eternia''s sapphire eyes shimmered with the radiance of anticipation. Moving with calculated elegance, he approached, acknowledging her noble status with a reverent bow, met by her graceful curtsy in acknowledgment. With a delicate touch, he took her hand in his own, bestowing upon it a tender kiss, an emblem of chivalrous respect.

    ¡°Young Master Alexander,¡± Eternia greeted, her tone poised yet respectful, mindful of the boundaries that remained between them.

    ¡°Princess Eternia,¡± he greeted back, his frigid gaze momentarily enveloped by her warmth. In that fleeting instant, silence descended upon them, time suspended in a tranquil embrace, the only audible rhythm the gentle cadence of their breaths.

    With a sheepish smile, she teased, "You seem to have developed a habit of holding my hand, Young Master." Her laughter danced in the air as she reminisced about the other occasions when it had happened. Her words marked a subtle shift, crossing the boundary between them, finally addressing him as she would their other friends.

    Alexander¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep crimson upon realizing his hand had lingered longer than intended. He withdrew it quickly, averting his gaze to conceal his embarrassment

    His ears are so red, she marveled, Was he that embarrassed? I didn¡¯t mean to make him uncomfortable. Tentatively, she reached out, gently tugging at the sleeve of his crisp white shirt. "I was only teasing, Young Master Alexander," she reassured him, her tone calm and soothing. "Please don''t feel embarrassed."

    For a moment, you appear to be the epitome of serenity and grace; a daring person in the next, he thought in frustration and embarrassment, I can¡¯t seem to read you at all. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying,¡± his inner thoughts suddenly escaped his lips.

    His words only made her laugh even more, her eyes sparkling in genuine amusement. ¡°Forgive me, Young Master Alexander,¡± she managed to say between laughs, ¡°I can¡¯t seem to contain myself.¡±

    He sighed, his pride wounded by the perplexing enigma that was Princess Eternia. As the brightest and most promising student in the royal academy, he had always prided himself on his ability to unravel even the most complex of problems. But this seven-year-old princess seemed to defy all logic and reason. ¡°I just called you annoying and you found it amusing?¡± he questioned with a mixture of frustration and disbelief.

    ¡°You were honest with me,¡± she clarified, composing herself. ¡°I know that you do not like me, Young Master. Yet, despite your feelings, you''re always so polite and proper, upholding the virtues expected of the heir of House Solaris. So when you said what you did, I found it refreshing.¡± Her words bore no resentment but rather served as encouragement. ¡°In other words, I like your honesty.¡±

    He nodded, accepting her sincerity, though she seemed mistaken. "You''re wrong, Princess," he said, gently taking her hand. "Let''s take a stroll in the gardens. The weather is cool, and the sky is full of clouds." With that, he led her out of the drawing room and toward the gardens, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air between them.

    "W-wait!" she exclaimed, struggling to keep up with his brisk pace. "What was I wrong about?" Curiosity consumed her, mingled with a touch of confusion. I don¡¯t understand him at all, she thought silently, feeling perplexed. One minute he¡¯s cold, the next he¡¯s taking my hand.

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    ¡°I never said that I disliked you, Princess,¡± he replied, finally halting in his tracks. His gaze drifted upwards towards the sky, inhaling the delicate fragrance of the garden flowers. "Ah, your father, the King, mentioned having the maids prepare some tea and snacks in the garden. He requested me to inform you.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you wanted to take a stroll?¡± she asked. Her thoughts still pondered on what he said, I never said I disliked you.

    Alexander nodded in response, his countenance softening as he released her hand from his grasp, signaling the start of their stroll. He relished the opportunity to be outdoors, where he could unwind and savor the refreshing coolness of the breeze. However, Eternia''s sudden silence cast a shadow over the tranquility. Puzzled, he glanced at her, curious to discern the thoughts that troubled her. "Is something troubling you?" he inquired, his voice gentle and concerned.

    ¡°There is actually,¡± she replied, mustering the courage to ask, ¡°So how do you feel about me? Are we considered friends now?¡± She always considered him a friend, however, she was certain he didn¡¯t view her as one.

    ¡°Let me ask you the same thing, Princess,¡± he countered, ¡°Do you consider me your friend? From my knowledge, friends respond to letters written to them by their friends.¡±

    That caught her off guard, her face flushing with embarrassment. She hadn¡¯t expected him to bring up the letter, let alone use it to question their friendship. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± she stammered, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to not respond. I just didn¡¯t know how to respond to that.¡± Looking back, there was nothing he asked. So, how could she respond? Did he expect her to thank him for expressing his apology?

    Alexander decided to change the topic, saying, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m certain you¡¯re wondering why I came.¡±

    ¡°I was,¡± she nodded, ¡°Why are you here, Young Master?¡± Certainly, there¡¯s a reason for his visit. They met only twice before, and this would be their third. The first time they crossed paths, he didn¡¯t show interest in her. They danced, but he expressed it as his duty to welcome her. Their second encounter was intense, ending with an ogre attack.

    ¡°To get to know you,¡± he replied sternly, ¡°You appreciate honesty, right, Princess?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded, her heart racing in anticipation.

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t hold back,¡± he declared, placing his hands gently over her shoulders, making her cheeks blush. ¡°As you know, nobles and royals have duties to fulfill when they come of age. So, I came here to get to know you under the instruction of my father.¡±

    Eternia blinked, puzzled. What?

    Alexander let out an exasperated sigh and brought his hand up to his face, pressing his palm firmly against his forehead¡ªa gesture of frustration and disbelief at the situation unfolding before him. Does she really not know? ¡°My father wants me to pursue you and win your hand in marriage by the time you come of age for the glory of House Solaris and the solidarity of his friendship with the King,¡± he explained. His gaze happened upon her shoulder, his eyes darting at the jagged lines. Was that there before?

    Eternia stepped back, delicately adjusting the neckline of her dress as Alexander¡¯s gaze fixated on her shoulder. Despite her graceful movements, a subtle tension lingered in her demeanor, betraying the calm facade. ¡°Is something amiss?¡± she inquired, her voice tinged with confusion as she attempted to decipher his intent.

    Alexander stepped forward, drawing Eternia closer, his touch both gentle and reassuring. She stood transfixed, her eyes widening in confusion as his hands delicately brushed her long locks away from her shoulder. His gaze, initially cold, shifted, tracing the jagged lines etched into her skin, his expression tightening with concern. With a solemn focus, he directed his attention to the fresher wounds behind her neck, his heart sinking at the sight. A heavy silence between them, each moment filled with unspoken emotion, before their eyes met once more, conveying a depth of understanding.

    Eternia¡¯s heart sank as she struggled to meet his gaze, her mind spinning with confusion and despair. How had he seen the scars that she thought were hidden from the world? Did this mean that everyone could now see my ugliness? Her once vibrant eyes dulled in despair, losing all life within them. Her trembling lip betrayed the turmoil raging within, threatening to unleash a torrent of tears. Yet, with a fierce resolve, she fought to contain her emotions, refusing to display any sign of weakness. She was still Aurelius¡¯ daughter, after all. No matter what the situation is¡ªwhether she understood it or not¡ªshe can¡¯t show an ounce of weakness or vulnerability.

    ¡°Princess,¡± was all that came out of Alexander¡¯s lips. For the first time in his life, he found himself speechless. How had he not noticed them before? He was certain that she had perfect features¡ªporcelain skin and a face with beauty that seemed to be unmatched. I could¡¯ve sworn she was flawless, he contemplated, recalling every moment since this morning. Scars like that would¡¯ve caught anyone¡¯s eye in an instant.

    Eternia took a step back, her icy, lifeless gaze piercing through his soul like a sword. Holding back tears, she asked, voice cold and hoarse from the pain, ¡°You can see them, can¡¯t you?¡±

    He nodded, his expression grave.

    She stepped closer, her delicate fingertips tracing the corner of his eye, examining them with a keen intensity. A spark of energy caught her eye, confirming her theory. Young Master Alexander possesses a remarkable affinity to mana just like my father, she concluded silently, her mind racing to a newfound understanding.

    ¡°Princess,¡± he said, his voice strained with emotion as he struggled to find the right words. For the first time in his life, he felt a burning desire for revenge, a fierce protectiveness swelling within him. ¡°Who did this to you?¡± he demanded, his tone deadly and filled with righteous anger. All this time, I thought she was hiding something. She was. It¡¯s just not what I suspected. He wrapped his arms around her, hoping to shield her from the pain she endured.

    His sudden display of concern caught her off guard. In all their encounters during the brief time they¡¯d known each other, this was the warmest gesture he had ever shown her. As much as she wanted to reciprocate the gesture and bask in the warmth of his comfort, she refused to be pitied. ¡°Release me, Young Master Alexander,¡± she commanded, her voice cold.

    ¡°Is His Majesty aware?¡± Alexander inquired softly, releasing her from his grasp. He was careful not to cause any further discomfort to the delicate figure before him. The last thing he wanted was to hurt the little girl in front of him.

    ¡°Whatever you think you saw, forget it,¡± Eternia commanded, her voice laced with a potent mixture of authority and menace. ¡°And don¡¯t look at me with those eyes.¡±

    ¡°What eyes?¡± he pressed, his curiosity piqued by her cryptic warning.

    ¡°With pity,¡± her response was chilling. As she spoke, her eyes seemed to darken, radiating an ominous allure that hinted at concealed violence. The sweet innocence that characterized her demeanor mere moments ago dissolved, leaving behind a stranger in her place. Her eyes, her voice, and even the curve of her lips, all seemed transformed, rendering her unrecognizable to Alexander. ¡°Listen closely, Solaris,¡± she continued, her voice above a whisper as she drew closer. ¡°To express my gratitude for your genuine honesty earlier, I feel compelled to reciprocate,¡± she tiptoed, drawing closer to his ear, her soft breaths brushing against his skin. ¡°Should anyone get word of this, I will hold you accountable, and I will make your existence a living nightmare once I choose you as my betrothed.¡±

    Alexander couldn¡¯t shake the unease that washed over him.

    With those ominous words hanging in the air, Eternia stepped back, a cold smile pressing on her lips.

    At that moment, Alexander felt as though he were staring into the eyes of a stranger, a feeling that left him questioning everything he thought he knew about the girl before him. You¡¯re the devil.

    ¡°As you said, we have a duty to our House,¡± Eternia expressed, her gaze unwavering. ¡°So, I¡¯m certain you¡¯d understand, right?¡± I am the daughter of the Imperial Family Sapphiria and Crystalia. None of this must ever come out¡­ even if it means you¡¯ll end up resenting me.

 Chapter 15: The Queenâ€™s Fall

    In the hushed confines of Aurelius¡¯ study, Magnus, Theodore, and Maximilian gathered, their expressions tense with anticipation. Adrian, already privy to the impending revelation, waited silently as the King¡¯s unreadable expression hinted at the weighty news he was about to deliver.

    Aurelius broke his silence with a chilling tone. ¡°First,¡± he addressed Magnus, his voice carrying a weight of authority. ¡°Are you aware of the Queen¡¯s disciplinary methods?¡± His eyes bore into Magnus with a cold, deadly intensity, hinting at the gravity of the situation ahead.

    Cautiously, Magnus asked, ¡°Regarding managing her household? I believe that falls beyond my purview, Your Majesty.¡± His response was laced with a tinge of uncertainty, a testament to the weight of the situation at hand. Magnus deeply contemplated the circumstances leading to this moment. His interactions with the queen had been limited, confined primarily to Eternia¡¯s training sessions. Beyond those fleeting encounters, he had scarcely crossed paths with her.

    ¡°If I may, Your Majesty,¡± Adrian interjected respectfully, awaiting the King¡¯s approval to speak further.

    The King nodded, allowing him to continue.

    ¡°The Queen¡¯s household operates under Her Grace¡¯s jurisdiction. Every member, from maids to knights, is bound by oath to her service. They are loyal to her and obedient to her command. However, they also feared her wrath. The halls of her palace hold many secrets. Sir Magnus, Sir Theodore, Sir Nathaniel, and Lady Evangeline, however, remain oblivious to the queen¡¯s methods, as they seldom tread within her domain,¡± Adrian explained.

    ¡°Your Majesty, may I inquire as to the purpose of this discussion?¡± Theodore interjected, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. What has the Queen done to make Aurelius so enraged?

    Maximilian nodded, chiming, ¡°I too would like to inquire.¡±

    ¡°The purpose of this meeting,¡± Aurelius declared, his voice heavy with solemnity, ¡°is to strategize the removal of Alexa Everdeen from her position.¡± His gaze bore into each member of the assembly, conveying the gravity of the situation. ¡°Not only do I wish to divorce her, but to eliminate her along with House Everdeen for the crimes they¡¯ve committed against the crown.¡±

    The revelation left them all stunned, their minds reeling with shock and disbelief.

    What crimes could the queen have committed? Maximilian¡¯s brows furrowed as he pondered what the issue was. "What transgressions has the Queen committed, Your Majesty?" he inquired, his tone edged with a mix of concern and apprehension.

    Aurelius¡¯s response pierced the silence like a blade, each word heavy with accusation and resolve. ¡°Harming the heir to the throne,¡± he declared, his gaze cold and unforgiving, casting a pall of dread over the gathered assembly.

    Adrian took on the responsibility of elucidating the gravity of the situation, painting a vivid picture of the princess¡¯ suffering and the excruciating methods employed by the queen. With meticulous detail, he spared no aspect of Eternia¡¯s torment, ensuring that everyone understood the depths of anguish and the severity of the queen¡¯s transgressions.

    Maximilian¡¯s voice trembled with restrained fury as he reached his conclusion. ¡°So all of this was merely a facade,¡± he declared, his gaze ablaze with indignation. ¡°The so-called ¡®Queen¡¯s Delight¡¯ was nothing more but a cruel deception.¡± How dare she lay a finger on Aurelius¡¯ daughter? ¡°That fucking woman will pay, I swear it to you, Aurelius.¡±

    What she did was unforgivable and I deeply regret not knowing anything. For the agony our young princess has endured, I¡¯ll do everything I can to end the Evergreens. ¡°But we cannot let any of this get out,¡± said Theodore, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how we proceed as long as the image of the Imperial Family is protected.¡±

    ¡°I agree with Theodore,¡± said Magnus, his aura darkening with a storm of indignation. ¡°The very notion of that wretched woman inflicting such abuse without the king''s knowledge¡ªit would tarnish Aurelius''s reputation irreparably. Moreover, it would forever brand the princess as a girl subjected to such cruelty, casting a shadow over the future of the crown.¡±

    ¡°Aurelius,¡± Maximilian addressed, his eyes brimming with concern. ¡°I recall the last time I mentioned her name, it sparked a fit of rage from you... However, this time, we may need her support. Marcella could be our strongest card if we aim to swiftly bring an end to the Evergreens.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± the King concurred, his tone serene and features relaxing. ¡°I¡¯ve already sent a message to her concerning this issue prior to summoning you.¡±

    Magnus, Theodore, and Maximilian¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, their mouths opening into a perfect ¡®V¡¯ shape. Beads of sweat dotted down their foreheads as they stared at Aurelius, their eyebrows shooting up to their hairlines. Their shocked expressions mirrored their disbelief at Aurelius¡¯s calm demeanor and unexpected revelation.

    Really? You? Maximilian thought, blinking. You sent Marcella a message? This has got to be a joke, right?

    Magnus¡¯s eyes remained wide as he questioned the King¡¯s honesty. Is he dying? Aurelius, my best friend, have you been keeping a secret illness from us this whole time?

    And here I thought the world would burn before he¡¯d ever write to her again. Theodore sighed, resting his cheek against his palm. ¡°You¡¯re not lying, are you, Aurelius?¡± he asked daringly.

    Aurelius¡¯s calm expression soon vanished, replaced by a deadly glare. His eyes seemed to smolder an inner fire, and his voice carried the weight of the storm. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? How could you even think that!¡± He sounded like a teenage boy arguing with his friends from the Royal Academy.

    Theodore chuckled nervously, his expression sheepish as he raised his hands in a defensive gesture. ¡°I was just making sure this isn¡¯t like the last time you said you would write to her,¡± he said, his smile slightly forced as he tried to diffuse the tension.

    Aurelius closed his eyes briefly, his expression tightening with frustration. ¡°She wrote to me,¡± he explained, his voice tinged with irritation. ¡°Demanded that I uphold my duties and obligations, insisting on direct reports about Eternia¡¯s well-being. It¡¯s not worth fussing over.¡± Opening his eyes, he refocused on the task at hand. ¡°Let¡¯s get back on track, shall we? We need a list of charges to arrest Alexa and plant the necessary evidence.¡±

    Theodore meticulously compiled a list of charges and grounds for divorce against Queen Alexa, presenting a damning case:

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">High Treason: Conspiring against the Crown, a betrayal of the highest order.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Endangering The Royal Family: Plotting to Assassinate Princess Eternia, a direct threat to the royal lineage.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Violation of Royal Duties: Failing to produce an heir, neglecting a fundamental responsibility of her position.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Corruption: Exploiting children in the countryside for harsh labor, a grave abuse of power and authority.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Abuse of Power: Utilizing royal authority to oppress subjects, a flagrant disregard for the welfare of the kingdom.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Adultery: Engaging in extramarital affairs with multiple men, a breach of trust and marital fidelity.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Mental Incapacity: Demonstrating an inability to comprehend the nature and consequences of marriage, rendering the union untenable.</li>

    </ul>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Incest: Committing incestuous acts with her brothers, a violation of societal norms and moral decency.</li>

    </ul>

    Each charge painted a damning portrait of Queen Alexa''s conduct, providing compelling grounds for her removal from the throne and dissolution of the marriage.

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    The King nodded in solemn agreement. While the charges laid against Queen Alexa were severe, he understood that they might not be sufficient to fully dismantle the power of House Evergreen. It was clear that they needed to uncover further evidence and allegations to ensure the complete downfall of their adversaries.

    Just then, a vortex crackling with blue lightning materialized before them, opening into a portal that revealed a terrifying sight. Emerging from the depths of the portal was a monstrous figure, adorned in an extravagant gown of white and gold, with long brown hair cascading around her and eyes gleaming like crystals. It was none other than Marcella Cyrene Crystalia, Queen of Crystalia, and the King''s former wife. Her sudden appearance sent a chill down their spines, signaling the arrival of the King¡¯s worst nightmare.

    ¡°Marcella,¡± a gasp escaped Aurelius¡¯s lips, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. He couldn''t believe his eyes. For a moment, he thought it was a nightmare. But the cold and terrifying gaze she bore, coupled with the sadistic smile playing on her lips, were expressions only she could wear.

    A cold and eerie silence enveloped the room, broken only by the fading echoes of the lightning vortex¡¯s disappearance and the thunderous thumping of Aurelius¡¯s heart within his chest.

    ¡°So, he really wasn¡¯t lying,¡± Theodore concluded, ending the deafening silence. His comment earned him a hard smack on his head from both Magnus and Maximilian while Adrian sat back and enjoyed the show that was unfolding before him.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too, Theodore Verdant!¡± Marcella greeted, her eyes closing as she offered a warm smile. Her voice was sweet and angelic, reminiscent of their youth. Yet, lurking beneath the surface was a pent-up rage, evident in the cold gaze she had displayed upon emerging from the earlier vortex. She shifted her gaze to Aurelius, whose eyes still refused to believe she was real. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, her initial rage reemerging in her eyes. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be glad to receive my response to your letter.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this to be your response,¡± Aurelius replied, covering his eyes with his palm in disbelief. With a deep sigh of disbelief, he rose from his seat, extending a hand towards her. With gentle reverence, he clasped her delicate hand, bowing his head to press a tender kiss upon it. This gesture spoke volumes of his respect, gratitude, and recognition of her presence. ¡°I greatly appreciate your support, Queen Marcella.¡±

    The sudden display of warmth and reverence from Aurelius caught Marcella off guard, prompting her to take a step back, her eyes widening in surprise. The unexpected gesture also elicited shocked reactions from the others present, their expressions mirroring Marcella''s astonishment at the King''s uncharacteristic behavior.

    ¡°Queen Marcella of Crystalia,¡± The men finally greeted after regaining their senses. They bowed in deep respect to their former queen and childhood friend.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Marcella commanded, shaking her head in disbelief. Without hesitation, she approached Theodore, Magnus, and Maximilian, and pulled them into a warm embrace. Despite everything that happened, she truly missed them. ¡°And call me Marcella. It¡¯s just us here anyway.¡±

    Aurelius glared at the men in annoyance as they responded with a nod. Are you seriously going to agree with her?

    ¡°How did you get here, by the way?¡± Maximilian inquired with genuine concern etched in his expression. The question lingered in the minds of everyone present, knowing well Marcella''s formidable prowess as a sorceress and the incredible gifts bestowed upon her. Among these talents was her ability to manipulate mana to create portals, often characterized by blue vortexes and accompanied by lightning. However, the toll of childbirth had weakened her considerably, particularly after the tragic loss of their second son, Cassian. It was during this harrowing period that wielding her powers became a perilous risk to her own life. You shouldn¡¯t be abusing your power, dear friend.

    ¡°How else would I have gotten here if not with my own magic?¡± Marcella asked, raising her brow. She glanced at the paper resting on Aurelius¡¯s desk, reading through the charges listed against her daughter¡¯s abuser. Her calm demeanor masked the wrath she felt within, but everyone knew how she truly felt; they¡¯d known her for a lifetime, after all. ¡°I assume these charges are false, all but Endangering The Royal Family and Mental Incapacity¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t help but mutter, ¡°Who would have the mental capacity to be married to you?¡±

    ¡°I heard that,¡± Aurelius said through gritted teeth, trying his best to mask his annoyance.

    ¡°These charges won¡¯t suffice to eliminate House Evergreen,¡± Marcella declared, her mind already racing through countless strategies and contingencies. ¡°We must have House Evergreen framed for conspiring with both our realm¡¯s enemies and rebels. Let us paint the picture as though they¡¯ve been working since before our divorce to replace me as queen and to seize power in your realm. Let us make it seem as though behind their innocent fa?ade, they had been quietly building their forces to invade the palace and usurp the throne.¡± She seized Aurelius¡¯s cup, downing the hard liquor she once despised. With a determined glint in her eye, she continued, ¡°I trust the task of planting the evidence wouldn¡¯t be too challenging for you.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Magnus replied, ¡°We¡¯ll do it at once!¡±

    Aurelius glared at them, pouting like a child who had just lost a fight. ¡°I haven¡¯t even agreed to it yet!¡± he whined, his voice petulant and immature. As always, they obey her every command. It¡¯s like nothing ever happened.

    ¡°Get over it,¡± Marcella retorted, sticking her tongue out playfully, purposely provoking him. When will he ever grow up? She sighed, shaking her thoughts away. Changing the topic, she asked, ¡°Where is the bitch who has been harming my child?¡± Not once have I ever laid my hands on Eternia¡­ How dare she? Even death is too easy. I want her to suffer.

    ¡°Alexa is still unaware that we¡¯ve discovered her crimes,¡± explained Adrian, finally receiving the queen¡¯s attention.

    Marcella blinked, trying to figure out who the child was. ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked. She shook her head, saying, ¡°Never mind. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°Should we arrest her?¡± asked Magnus.

    Aurelius¡¯s tone grew stern and authoritative as he replied, ¡°Not until we have carried out our plans. For the time being, we must act as though none of us knows.¡± He shifted his gaze to Marcella, emphasizing the importance of discretion. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t reveal yourself either.¡±

    Marcella arched her brow, her defiant nature rising to the surface. ¡°I refuse,¡± she declared firmly, rejecting his suggestion with unwavering authority. "I want that whore to know her place. My unexpected presence here, as the former Queen of Sapphiria, will drive her to madness. Let people see me and let them gossip. I want her to understand that I am here, and I want to push her to the brink of insanity until she longs for death." A sinister smirk played on her lips as she contemplated her next move. "And once she has descended into madness, perhaps she will attempt my murder, adding to the list of charges against her." The gleam in her eyes and the curve of her smile revealed a side of Marcella that Aurelius both feared and, in some twisted way, desired. This was the Marcella he had hoped for when it came to protecting their fallen children¡ªOctavius and Cassian.

    ¡°Leave us,¡± Aurelius commanded, his voice dripping with menace and authority. His icy, deathly gaze bore into each of them, leaving no room for hesitation. With silent acquiescence, everyone departed without a word, understanding the gravity of his command. It¡¯s just you and I now.

    It¡¯s just you and I, Aurelius, Marcella thought silently, her smile growing wider.

 Chapter 16: A Stranger In The Palace

    As the men left the King¡¯s office, both Marcella¡¯s and Aurelius¡¯s dark auras enveloped the atmosphere, suffusing the room with a palpable sense of foreboding. Their combined presence cast a shadow that seemed to stretch and loom over every corner, leaving an ominous impression lingering in the air.

    Aurelius searched her face for anything, but as he expected, her face remained expressionless. Her walls remained high as the day she gave up on their marriage. Finally, Aurelius broke the silence, his voice icy yet composed. ¡°Why did you come?¡±

    Marcella met his frigid gaze with steely resolve, determined to maintain her composure. ¡°You called,¡± she responded curtly. She couldn''t remember the last time his eyes held anything but icy detachment. If he believed his cold stare could unnerve her, he was sorely mistaken.

    ¡°I asked for your support,¡± Aurelius corrected.

    Marcella echoed his words with a chilling precision, her voice laced with determination. ¡°With your support, their fate will be sealed sooner than late¡­ Perhaps just this once, we could set aside our differences and put the past behind us, joining forces to ensure Eternia¡¯s well-being and the justice she deserves.¡± As she spoke, she locked eyes with him, her fingers curling tightly around his shirt collar, pulling him closer. ¡°This is my support, Aurelius,¡± she declared, her grip releasing abruptly as she turned away, leaving him to his thoughts as she claimed his cup once more, drowning her turmoil in another round of hard liquor. ¡°As for my methods, don¡¯t get in my way. I¡¯m certain that you of all people would understand this from my perspective.¡± An exasperated sigh escaped her lips upon recalling a painful memory. ¡°After all, you¡¯re one of the few people who knew what my own mother has put me through.¡±

    Aurelius shook his head, a gesture of resignation. ¡°Do what you want,¡± he conceded, his tone firming as he continued, ¡°Just as long as you don¡¯t harm our daughter.¡±

    ¡°Where is our daughter?¡± Marcella inquired, her thoughts drifting to the miracle child they had almost lost. Our miracle child¡­ You almost died using your magic to save our daughter¡­ If only I was strong enough then.

    ¡°She¡¯s in the gardens with Alexander, the heir of Solaris,¡± Aurelius replied, his tone neutral. ¡°I assume you can still find your way around in the palace.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Marcella responded briskly, turning to leave his study.

    ¡°Don¡¯t strain your powers.¡± Aurelius couldn¡¯t help but add, a trace of concern evident in his voice. He remembered all too well the near-fatal toll her magic had taken on her when she tried to revive their already deceased son. It was a sacrifice that had nearly cost her life, all for the slim chance that their child''s heart would beat again.

    Marcella found herself wandering in the halls of the palace she once called her second home. Not much had changed since the last time she visited. Most portraits and decor still hung and sat at the same place. A small smile curved her lips as she stopped by a portrait from her childhood. It was from the first official visit she had. She looked so young and innocent as she sat next to Aurelius and their friends, Maximilian, Theodore, Magnus, and Jessica. ¡°It seems like a lifetime ago,¡± she muttered, walking past her distant memory. Strangely, none of her portraits were taken down. Her portrait as the Crown Princess of Sapphiria remained untouched when it should¡¯ve been replaced by the current queen¡¯s portrait. Another portrait that caught her eye was that of their official engagement. Such happy smiles painted on their faces¡­ If we were that happy, how did we get here? Her thoughts were startled by the sound of water splashing onto the floor.

    ¡°Y-your Majesty!¡± a maid stammered, bowing to her feet. Her cold gaze made the poor girl frozen in her spot, afraid to move a single muscle.

    Realization struck her as she recognized her features. She reassembled one of her maids from her time in the palace. But given that she looks rather young, she must be her maid¡¯s daughter, Christina. ¡°You¡¯re Christina, am I wrong?¡± she asked, helping the trembling girl stand. Her warm smile appears to have calmed the girl down. She glanced at her arms, purple bruises covered both of them.

    ¡°Y-you know m-my name?¡± the maid stuttered, trying to catch her breath.

    Concern swept over Marcella¡¯s face as her eyes trailed down to the blood dripping from the girl¡¯s leg. She lifted the fabric of her dress, horrified to see the giant cut on the poor girl¡¯s flesh. Instantly, she knew who was behind such cruelty. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Christina,¡± she says, placing her hand over the fresh cut. Blue energy glowed from her hand as she healed her leg with magic. She stood, gently placing her hands over the girl¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Alexa did this to you?¡±

    The maid nodded, fear evident in her eyes. ¡°S-she was a-angry,¡± the poor girl tried to explain, ¡°b-because the p-princess w-was excused from h-her l-lessons.¡±

    ¡°Where is my daughter?¡± Marcella inquired, tone firm yet gentle.

    The maid led Marcella to the balcony which overlooked the gardens of the Princess¡¯ Palace. She pointed her finger at the young couple strolling in the garden. ¡°She¡¯s with t-the heir of S-solaris,¡± she says, still trembling.

    ¡°Go home,¡± Marcella commanded, handing the girl a small pouch with silver coins. ¡°That should be enough to cover your leave of absence while you recover. I will tell His Majesty about the incident.¡±

    ¡°I-i c-cannot accept t-this,¡± the girl refused humbly.

    Marcella insisted, holding her hands in reassurance. ¡°It is a command, sweet girl,¡± she says, embracing her as though they¡¯ve known each other for years. ¡°Please, go home and rest. Also, tell your mother that I send my regards.¡±

    ¡°I shall never forget your kindness, Your Majesty!¡± the girl bowed, thanking her in tears. Obediently, she followed her orders and left.

    Marcella leaned against the balcony, observing her daughter with Max''s son. It stirred memories of her own youth, of being betrothed at a tender age.  ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen this tale before, and I didn¡¯t like the ending,¡± she murmured to herself, a hint of sadness tingeing her words.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you approach her, Marcella?¡± Maximilian¡¯s words startled her thoughts. He came closer, watching the children by her side. He couldn¡¯t fathom what Marcella must be feeling right now¡­ To abruptly return like this¡­ To watch her daughter walking the same path she had.

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    Marcella shook her head in response, her eyes fixated on the daughter she had neglected for years. ¡°I believe it¡¯s best if I keep my distance from her,¡± she said, her voice trained by emotion.

    ¡°Why did you come here?¡± Maximilian asked, hoping to receive her honest response.

    ¡°I was reading his message when a crackling of lightning began, the blue vortex swallowing me whole," Marcella explained, her voice tinged with disbelief. "The next thing I knew, the portal threw me out, and here I am." She shook her head, still trying to make sense of the sudden and unexpected journey that had brought her to Aurelius''s side. I didn¡¯t know how to respond to his letter. Fate, somehow, decided for me.

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t your choice then¡­ You handled it well, though,¡± Maximilian remarked with a supportive smile. "For once, you and Aurelius managed to find common ground without resorting to violence." His hand rested gently on her shoulder, offering comfort and reassurance. "Don''t fret too much, Marcella. Once this is resolved, you can return to Crystalia." Despite her intimidating exterior, Maximilian had always known her to possess a kind heart. Yet, being thrust into this situation had clearly taken its toll on her; not that anyone would notice.

    Marcella met his gaze with steely determination. "No," she replied firmly. "There are matters I must attend to here...¡±Her voice carried a weight of purpose as she straightened her posture, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With a graceful leap, she descended from the balcony, landing effortlessly on her feet. The sudden appearance of the former queen sparked murmurs among the palace staff, their whispers spreading like wildfire in the corridors.

    Meanwhile, Alexander and Eternia walked in silence as they made their way to the pavilion. Eternia¡¯s threat lingered in Alexander¡¯s mind, casting a shadow over their otherwise peaceful surroundings. With each step, he found himself questioning everything, grappling with the weight of Eternia''s words and the implications they held. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to her story, that beneath her icy facade lay a tumult of pain and vulnerability.

    ¡°Why, might I ask, are you so silent, Young Master Alexander?¡± Eternia inquired, her voice laced with a hint of poison that sent a chill down Alexander''s spine.

    ¡°You just threatened to make my life a living nightmare, Princess Eternia,¡± he retorted coldly.  ¡°You¡¯re unrecognizable. Honestly, I think you¡¯re the devil.¡±

    ¡°You were the one who sought to court me for marriage," Eternia retorted, her tone edged with sarcasm. "This, Young Master, is the reality of who I am. Or rather, who I must be. If I am to ascend to the throne, I must embody strength and resolve, even if it means sacrificing my humanity. A true leader places the welfare of the kingdom above personal sentiment and is willing to make difficult choices to safeguard the honor of our lineage.¡±

    She talks like an adult, he thought, captivated by the wisdom in her gaze. Her words echoed in his mind, each syllable weighted with a maturity beyond her years. ¡°I understand what you mean,¡± Alexander said. ¡°Sometimes, I forget how young you are. Anyway, you don¡¯t have to put a mask in front of me, Princess. I won¡¯t tell anyone about what I saw. So, please, don¡¯t act like that¡­¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Eternia questioned, raising her brows.

    ¡°Like a demon from hell,¡± Alexander replied, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ disturbing to see you that way. Truth be told, it¡¯s scary. I happen to like how we were.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not friends,¡± Eternia declared rather harshly. ¡°And I¡¯m sure that you had no intentions of becoming my friend. As you said, before you saw¡­ the ugly parts of me¡­ You only came here to get to know me under your father¡¯s instruction. So, Solaris, how are we? What are we?¡±

    ¡°Your scars don¡¯t make you ugly,¡± Alexander stated earnestly, his tone devoid of any trace of pity. "Don''t give me that look, Princess. I''m not saying that out of pity. You''ve always been beautiful; I''m sure you''ve always known that. And as for what you said just now, you''re right. Before seeing the real you, I had no intentions of forming genuine bonds. I wanted to fulfill my duty; that''s it. But I was wrong. You''re a person whose strength and beauty are unmatched, and you''re wise beyond your years, incredibly intelligent. You''re a person worth knowing.¡±

    Eternia would be lying to herself if she claimed that his words had no affect on her. They did. They tugged on her heart, making it hard for her to breathe. But after hearing those words from him¡­ Before seeing the real you¡­ She wants nothing to do with him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your friend anymore, Solaris,¡± Eternia declared, her voice stern and unwavering. ¡°To tell you the truth, I so badly wanted it¡ªyour friendship. Every moment I had with you was fun even though you appeared to dislike me¡­ I could never tell whether you liked me or not. But now I know that all those efforts were for your House. It¡¯s clear to me now.¡±

    ¡°Princess,¡± Alexander struggled to find the right words, but he failed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not finished, Solaris,¡± Eternia glared, her icy gaze bore through him. ¡°The dance, finding me that day, your compliments, your letter¡­ and now your coming here. All of them. You did it all because the Duke asked you to. I won¡¯t hold it against you. I¡¯m a princess, after all. I know all the burdens you may have. Just know this: even if my father ends up selecting you, you and I will never have¡ª¡± her words were disrupted by the sound of a twig snapping.

    ¡°Stay behind me,¡± Alexander commanded, unsheathing his sword. He could sense a powerful aura surrounding them.

    Stubbornly, Eternia refused, stating, ¡°I can protect myself, Solaris!¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t up for debate, Princess,¡± Alexander said, grabbing her wrist to keep her close. ¡°You aren¡¯t armed. You won¡¯t be able to slay any monsters even if you wanted to.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Young Master Solaris,¡± said a familiar voice. A figure cloaked in white and gold emerged from the distance, long locks of brown hair peeking through her hood as she walked elegantly towards them.

    Alexander kept his guard up, refusing to put down his sword. The figure oddly seemed familiar, but how could she know him? It didn¡¯t matter. His mind was set on protecting the princess. The immense power he sensed undoubtedly came from the stranger approaching them. That concluded, he deemed her as a threat. Who is this woman?

    That scent¡­ That voice¡­ Eternia¡¯s eyes widened, her gaze darted on the woman approaching them. Her heart pounded in her chest as though it would leap out at any given moment. It can¡¯t be, can it? She can¡¯t possibly be here right now.

    The woman stopped before them, gracefully pulling down her hood, unveiling her identity. A beautiful woman with long locks of brown hair cascading around her, her eyes like crystal, her skin porcelain. She was dressed in a lavish white and gold royal gown, and atop her head sat the crown of Crystalia. Her gloved hands reached for the boy''s shoulders, a warm smile gracing her lips. ¡°Thank you, Alexander Solaris, for being protective of my daughter. I expected no less from Maximilian¡¯s son,¡± Marcella stated, planting a gentle kiss on the boy¡¯s forehead. Her gaze shifted to the little girl whose face was as pale as a corpse.

    Daughter?! Alexander recoiled in shock and disbelief. His eyes swept over the woman''s regal form, searching for any hint of familiarity. There were no obvious similarities in their features, yet there was an unmistakable resemblance between them, something in the way they held themselves or perhaps a shared aura of reality. Turning his gaze back to the princess, he searched for answers in her expression but found only a reflection of his own confusion. So this is the King¡¯s former wife, the former Queen Consort of Sapphiria, and the mother of Princess Eternia, Queen Marcella Cyrene Crystalia, and the reigning queen of the Crystalian Empire¡­

    Eternia quickly regained her composure, acknowledging the fact that this was no dream. With grace befitting a princess, she performed a low curtsy, bowing her head in respect to her mother, the Queen. ¡°Your Majesty, Queen Marcella,¡± she greeted, her gaze fixed on the ground beneath her feet.

    ¡°Princess,¡± Marcella greeted.

 Chapter 17: Past and Present

    The scene was fraught with tension as Marcella¡¯s hand hovered over Eternia¡¯s scarred skin, her touch gentle yet charged with a mixture of sorrow and determination. Eternia, though initially taken aback, remained still, allowing her mother to inspect her scars with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

    With tenderness, Marcella knelt beside her daughter, her fingers tracing the jagged lines of the scars. Each touch seemed to carry the weight of a mother¡¯s love and regret, a silent acknowledgement of the pain her daughter had endured.

    As Marcella¡¯s gaze shifted to Alexander, her tone softened, a hint of maternal concern seeping into her words. ¡°Your father is looking for you. Please go inside,¡± she instructed, her command gentle yet firm.

    With a respectful bow, Alexander complied, though unease lingered in his demeanor, a silent testament of the gravity of the moment.

    Turning to focus back on Eternia, Marcella¡¯s hand began to glow with a soft blue light, a manifestation of her powerful magic. With each gentle touch, she attempted to heal the scars of her daughter¡¯s marred skin, a daunting task that carried with it the weight of both physical and emotional pain. With each scar she sought to erase, Marcella felt the sting of the lash as if it were her own, a visceral connection to the pain her daughter had endured.

    Eternia gazed at her mother, the pain evident on her face. She reached out, gently grasping her mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Please stop,¡± she implored, her voice filled with both firmness and concern. ¡°Healing me is hurting you, Your Majesty. I don¡¯t wish to see you in pain.¡±

    Marcella¡¯s heart clenched at her daughter¡¯s words, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she pulled her into a tight embrace. Despite the pain, she couldn''t bring herself to pull away from the embrace, holding Eternia tightly as if to shield her from the world''s cruelty. She wanted to hold her and take all the pain away. Most of all, she wanted to make Alexa pay for what she did. I promise you that everything will be okay, my miracle child.

    Eternia stood still. This was an unfamiliar feeling. This wasn¡¯t like her mother at all. This warmth, this tenderness¡ªit was unlike anything she had ever experienced from her mother before. Gone was the neglect and the coldness that had defined their relationship for so long. Instead, Marcella''s warm smile and love-filled eyes, her gentle touch and the kindness she now showed, painted a picture that clashed sharply with Eternia''s memories. This feels like a dream.

    Aurelius watched from a distance, his heart clenching at the sight of them. Unconsciously drawn closer, he approached, his hand extending to gently rest on Marcella''s shoulder. A reassuring smile graced his lips as he witnessed the tender moment between mother and daughter. It was a sight he had longed to see¡ªa flicker of warmth in the otherwise icy landscape of their shared history. Aurelius knelt down beside them, joining their embrace. Finally, they were reunited as a family, if only for a fleeting moment.

    ¡°This feels like a dream,¡± Eternia broke the silence, her face buried in her mother¡¯s chest.

    Aurelius bit his lip, his embrace tightening as though to reassure her that this was real. At least for now, they would be a complete family.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a dream,¡± Marcella assured, planting a soft kiss on her daughter¡¯s head. As they pulled away from their embrace, she vowed, ¡°Alexa won¡¯t ever lay a finger on you again, my miracle child. Your father and I will ensure that no one could ever hurt you again.¡±

    Aurelius nodded in agreement, gently holding Eternia¡¯s hand. ¡°Everything will be alright,¡± he promised, his voice filled with hope and determination.

    I wish we could stay like this forever, but that¡¯s not possible. My mother is married to another and has three other children. At least for once, I got to have my family¡­ Eternia smiled happily as she hugged her parents yet again.

    Meanwhile, in the Queen¡¯s Palace, chaos reigned as the rumors spread like wildfire. Alexa, consumed by her rage, vented her fury by breaking several pieces of furniture. She couldn¡¯t believe what she heard.

    ¡°Marcella is in the palace?¡± her voice echoing off the walls as she addressed her reflection in the mirror. She shrieked, hurling a glass at the mirror, shattering it into pieces. ¡°This can¡¯t be! Why is she here? Why did she come unannounced?¡±

    Her maids entered her chambers, tasked with cleaning up the mess of shattered glass on the floor.

    Alexa redirected her fury towards them, striking out at one of the maids. ¡°Tell me!¡± she demanded angrily. ¡°Who is responsible for all these lies?¡±

    The maid trembled in fear as she responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Your Grace. But the rumors are true. Queen Marcella is in the palace.¡±

    Alexa''s fury intensified upon hearing the confirmation of Marcella''s presence. In a fit of madness, she lashed out at the maid who delivered the news, her hands tightening around the girl''s throat until her body went limp. As the life drained from the maid''s eyes, Alexa''s own eyes darkened with a chilling calmness. ¡°Clean this mess,¡± she ordered, her voice dripping with venom. "Summon the other maids to assist me in preparing. I am to welcome the King''s former wife.¡± With a flick of her hand, she dismissed the trembling servants, leaving behind a scene of chaos and terror in her wake. I shall welcome you warmly, Marcella.

    Alexa adorned herself in extravagant jewels and silks, determined to show Marcella that she was the queen and that she held the power; not her. She wore an emerald-green dress and her blonde hair was tied neatly into an updo. Her hands were covered by silk gloves as though she ws concealing her bloodied hands. Satisfied with herself, she marched on to face the beast she wishes to slay.

    Alexa¡¯s eyes were cold as ice, but her face possessed a sinister smile. Her gaze stumbled upon Magnus as she entered the King¡¯s Palace. ¡°Sir Magnus,¡± Alexa greeted with a curtsy, her tone ever so sweet. ¡°Might I ask where His Majesty is?¡±

    Magnus fought the urge to kill her then and there for the crimes she committed on the princess. With a convincing smile, he replied, ¡°My Queen, His Majesty is currently occupied at the moment.¡±

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    ¡°Oh?¡± Alexa inquired, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Where might he be?¡±

    Magnus gestured toward the gardens, his voice strained with forced politeness.  ¡°He¡¯s entertaining a guest, Your Grace. We¡¯re in a precarious situation, you see? Something urgent needs to be discussed.¡±

    ¡°But of course,¡± Alexa agreed, her sweet facade unwavering. ¡°Whoever might the important guest be?¡±

    ¡°That would be me,¡± a commanding voice announced, drawing Alexa''s attention. As she turned, she was met with a figure radiating power and authority. Her beauty was striking, her demeanor regal, and her crystal eyes held a hint of both hatred and intelligence. She made her approach, a powerful aura surrounded her.

    ¡°Marcella Crystalia,¡± Alexa muttered beneath her breath.

    Magnus nodded at Marcella, acknowledging her presence. Destroy her, Marcella! I can¡¯t do anything, but you can. I¡¯d be delighted to watch you end her.

    ¡°You must be Alexa of House Evergreen,¡± Marcella greeted with a radiant smile across her face, effortlessly concealing the wrath she bore for her. Her very presence exuded power and dominance¡ªsomething Alexa could only envy. ¡°I¡¯m Queen Marcella Cyrene Crystalia, the Ruler of the Crystalian Empire,¡± she introduced herself, gesturing toward the portrait on Alexa¡¯s left. It depicted Marcella on her sixteenth birthday, and beside it, another portrait showed Marcella and Aurelius¡¯s engagement.

    ¡°The former queen of Sapphire,¡± Alexa concluded, masking the bitterness beneath her smile. ¡°I humbly welcome you into our kingdom, Queen Marcella.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lady Alexa,¡± Marcella replied, purposely flaunting her power and influence.

    Alexa maintained her composure, correcting, ¡°It¡¯s Queen Alexa, actually. I¡¯m the King¡¯s current wife.¡±

    Marcella innocently covered her mouth with her palm. ¡°Oh!¡± she gasped in mock concern. ¡°You¡¯re not Aurelius¡¯s mistress then?¡± Marcella stepped closer, mischief dancing in her eyes and her tone laced with hidden poison. ¡°My mistake! I assumed that the position hasn¡¯t been filled given that my portraits are still hanging on these walls.¡±

    A chuckle escaped Magnus¡¯ lips, earning a glare from Alexa. You¡¯ve always been a mean girl¡­

    ¡°A harmless mistake,¡± Alexa insisted, reaching for Marcella¡¯s hand. She shook it firmly as if to assert her authority. ¡°Might I ask what urgent matters you¡¯re discussing with my husband?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Marcella replied, withdrawing her hand. ¡°I came to retrieve my daughter, Princess Eternia.¡±

    What? Alexa flinched. She can¡¯t take her from me! She abandoned her a long time ago! Why does she want her now? No! I won¡¯t allow her to take Eternia!

    Marcella¡¯s smile grew wider, pressing her hands together. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be a problem, would it?¡± Marcella asked, folding her arms over her chest. ¡°Besides, this will give you some time in performing your marital duties. You¡¯re still childless. You must do something about that or Aurelius will grow tired of you.¡± Marcella ran her fingers through the cascading locks that were framing Alexa¡¯s face. How she wanted to pull her hair right then and there. ¡°I say that with no ill-will, of course. From one Queen to another.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate your advice, Queen Marcella,¡± Alexa expressed, ¡°But the King and I are quite content with what we have. I don¡¯t think he will get tired of me like he did with you.¡±

    You dumb whore! I will make your remaining days on this earth a living nightmare! Marcella maintained her composure, a beautiful smile gracing her lips. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken, Alexa,¡± she stated firmly. ¡°Aurelius didn¡¯t grow tired of me. If he had, my portraits would¡¯ve long been burned or thrown away.¡± Marcella gestured toward the portraits, emphasizing her point. ¡°If he felt something for you, he would¡¯ve replaced them with your portraits, wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Marcella gently grasped Alexa by her chin before delivering her final blow. ¡°It appears that to this day, I, Marcella, his first and only love, his former queen, and mother of his child, still hold his heart.¡± That said, she withdrew her hand, satisfied with Alexa¡¯s reaction. She didn¡¯t know that. To her, it was just a lie she crafted in order to drive her enemy over the edge of insanity.

    Magnus¡¯ mouth gaped open, rendered speechless by Marcella''s bold declaration. His eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and awe at her confidence and poise. He came between them, preventing Alexa¡¯s hand from hitting Marcella¡¯s face.

    ¡°Did I offend you?¡± Marcella taunted, her eyes filled with innocent mockery. Of course, that affected you. I suppose jealousy is an ugly thing and a great weapon.

    ¡°Unhand me, Sir Magnus,¡± Alexa demmanded furiously. ¡°You forget that I am the queen, not her.¡±

    ¡°She is an important guest of His Majesty, the King,¡± Magnus stated, his tone full of hatred and disdain, firmly keeping her in his grasp. ¡°You cannot strike her.¡±

    Theodore made his entrance, his presence disrupting their argument. ¡°Marcella,¡± Theodore greeted, planting a kiss on her hand. His eyes shifted to Alexa who was trapped in Magnus¡¯ grasp. ¡°Was I interrupting something?¡± he asked, holding back the urge to put shackles on the woman¡¯s wrists.

    ¡°It seems I¡¯ve offended the queen,¡± Marcella clarified, ¡°Sir Magnus came to my defense, keeping her from striking me.¡± She shifted to Magnus, saying, ¡°You may release her, Magnus. It was my fault for stating the obvious.¡±

    ¡°Which is?¡± Theodore asked in curiosity.

    Marcella smirked, her eyes cold and dangerous. ¡°That Aurelius¡¯s heart remains within my keeping,¡± she stated, her tone laced with disdain.

    I will kill you, Marcella! You delusional bitch! Alexa regained her composure, adjusting the fabric of her dress. ¡°I apologize for my sudden attack,¡± she said, her tone softening. ¡°It was uncalled for.¡±

    Marcella waved her hand dismissively. ¡°No need for apologies,¡± she replied, her tone still icy. ¡°You¡¯re simply defending your position, as any queen should.¡±

    Theodore let out an exasperated sigh. He was never fond of drama, but Marcella was. She had a flare for the dramatics. She also had the worst ways of getting revenge. To make an enemy of her is to simply wish for death. Theodore placed his hand over Marcella¡¯s shoulder, saying, ¡°I apologize on the King¡¯s behalf. It appears his wife is feeling unwell.¡±

    ¡°She is?¡± Marcella¡¯s smile grew wider.

    Alexa tried to object only to be turned down by both men.

    ¡°A body was pulled from the queen¡¯s chambers,¡± Theodore stated, his glare sending shivers down Alexa¡¯s spine. ¡°She must have witnessed this and is in distress.¡±

    Alexa¡¯s face went pale as if all the blood had drained from her body, leaving her visibly shaken. Did they figure it out? No! They can¡¯t.

    Aurelius¡¯s silhouette emerged from the shadows, his hand holding his daughter¡¯s. Maximilian and Alexander followed after them as they made their way towards Marcella¡¯s side. Aurelius¡¯ hand found Marcella¡¯s shoulder as if to offer her strength.

    Alexa¡¯s heart broke into a million fragments. The affection he bore her was evident on his eyes. Not once had he shown her the same affection or warm gaze. She wanted to destroy her. Her hands gripped on her dress as she fought the urge to cry.

    ¡°Alexa,¡± The King addressed, his hand reaching for hers. He planted a soft kiss on it as he stood beside her. Shifting his gaze to Marcella, he introduced his current wife. ¡°This is my wife, Alexa Evergreen.¡±

    ¡°The current queen,¡± Marcella declared, her eyes tainted with a mix of scorn and triumph.

 Chapter 18: Adrian and the Princess

    After Aurelius introduced Alexa to Marcella, it was unanimously decided to host a grand banquet in honor of the former queen of Sapphire. This opulent affair was strategically orchestrated to divert attention while Magnus, Theodore, and Maximilian discreetly executed their mission: planting the crucial evidence required to dismantle House Evergreen.

    Every distinguished household of the realm received invitations to this illustrious event, adding to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding Marcella''s return.

    Marcella was beloved by the Sapphirians. Renowned for her beauty, kindness, and profound wisdom, she was cherished as the epitome of an ideal monarch. The tragic events that befell her and Aurelius broke the hearts of the Sapphirian. Since the death of Prince Cassian, Marcella hasn¡¯t stepped foot in Sapphire soil. The realm mourned their loss. The subsequent divorce only deepened the sense of sorrow and loss, leaving a void in the hearts of the people. It was as though the King had lost all life within him and so did the Kingdom.

    The mere mention of Marcella''s impending visit sparked a fervor across the kingdom, with the populace eagerly anticipating the opportunity to catch a glimpse of their beloved former queen once more.

    Meanwhile, in the Princess¡¯s Palace, Eternia sat in her bed with Adrian and Whisper, her spirit fox. It was decided that children won¡¯t be attending the festivities tonight.

    ¡°Adrian,¡± Eternia called, her hands gently shaking the sleeping boy.

    Adrian opened his eyes, tired from the events that happened today. He yawned, stretching his arms. ¡°Can¡¯t I sleep more?¡± he asked, ¡°Creating evidence isn¡¯t an easy task, you know?¡±

    ¡°Evidence?¡± Eternia beamed in curiosity, climbing on top of the half asleep boy. ¡°What do you mean evidence?¡± She shook him harder, determined to wake him up. ¡°Come on, Adrian!¡±

    Adrian gently pushed her off him, sitting up. ¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you, Princess,¡± he said, flicking her forehead. ¡°Why don¡¯t you read a book? I¡¯m really tired. I may be an ancient warlock, but my body is that of a boy.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me about your past?¡± Eternia asked curiously, ¡°Looking back, you never really talk about it. I hardly know anything about you.¡±

    You don¡¯t need to know that, Princess, Adrian thought.

    Eternia pressed her hands together, pleading, ¡°Please? How can we be friends if I don¡¯t know anything about you? You know a lot about me. That¡¯s not fair, is it?¡±

    Adrian let out an exasperated sigh, trying to recall his past. What could he tell her? So many things happened¡­ So many fun memories and so many tragedies¡­

    Eternia tugged on his sleeve, a pout on her lips. ¡°Can you tell me how you ended up in the tower in the first place?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling in curiosity. ¡°Please,¡± she added, her tone sweet and alluring.

    How did I end up in the tower? Adrian thought hard. How did he end up in the tower? How was a powerful warlock such as he be defeated? The recollection of memories surged like a torrent, each one carrying a sharp pang of pain that echoed in his chest.

    Amidst the turmoil of his thoughts, a vision emerged¡ªa girl with cascading black locks and eyes akin to gleaming sapphires. Though her features remained obscured, her presence enveloped him with a sense of familiarity. Her touch was gentle, her voice a soothing melody that echoed in his mind. In that moment, she offered him everything¡ªher love, her essence, her very being. They became entwined, bound together in a union that transcended mortal understanding.

    Eternia''s voice cut through the haze of his reverie, her concern palpable as she reached out to touch his cheek. "Adrian?" Her words pierced the veil of his turmoil, grounding him in the present. With her presence, his erratic breaths steadied, returning to normal.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Adrian assured her with a half smile. What was that? He didn¡¯t understand the memory that befell him. He didn¡¯t know who she was or what connection they had. It was like a dream. He held Eternia¡¯s hand with a smile and began to tell her what he could remember.

    ¡°My name, as you already know, is Adrian. Adrian Shadowbane. Once, I held great power as a warlock. They called me the Arcane Sentinel¡ªa Crystal Guardian renowned for my mastery over mana. From a young age, I displayed prodigious talent in magic and excelled as a knight. Over time, I became a formidable figure¡ªa Royal Magician, Knight, and Guardian of Crystalia. For years, I defended our realm with unwavering devotion, until betrayal cast me into the depths of that tower.¡±

    Eternia observed the pain etched in Adrian¡¯s features as he recounted his tumultuous past. To be betrayed by those he swore to protect weighed heavily upon him. She squeezed his hand in silent solidarity. ¡°Did they kill you?¡± she inquired softly.

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    Adrian''s smile was tinged with a darkness that sent a chill down Eternia''s spine. ¡°They couldn¡¯t if they tried,¡± he replied, his voice laced with an ominous edge.

    ¡°I became the Abyssal Dread¡ªa being they feared greatly. Their treachery inflicted wounds that cut deep. I recall countless battles against mages who sought to end me, yet none could rival my power. I was like a possessed demon, unstoppable in my fury. Eventually, they uncovered a vulnerability. How they imprisoned me in that tower escapes my memory, but I swore an oath to exact vengeance upon those responsible.¡±

    ¡°Why would they do that to you?¡± Eternia asked, enraged by what she had heard. Adrian was a good friend to her. Her heart ached and she found herself wrapping her arms around him.

    Adrian smiled, embracing her back. Somehow, she reminded him of someone from his past. He couldn¡¯t figure out who it was, but he was certain it was a person with a great heart. ¡°Are you angry for me?¡± he asked curiously.

    ¡°Of course, I am!¡± Eternia held him tighter, her face burrowed in his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re like family to me, Adrian. You¡¯re a good person¡­ I can¡¯t imagine why they would do that to you!¡±

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re like family to me too, Princess,¡± Adrian admitted, stroking her back. ¡°Which is why I couldn¡¯t just stand and watch Alexa destroy you.¡± He pulled away gently, cupping her face with his hands. ¡°You¡¯re like a sister to me, Eternia,¡± his tone became serious, ¡°I find you incredibly annoying and exhausting. You tire me out every day, and yet, I find myself drawn to you more and more. The thought of you getting hurt angers me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you told my father,¡± Eternia concluded.

    Adrian nodded, his gaze softening as he gently lifted the fabric of Eternia¡¯s dress to reveal her calves. If I wasn¡¯t trapped in this body, healing this child would be easy, he mused. With practiced precision, his hand emanated a soft glow as he began to mend one of the scars on her leg. He hissed, feeling a sharp pain as the scar was erased from her soft skin.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Eternia reached for his wrist, her touch gentle but firm. ¡°Healing me is hurting you, isn¡¯t it? My mother experienced the same thing.¡±

    Adrian paused, meeting her concerned gaze. ¡°Healing you wouldn¡¯t destroy me, Eternia,¡± he reassured her softly, though a shadow of discomfort flickered across his features. ¡°Unfortunately, because I¡¯m trapped in this form, it would take longer than it should. When the time is right, we¡¯ll travel to Crystalia. Your mother, powerful healers, and I will ensure that all the scars in your body will be erased.¡±

    Eternia nodded understandingly. ¡°Alright,¡± she agreed, ¡°But please stop for now.¡±

    Out of curiosity, Adrian asked, ¡°Did you and Alexander have a good time?¡± He was stuck in the meeting with the King so he was unable to accompany her. Naturally, he felt curios to know how well it turned out. Alexander is one of the candidates to become Eternia¡¯s other half, after all.

    Eternia pouted, recalling her failed date with Alexander. She really liked him, but because she wanted to protect her secret, she had to become what Alexa made her. She had to be cruel¡­  In addition to that, he pitied her. ¡°I lost a friend,¡± she replied after a moment of silence.

    ¡°How so?¡± Adrian asked in concern. He wasn¡¯t particularly fond of Alexander, but he didn¡¯t like seeing Eternia sad even more. ¡°Did the brat do something to upset you? Do you want me to teach him a lesson?¡±

    Eternia waved her hands nervously. ¡°No,¡± she says, ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ I had to protect my secret.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Adrian questioned, his tone serious.

    ¡°He saw the scars on my body. He has powerful magic flowing inside his body, Adrian,¡± she explained, ¡°He looked at me with pity. He changed drastically after seeing them¡ªmy scars. He became warmer¡­¡± She closed her eyes as she repeated what Alexander told her, ¡°Before seeing the real you, I had no intentions of forming genuine bonds.¡±

    Adrian nodded in understanding. He recognized the weight of that declaration, the implicit acknowledgment of Eternia''s struggle to be seen for who she truly was beneath the scars and burdens she carried. In Alexander''s admission, Adrian sensed a reflection of Eternia''s innermost fears¡ªthe fear of rejection, of being judged solely by the surface rather than the depth of her character. ¡°To tell you the truth, I don¡¯t like Alexander. However, I know for a fact that he likes you; he just doesn¡¯t want to admit it,¡± he says, patting Eternia¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I see how much he admires you.¡±

    ¡°Then why does he act so distant and cold?¡± Eternia questioned, her brows furrowing.

    ¡°Boys are stubborn creatures who refuse to acknowledge their feelings. I know his father is pushing him towards you¡ªthat¡¯s something he hated,¡± Adrian explained, ¡°He doesn¡¯t like to be ordered around. Because of his father¡¯s orders, he fails to acknowledge the fact that he likes you. Perhaps seeing your scars made him angry. That emotion probably made him realize that he likes you and wants to be your friend.¡±

    Eternia blinked. ¡°Boys are dumb,¡± she concluded, folding her arms over her chest. I still can¡¯t believe that he likes me. If anything, he pities me. ¡°By the way, how do you know these things?¡± she asked him curiously. ¡°Were you in love once?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s expression froze, his features mirroring a sudden realization that left him momentarily speechless. Why would you ask me that? He scratched his head, replying, ¡°Well¡­ To be honest, I don¡¯t remember most of my past.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Eternia frowned.

    ¡°But I suppose there was a time,¡± Adrian admitted shyly. ¡°There was a girl I fell in love with a long time ago¡­ We were supposed to be married, but I don¡¯t think we were. It¡¯s really hard to remember.¡±

    ¡°Was she pretty?¡± Eternia beamed, her eyes sparkling.

    Adrian practically jumped, his heart thumping in his chest. ¡°Well,¡± he scratched his head, trying to picture his lost love. What did she look like? I can¡¯t seem to recall her face¡­ His thoughts went back to the vision he had earlier about the girl with long dark hair and blue eyes. ¡°I suppose she was beautiful,¡± he says, a smile gracing his lips. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s as pretty as you, Princess.¡± He pinched her cheek until it turned red, earning a groan from her. ¡°No more questions about love, alright? You¡¯re seven! You shouldn¡¯t be asking about such things.¡±

    Eternia giggled, gazing at Adrian¡¯s flushed cheeks. ¡°Alright,¡± she nodded. Who needs love when I have a friend like you, Adrian?

 Chapter 19: Young Masters In The Estate

    The moon bathed the Estate of Solaris in its gentle glow as Alexander sat by the lake, his mind consumed by thoughts of the day''s events. The image of the princess haunted his thoughts, her scars etched into his memory. He couldn¡¯t help but feel angry. For some reason he couldn¡¯t explain, he wanted to protect her. He wanted to make whoever did that to her pay.

    ¡°Xander,¡± Christopher''s voice broke through his reverie, drawing him back to the present. ¡°What''s troubling you? Is it because we won''t be attending the Palace tonight?¡±

    Christopher and Zachary had come to visit, planning to spend the night before returning to the royal academy at dawn. Their parents weren¡¯t friends, but they weren¡¯t restricted from being friendly. In fact, they practically grew up together.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about the princess,¡± Alexander admitted, finally breaking his silence.

    Zachary and Christopher looked at each other in shock. They couldn¡¯t believe the words that escaped their friend¡¯s mouth. Since the beginning, Alexander made it clear that he didn¡¯t trust her, nor did he want anything to do with her.

    ¡°Did you drink wine?¡± Zachary asked, arching his brow in disbelief. This had got to be a joke right?

    Why is he thinking about Eternia? I thought he despised her. Christopher added, ¡°How many cups did you drink?¡±

    Alexander glared at them, expressing, ¡°How could you say that?!¡±

    Zachary scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. ¡°Well, you weren¡¯t exactly welcoming towards the princess,¡± he explained thoroughly. ¡°You were rude, mean, and most of the time you showed contempt. You often expressed to us that you can¡¯t trust her because she¡¯s foreign. You can¡¯t blame us for assuming you¡¯re drunk. This is out of character of you.¡±

    Was I really that awful towards her? Alexander pondered the moments he had with the princess. Frustration loomed over him as he realized his mistakes. ¡°Fine,¡± he groaned, ¡°You¡¯re right. Perhaps I was too harsh towards her¡­ But there were times when I wasn¡¯t, right? I mean I wrote her a letter.¡±

    ¡°You wrote her a letter?¡± the brothers gasped in unison, shock evident on their faces.

    Christopher smirked, pointing at Alexander. His eyes hinted mischief as he declared, ¡°You fancy her!¡±

    Alexander almost stumbled upon hearing those words. He jumped, shaking his arms in the air in frustration. ¡°I do not!¡± he argued, his tone that of a child having a tantrum.

    ¡°Why else would you write to her?¡± Zachary asked curiously, resting his cheek against his palm. ¡°Is it because your father instructed you to?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Alexander replied, shaking his head.

    ¡°Then why else would you write to her?¡± Christopher asked, ¡°You made it clear that you don¡¯t want to form attachments with her. It¡¯s no secret that you¡¯re a candidate for her hand. Zachary is too. But my brother and I genuinely liked her from the start. She¡¯s a nice girl and an interesting person to be friends with. You, my friend, had no interests in her whatsoever.¡± Christopher stepped closer, pointing his finger against Alexander¡¯s forehead. ¡°You said that your father had nothing to do with that letter¡­ That brings me to the conclusion that you like her!¡±

    No way! Alexander pointed his finger at the brothers, his face annoyed and confused. ¡°What about you, huh?¡± he questioned, ¡°Your father is eager to have one of you on the Princess¡¯s side.¡±

    Christopher furrowed his brow, mirroring Zachary''s confusion. "I don¡¯t follow," Christopher admitted, scratching his head. "Are you trying to say something, Xander? I don¡¯t think you¡¯re making any sense.¡±

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    ¡°My father expects me to woo the princess, but he''s convinced my natural charm will do the trick. I don¡¯t have to exert as much effort as you," Zachary asserted matter-of-factly. "Besides, we''re just kids. What really matters is the power our families wield. The Crown Prince won''t be chosen until the princess comes of age.¡±

    Christopher shook his head, a concerned expression on his face. "Anyway, what''s really bothering you?" he asked, his tone gentle. "Why are you so fixated on the princess?¡±

    Alexander hesitated, grappling with his thoughts. He couldn''t reveal the entire truth to his friends; his promise to Eternia weighed heavily on his conscience. "She doesn¡¯t want to be my friend anymore," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I want to mend things. We had an argument, and she believes that everything I did for her was merely at my Father¡¯s bidding and for our house''s prestige. There''s truth in that. But it was before I truly understood her. Let''s just leave it at that.¡±

    Zachary smirked, nudging Alexander playfully. ¡°Looks like you''ve got a soft spot after all,¡± he remarked. ¡°Winning her back won''t be easy. I''m not exactly an expert on princesses, so I''m afraid I can''t offer much advice.¡±

    Christopher, with a thoughtful expression, offered his advice, "Perhaps you should try to understand her better, Xander. Apologize sincerely and show her that your intentions are genuine. Spend time with her, get to know her interests, what makes her laugh, what makes her angry. Building a true connection takes effort and time. And remember, actions speak louder than words. Show her through your deeds that you value her friendship, and she might just come around.¡±

    ¡°But she wants nothing to do with me,¡± Alexander explained, frustrated.

    Christopher nodded sympathetically, acknowledging Alexander''s frustration. "I understand, Xander," he replied, his tone comforting. "But sometimes, when trust is broken, it takes time to mend. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to show her that you''re sincere. Even if it seems like she wants nothing to do with you now, things can change with time and effort. Just don''t give up.¡±

    Alexander nodded, a smile gracing his lips. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right. Thanks, Chris.¡±

    Christopher grinned and raised a thumbs up in encouragement. Changing the subject, he asks, ¡°So, did you meet the former queen? I heard she was incredibly beautiful for her age. They say she looked eighteen at the youngest and twenty-two at the oldest.¡± No one ever speaks ill of her in the realm in fear of the King¡¯s wrath. I heard she¡¯s the King¡¯s great love and the divorce was devastating.

    ¡°I wonder how Eternia feels about that,¡± Zachary says, ¡°I heard she didn¡¯t have the best relationship with her mother.¡±

    Alexander reflected on his encounter with the former queen of Sapphiria. Unlike the current queen, he found her demeanor warmer, radiating an aura of kindness and grace. Her regal presence commanded respect, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe in her presence. There was an unmistakable air of royalty about her, coupled with a palpable sense of power that seemed to emanate from within.

    ¡°Well?¡± Christopher prodded, eager for details. ¡°How was she?¡±

    Alexander ran a hand through his hair, searching for the right words. ¡°She was... powerful,¡± he finally said, his expression thoughtful. ¡°I could feel the energy radiating from her. It was like being in the presence of a living star.¡±

    ¡°I noticed her portraits in the palace,¡± Zachary remarked, ¡°But Eternia looks more like His Majesty. I wonder why her portraits are still hanging, though.¡±

    Christopher swatted his brother¡¯s head lightly. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be dense,¡± he chided. ¡°It¡¯s common knowledge that she was the King¡¯s true love. Their marriage wasn¡¯t just political; it was genuine. That¡¯s why her portraits remain untouched, even now.¡±

    As realization washed over Alexander, he pieced together the puzzle of Eternia''s scars. It could only have been one person responsible¡ªAlexa. The queen''s jealousy and madness must have driven her to lash out at Marcella''s daughter, leaving behind such painful marks. He found his hands form into fists as anger surged through him. She played her part well as the doting stepmother. The King must¡¯ve found out¡­ Thus, it¡¯s why Queen Marcella, Eternia¡¯s mother returned. That must be it!

    ¡°Compared to Queen Alexa, Queen Marcella¡¯s beauty is unmatched,¡± Zachary commented.

    ¡°Watch your mouth,¡± Alexander cautioned, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s still treasonous to speak ill of the queen.¡±

    ¡°Actually, no,¡± Christopher countered, ¡°The King''s marriage to Queen Alexa seems more like a political obligation than a genuine partnership. It appears she was primarily expected to produce heirs, but it seems she hasn''t succeeded. They''ve been married for nearly eight years, haven''t they?¡±

    ¡°So the King doesn¡¯t care if rumors spread,¡± Zachary concluded, nodding his head. ¡°If rumors fly, it would be easier to divorce the current queen. He has no use of her anyway.¡±

    The three boys spent the night together, discussing the possible reasons for Marcella''s unexpected visit. Despite their conjectures, Alexander remained true to his promise of keeping Eternia''s secret.

 Chapter 20: Jealousy Jealousy

    The air in the palace court was thick with tension, mystery, and anxiety. As everyone buzzed about the return of the former queen, Alexa sat beside her husband''s throne, her grip tight on her dress. Draped in extravagant jewels and silks, she made it clear to the world that she was the reigning queen¡ªnot Marcella. Alexa despised her presence and existence. How dare she return and lay claim to what was now Alexa''s? In her mind, Eternia and Aurelius belonged to her. Marcella had to be removed.

    Alexa seethed with hatred as she surveyed the court. Every person in the room was a target for her ire, discussing Marcella''s supposed greatness and speculating about her own deficiencies. The whispers of an impending divorce and Marcella''s return felt like treasonous insults to her. She fantasized about cutting their heads off for insulting her.

    ¡°Sister,¡± Alexa¡¯s brother, Timothy, approached, bowing in respect. He was the only member of their household that attended tonight¡¯s festivities much to Alexa¡¯s displeasure.

    Alexa acknowledged his presence, nodding at him. ¡°Where¡¯s father?¡± she questioned, arching her brow. She was clearly displeased. They should¡¯ve attended the banquet to show her their support. Instead, they left her to fend for herself.

    Timothy frowned, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid father won¡¯t be attending the banquet, sister,¡± he says, his tone serious. ¡°He fears that the rumors are true and that you¡¯ve shamed our house.¡±

    ¡°Shamed our house?¡± Alexa questioned, her tone rising.

    ¡°You failed to deliver an heir,¡± Timothy explained, ¡°Queen Marcella is here. She hasn¡¯t been here for years. Why else would she return if not to reclaim what once was hers?¡± He glanced at the empty throne and back at his sister. ¡°You failed, Alexa. You couldn¡¯t even get the King to tear down the portraits of his ex wife.¡±

    Alexa composed herself, gracing her brother a smile. ¡°I suggest you watch your mouth, Brother,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll let this slide for now because we are blood. Cross me again and I shall have your tongue.¡± She waved her hand, dismissing him. How dare you, Timothy! Curse you and that wretched family for abandoning me!

    ¡°Queen Marcella Cyrene Crystalia, Crystal Guardian, Divine Healer, and Ruler of the Crystalian Empire,¡± the pager''s announcement echoed through the hall, drawing all eyes towards the descending figure. As Marcella made her entrance, a hush fell over the room, her presence commanding both respect and adoration from all who beheld her.

    Marcella descended the steps clad in a pale blue gown that accentuated her every curve, its intricate embroidery and jewel adornments shimmering in the light. The straps of her dress draped elegantly from her shoulders, framing her figure with a graceful allure. Layers of sheer fabric added volume to her skirt, billowing around her like a cascade of clouds. In contrast to the ostentatious fashion of the ton, her attire exuded modesty while retaining an ethereal brilliance. Her long brown locks cascaded freely, adorned only by the crown atop her head, emphasizing her natural beauty and regal presence. With fair skin aglow, she emanated youthfulness and a captivating aura that captured the attention of all who beheld her.

    A hand reached for her¡¯s as she took the last step. She looked up, surprised to see Aurelius waiting for her.

    As she took the final step, a hand reached out for hers, surprising Marcella. "Aurelius," she almost gasped, her eyes widening as she hesitantly accepted his hand. In that moment, time seemed to slow, and all that existed was the connection between them. The gentle warmth of his touch and the familiar emotion in his eyes¡ªa gaze that Marcella could easily mistake for love.

    Aurelius held Marcella''s hand firmly, presenting her to the court with a respectful smile gracing his lips. "Queen Marcella," he reintroduced, his voice carrying a hint of warmth and reverence. "It has been far too long since our kingdom last had the honor of her presence. I ask that you treat her with the utmost respect during her stay." With a snap of his fingers, he signaled for the music to continue, leading Marcella to the dance floor where awaiting couples stood. "Might I?" he asked, extending his hand to her with genuine warmth.

    Marcella felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu as she accepted his hand, a polite smile adorning her features. As the dance began, they moved together with a grace that spoke of familiarity and shared history. Despite the passage of time, their steps seemed to effortlessly sync, as if their bodies remembered the rhythm of their past. All eyes in the court were drawn to them as Aurelius lifted Marcella and twirled her gracefully, their dance outshining all others.

    Their smiles reflected a shared joy, a glimpse of a past they once enjoyed together. As the music came to an end, so did their dance. With a slow bow and a graceful curtsy, they paid homage to the memories of their youth, a fleeting moment captured in the eyes of all who beheld them.

    ¡°Still as charming as ever,¡± Marcella complimented, withdrawing her hand from his with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

    Aurelius nodded in acknowledgment, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "And you''re as graceful as our last dance," he returned the compliment, his eyes reflecting a shared appreciation for their past moments together.

    Their brief exchange was interrupted by a round of applause that surrounded them, drawing their attention back to the present moment.

    Marcella''s voice was a soft murmur, laced with a hint of amusement as she leaned closer to Aurelius. "It seems your wife is quite vexed with jealousy," she observed, a wry smile dancing on her lips. "Duty calls, King Aurelius," she added with a touch of bitterness, her words trailing off with a cold edge. Your wife might as well enjoy your company while its lasts. Soon enough, I¡¯ll destroy her.

    Aurelius''s sigh carried a weight of resignation as he pressed a gentle kiss to her hand. "Enjoy the rest of your evening," he bid her farewell, his departure marked by a turn of his back towards his awaiting wife. After tonight, the evidence would¡¯ve been planted. We¡¯ll be able to destroy the Eevergreens within the week and carry on with our lives¡­

    Marcella watched his retreating figure vanish into the throng of guests, swallowed by the bustling court. Emotions swirled within her, a tumultuous blend of nostalgia and longing. Yet, she swiftly pushed them aside, reminding herself why she was here¡ªto protect her daughter.

    We should leave the past behind us, Aurelius¡­ No one can rewrite what¡¯s already been written.

    ¡°Queen Marcella,¡± a familiar voice called, tapping her shoulder.

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    Marcella''s gaze met the familiar sight of Duke Sapphirpeak, his tall stature and distinguished features a reminder of their shared history. "Duke Sapphirpeak," she acknowledged with a nod, her tone cordial yet tinged with a hint of warmth.

    Gareth Sapphirpeak had been one of Marcella''s suitors during her youth, a presence she found both intriguing and comforting. Despite Aurelius''s disdain for him, Gareth had always shown genuine concern and empathy, especially during the painful loss of her firstborn. In him, Marcella found solace¡ªa rare ally amidst the political machinations of the court.

    ¡°It¡¯s been quite some time since you graced us with your presence,¡± Gareth said, planting a kiss on her hand. ¡°You¡¯re as radiant as ever, Your Majesty. I hope your visit isn¡¯t brief. The realm and I share the longing for you since your absence.¡±

    Gareth''s words carried a charm that Marcella couldn''t help but find endearing. His kiss on her hand felt like a gesture from another era, one where courtly manners were paramount. "Your flattery is as eloquent as ever, Duke Sapphirpeak," she replied with a gracious smile, acknowledging his sentiment. "It''s heartening to know that my presence has been missed. Rest assured, my visit shall not be a fleeting one.¡±

    ¡°What is the purpose of your visit?¡± Gareth asked curiously. ¡°I¡¯m sure it isn¡¯t because you missed us.¡±

    Marcella''s smile softened, and she inclined her head slightly. "You are perceptive as always, Duke Sapphirpeak," she remarked, appreciating his astuteness. "Indeed, my visit carries a purpose beyond mere sentiment. There are matters of the realm that require attention, matters that concern both Crystalia and Sapphire.¡±

    Gareth nodded thoughtfully, his demeanor exuding a blend of respect and loyalty. "As you know, Your Majesty, I am forever at your service," he affirmed with a slight bow. "Your concerns are mine, and I stand ready to assist in any way possible. Please do not hesitate to call upon me for aid.¡±

    Marcella''s gaze pierced through the air, her voice carrying a weight of seriousness and determination. "Do you swear it?" she pressed, her tone devoid of any hint of wavering. "If I were to call upon you for assistance, would you heed my request?" She knew Gareth had always been a loyal ally, a rare gem amidst the political intricacies of the court.  It wouldn¡¯t be the first time she asked Gareth for favors. Despite being a rival to Aurelius, his unwavering kindness and allegiance to her had never faltered. Not once had he asked for anything in return for any favor she asked.

    ¡°I do,¡± he replied. He knew the look on her face all too well. ¡°Is it something the King can¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she says, ¡°My husband is aware of what I¡¯m planning.¡± She bit her lip, realizing her mistake. ¡°Ex husband, I mean.¡± She led Gareth to the balcony, trying to shake away the embarrassment in her. ¡°I want you to do something for me without asking any questions.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gareth complied, ¡°Anything.¡±

    Marcella''s voice cut through the air like a chilling wind, her words carrying an unmistakable weight of urgency and resolve. "I need you to retrieve something from the Queen''s Palace," she commanded, her tone unwavering. Gareth couldn''t help but flinch under the intensity of her gaze, which seemed to pierce through him like a blade. "Hidden within its walls is a whip, concealed by the queen herself. Your innate connection to magic means you''re the one best suited to uncover its whereabouts. I would handle it myself, but subtlety has never been my forte.¡±

    Gareth pondered for a fleeting moment, weighing the gravity of Marcella''s request against his loyalty to her. In the end, he knelt before her without hesitation, his conviction unwavering. "As you wish, My Queen," he pledged solemnly, his voice resonating with steadfast determination. "I''ll retrieve it for you." With that, he rose, his loyalty to Marcella binding him to fulfill her request, whatever the cost.

    ¡°"Please rise, Duke Sapphirepeak," Marcella said, gently assisting him to his feet, gratitude gleaming in her eyes. "Thank you for this. Then and now, you''ve always been a good and faithful friend to me.¡±

    ¡°Then may I ask a request?¡± Gareth inquired, his tone earnest.

    Marcella was taken aback by his sudden seriousness, but she nodded nonetheless. "Of course, what is it?¡±

    ¡°Please call me by my name," Gareth requested with a smile. "We''ve known each other since childhood. I understand the protocol, but when it''s just us, I''d appreciate it if you addressed me by my name.¡±

    Marcella returned his smile, squeezing his hands affectionately. "Is that all?" she chuckled, shaking her head. "Gareth," she said warmly, "You''re too kind to me. Nonetheless, I''d like to express my gratitude. I have three daughters in Crystalia... When they come of age, if your children are interested, they should meet. If they happen to fall for each other, I''d be open to a match.¡±

    Gareth was almost speechless, his surprise evident. ¡°That is a joke, right?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to be family?¡± Marcella asked, perplexed. "For me, I only wish for my children''s happiness. I desire a love match for them... Knowing you as a good-hearted person, Gareth, and having faith in how you''ve raised your children, I would be honored to welcome them into our family if they find love.¡± The two chatted away, catching up for lost time.

    Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Alexa and Aurelius was heavy with tension as they sat together in silence. Alexa''s jealousy towards Marcella''s presence with Aurelius was palpable, and now she could also feel his jealousy upon seeing Marcella with another man.

    ¡°A dance, my king?¡± Alexa broke the silence, her smile hiding the simmering jealousy within her. I won¡¯t be shamed like this!

    Aurelius shook his head in response, refusing to meet her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m a little tired,¡± he reasoned, letting out a yawn. ¡°It was a busy day.¡± Aurelius¡¯s gaze were like daggers. He loathed Gareth. Seeing him with Marcella made him hate him even more. What are you up to, Gareth? Why are you with Marcella?

    ¡°So,¡± Alexa remarked, her voice cutting through the tense air, "What is the former queen''s purpose here? Is it true that she intends to take Eternia with her?¡±

    Aurelius felt a surge of anger at the mention of his daughter''s name by Alexa. He suppressed it, maintaining his composure with an expressionless face. "She seeks reconciliation with our daughter," he replied evenly, his voice betraying none of his inner turmoil. "Eternia needs her mother. We are considering how to proceed with this matter.¡± How dare you utter her name!

    I won¡¯t let that happen! My Eternia won¡¯t accept this if she knows what¡¯s good for her. I¡¯m her mother now. Not that bitch who abandoned her. I taught her all the skills she needed to survive; not that woman! ¡°Marcella has no claim to her after abandoning her all these years," she asserted, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Don''t let her take our child, Your Majesty. After all this time, she has no right to her.¡± Alexa''s words dripped with venom as she vehemently expressed her opposition.

    Aurelius¡¯ gaze was icy and murderous intent. ¡°Drop it,¡± he said coldly.

    The night drew to a close with Magnus''s arrival, reporting to Aurelius and Marcella in his private study. With everything set in motion, all that remained was to execute their plans.

    ¡°Thank you, Magnus," Marcella acknowledged, preparing to open a portal.

    Aurelius gently caught her hand, shaking his head. "Stay," he urged, concern evident in his eyes. "Don''t overuse your power.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Marcella assured him with a smile. "Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± Aurelius persisted, his gaze pleading. "You have three other children, right? Don''t overexert yourself. I''ll have the maids prepare your old room.¡±

    Marcella''s smile softened at his concern. Her old room, situated across from his, held memories of a different era. Nodding in agreement, she replied, "Alright.¡±

 Chapter 21: Just A Dream

    The morning sun poured through the windows, casting a gentle glow over Eternia as she slept, her peaceful form bathed in its golden light. With her chest rising and falling rhythmically, she appeared like a tranquil vision, an ethereal being nestled in the embrace of slumber.

    Marcella stood at a distance, her gaze fixed tenderly upon her daughter. The sight of Eternia sleeping so serenely stirred conflicting emotions within her¡ªa mixture of love, regret, and longing. How could she mend the fractures in their relationship? How could she bridge the chasm of pain and neglect that separated them? Lost in her thoughts, Marcella felt a soft tap on her shoulder, causing her to startle. Turning, she found Aurelius beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty. With a sigh of relief, Marcella chastised him softly for the unexpected interruption, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Returning their attention to Eternia, they stood side by side, hands unconsciously finding each other''s, a silent acknowledgment of their shared hopes and fears for their daughter''s future. In the quiet embrace of the morning light, they stood together, united in their desire to mend what was broken.

    Aurelius broke the silence with a simple question, his voice cutting through the stillness of the room. "Slept well?¡±

    Marcella offered a nod in response, acknowledging the restful night she had experienced. "I did, thank you," she replied softly, gratitude lacing her words. After a brief pause, she shifted the conversation, revealing her encounter with Gareth, the Duke of Sapphirepeak. ¡°Last night, I spoke to Gareth, the Duke of Sapphirepeak.¡±

    Aurelius''s reaction was immediate, his expression clouding with skepticism and distrust. "He isn''t to be trusted," he declared firmly, his words tinged with a hint of jealousy and simmering rage. His icy stare conveyed his unease, a silent warning against placing too much faith in Gareth''s intentions.

    Marcella nodded, but her resolve remained firm. "He has always been loyal and faithful to me," she countered, her voice steady despite Aurelius''s evident displeasure.

    Yet, Aurelius''s anger only seemed to intensify. "That''s because he fancies you," he retorted sharply, his tone heavy with frustration. His hand withdrew from hers abruptly, and he placed them firmly on her shoulders, his touch carrying a warning. "Don''t put your faith in that snake unless you want to be poisoned by his venom.¡±

    Marcella¡¯s eyes widened, stiff in his touch.

    Aurelius, sensing Marcella''s shock, quickly withdrew his hands, his expression softening with remorse. "I''m sorry," he murmured, turning away slightly. "But you need to know... the person responsible for the ogre attack was Gareth Sapphirepeak.¡±

    Marcella''s reaction was immediate, her eyes widening in disbelief as she staggered back slightly. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with incredulity. "Are you certain?¡±

    Aurelius nodded solemnly in response. "So, be cautious," he advised, his tone filled with concern.¡±

    Marcella sighed heavily, a mixture of regret and disbelief etched on her features as she shook her head. "I''m afraid I made a mistake last night," she confessed, meeting his gaze with a troubled expression. "I tasked him to retrieve the whip for me, Aurelius.¡±

    Aurelius maintained his calm demeanor, his voice steady as he inquired, "Did you inform him why?¡±

    Shaking her head, Marcella replied, "No, of course not. I''m sorry, Aurelius. I should''ve talked to you before I instructed Gareth to retrieve it for me.¡±

    ¡°It was a mistake," Aurelius reassured her, offering a gentle smile. "We can easily fix it, Marcella. Given that he''s attached to you, you can easily use him.¡±

    Marcella was touched by his understanding, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as her hand instinctively reached out to touch his. "Thank you for understanding, Aurelius," she said gratefully.

    Caught in the moment, Aurelius was about to lean in closer, but a sudden yawn from Eternia broke the spell, causing them to quickly withdraw from each other''s proximity.

    ¡°Marcella greeted warmly as she approached her daughter''s bedside. Taking a seat beside her, she leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on the girl''s forehead. "Did you sleep well?¡±

    Eternia''s smile brightened the room as she replied, "I thought it was just a dream." With an exuberant expression, she wrapped her arms around her mother, embracing her tightly as if afraid to let go.

    Joining them, Aurelius added his presence, a tender smile gracing his lips as he leaned in to place a kiss on his daughter''s head. "Didn''t we tell you it wasn''t?" he chimed in, his voice filled with affection and reassurance.

    Eternia''s gratitude washed over Marcella and Aurelius, their hands entwined with hers. "Thank you," Eternia expressed, her voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you for being here for me... I know how hard it must be to defend and protect me, especially after everything...¡±

    The unspoken pain of their past hovered in the air, the weight of their painful history evident in their shared gaze.

    Marcella''s words poured forth with raw emotion, a torrent of regret and love intertwined. "This is nothing," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "This isn''t enough to atone for all the pain I caused you, for all my shortcomings as your mother. I promise you, I will fix this. I will heal you and erase every trace of that woman''s cruelty from you. No one will ever hurt you again." With each word, she hugged Eternia tighter, showering her daughter with kisses. "I''m so sorry for everything," she choked out, her embrace becoming a lifeline. ¡°I would turn back time if I could¡­¡±

    Eternia clung to her mother, feeling the weight of her words and the sincerity behind them. "It''s alright, mother," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm. "I''m just glad to know that you love me... to feel it too.¡±

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    Tears welled in Marcella''s eyes as she struggled to stay composed. "Of course I love you," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I loved you when you were conceived, and I loved you when you were born..." Her voice trailed off, heavy with regret. "I was just blinded by anger and hurt... but I always loved you, my miracle.¡±

    Eternia''s gesture touched Marcella''s heart deeply. As her daughter revealed the pendant hidden in her dress, Marcella''s eyes widened in surprise and warmth. "You''re always with me, mother," Eternia said, her smile radiant. "This was to protect father, right? A token of your friendship.¡±

    Marcella blushed, her gaze shifting to Aurelius. "You kept it," she murmured, her heart swelling with emotion.

    Aurelius met her gaze, his expression softening. "Of course, I did," he replied, his smile genuine. "You were the most important person to me¡­¡±

    Marcella returned his smile, her hand reaching for his. "I suppose we need to replace it since you bestowed it to our daughter," she said, her voice tinged with affection. With practiced ease, she produced a crystal from her pocket and began to infuse it with magic. Lightning crackled around her fingers as she engraved a protective rune onto the crystal''s surface. Taking a strand of her own hair, she wove it into a delicate chain and merged it with the crystal, creating a new pendant.

    Leaning closer to Aurelius, their faces mere inches apart, Marcella secured the pendant around his neck. "To protect you," she whispered, a sense of deja vu washing over them both.

    ¡°Thank you, Marcella,¡± Aurelius planted a kiss on her forehead.

    Their serene family moment shattered like glass as a deafening shriek of madness tore through the air. Alexa''s presence loomed at the entrance, her countenance twisted with a cocktail of rage, wrath, and seething jealousy. In her hand gleamed a dagger, its blade coated with a sinister poison. "You bitch!" Alexa''s voice reverberated, punctuated by the violent throw of the dagger. It was aimed straight at Eternia, a lethal intent gleaming in her eyes, but Marcella, in a swift act of maternal instinct, intercepted the lethal projectile, the dagger finding its mark in her soft, delicate back.

    A chilling laughter erupted from Alexa, a cacophony of madness and malice that sent shivers down the spines of all present. Eternia''s cries of terror pierced the air, tears streaming down her cheeks as she witnessed the horrifying scene unfold before her eyes.

    Eternia screamed, crying.

    Despite the excruciating pain coursing through her body, Marcella mustered a brave facade, her voice strained as she reassured her trembling daughter, "I''m fine.¡±

    Aurelius, fueled by a potent mixture of fury and protectiveness, rose to his feet, his form radiating an aura of raw power as he summoned his magic to shield his family from further harm. His eyes blazed with a primal intensity, a silent promise of retribution for the heinous act committed against his loved ones. The palace staff burst into the room, their urgent calls for the guards echoing through the chaos.

    With a chilling resolve, Aurelius seized Alexa''s wrists, his grip unyielding as he pinned her in place. "This ends now," he declared, his voice cutting through the tumult like a blade. "How dare you lay a hand on my family!¡±

    ¡°Oh, Aurelius,¡± Alexa¡¯s tone was laced with poison. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± she asked, laughing madly. ¡°I am your family! Me, Eternia, and you¡ªwe¡¯re a family!¡±

    Aurelius recoiled in agony as Alexa''s venomous words struck him like physical blows. "No," he breathed, disbelief and horror contorting his features. But before he could react, a sudden, searing pain erupted in his abdomen as Alexa''s foot connected with a vicious blow, sending him crashing to the ground, writhing in agony.

    The room seemed to spin as Marcella''s world turned upside down. With a desperate, primal instinct, she lunged to protect her daughter, her hands outstretched, but it was too late. Alexa''s manic laughter echoed in her ears as she snatched the dagger from Marcella''s grasp, a glint of madness gleaming in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you, Marcella!¡± Alexa vowed, her voice menacing. ¡°And your daughter is next for betraying me!¡±

    Eternia''s terrified sobs tore at Marcella''s heartstrings as she wrapped her in a protective embrace, her trembling hands conjuring a shield of crackling lightning to ward off the impending threat. "You''re safe," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the chaos.

    With a steely resolve, Marcella turned to face Alexa, her eyes ablaze with a mixture of fury and determination. With a swift, decisive motion, she seized the dagger, her grip unyielding even as blood trickled from her palms. "Pathetic," she spat, her voice laced with cold disdain.

    In an act of chilling retribution, Marcella seized Alexa by the throat, her fingers tightening around the woman''s neck with a vengeful grip. With a swift, merciless stroke, she slashed the blade across Alexa''s mouth, a cruel parody of a smile etched upon her face. ¡°Smile,¡± she says coldly as she sliced her skin.

    A piercing scream rent the air as Alexa crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony. Marcella stood over her fallen adversary, her expression ice-cold and resolute, her hands stained with blood. "You will pay for your sins," she declared, her voice dripping with quiet menace.

    ¡°You will pay for this!¡± Alexa vowed, screaming like a lunatic. ¡°I will kill you all!¡±

    Aurelius, shaken but resolute, rushed to Marcella''s side, offering his support as the palace guards burst into the room, their stern faces betraying their shock and horror at the scene before them. With swift efficiency, they moved to restrain Alexa, dragging her away as she thrashed and screamed like a wild animal, her vows of vengeance echoing through the chamber like a chilling prophecy.

    Aurelius held Marcella close, his heart pounding with fear and desperation as he felt her growing weaker in his arms. "I''m here, Marcella," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. ¡°Stay with me.¡±

    As the barrier around Eternia dissipated, Aurelius felt a surge of relief mixed with apprehension. He knew they needed to act quickly to save Marcella, but his mind was consumed with worry for his beloved wife. Ex wife¡­

    Gently cradling Marcella in his arms, Aurelius met her gaze with a mixture of tenderness and anguish. "We''ll get you the help you need," he vowed, his voice trembling with emotion. "Stay with me¡­ Damn it!¡±

    Marcella managed a weak smile, her hand trembling as she reached up to caress Aurelius'' cheek. ¡°You still care,¡± she giggled, shaking her head in disbelief. Seriousness returned, tears falling from her eyes. ¡°Protect her, Aurelius,¡± she whispered, her voice falling. ¡°Promise me¡­¡±

    "Of course I care," he murmured, his voice breaking with sorrow. "You mean everything to me."

    Tears welled in Aurelius'' eyes as he felt the weight of Marcella''s words. "I promise," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own heartbeat. "I''ll protect her with my life, Marcella. I swear it.¡± He held her tighter, kissing her head. ¡°So stay with us, okay?¡±

    Marcella''s limp body weighed heavily in Aurelius''s arms as he hurried towards the infirmary, his heart heavy with guilt and despair. Each step felt like an eternity as he fought to keep his emotions in check, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have been done differently.

    Eternia''s anguished cry pierced the air, echoing through the chamber as she knelt beside her unconscious mother. Adrian''s comforting embrace offered her some solace amidst the chaos, his silent understanding a source of strength in her moment of despair.

    Aurelius met Adrian''s gaze with a silent nod of gratitude, his expression haunted by the weight of his failure to protect his family. "Thank you, Adrian," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "Take care of her.¡±

    With a heavy heart, Aurelius continued on his journey towards the infirmary, each step a painful reminder of his own helplessness in the face of tragedy. As he carried Marcella''s fragile form, he couldn''t help but be struck by the cruel irony of their situation. She may have been his ex-wife, but in that moment, she was still the woman he loved more than life itself.

 Chapter 22: A Love That Just Wonâ€™t Fade

    Aurelius paced back and forth in the dimly lit infirmary, his nerves frayed and his mind consumed by worry. Every passing moment felt like an eternity as he watched the healers and magicians work tirelessly to save Marcella''s life. His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind of guilt, fear, and desperation, each emotion threatening to overwhelm him completely.

    He couldn''t shake the feeling of helplessness that gnawed at him from within, the weight of his failure to protect the woman he loved bearing down on him like a suffocating blanket. How could he have let this happen?

    As the minutes stretched into hours, Aurelius''s anxiety only grew stronger, his heart aching with the agonizing uncertainty of Marcella''s fate. All he could do was stand there, a silent sentinel of hope, praying for her to wake up and be alright. In that moment, nothing else mattered but her well-being, and he would do anything to see her open her eyes once more.

    The head physician stood before Aurelius, his voice a reassuring balm amidst the storm of worry that raged within the king''s heart. "We''ve done all that is within our power," he announced, his tone steady despite the weariness evident in his eyes. "The Queen is out of immediate danger, Your Majesty. We''ve successfully neutralized the poison coursing through her veins and tended to her wounds. However, she''s suffered significant blood loss and is currently battling a fever. She needs rest, but rest assured, she will awaken soon.¡±

    As the physicians departed, Aurelius remained at Marcella''s bedside, his heart heavy with a mixture of relief and remorse. Gently taking her hand in his, he pressed a tender kiss upon her skin, his lips lingering with a silent plea. "Please awaken soon," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "There are countless words left unspoken, apologies left unsaid. I need you, Marcella. More than ever.¡±

    Theodore and Magnus entered the infirmary, bearing flowers as a token of their support. Placing their hands on their friend''s shoulder, they offered silent solidarity, understanding the weight of his worry. Together, they stood by Aurelius''s side, a silent presence of comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

    Magnus''s words sliced through the tense air of the infirmary like a cold wind. "Alexa is in the dungeon, and the Evergreens are behind bars," he reported. "Max is taking care of planting the rest of the evidence. He''ll also notify King Raphael about his wife''s condition.¡±

    Aurelius''s jaw tensed, a surge of jealousy sparking within him like a sudden blaze at the mention of Marcella''s current husband. "Must we inform him?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of resentment and uncertainty.

    Theodore''s words pierced through the cloud of Aurelius''s emotions, a reminder of duty cutting through the haze of personal turmoil. "Protocol," Theodore''s reminder landed heavily, injecting a dose of reality into the heated moment. "We must prioritize the needs of both realms, Aurelius," he continued, his tone tinged with understanding but firm in its resolve. "I know you still care deeply for Marcella. It''s evident to all who see. However, she''s now married to another, and that''s the stark reality we face.¡±

    Aurelius nodded in reluctant agreement, his inner turmoil simmering beneath a facade of acceptance. Despite the ache in his heart, he understood the necessity of letting go. Marcella was now bound to another, and he couldn''t allow his own feelings to cloud the reality of her current happiness. With a heavy sigh, he resigned himself to the painful truth and the need to move forward.

    Marcella¡¯s grip on his hand tightened, signaling her awakening. Her weary gaze met his, attempting to rise from the bed.

    ¡°No,¡± Aurelius gently urged, guiding her back down. ¡°Rest, please. You¡¯ve just undergone surgery. Your fever persists. You need to sleep.¡±

    Marcella managed a weak smile, her voice strained with pain. ¡°Aurelius,¡± she rasped, ¡°Eternia?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s safe, Marcella,¡± Aurelius reassured, his voice softening. ¡°Adrian is safeguarding her with a barrier. Alexa and the Evergreens are imprisoned in the dungeons. Please, don¡¯t worry. Just rest.¡± He paused, adding, ¡°Max will inform your husband of your condition.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Aurelius,¡± she murmured, her grip on his hand firm. ¡°But it¡¯s unnecessary. Please, refrain from contacting Raphael or alarming Crystalia. Keep this between us until I¡¯ve fully recovered.¡± She acknowledged the others with a nod. ¡°Thank you all,¡± she said, ¡°But those flowers are poisonous. You¡¯ll suffer from itchiness for the next twenty-four hours. Dispose of them and ask the healers for balm.¡±

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    Magnus panicked and flung the flowers at Theodore, who retaliated by smacking his own bouquet into Magnus'' face. Their childish squabble elicited a laugh from Marcella.

    ¡°Please, leave us,¡± Aurelius commanded, his tone firm. ¡°She doesn¡¯t need the added stress of your bickering¡­ Also, I¡¯d like to speak with her alone.¡±

    Theodore and Magnus nodded, understanding, and exited the room.

    Marcella''s voice cut through the heaviness in the room as she noticed Aurelius'' teary eyes. She felt a pang in her heart, witnessing this vulnerable side of him that she hadn''t seen in a long time. ¡°Don¡¯t start crying on me, Aurelius,¡± she said softly, her voice filled with empathy.

    Aurelius struggled to hold back his tears, his hand trembling as he pressed Marcella''s hand against his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he murmured softly, pressing a tender kiss to her hand. ¡°Everything is my fault¡­¡±

    Marcella''s voice, though weak, cut through the sorrow in the room. ¡°It was Alexa, your psychotic wife,¡± she reassured him. ¡°Don¡¯t blame yourself.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aurelius insisted, his voice breaking. ¡°It was mine. Everything happened because I left you¡­¡± His words pierced the air, heavy with regret. ¡°It¡¯s because I blamed you¡­ Everything that led to this day was my fault.¡± Tears streamed down his face, staining her hand and the sheets. ¡°I am so sorry, Marcella.¡±

    Summoning all her strength, Marcella sat up and pulled him into a desperate embrace. For a moment, they clung to each other, seeking solace in the warmth of their embrace. ¡°Please stop talking,¡± she pleaded, her voice muffled against his chest. ¡°We can¡¯t rewrite what has already happened.¡± Her grip tightened on his shirt as she trembled, tears flowing freely from her eyes. ¡°We both¡­ made mistakes that led to this day.¡± She paused, meeting his gaze with a sorrowful expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you think that I wasn¡¯t strong enough to protect our children,¡± she apologized, her voice choked with emotion. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I chose Crystalia over you¡­ If I chose blindness over seeing the truth¡­ Had I listened to you, Octavius and Cassian would¡¯ve still been alive, and Eternia wouldn¡¯t have been poisoned all those years ago¡­¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have blamed you for that,¡± Aurelius murmured, holding her gently. ¡°Instead of giving up and blaming you, I should¡¯ve fought harder to make you understand¡­ I love you, Marcella. I never stopped. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Marcella''s embrace tightened, her tears mingling with his on his shirt as she whispered, ¡°I¡¯m married to another.¡±

    Aurelius pulled away gently, wiping his own tears as well as Marcella¡¯s. With tender care, he guided her back down, his hand resting gently on her forehead. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t add to your stress,¡± he murmured, his voice filled with anguish. ¡°Please rest. I¡¯ll stay by your side and watch over you.¡±

    Marcella nodded, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion.

    In the quiet of the room, the weight of their pain and longing hung heavily in the air, a palpable presence that spoke volumes without a single word.

    In the sanctuary of Adrian¡¯s room in the Princess¡¯ Palace, Eternia found solace in his embrace. Adrian enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly as if to shield her from the pain and turmoil that engulfed their world.

    Adrian¡¯s voice was a comforting balm to Eternia¡¯s troubled soul. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to go through that,¡± he murmured, his words laced with empathy. ¡°It must have been terrifying for you. Alexa is pure evil. But now, with enough evidence and witnesses, justice will finally catch up to her.¡±

    Eternia¡¯s voice trembled with guilt and sorrow. ¡°My mother got hurt because of me,¡± she whimpered, tears still streaming down her cheeks. ¡°She protected me... even when her strength was failing, she shielded me with a barrier.¡± This is all my fault¡­

    Adrian''s reassurance was gentle yet firm. "She''ll be alright," he assured Eternia.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Eternia inquired, her voice laden with worry.

    Adrian smiled warmly, gently squeezing her hand. "Because she reminds me of my sister," he explained softly. "She''s beautiful, strong, and resilient. And she has your father, Eternia. He would stop at nothing just to save her. I see how much he cares about her.¡±

    Eternia sought solace in Adrian''s embrace, finding comfort and security. He was her sole companion in this turbulent world, her unwavering shield. With a sense of trust and relief, she allowed herself to surrender to sleep, nestled securely in his arms.

    Adrian held her close, his protective instinct kicking in. "No one can harm you, kid," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing reassurance. ¡°I promise you that.¡±

 Chapter 23: Mother and daughter

    The aftermath of Alexa''s betrayal sent shockwaves throughout the kingdom, tarnishing the reputation of the once-respected Evergreen family. While it seemed harsh to implicate the entire family in Alexa''s downfall, there was a unanimous sentiment among Aurelius, Marcella, Theodore, Magnus, and Maximus: to ensure the complete annihilation of the Evergreen family. It was a harsh lesson in the politics of power¡ªleaving even a remnant of an enemy alive could invite future reprisals and threats to stability.

    Marcella lay in bed, her strength sapped by Alexa''s attack. Though the poison had been purged from her body, the toll it took lingered in her weakened state. She had expended her power shielding Eternia, a sacrifice she made willingly despite the danger it posed to her own life. Even in her weakened state, her beauty remained undeniable, though the vibrant glow that usually adorned her features had dimmed. Still, her resilience and inner strength shone through, a testament to her unwavering determination.

    In the quiet of the chamber, Eternia''s voice trembled with worry as she clasped her mother''s hand. "How do you feel?" she asked, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within. The weight of guilt pressed heavily upon her, despite her mother''s reassuring smile.

    Marcella''s hand weakened but still comforting, gently enveloped Eternia''s. "My dear, I''m alright," she replied, her voice a soothing melody in the room. "Your safety was my priority, and I would do it all over again to shield you from harm." Her smile, though weary, held a depth of maternal love that eased the ache in Eternia''s heart.

    Tears welled in Eternia''s eyes as she struggled with her emotions. "But you were hurt because of me," she whispered, the weight of her words heavy in the air.

    Marcella''s gentle smile softened as she squeezed Eternia''s hand reassuringly. "My dear, don''t blame yourself," she said softly. "I would do anything to protect you, no matter the cost. It was my choice to shield you, and I would make that choice again without hesitation. You are my daughter, and your safety is my utmost priority." She brushed a stray tear from Eternia''s cheek, her gaze filled with love and understanding. "You are not to blame for what happened, my sweet Eternia. We faced a trial together, and we emerged stronger for it.¡±

    Eternia''s voice was solemn as she delivered the news, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Father has successfully divorced Lady Alexa," she reported. "There wasn¡¯t a trial, and everything went smoothly due to her attack." Pausing to gather her thoughts, she continued, "The trial for their treason will commence once you¡¯re well and out of bed. I heard that... The entire House will meet their end.¡±

    Marcella regarded her daughter with a firm and unwavering expression. "A vital lesson for you to grasp early, my princess, is the necessity of cutting weeds before they can take root," she imparted, her tone carrying the weight of experience. "As a ruler, we are tasked with making difficult decisions. They may not be pleasant, but they are imperative. Our people depend on us to ensure the stability and safety of our realm. If a threat arises and we fail to act, we risk being perceived as weak and vulnerable." With a gentle touch, Marcella cupped Eternia''s cheek, imparting a mother''s wisdom. "They must face the consequences," she affirmed. "This won¡¯t be the first challenge you encounter. People will attempt to undermine you, and it will fall upon you to wield your power and authority to confront them.¡±

    A solemn hush enveloped the room, accentuating the weightiness of Marcella''s words. Eternia, though young, absorbed her mother''s wisdom with a mature understanding that belied her age.

    Marcella continued, ¡°I heard Gareth Sapphirepeak put your life at risk with the ogre attack. He¡¯s another weed that needs to be cut down; however, he may be of use to me.¡± Marcella smiled. ¡°His loyalty has always been to me and not your father. He is an ambitious man who has the potential to overthrow your father and your throne. But it seems that my arrival and him realizing you have my favor changes things. He won¡¯t harm you again, but he might insist on taking your hand for his son.¡± Marcella paused, continuing, ¡°I offered him the hand of one of your sisters, so I wanted to ask your thoughts on marriage. More specifically, if you are to be betrothed to one of Sapphirepeak¡¯s sons.¡± Marcella brushed her fingers through Eternia¡¯s hair. ¡°I know that you¡¯re seven, but marriage is inevitable. I want to hear your voice in the matter before we plan the match. I¡¯m certain your father would be as considerate as I am, though I see that he favors Max¡¯s child.¡±

    Eternia paused, considering her response carefully. ¡°My thoughts on marriage... It''s true that I''m young, but I''ve given it some thought. I understand the importance of forging alliances for the stability of our realm, so I trust your judgment and Father''s.¡±

    Marcella''s hand alighted on Eternia''s shoulder, her smile a soft beacon in the dimly lit chamber. "You possess wisdom," she said, her voice a melody threaded with intrigue. "But if fate granted you the choice... Sapphirepeak or Solaris?¡±

    Choose between the great houses? I believe Zachary is the one they intend me to wed and Alexander is the other¡­ ¡°Politically?¡± Eternia asked.

    Marcella''s hand moved to rest on Eternia''s shoulder, her touch gentle yet filled with significance. "It''s not just about politics," she explained, her voice carrying a weight of understanding. "I want to know your true feelings. As a girl, as a person¡ªnot just as the princess.¡±

    Eternia nodded, absorbing Marcella''s words. "You see, Eternia, you¡¯re the future of two realms," Marcella continued, her tone gentle yet firm. "But even so, I¡¯d like you to have a love match. If not a love match, then at least to have a person you could have a good, meaningful friendship with.¡±

    Marcella''s thoughts wandered briefly to her own past, her voice tinged with reminiscence. "A friend is better than a stranger. And honestly, love often blooms from friendship.¡±

    Eternia''s grin was mischievous as she probed further. "Is that how it happened with you and father?" she inquired, her curiosity shining bright in her eyes.

    Marcella gently pinched Eternia''s cheek, a playful gesture to ease the tension. ¡°Let''s not make this about me and your father, Eternia,¡± she chided lightly, a faint blush gracing her cheeks at the mention of his name. ¡°But yes, it''s true. Well, honestly, the first time I laid eyes on Aurelius, my heart skipped a beat. I had never seen a boy as captivating as he was. Yet, at that moment, all I desired was to be his friend.¡± She paused, a wistful smile gracing her lips. ¡°Now, tell me, who do you choose?¡±

    Eternia''s grin widened, delighted to glean insight into her parents'' romance. She mulled over her options, her mind swirling with thoughts. Who do I choose? Alexander, the one with whom I''ve shared countless moments, or Zachary, whose intentions remain veiled in mystery?

    ¡°Eternia?¡± Marcella''s voice broke through Eternia''s reverie, pulling her back to the present moment.

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    ¡°Oh,¡± Eternia replied, blinking as she refocused. ¡°I don¡¯t know Zachary that well, to be honest, but he¡¯s kind. He welcomed me graciously, and he handled me with care.¡± Pausing, she considered her words carefully before continuing. ¡°And Alexander¡­¡±

    ¡°Alexander?¡± Marcella prompted, her eyes attentive, waiting for Eternia''s revelation.

    Eternia met Marcella''s gaze with a weighty sigh, her heart heavy with the burden of her confession. ¡°I really liked him, Mother,¡± she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability, ¡°But... when he saw my scars, everything shifted. I became nothing more than Lady Alexa''s weapon, distant and detached. And his reaction... it hurt. He made it seem like my scars defined me like they were the only reason he saw me as worth knowing. It felt like pity.¡±

    Marcella''s expression softened with understanding as she reached out to her daughter, a silent gesture of comfort and solidarity. ¡°Eternia,¡± she murmured, her voice gentle yet firm. Gathering the fabric of her dress, she revealed the scar on her own leg, tracing its faded lines with tender reverence. ¡°Your father and I faced a similar trial,¡± she confessed, her touch light against the mark of her past. ¡°This scar, given to me by my own mother, once sparked a similar change in Aurelius''s demeanor. I, too, feared it was merely pity. But in time, I learned it was genuine care.¡±

    Grandmother gave that to her? Her own flesh and blood? Eternia''s disbelief hung heavy in the air as she traced the scar on Marcella''s leg, her heart heavy with sadness. "How could your own mother do such a thing to you?" she whispered, her voice filled with incredulity and compassion.

    Marcella''s gaze softened, a somber shadow crossing her features as she recalled her past. "She sought the perfect daughter,¡± she explained, her voice tinged with sorrow. Yet, despite the pain of her memories, a gentle smile graced her lips as she tucked a stray lock of Eternia''s hair behind her ear. "But I seek something far greater," she continued, her tone filled with warmth and affection. ¡°I seek your happiness, my dear daughter.¡± Tears welled in Eternia''s eyes at her mother''s words, overwhelmed by the depth of her love and gratitude. "I''m grateful for the chance to rebuild our relationship," Marcella expressed, her voice soft yet resolute. "Thank you, my miracle child." Leaning in, she pressed a tender kiss to Eternia''s forehead, sealing their bond with a promise of love and healing.

    ¡°So,¡± Eternia began, her voice hesitant yet earnest, ¡°what do you advise? I can''t shake this feeling of guilt for how I''ve treated Alexander¡­¡±

    Marcella''s grin widened, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. ¡°So, you''ve made your choice then?¡± she teased, her tone light yet knowing.

    Eternia''s grin widened mischievously as she spoke. "Ah, no, no," she chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "If I were to be completely honest, my choice would be Adrian.¡±

    Marcella''s reaction was immediate, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to comprehend Eternia''s words. "What?" she gasped, her surprise evident in the tone of her voice.

    With a casual shrug, Eternia continued, her expression earnest yet playful. "You did say friendship was paramount," she reminded her mother. "And Adrian fits the bill perfectly. He''s been by my side for as long as I can remember, a steadfast companion who truly cares for me. While it''s not the kind of affection father holds for you," she added, a hint of warmth in her tone, "I value him deeply as a friend.¡±

    Marcella''s brows furrowed with concern as she sought clarification. "The mage?" she clarified, her voice laced with apprehension. "Your sworn protector?¡±

    Eternia''s nod was solemn, confirming Marcella''s fears.

    A shadow crossed Marcella''s features, her worry etched in the lines of her expression. "My dear," she began, her voice tinged with urgency, "He is no ordinary magic wielder. He is an ancient warlock, with powers that have spanned generations. People like him live an immortal life, if not met with destruction.¡±

    Pausing to gather her thoughts, Marcella continued with a note of caution. "I do not discount the value of your friendship with him," she admitted, her tone softening. "But I urge you to consider the implications. I do not foresee a future with him. Instead, I see the possibility of heartache and disparity. I envision you, tears staining your cheeks... or perhaps, I see you, years from now, weathered by time, while he remains forever unchanged.¡±

    Eternia''s curiosity sparked as she posed her question. "Is there truly no way to live forever?" she inquired, her tone tinged with fascination.

    Marcella''s nod was solemn as she confirmed Eternia''s inquiry. "Indeed, there is a way," she revealed, her voice carrying a hint of mystery. "Hidden somewhere in the world lies a garden known as Nede. Within its sacred grounds, ancient trees and plants bear fruit imbued with extraordinary gifts. Among them, one offers the coveted gift of eternal youth¡ªthe very gift that Adrian possesses.¡±

    Eternia''s question hung in the air, laden with uncertainty. "Do you think Adrian would consider my hand?" she ventured, her voice tinged with hope.

    Marcella''s response was immediate, her worry palpable. "Why?" she countered, her tone fraught with concern. "Please tell me this is a joke.¡±

    Eternia''s grin widened mischievously as she reassured her mother. "It is," she admitted with a playful twinkle in her eye.¡± Still, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the possibilities. Would he consider it though? Would Adrian accept my proposal if I asked? I don¡¯t wish to have a shattered heart as my parents did¡­ Adrian is a friend and brother-like person to me. He would be a great choice to avoid such heartache.

    Aurelius''s presence brought a sense of calm to the room as he greeted them with a polite nod. "Good day," he began, his voice carrying a warmth that belied his concern. "I just came to check if you''re alright.¡±

    Marcella acknowledged his gesture with a gracious smile. "I am," she assured him, her gratitude evident in her words. "Thank you for your hospitality, Aurelius. It''s much appreciated.¡±

    Eternia interjected with a sense of assurance. "I''ve already reported the plans to Mother," she informed him, her tone confident. "You don''t have to worry about anything else.¡±

    Aurelius''s smile remained gentle as he delivered his unexpected news. "Once everything is done, you''re to go to Crystalia," he announced calmly, his tone carrying a sense of finality. "Adrian will join you, and I''ll come to visit you often.¡±

    Eternia''s gasp of disbelief hung heavy in the air. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with confusion and apprehension. "What do you mean?¡±

    Aurelius''s expression softened as he explained his decision. "I''ve decided to let you return to Crystalia," he stated simply, his gaze steady. "Your mother will take care of you from now on¡­¡±

    ¡°Eternia struggled to process her father''s words, her heart torn between love for her mother and a reluctance to leave her father''s side. ¡°Father¡­¡±

    Aurelius''s reassurance brought a glimmer of comfort to Eternia''s troubled heart. "I''ll visit often," he promised, his voice tender as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

    "But why do I have to leave?" Eternia persisted, her confusion evident in her tone. "I like it here... Sapphiria is my home. I want to be with Mother, but...¡±

    Aurelius''s kiss conveyed his love and determination to see her well again. "You''ll return once you''re completely healed," he swore solemnly, his words a vow of commitment. "But for now, you must stay in Crystalia. You must do your best to heal.¡±

    I want to stay here with you, Father¡­

 Chapter 24: The Trial

    As the trial against the Evergreens and Alexa unfolded, the atmosphere in the grand royal courtroom crackled with tension. Outside, storm clouds gathered ominously, casting a dark shadow over the proceedings, while inside, the air was thick with anticipation and unease.

    Marcella stood at the forefront of the prosecution, her regal presence commanding attention as she outlined the charges against the accused. Beside her, Aurelius and their allies, Magnus, Theodore, Adrian, Eternia, and Maximilian, stood resolute, their expressions reflecting a mixture of determination and righteous indignation.

    Opposite them, Alexa and her family, once pillars of nobility, now stood as shadows of their former selves, dressed in tattered finery that belied their fallen status. As the accusations were laid bare, Alexa''s demeanor remained stoic, a mask of defiance concealing the madness that simmered beneath the surface.

    But as the trial progressed, cracks began to appear in Alexa''s facade. With each damning piece of evidence presented, her composure wavered, and her denials grew more desperate. And then, in a moment of unbridled fury, she erupted.

    ¡°You dare accuse me?¡± Alexa¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and cutting, echoing off the walls of the courtroom. ¡°I have always been a loyal servant to the king.¡± She pointed her finger at Marcella. ¡°You are the whore who became the roblem! You deserve to die!¡±

    The spectators gasped in horror at the spectacle unfolding before them, shocked by the intensity of Alexa''s outburst. Some whispered words of sympathy, while others recoiled in fear, their faith in the once-revered House Evergreen shattered by Alexa''s madness.

    But Marcella remained unfazed, her resolve unwavering in the face of Alexa''s tirade. With a steely gaze, she pressed on, driving the prosecution forward with unwavering determination.

    Marcella''s eyes locked onto the figure before her, her heart heavy with anticipation. ¡°Is that why you attacked me?¡± she asked, her voice calm yet edged with accusation. A quick retort followed, ¡°No. Is that why you attempted to murder the heir to the throne with a dagger laced in lethal poison?¡± Marcella, summoning her magic, distributed copies of the damning evidence to the courtroom. ¡°These documents unveil the treacherous machinations of the Evergreens¡ªscheming against the crown in secrecy, working against my reign and Aurelius¡¯s.¡± She paused, her tone darkening with grief. ¡°And most tragically, she orchestrated the demise of Prince Cassian.¡±

    But Alexa''s father shot back with a vehement denial. ¡°It is not as you claim!¡± His tone intensified as he spoke, ¡°The poison administered to you during your first pregnancy, as well as the causes behind the death of your second son and the attempted assassination of your daughter, were instigated by the Zircons and other Houses. I merely carried out their bidding!¡±

    Marcella reeled from the revelation, her world collapsing as her strength faded. But Aurelius¡¯s arms found her, lending support. Despite the stoic front she maintained, her world crumbled as Alexa¡¯s father exposed secrets buried deep in the past.

    Aurelius¡¯s presence shifted, a dark energy emanating from him, causing the room to shudder with fear of the King''s wrath. ¡°What the fuck did you just say?¡± His voice was a dangerous whisper as he steadied Marcella before entrusting her to Theodore¡¯s care. He advanced towards the man, his eyes ablaze with fury. ¡°You have just admitted your guilt. You are the vile wretch responsible for murdering my children!¡±

    ¡°Not I, Your Majesty!¡± Alexa¡¯s father pleaded, dropping to his knees before the king. ¡°It was the will of the Zircons!¡±

    Aurelius¡¯s gaze held no mercy, his rage undiminished.

    ¡°Death to the Evergreens!¡± the masses roared, unified in their wrath. ¡°They deserve nothing less!¡±

    The shocking revelation fueled the crowd''s collective fury, their call for justice echoing through the courtroom.

    ¡°The trial is concluded,¡± Aurelius declared, his tone final. ¡°Their execution will take place by sundown.¡±

    Marcella retreated, her heart heavy with anguish as tears streamed down her cheeks, betraying her stoic facade. The weight of the revelation was crushing¡ªfabricated evidence or not, the truth remained: her children had been taken from her. The fury bubbling within her threatened to consume her whole, the pain of betrayal cutting deep into her soul.

    The House of Zircon, once a symbol of her love and trust in Raphael, now stood as a monument to deception and treachery. Had she known the depths of their involvement, she would have never bound herself to him in marriage. The realization left her feeling nauseated, her mind reeling with disbelief and disgust.

    Seeking solace, Marcella fled to the gardens, her sanctuary in times of turmoil. The pavilion beckoned to her, a haven of memories both bitter and sweet. Curling into herself, she found refuge in its embrace, seeking solace amidst the chaos that engulfed her.

    As footsteps approached, she braced herself for intrusion, her voice tinged with frost as she spoke, ¡°Leave me alone.¡±

    Her heart shattered anew with every passing moment, the memory of her daughters¡ªOlivine, Cassie, and Emilie¡ªburning like a brand upon her soul. The betrayal of Raphael, the weight of the truth, it all proved too much to bear, leaving her broken and alone in the darkness of her grief.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Marcella looked up through tear-blurred eyes to see Aurelius standing before her, his expression soft with empathy. Without a word, he extended his arms, a silent invitation for her to seek solace in his embrace. Without hesitation, Marcella rushed into his arms, seeking refuge from the storm of emotions raging within her.

    She sobbed uncontrollably against his chest, the weight of her grief pouring out in a torrent of tears. Aurelius held her tightly, his arms a bastion of strength and comfort, shielding her from the pain that threatened to overwhelm her.

    At that moment, surrounded by his warmth and unwavering support, Marcella found a measure of peace amidst the turmoil. With Aurelius by her side, she knew she didn''t have to face her pain alone.

    Marcella''s voice rang out, cold and resolute, as she made her solemn vow. Her fingers tightened around Aurelius'' shirt, each word heavy with the weight of her determination ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him,¡± she declared, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. "For every agony inflicted upon us, his entire lineage shall answer.¡± With a gentle release, she stepped back, the fire in her eyes undimmed. "The one responsible for our children''s demise," she admitted, her voice edged with sorrow. "Is the one to whom I am bound.¡±

    Aurelius reached out, his touch a gentle reassurance as he comforted Marcella in her moment of anguish. "I, too, have walked a similar path," he confessed softly, his voice a soothing balm to her wounded spirit.

    ¡°I swear it to you," Marcella affirmed, her voice edged with steely resolve. "Every last one of them will answer for their crimes.¡±

    Aurelius''s touch was tender as he caressed Marcella''s head, a gesture of comfort in the midst of their shared turmoil. Despite the tumult of emotions raging within him, he knew he had to remain steadfast, to be the pillar of strength she needed in that moment. ¡°Marcella," he began, his voice steady yet tinged with concern, "think of Olivine, Cassie, and Emilie. Are you prepared to take their father from them, to subject them to the pain of losing a parent in such a violent manner?¡±

    Marcella''s voice quivered with raw emotion as she searched Aurelius''s eyes for understanding. "Don''t you ache for justice, Aurelius?" she pleaded, her voice trembling with a mixture of grief and righteous fury. "For all the pain and suffering inflicted upon our children, don''t they deserve justice?¡± In her eyes, he saw the reflection of his own anguish, mirrored in the depths of her sorrow. Together, they bore the weight of their shared loss, bound by the unbreakable bond of parental love and the fierce desire to see those responsible held to account.

    Aurelius''s voice softened with empathy as he spoke, his words carrying the weight of profound concern. "Marcella," he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "I understand your pain, your desire for justice. But if you act on that impulse, if you seek vengeance against Raphael, your daughters will bear the consequences.¡± He clasped her hand tightly in his own, his touch a reassurance of his unwavering support. "I cannot bear to see you inadvertently harm your children again," he continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. "They are innocent, Marcella, and they deserve to be shielded from the sins of their father.¡±

    Marcella''s voice quivered with the weight of disillusionment, her words carrying the bitter sting of betrayal. "Aurelius," she confessed, her tone heavy with sorrow, "our entire reality has crumbled before us. Every truth we held dear, every foundation we built our lives upon¡ªit was all a facade. We were mere pawns in a game we never knew we were playing, and our children paid the ultimate price.¡± Tears streamed down her cheeks, each one a silent testament to the agony of their shattered illusions. "I loathe this," she cried, her voice thick with anguish. "Every deception, every manipulation¡ªit has torn us apart, robbed us of the life we once knew. I despise it all, Aurelius. I despise the lies, the deceit¡ªit''s an agony that consumes me.¡±

    Aurelius''s voice was a steady anchor amidst the storm of Marcella''s despair, his words a beacon of hope in the darkness that threatened to engulf them. "I''m here, Marcella," he assured her, his tone filled with unwavering resolve. "Together, we will find a path forward¡ªa way to confront the House of Zircon without placing our children in harm''s way. Trust me, everything will be alright.¡±

    ¡°I just want him gone, Aurelius,¡± Marcella said, her voice trembling from anguish. ¡°How can I face my children when I return?¡±

    Aurelius''s touch was tender as he gently cupped Marcella''s face, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "Marcella," he began, his voice soft but unwavering, "your love for your children is a force of unwavering strength. Despite the darkness that surrounds us, I believe in the depth of your love, stronger than any desire for vengeance.¡± His kiss upon her forehead elicited a blush, a silent acknowledgment of their shared bond and the reassurance he offered. "I will stand by your side," he affirmed, his embrace enveloping her with warmth and comfort. "Together, we will face Raphael and ensure justice is served. But let us approach this with wisdom and restraint. We will seek the truth through investigation, not vengeance.¡± With a gentle squeeze, he reaffirmed their commitment to her daughters. "As for Olivine, Cassie, and Emilie," he continued, his voice filled with unwavering determination, "we will continue to nurture and protect them. They will not suffer the consequences of their father''s actions. We will raise them with love and integrity, shielding them from the pain we have endured.¡±

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    Marcella''s voice quivered with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as she sought clarification. "We?" she questioned, her heart pounding with anticipation.

    Aurelius''s smile radiated warmth as he pressed his lips to Marcella''s hand, a tender gesture filled with affection. "I love you, Marcella," he whispered, his voice a gentle reassurance amidst the chaos of their emotions. "But I understand that everything is complicated right now. You need time to heal these wounds.¡± His words carried a depth of understanding and compassion, a recognition of the pain they both carried. "So," he continued, his gaze unwavering as he met hers, "I''ll be here for you, not just as your partner, but as your friend and ally. Together, we''ll navigate through this storm.¡±

    Marcella''s smile blossomed with gratitude as she tightened her embrace around Aurelius, his presence a source of solace in her tumultuous world. "I''d like that," she murmured, her voice soft with appreciation. "Thank you, Aurelius, for being my strength through it all¡­¡±

    Hours passed, and they parted ways. Marcella found herself wandering the desolate corridors of the dungeons, the sting of Alexa''s treachery still fresh in her mind. Gareth had placed the whip in her hand during her confinement, a grim reminder of the violence inflicted upon her. With each step, Marcella felt the weight of her injuries, both physical and emotional, bearing down upon her. The hunger for vengeance burned within her, fueled by the memory of the Evergreen¡¯s and Zircon¡¯s betrayal. In the oppressive silence of the dungeon, her thoughts spiraled into a tempest of fury and retribution. As she navigated the labyrinthine passages, Marcella''s grip tightened on the whip, her resolve hardening with each passing moment.

    Marcella''s senses were jolted by the chilling resonance of a maniacal laugh slicing through the oppressive silence of the dungeon. Her gaze fixed upon the source, where Alexa stood, a twisted smirk etched upon her face despite her captivity.

    "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Alexa''s voice dripped with contempt, her words laced with poison. "Have you come to offer your regards before I meet my end?" Her form was ensnared by chains, each link a testament to her confinement, yet her demeanor remained defiant and unyielding. Alexa¡¯s voice was laced with poison. She was chained tightly at the center of her cell, arms chained up and legs chained apart.

    Marcella''s pulse quickened as she beheld her nemesis, her resolve hardening with each passing moment. With a steely gaze, she advanced toward Alexa''s cell, her every step a declaration of her unwavering determination to confront the source of her suffering. With a surge of power coursing through her veins, Marcella unleashed a torrent of lightning that rent the air with a deafening crack. The force of her magic shattered the door before them, sending splinters of wood scattering in all directions as the sound of thunder reverberated through the chamber. In that moment, the raw energy of her fury crackled around them, illuminating the darkness of the dungeon with an ethereal glow. Sparks danced in the air, casting eerie shadows upon the walls as Marcella stood amidst the aftermath of her unleashed power. The air crackled with tension as Marcella''s gaze locked onto Alexa, her resolve unyielding as she prepared to face her adversary head-on.

    Alexa''s voice cut through the charged atmosphere, her sadistic grin twisting her features into a grotesque mockery of amusement. The scars that marred her face from their previous encounter only served to accentuate the cruelty in her smile, a stark reminder of the violence that had transpired between them. Well?" she urged, the taunt heavy in her tone as she met Marcella''s gaze with unbridled malice. In her eyes danced a perverse delight, fueled by the prospect of further torment and chaos.

    Marcella''s grip tightened on the whip, her knuckles turning white with the force of her emotions. With a determined glare, she raised the implement of pain, its coiled form a stark reminder of the suffering it had inflicted. ¡°"Remember this?" Her voice was steely, each word dripping with the venom of accusation. "This is the weapon you used to hurt my daughter.¡±

    Alexa''s smile twisted into something more sinister, a chilling display of satisfaction that sent shivers down Marcella''s spine. "Don''t be bitter, Marcella," she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain. "The whip made Eternia the perfect soldier... The perfect daughter. You should be thanking me.¡±

    The echoes of Alexa''s cruel words reverberated through the chambers of Marcella''s mind, dredging up painful memories from her past. She felt the weight of her mother''s scornful words, a haunting reminder of the wounds that had festered within her for years.

    In a surge of righteous fury, Marcella''s grip tightened on the whip, her muscles tensing with resolve. Without warning, she unleashed its biting sting upon Alexa, the crack of the whip punctuating the air like a thunderclap.

    The sound of Alexa''s agonized cries mingled with Marcella''s own satisfaction, a symphony of retribution echoing through the confines of the dungeon. In that moment, she reclaimed a fragment of her stolen innocence, striking back against the darkness that had sought to consume her.

    Despite her pain, Alexa''s defiance remained unyielding as she spat venomous words through gritted teeth. "You dumb fucking bitch!" she growled, her voice laced with rage and frustration, unable to mount a physical defense against Marcella''s onslaught.

    Marcella''s arm swung with ferocious determination, the crack of the whip resounding through the dungeon once more as it struck Alexa''s form. The sight of blood welled from the fresh wounds elicited a twisted satisfaction in Marcella''s eyes, a grim reflection of the pain Alexa had inflicted upon her own daughter.

    ¡°YYou abused my daughter like an animal," Marcella''s voice dripped with venom as she spoke, each word laden with the weight of her fury. "And now I find out that your family is responsible for the death of Octavius and Cassian¡­¡±

    The revelation hung heavy in the air, casting a pall of darkness over their confrontation. Marcella''s eyes darkened with righteous indignation as she delivered another punishing blow. ¡°Tell me," Marcella''s voice was a low, menacing growl as she leaned in close, her gaze boring into Alexa''s soul with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "How long have you been planning to split me from Aurelius?¡±

    Alexa''s twisted grin widened into a grotesque mask of insanity as she cackled, her laughter echoing off the cold stone walls of the dungeon. "I did what I was told," she confessed, her voice dripping with malice. "I crafted the poison you drank when you were pregnant with your firstborn, Octavius.¡±

    Her admission hung heavy in the air, a chilling revelation that sent a shiver down Marcella''s spine. The depths of Alexa''s depravity seemed bottomless, her actions a testament to the darkness that lurked within her soul.

    ¡°As expected, he was born too soon and died," Alexa continued, her laughter punctuated by the echoes of her own madness. Her eyes gleamed with a deranged fervor as she reveled in the pain she had caused.

    Unfortunately," she continued, her voice dripping with venom, "Aurelius caught on to the threats and changed the staff. So, I had to wait until after you delivered your next boy.¡±

    In a frenzy of rage-fueled fury, Marcella unleashed a relentless barrage of lashes upon Alexa, each strike fueled by the searing pain of betrayal and loss. With each crack of the whip, the memories of the past surged to the forefront of her mind, haunting her with their vivid intensity.

    The sound of the whip slicing through the air echoed through the dungeon, a symphony of vengeance that reverberated off the walls. In that moment, Marcella was consumed by a primal need for retribution, her every blow a manifestation of the anguish that had festered within her for far too long.

    The weight of her past bore down upon her, a suffocating burden that threatened to overwhelm her senses. With each lash, she sought to exorcise the demons that haunted her, to reclaim a fragment of the innocence that had been stolen from her by Alexa''s cruel machinations.

    Alexa''s laughter reverberated through the dungeon, a cacophony of deranged amusement that sent chills down Marcella''s spine. "Hahaha!" she taunted, her voice tinged with madness. "After that boy was born, I started poisoning you. Each dose they slipped into your water made your magic weak. And by the time I poisoned your sweet Cassian, you weren''t able to save him.¡±

    The revelation landed like a physical blow, the weight of Alexa''s depravity crushing Marcella''s spirit with its sheer malice. The memories of her son''s untimely demise flooded her mind, each word a dagger that reopened old wounds.

    I was hoping you''d die after that attempt," Alexa continued, her voice dripping with venomous spite, "But Aurelius saved you.¡±

    Marcella''s hands trembled with a mixture of rage and grief as she listened to Alexa''s confession. The depths of her adversary''s depravity seemed bottomless, her actions a testament to the darkness that lurked within her soul.

    "Eternia," Alexa began, her words laden with menace, but before she could utter another syllable, Marcella''s whip slashed across her face with a ferocity that silenced her. The crack of the whip reverberated through the air, accompanied by the sickening sound of flesh meeting leather. Blood spattered in all directions, staining the cold stone walls of the dungeon with its crimson hue. Marcella stood, her breaths coming in ragged gasps, her face and dress spattered with the evidence of Alexa''s pain.

    "Keep my daughter''s name out of your mouth," Marcella''s voice dripped with venom, her eyes ablaze with a firestorm of rage. In that moment, all semblance of control slipped through her fingers, consumed by the primal urge for retribution that burned within her.

    With a ferocity unmatched, Marcella unleashed the full extent of her fury upon Alexa, each strike of the whip a savage symphony of pain and punishment. She lashed out with unrelenting force, sparing no inch of Alexa''s body from the searing sting of her wrath.

    The sound of the whip echoed through the chamber, drowning out the cries of agony that fell from Alexa''s lips. Marcella''s hands moved with a fevered intensity, each blow a testament to the depths of her anguish and rage.

    By the time she was finished, Alexa lay motionless, her body battered and broken beyond recognition. Blood pooled beneath her, mingling with the raw flesh that threatened to ooze from her wounds. Her once flawless skin was now marred by a tapestry of bruises and lacerations, a stark reminder of the price of her sins.

    Marcella stood over her fallen adversary, her chest heaving with exertion as she surveyed the aftermath of her vengeance.

    With a final, decisive gesture, Marcella wielded the whip in her hand, channeling her power into a crackling surge of lightning that engulfed the instrument of torment. The air crackled with electricity as the whip disintegrated before her eyes, consumed by the raw power of her magic.

    ¡°Now they will see how ugly you are," she declared boldly, her voice resonating with a cold, unyielding resolve. "At the last moment, as they show you to the masses, what they will remember is a slaughtered animal.¡±

    With a sense of grim satisfaction lingering in the air, Marcella emerged from the depths of the dungeons. he remnants of Alexa''s blood stained her skin and dress, a visceral reminder of the violence that had transpired within those cold, unforgiving walls.

    Yet, despite the evidence of her brutality, Marcella wore a smile upon her lips. At that moment, the weight of her burdens felt lighter, lifted by the knowledge that she had confronted the darkness that had plagued her for so long.

 Chapter 25: Say Your Farewells

    As the Evergreens made their solemn procession through the heart of the Capital, the fading light of the setting sun cast a warm, golden hue across the city. Yet, despite the tranquil glow that bathed the streets, the atmosphere was charged with tension and anticipation.

    A throng of onlookers had gathered to bear witness to the downfall of the once mighty house, their faces drawn with a mixture of curiosity, contempt, and vindication. The air buzzed with whispered conversations and muttered curses, each word a testament to the collective ire of the crowd.

    From their perch high above the castle, the Imperial Family and the esteemed Houses of Azure, Verdant, and Solaris watched with steely resolve as the Evergreens marched toward their inevitable fate. Their eyes were unforgiving, their expressions hardened with righteous indignation. Marcella''s gaze was the coldest of all, her eyes hardened with resolve and devoid of mercy. Unlike the others around her, her expression remained stoic and unforgiving, a reflection of the depth of her fury and determination.

    As the Evergreens passed through the throng of onlookers, their path was littered with projectiles of scorn and disdain. Vegetables and fruits flew through the air, hurled by hands gripped with righteous fury. The wrath of the people was relentless, fueled by the collective outrage of those who had been wronged by the once powerful family.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a haunting shadow over the execution grounds, the grim procession continued. One by one, the members of the Evergreen family were led to the executioner''s block, their fates sealed by the weight of their crimes.

    Not one was spared, regardless of age or innocence. Each plea for mercy fell upon deaf ears, the relentless march of justice unforgiving in its pursuit of retribution. Even the head of the house, once powerful and influential, found no reprieve for his children.

    As the executioner''s blade fell with a sickening thud, the cries of anguish echoed through the night air. A son for a son, an eye for an eye¡ªthe cycle of violence perpetuated by generations of betrayal and deceit.

    And then, it was Alexa¡¯s turn. Dragged unceremoniously to the block, she stood as a shadow of her former self, her once regal bearing reduced to that of a condemned criminal. The weight of her sins hung heavy upon her, etched into the lines of her face and the depths of her soul.

    Aurelius, Magnus, Maximilian, and Theodore recoiled in horror as they beheld the sight of Alexa''s battered and bloodied body. Her features were so distorted by the brutality of the assault that she was barely recognizable, a mere shadow of the person she once was.

    Amidst the chaos and carnage, there remained one unmistakable identifier¡ªthe pendant around her neck, gleaming dimly in the faint light. It was the only semblance of familiarity amidst the grim tableau before them, a poignant reminder of the woman who had once stood before them, now lost to the merciless tide of violence and retribution.

    Aurelius''s gaze locked onto Marcella''s, and in that instant, a silent understanding passed between them. He knew, without a doubt, the truth of what had transpired. The devastation wrought upon Alexa''s body bore the unmistakable mark of Marcella''s fury and vengeance.

    Without a word spoken, Aurelius reached out and gently clasped Marcella''s hand, his touch a silent reassurance that he stood beside her, even in the face of such harrowing circumstances. Though the revelation weighed heavy upon them both, there was no judgment in his eyes, only a quiet acceptance of the choices she had made.

    The chants of the crowd reverberated through the air, a cacophony of anger and resentment echoing. "Kill her!" they cried, their voices rising in a fervent demand for justice.

    Amidst the fervor, another voice rose above the din, venom dripping from every word. "Curse the family of the Evergreens!" it screamed, the weight of generations of resentment fueling its rage.

    "Alexa the whore must die!" came yet another cry, each syllable laden with contempt and disdain.

    And still, the voices of condemnation continued to swell, each one a testament to the depth of the crowd''s fury. "She''s a murderer who deserves everything that has happened to her!" they shouted, their words a damning indictment of Alexa''s crimes.

    As the crowd''s curses rained down upon her, Alexa stood in silent resignation, her eyes shuttered against the onslaught of hatred and condemnation. The weight of Marcella''s wrath bore down upon her, leaving her tongue practically severed and rendering her voiceless in the face of her impending fate.

    In the deafening clamor of the crowd, she found no solace, no mercy¡ªonly the relentless drumbeat of their collective outrage. With each word spoken, each curse hurled in her direction, she felt the weight of her sins pressing down upon her.

    And so, with her eyes tightly shut against the world, she awaited the inevitable¡ªthe cold embrace of the executioner''s blade.

    With a swift and decisive motion, the executioner raised his blade high, the glint of steel catching the fading light of the setting sun. In one fluid movement, he brought the blade down with unerring precision, severing Alexa''s head cleanly from her neck.

    A fountain of blood erupted from the wound, spattering the ground in a gruesome display of violence and finality. The crowd fell silent, their collective breath caught in their throats as they bore witness to the grisly spectacle unfolding before them.

    For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the only sound the dull thud of the severed head hitting the ground. And then, as if released from a trance, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their cries of triumph echoing.

    With a weary sigh, Marcella''s voice carried the weight of both relief and fatigue. Her words hung heavy in the air, laden with the gravity of the moment. As exhaustion threatened to pull her into its embrace, Aurelius stepped forward, a pillar of strength amidst the chaos, catching her before she could stumble. ¡°Finally, it''s done," she murmured, her voice a mere whisper against the backdrop of the crowd''s fading clamor. She leaned into Aurelius''s steadying embrace, grateful for his unwavering support in her moment of weakness. "I should return to Crystalia. You can follow tomorrow with Eternia.¡±

    Aurelius''s grip tightened around Marcella, his presence a steadfast anchor in the tumultuous sea of emotions. His voice, steady and reassuring, cut through the weariness that threatened to overwhelm her. ¡°Nonsense," he declared, his tone firm and resolute. "We''ll go together... And let''s leave tomorrow, alright? No need to strain yourself by opening a portal. You''ll be exhausted.¡±

    Marcella''s words were tinged with a sense of urgency, a note of concern threading through her voice like a thread of anxiety. Her mind raced with the implications of their actions, the potential consequences looming large on the horizon. ¡°News of this would''ve erupted back at home by now," she exclaimed, her voice betraying a hint of panic. "Raphael and his house might escape or retaliate, and my children would be in danger.¡±

    ¡°You can''t open a portal," Aurelius reasoned, his voice calm but firm. "You''re still weak.¡±

    ¡°Marcella''s eyes widened with desperation, her gaze locking onto Aurelius''s with an intensity born of fear and urgency. "Then what would you have me do?" she implored, her voice tinged with desperation. "Aurelius, I have to return to Olivine, Cassie, and Emilie.¡±

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Aurelius nodded, his embrace tightening around Marcella as if to anchor her to his side. He understood the fierce determination burning within her, the unyielding resolve to protect her children at any cost. ¡°I''ll stand by your side," he affirmed, his voice a steadfast anchor amidst the storm. "Eternia and Adrian will accompany us, along with Magnus, Theodore, and that odious Sapphirepeak. Maximilian will assume the role of regent in our absence.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?" Marcella inquired, her grip tightening around him as if seeking reassurance in his embrace.

    Aurelius pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, a gesture of comfort and unwavering support. "Max has faced these responsibilities before," he reminded her gently. ¡°We¡¯ll do what we need to do.¡±

    With a nod of understanding, Marcella found solace in Aurelius''s words, trusting in their shared resolve to navigate the challenges ahead.

    Meanwhile, in the Princess¡¯s Palace, Adrian was busy packing with Eternia. So far, they had packed their entire life, well, Adrian has. It would be a lie if he said he didn¡¯t miss Crystalia. He did.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave my father, Adrian,¡± Eternia sniffled. ¡°I want to stay here with him.¡±

    ¡°You''ll be back once you''re all healed," Adrian reassured her, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he affectionately poked her forehead. "You''ll be with your other family. Don''t you want to get to know your sisters?¡± His words carried a glimmer of optimism, a reminder of the silver lining that awaited them on the horizon. Despite the pain of parting, Adrian sought to kindle a spark of hope within Eternia''s heart.

    Eternia''s memories stirred within her, a mixture of nostalgia and apprehension clouding her thoughts. The distant image of her younger sister, Olivine, emerged from the recesses of her mind, a reminder of the strained relationship they once shared. "Olivine and I aren''t exactly close, Adrian," she confessed, her brow furrowing with uncertainty. "As for Cassie, she''s three years younger than me. Little Emilie was born after I left Crystalia... I don''t know how to feel about it." Her words echoed with a sense of unease, a reflection of the complex emotions swirling within her as she grappled with the prospect of reconnecting with siblings she barely knew.

    Adrian''s smile brightened as he gently pinched Eternia''s cheek, his playful expression brimming with affection. "I''ll cook them if they harm you," he vowed, his words laced with a protective fervor that made her laugh.

    Eternia wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, their laughter mingling as they toppled to the ground together. Her giggles filled the air, a joyful melody that echoed the warmth of their friendship. "You''re the best, Adrian," she declared, her voice tinged with gratitude as she held him close. "You''re my best friend.¡±

    Adrian''s cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, his heart swelling with warmth at her words. Returning her hug with a gentle squeeze, he teased, "I''m your only friend," his playful tone underscoring the bond they shared with a hint of affectionate banter.

    As they left the Princess''s Palace, the mood shifted, the playful banter of Eternia and Adrian giving way to a more somber atmosphere as they made their way to the Throneroom. The transition was marked by a sense of gravity, a silent acknowledgment of the weighty matters that awaited them. As they entered the Throneroom, Eternia''s eyes scanned the gathered figures¡ªMarcella, Theodore, Magnus, Aurelius, Maximilian, Duke Sapphirepeak, and the others. The air crackled with anticipation, each member of the group bracing themselves for the challenges ahead. Maximilian''s announcement of his role as regent underscored the seriousness of the situation, casting a solemn tone over the room. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in their journey, one filled with uncertainty and trials.

    ¡°Allow me to open the portal, Your Grace," Adrian offered, stepping forward.

    Aurelius looked at him with curiosity, grateful for the assistance that would spare Marcella the strain of magic use. "You can do that?" he inquired.¡±

    Adrian nodded confidently. "I''m an ancient warlock, remember?" he quipped, rolling his eyes.

    ¡°Thank you, Adrian," Marcella said, offering a grateful smile.

    Just as Adrian was about to open the portal, Alexander burst into the room, his arrival interrupting their plans.

    ¡°Alexander''s voice rang out as he entered the room, his breath ragged from his hurried arrival.

    Eternia''s heart skipped a beat as she rushed to his side, her concern evident in her eyes. "Alexander!" she exclaimed, offering him support. "Apologies, Young Master Alexander," she added, her voice tinged with worry. I should apologize to him for the way I acted, right?

    Blushing slightly, Alexander took her hand delicately, pressing a tender kiss to it. Eternia stepped back, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected gesture. "Everything happened so fast," he began, his gaze earnestly meeting hers. "And I know that you and I aren¡¯t exactly friends, nor are we in the best terms... but I¡¯d like you to know this from the bottom of my heart." With a deep breath, he gathered his courage to speak his truth. "I like you, Princess¡­¡±

    What?

    The room fell silent, all eyes fixated on Alexander and Eternia, save for Marcella and Aurelius, who watched with understanding.

    Eternia''s heart fluttered as she listened intently, her emotions swirling within her.

    ¡°I really do," Alexander continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "But just to clarify, not in a romantic kind of way. I like you as a person in general. You¡¯re interesting, funny at times, stubborn, beautiful, unpredictable, and you drive me incredibly mad! I know we¡¯ve only seen each other on a few occasions, and each one seemed to be more intense than the last, but... I meant it when I said that you¡¯re a person worth knowing." He paused, taking her other hand and holding them both tightly. "I¡¯m sorry for offending you plenty of times, and I hope that you¡¯d find it in your heart to forgive me one day." Gently, he tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "I was wrong¡­ As you know, I¡¯m not the best at expressing or conveying how I feel. The truth is that I always thought you were worth knowing, but I was afraid to let you in because I thought that you were foreign.¡±

    Tears welled up in Eternia''s eyes as she listened to his heartfelt words, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. ¡°Alexander," she whispered, overwhelmed by the depth of his emotions.

    He smiled, producing a silver bracelet adorned with delicate amber gemstones, each one reminiscent of his own eyes. "I made it myself, Princess," he admitted shyly. "I¡¯m not as skilled as Master Adrian yet, but I learned plenty of magic. It¡¯s a bracelet to protect you." With a swift motion, he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. "This is goodbye, then," he murmured, pulling away.

    Touched beyond words, Eternia threw her arms around him, her heart overflowing with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "I forgive you, by the way. I too need to apologize for the way I handled things." With a gentle smile, she removed the black ribbon from her hair, allowing it to cascade freely around her face. Taking his hand, she tied the ribbon around his wrist in a graceful bow. "This is until we meet again, Young Master Alexander." With a nod of farewell, she returned to her parents'' side, her heart lighter than before.

    ¡°I leave the realm in your capable hands, Duke Solaris," Aurelius declared with a nod of confidence towards Maximilian.

    Maximilian returned the nod, offering a reassuring smile. "You''ll accomplish what you need to do," he assured him, his voice steady and supportive.

    With a solemn air, Adrian raised his hand, his fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air as he chanted ancient words of power. A deep cloud of black smoke billowed forth from the ether, swirling and coalescing into a swirling vortex of darkness and stars. It formed a portal, a gateway back to Crystalia. As the portal shimmered before them, one by one, they stepped through, leaving Sapphiria behind. Eternia cast a lingering glance at Alexander, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions, before she followed the others into the portal. Adrian brought up the rear, his movements practiced and precise as he sealed the portal shut with a single fluid motion, leaving no trace of their departure.

    Eternia''s heart weighed heavy with the whirlwind of emotions and events that had transpired. It was as if time had slipped through her fingers, leaving her dazed and bewildered. Closing her eyes for a fleeting moment, she sought solace in the darkness behind her lids. When she opened them once more, a breathtaking sight unfolded before her. She stood amidst an army of twinkling lights, their ethereal glow casting a soft radiance upon her surroundings. Lush gardens stretched out as far as the eye could see, vibrant with colors that seemed almost surreal. ¡°Crystalia..." she murmured in awe, her voice barely a whisper amidst the enchanting beauty that surrounded her. A sense of familiarity washed over her, mingling with a newfound sense of wonder.

    Am I home?