As soon as I’m taken to my room, my heart won’t stop racing. My mind is filled with thoughts of Sebastian. Who attacked him so suddenly? Why would someone do this? I couldn't see that attacker. I pace the floor, trying to calm down, but the worry keeps growing inside me."Julie," I say, turning to my court lady, "Who could it be? Who would attack Prince Sebastian like that?"Julie gives me a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, Elara. Prince Sebastian is a brave swordsman himself. He can handle anything. You’ll see. Everything will be fine."I try to hold on to her words, but the worry won’t leave me. I sit down, running my hands through my pendant, hoping for Sebastian’s well being. Just as I’m trying to gather my thoughts, another court lady enters the room. She curtsies and greets me before speaking."My lady, Prince Sebastian is back, but..." she hesitates for a moment. “But… but what?” I ask, anticipating what it can be in my mind. "His foot and arm are injured," she retorts.Her wo
The celebration is going on, but I'm not interested. I’m standing here, disguised as one of the soldiers of Wantra, but my mind isn’t on them. The people around me are laughing and dancing, their joy almost too loud. I hold a metal glass in my hand, but the drink inside it barely registers.I take in the scene with a smirk, watching the guests and their excitement. They have no idea who I really am. And if they get to know who I am, then their joyous celebration will turn into a funeral. I chuckle and weave through the crowd, trying to seek some peace. As I make my way to the palace balcony, the noise of the celebration fades a bit, replaced by the quieter sounds of the night.When I step out onto the balcony, the cool air hits my face. I glance down into the garden below, where the moonlight bathes everything in a soft glow. And then I see them.A couple stands close together, their bodies pressed against each other. They’re kissing under the stars. My eyes narrow as I recognize Seb
It’s a bright, sunny day, and the entire kingdom is buzzing with excitement. Today is my father’s birthday—the King of Wantra—and everyone is rushing around, making sure the celebration is perfect. I can hear the sound of music and laughter from the streets as people gather to celebrate. Guests from all over have already started arriving, and the joy in the air makes me smile. Seeing everyone so happy fills my heart with warmth.As I walk through the palace halls, I take in the sight of the decorations—flowers, banners, and lanterns everywhere. I head toward the King's royal chamber, eager to wish him a happy birthday. When I enter, I see the court ladies surrounding him, helping him get ready. They're carefully placing his royal robe over his shoulders, straightening it with practiced hands. His jewelry, gleaming in the sunlight, is being arranged, and soon, they will place the crown upon his head.I pause for a moment, just watching. He looks every bit the king, but to me, he’s my
Both of us, Lucas and I disguise ourselves as common people and leave the capital Aetheron; and soon, by the cave, we reach Wantra. Standing atop the hill, my eyes get mesmerized by the beauty of Wantra. It looks completely opposite to Aetheron. The grand structure appears like a dream carved into the mountainside. The palace seems to grow out of the cliffs, its pale stone walls glowing softly in the light of the setting sun. Every arch and dome is delicately crafted, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding it. The building rests on the edge of a steep drop, with its balconies hanging over the abyss below. From where I stand, I can see the lush white trees framing the palace, their branches brushing against the ancient stone. A narrow path winds up to the entrance, almost hidden among the rocks and foliage. Below, a river winds its way through the valley, its surface reflecting the soft pinks and oranges of the sky. The water glitters like a ribbon of light, adding
As I enter my royal chamber, I embrace Julie in a tight hug, my cheeks must have turned red like a tomato. I'm blushing for sure. Julie gets stunned by my sudden hug and asks, “What happened? Are you okay?” I pull away from the hug. My eyes shimmer, heat rising to my cheeks. Flashing a wide grin to her, I proclaim, “I said yes to him, for marriage.” Julie's mouth drops open. She is stunned hearing that from my mouth. “What! Why? I mean…you said you don't want to get married to anyone,” she says in surprise. “The one who was saying an hour ago that she does not want to marry anyone, is now herself saying yes to marriage. That's unbelievable!” I chuckle and turn slightly as I begin to tell her, “Yes, I said that I don't want to marry anyone at that time, because back then I hadn't met him. He's intelligent, powerful, and strong. I think I'll not regret marrying him. He won my heart.” I turn back to her as I continue, “ And you know he threw the apple in the air, shot the arrow,
I reach the palace and pass an order that a painter and royal doctor should be sent to my room immediately. I enter my royal chamber; as the royal doctor and painter come into my royal chamber, the royal doctor takes off my shirt; he starts bandaging the wound on my chest. I begin to describe that girl's eyes, so that the painter can craft an engaging painting of her eyes. To get her painting done, I memorize and describe her eyes to the painter as if I've been watching her for years. Lucas gathers his all courage as he asks, “Your Highness! Why are you getting that mannerless girl's painting made?” I don't even bother to give a glance to him or reply to anything. Lucas gasps as he doesn't get any response from me. As the royal painter says, “It's done, my lord!” my eyes shimmer and I flash a wide grin as the painter gives me her painting. I observe that painting carefully and my heart swells with joy. I can not believe that the painter has made such a wonderful painting of her ey