Chapter 1: Troubling Weather

--The Nydisian Kingdom, Countryside, Lady Morgan's Manor--

'The troubles of one's mind and the thoughts within the soul bring forth a long-forgotten pain only to be remembered by those who sow the reward.

If only time could tell the fate of one's life, how much time would be saved? Destiny, however, laughs in the face of time, mocking its existence for being nothing but a measure that means nothing compared to its counterpart.

However long, wherever it may be, the once-forgotten pain along with destiny will turn back to mock your existence before moving to its next victim.'

- N.A. Ainsley

Katherine, the doe-eyed brunette, was seated peacefully on the downstairs balcony of the modest but spacious manor she lived in.

She flipped the pages of the book she was reading while finding deeper meaning in the words that were said on its pages.

She thought back to the summer she spent a few years ago, doing nothing but studying the works of Ainsley. His writings seemed to have a way of speaking to her.

After closing the book in her hands, Katherine walked to the ledge that surrounded the lower balcony and stared into the sky.

The most appropriate thing that could describe what she felt was the saying, 'a pawn in the hands of destiny'.

Ainsley's works always seemed to grant Katherine insight into her own life.

Katherine closed her eyes and embraced the calm but cool wind of the countryside. She felt like destiny was playing with her; like it was waving the comforts of life in front of her but for some reason, she couldn't seem to grasp the reality of the life she lived.

"It's very troubling weather, you should get in soon darling," The head housemaid, Eleanor suggested, persuading Katherine to come inside, but she didn't want to.

It felt almost peaceful watching the clouds start to get darker, heavy, Katherine thought. She's needed peace like this for several days.

It's been very disturbing ever since Queen Orizelle died, may her soul rest in peace. The whole idea of what might have happened to her put everyone on edge.

"I will, soon," Katherine replied, still looking at the sky while silently refusing to leave the only thing that's brought her comfort. However, she could tell it would rain soon so she complied.

"Lady Morgan gave me the night off, I'm going to bed now. I suggest you do the same dear, a good night's rest will do you good," Eleanor placed her hand on Katherine's shoulder and smiled at her, almost knowingly, and left quietly.

Katherine couldn't help but take heed to the words of Eleanor. She and Lady Morgan represented the mother she never had.

While sighing, she stood up and walked through the halls of the manor that were starting to get dark despite the lit candles. As she arrived in her room and got ready for bed, she had this pit at the bottom of her stomach.

She had this unsettling feeling that things would change, and not necessarily for the better.