It was a day Elen had dreamed of for so long. Tomorrow, Prince Addison would finally claim the throne, and she could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of leaving the Duke of Windsor's house and breaking free from their suffocating manipulation. She yearned to be with her beloved prince, to finally breathe in the liberation she so desperately craved.
"Elen, can you make it a little faster?" Chiara said, her words laced with a mocking smile.Chiara, the Duke of Windsor's only daughter, had always been treated with favoritism. Elen had once wished for the warm embrace of a family, but instead endured their cruel taunts and insincere kindness. Yet today, her heart raced with the anticipation of a new beginning."Yes, sister," Elen responded, quickly weaving her hair into a braid. She adorned herself in a simple purple gown, the fabric whispering of her anticipation as she readied herself to celebrate the ascension of her beloved Prince Addison.Upon stepping outside her room, Elen's eyes fell upon Chiara, who was attired in a resplendent red gown adorned with glistening accessories. A pang of bitterness fluttered through Elen's heart as she beheld the stark contrast between their appearances. With their parents, they made their way to the carriage, the anticipation hanging thick in the air as they journeyed to the palace.The palace was alive with a myriad of guests, comprising high-ranking nobles and dignitaries hailing from distant lands. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, Elen felt the weight of her anxiety deepen as she scanned the crowd, unable to catch a glimpse of Addison. The Duke of Windsor and Chiara wandered off to greet other nobles, leaving Elen feeling marooned in a sea of unfamiliar faces, her heart aching with the longing for her beloved prince.Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the doors to the great hall swung open. Prince Addison entered, resplendent in regal attire, his eyes searching the room until they locked onto Chiara. A wave of pain and confused washed over her as she felt his gaze pierce through the throng of nobles and land squarely on her sister."Maybe, I'm just overthinking. " Elen said to herself, and smile again. " Addison can't betrayed me," she whispered, and she don't want to spoil the event of her beloved prince.Chiara, adorned in a lavish gown, seized the attention of the room as she danced and charmed her way through the nobles, a radiant facade concealing the cold emptiness that lay within. Elen watched from afar as her sister's laughter echoed through the hall, mingling with the soft strains of music.The night wore on, and Elen's patience waned. She yearned to break free from the stifling confines of the palace and seek solace in the arms of her beloved prince. Finally, as the last notes of the music faded into the air, Elen saw Addison approaching the stage, his royal countenance a vision of strength and determination."My beloved people," he said, his voice cutting through the lingering echoes of the celebration. "I am here to announce my marriage with my beloved, now that she will be the mother of this empire."Elen's heart raced with joy. She was over the moon at the thought of spending her life with her beloved. Everyone was eager to hear the name of the girl who would become the mother of this empire."Duke of Windsor," Addison said with a smile, exchanging nods with the Duke of Windsor as if seeking his blessing. Slowly, Addison made his way towards Elen, who beamed at him."Chiara Windsor, will you be the mother of this empire?" Addison asked, and everyone eagerly awaited Chiara's answer."Yes, his majesty," Chiara said, and everyone clapped for the joyous announcement.Elen was taken aback by Addison's announcement. She couldn't fathom why Addison had chosen her sister over her. Confusion and hurt clouded her mind as she tried to process the sudden turn of events. As she made to approach Addison, the Duke of Windsor intervened, grasping her arm firmly and summoning a knight to escort her back to their residence."No, father. I must speak with Addison," Elen implored, the desperation evident in her voice."Enough, Elen. Return home this instant," the Duke of Windsor commanded. However, before he could call another knight, Elen dashed away from the palace.She found herself in the hallway where she had first encountered Addison, her heart racing as she awaited his arrival. To her surprise and dismay, both Addison and Chiara appeared together, walking towards her with an air of familiarity that only served to magnify Elen's distress."You promised me, Addison," Elen's voice quivered with desperation as she addressed the prince."Promised you?" Addison's cold laughter filled the air, his eyes devoid of any shred of compassion. "Elen, you were never more than a pawn in my game."Chiara's cruel smirk twisted her features as she added, "You actually believed he would marry you? How naive can one be?"Elen's world crumbled around her, the betrayal sinking deep into her soul."I loved you," Elen's breathless admission hung in the air, laced with heartbreak and disbelief."Loved me?" Addison's voice dripped with scorn as he turned to Chiara. "Can you believe the audacity? A orphan daring to love a prince?"Chiara's laughter echoed through the hallway, a chilling symphony of mockery that reverberated through Elen's being."Look at her, Addison," Chiara's voice was laced with venom. "This is what happens when peasants dare to dream above their station.""You're nothing," Addison's words cut through Elen like a blade. "A mere distraction that has outlived its usefulness."Chiara's eyes gleamed with malice as she added, "It's almost pitiful, really. How you clung to the delusion of a love that was never meant to be yours."Amidst the chaos, Chiara's strength faltered, and she crumpled to the ground. In an instant, Addison's facade crumbled, replaced by panic as he rushed to her aid."Knights, seize Elen!" Addison's command reverberated through the hall, sealing Elen's fate. "Call the doctor immediately!"As Elen was forcibly restrained, her desperate protests were drowned out by the cacophony of accusations and disbelief.The doctor's urgent voice filled the hallway, revealing the sinister truth behind Chiara's sudden collapse. "There was poison in the fabric. It wasn't lethal, but the intent is clear.""Elen, how could you poison your own sister!" the Duke of Windsor accused. "I distinctly recall seeing you heading towards Chiara's chamber earlier this evening.""No, Father, I didn't," Elen protested. "Please, believe me!""Guards, detain her and confine her to the dungeon for attempting to harm the future empress," Addison declared, and the knights promptly led Elen away to imprisonment.In the dimly lit chamber, Elen's heart pounded against her chest as she was led away by the knights. Her mind raced with disbelief and betrayal as she tried to comprehend the cruel twist of fate that had befallen her. She had loved Addison with all her heart, believing their bond to be unbreakable. But now, she was left with nothing but shattered dreams and a bitter taste of deceit.As the knights escorted her through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, Elen's gaze lingered on the ornate tapestries and grand chandeliers that adorned the halls. Once upon a time, she had admired these symbols of opulence, dreaming of the day when she would grace them as the future empress. But now, she felt nothing but contempt for the grandeur that surrounded her.In the dungeon, Elen was thrown unceremoniously into a dark, dank cell. The stench of damp stone and mold filled her nostrils as she sank onto the cold, hard floor. Her heart ached with the pain of betrayal, and her eyes filled with tears as she realized the enormity of her loss.Meanwhile, in the house of Adelstein, the bustling sounds of preparations filled the air as hundreds of horses snorted and whinnied, their presence crowding the cabin. Knights in shining silver armor moved about, their swords clanking softly against their sides as they readied themselves for the rebellion that loomed on the horizon. The air was electric with anticipation, and the tension in the cabin was almost palpable as the household made their final arrangements for the forthcoming clash at the coronation of the new emperor."Is everyone ready?" Lucas inquired, his gaze flickering from his sword to his aide, who stood nearby, a look of steely determination etched on his face."Yes, my lord," the aide affirmed with a nod. "The werewolves are in position as planned.""Good," Lucas said, satisfaction evident in his tone, before striding purposefully toward the meeting room of the Adelstein household.In the dimly lit meeting room, the grand duke, the resolute young lord, and the determined twins gathered in earnest discussion with the butler. The grand duke, his eyes ablaze with fervor, addressed the butler with an air of authority, "How goes the party, caleb?"The butler, his features marked with a grave solemnity, reported, "Prince Addison has made an announcement. He intends to crown Chiara Windsor, the daughter of Dominic Windsor, as the empress."Upon hearing this, Lucas arched an eyebrow as he sipped his tea, his mind racing with thoughts of Elen Windsor and her rumored powers, her unwavering loyalty to her family, and her purported status as a fairy. "And what about Elen Windsor? Is she to have no part in this?" Lucas queried, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.The butler shook his head. "No, my lord. It is to be Chiara Windsor who will ascend to the throne," he affirmed, his gaze unwavering.A derisive chuckle escaped Lucas as he remarked, "Prince Addison's greed knows no bounds."The grand duke fixed his steely gaze on Lucas, and in a voice heavy with resolve, he declared, "This is the moment we have all been waiting for. The moment to avenge the wrongs inflicted upon our family."Max met his father's unwavering gaze and affirmed with unshakable determination, "Yes, father. The time has come to seek retribution for the injustices suffered by my mother and sister."Chandler, the resolute young lord, nodded fiercely, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination. "They will pay for what they have done," he vowed, his voice ringing with conviction.Max and Elliot, the steadfast twins, mirrored their brother's sentiment. "It's time they faced the consequences of their actions," they intoned in unison, their voices a potent blend of resolve and determination.As the weight of their shared resolve settled upon the room, the scene faded to black, leaving an air of tension and anticipation hanging heavy in the air. What awaited the Adelstein household on the morrow was a perilous journey fraught with danger and uncertainty, a destiny forged in the fires of their determination and the unwavering resolve that bound them together.The palace was a sight to behold, gleaming with its most prized possessions displayed in every corner. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as the grand coronation of the new emperor approached. Addison, the soon-to-be emperor, found himself in his private chambers, diligently preparing for the momentous event.Focusing on the task at hand, Addison adjusted his gloves, ensuring that every detail of his appearance was immaculate. Eager for confirmation, he turned to his aide and asked if their anticipated visitors were en route.With a respectful bow, the aide responded, assuring Addison that their guests were indeed on their way. Satisfied with the answer, Addison couldn't resist sharing his excitement with his father, who was seated on his magnificent throne."Father, today the Adelstein will die by our hands. The Adelstein's relentless pursuit of power and influence has plagued our family for far too long," Addison continued, a glint of steely determination
The atmosphere in the prison was thick with despair, the heavy air suffused with the stench of hopelessness. Lucas could feel the biting chill of the chains that bound his wrists, a constant weight dragging him down in the confines of his cell. His body ached with the wounds of battle, but it was the ache in his heart that weighed him down the most.As he surveyed the dim and damp surroundings, he saw the fear etched on the faces of his fellow prisoners. Their eyes held stories of shattered dreams and broken spirits. The flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the cold stone walls, creating an ominous atmosphere that seemed to reflect Lucas's own sense of foreboding.Amidst the suffocating darkness, a voice shattered the silence like a desperate plea for salvation. "I didn't poison her!" The words hung heavy in the air, infused with the raw emotion of desperation and sorrow.Lucas's menacing voice sliced through the heavy atmosphere, his words a grim declaration that echoed with an o
Lucas observed the woman from across the cell, captivated by her grace and poise. There was something familiar about her, something that stirred memories in the deepest recesses of his mind. He strained to hear her voice as she spoke, and when she turned and their eyes met, he instantly recognized her face. It was the same woman who had tended to his wounds in the forest all those years ago. Despite the passage of time, her features were etched into his memory, and he couldn't help but wonder if she had forgotten about him.After a moment of silence, Lucas cleared his throat and spoke softly to the woman. "Elen, do you want to hear a story?" She turned towards him, her eyes reflecting the dim light of the cell. "Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper."Once, there was a little boy who lived happily with his mother," Lucas began, his tone warm with nostalgia. "They were a small family, but they were content. His mother took care of him like both a mother and a father. The
"Elen, wake up,” Lorie’s voice pierced through the haze of Elen’s consciousness, pulling her back from the clutches of a deep slumber. Her eyelids fluttered as she struggled to focus, the familiar contours of Lorie’s concerned face coming into view. “Elen, wake up or else the dean will scold you,” Lorie persisted, her voice tinged with urgency. Groaning softly, Elen tried to shake off the remnants of sleep, her mind still clouded with confusion. “Lorie?” she muttered, her voice faint and laden with disbelief. “Is this the afterlife?” she murmured, barely audible even to herself, the weight of such a thought bearing down on her. Pinching her own arm, she recoiled at the searing pain that shot through her, grounding her firmly in the present. “What are you saying? Afterlife? Do you have a fever again?” Lorie’s worried tone cut through Elen’s thoughts, the concern evident in her eyes. “You had a high fever last night, I was scared to death,” Lorie continued, her words laced with anxiet
The grand duke of Adelstein looked at her and said, “Follow me to the carriage.” She hesitantly followed him, her heart pounding with fear. This was the first time she had met the Grand duke in person, and his presence was overwhelming. In her past life, she would have been trembling and in tears by now. They reached the carriage, and the grand duke waited for her to climb inside. But being so small, she couldn’t reach the floor. Embarrassment washed over her face. Should she ask for help? Before she could decide, to her surprise, the grand duke lifted her up. “So small,” he chuckled, while the knights laughed at the sight. Her face turned red. It wasn’t her fault she was so short. She quickly scurried inside and sat on the opposite side of the carriage. “Well, child. Speak,” the grand duke said, his eyes filled with curiosity. She took a deep breath before answering, fully aware that this was her chance to prove herself. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. “I can heal your
They reached the grand house of the duke of Adelstein at three pm. As Elen looked out of the carriage window, she saw a line of people waiting at the front door to welcome the grand duke. The butler and head maid stood at the front with eager expressions. When the duke stepped out of the carriage, instead of leaving, he opened the door and glanced at Elen. It was as if he was silently telling her to join them. Nervously, she revealed herself to the crowd, her heart racing. The onlookers, especially the old butler, appeared shocked by her presence. “Grand Duke?” the old butler called out, seemingly in disbelief. Feeling uneasy under their gazes, Elen quickly moved to stand behind the duke. “Don’t frighten the child. Mathilda, assist her to the library,” the grand duke instructed, removing his coat. “Butler, come with me.” With that, he left Elen in the midst of the others. The kind head maid approached Elen and showed her to the library. Though they h
In the hush of the evening, Elen's eyes opened slowly, the glow of the bedside clock illuminating the room. The time, nine in the evening, shocked her. With a sudden burst of energy, she sprang from the bed and raced to the door. Her small frame strained as she pushed it open and made her way down the long corridor, marveling at the grandness of the house. "This place is massive," she whispered to herself. Lost in the labyrinth of hallways, she wandered until she stumbled upon the garden."It's so beautiful," she breathed, gazing at the colorful flowers. "I wish I was just born normal. Maybe I could live peacefully."Elen strolled through the garden, touching the petals of each flower. She was captivated until her eyes fell on a striking red rose in full bloom. A prick of a thorn caused her to yelp as blood oozed from the tiny wound. She gazed at the injury, the blood slowly oozing out, and pondered, "It doesn't hurt me anymore." Her delicate fingers were stained crimson, yet she fel
Early in the morning, the gentle sound of footsteps heralded the arrival of the maids entering Elen's luxurious chamber. Upon noticing her engaged in tidying her bed and preparing for her morning ritual, they quickly rushed to her, halting her in her tracks."Lady!" Rami's voice resonated through the room, causing Elen to startle and turn to them with wide eyes, visibly taken aback by the unexpected interruption."What's wrong?" Elen’s voice held a mixture of confusion and nervousness, as she wondered if she had somehow erred in her actions."Lady, you don't need to concern yourself with tidying your room. That's our responsibility. And if you require assistance with your morning ablutions, simply summon us. We are here to serve you," Rora spoke with kindness, her warm smile radiating an air of reassurance as they efficiently assisted in setting her bed in order."But I'm not a child," Elen objected, her feeble protest lingering in the air, only to be met by the maids' laughter, their