It was a scorching hot day in the Havania Kingdom. People in the capital were busy going about their daily routines. Everything is typical here: children are playing, beggars are around, and nobles are attempting to clean the dirt off their clothes and suits. Havania Kingdom is my second home. It's where I remained for a long period after traveling across three continents for three years. From the continents I visited, I acquired new languages, customs, and beliefs. I was warmly greeted, learnt their ways of life, and was able to acclimate to their lives, particularly when the seasons changed. I stayed for years here at the Havania Kingdom. I can honestly say that my five years of travel were well worth it.
After all these years of travel, I've come to know that there's just one thing that sets Rivania apart from all the other Kingdoms, and that's their magical ties. This empire is the only one with magical abilities.
I miss Rivania. My homeland.
"Well, well, well, look who's here, if isn't the daughter of the Highest noble of the great Rivania Empire"
I fixed my gaze on the young and attractive man strolling in front of me. I think most women from this Kingdom will physically scream and bow at him because of his unmistakable beauty. Black wavy hair, green wicked eyes, fair skin, tall, muscular and gorgeous. Such a handsome young man.
I gave him a kind grin before bowing to him.
"Greetings to Your Highness. It is an honor to meet you this day" I grinned.
"Enough with the formalities Fana" he said. I rolled my eyes at him then I took a seat immediately in this famous restaurant here in this Kingdom. I was told by his accomplice to meet him here.
"I just did what was proper and necessary, Correll. It was only right for me to welcome you with formality because you are the sole prince here, the only successor to this Kingdom." I took a sip from the drink I had purchased earlier.
Well, I need to be cautious of my actions. I'm not really from here so I must address Correll properly.
"I've heard that statement a lot of times from you Fana. "
"You keep on complaining though" He did not continue to argue.
I've known Correll when I first arrived in their Kingdom. Despite the fact that we met at an inopportune time, we are still together. He's the only one I can trust. He was of great assistance to me, and I learnt a great deal from him. Since I met Correll, my life has been so much better here. Probably because of my status in the Rivania Empire and also because I am their only Prince's most trusted friend, I was revered, honored, and welcomed.
"Have you been waiting?" Correll asked. I looked at the young man in front of me.
"No. Not in the least. In fact, I came just in time. I was so sure that you'll be busy treating women and flashing your not-so-pure grins at them," I said. He laughed.
"You're such a sourpuss. Is it possible that you're envious?" He came out as haughty. Hah. Correll, in your fantasies. In your most fanciful fantasies.
"Who? Me? Not going to happen, Correll," I said with a giggle. For us, this sort of communication is normal.
"So may I know the reason why you invited me here?" I asked him in a serious manner. I wonder what's the reason behind it.
"I received a letter at my office yesterday. While sipping his tea, he added, "It was an invitation from your empire."
Is it a formal invitation? What type of invitation is it?
"Is that so?" I responded.
"Are you not even curious what kind of invitation it is?" He sounded disappointed. He even pouted. This man!
It doesn't surprise me in the least if he received such a letter. After all, he is the prince and sole heir of the second most powerful Kingdom.
"So, what kind of invitation is it?" I looked him in his eyes.
"It's an invitation for the annual Royal Ball of your empire." I raised my eyebrows.
"Oh? Royal Ball? It's not yet the time for their Foundation Ceremony?" I asked him curiously. Well, they can throw Royal Balls whenever they want though. How many years have already passed? It's been five years already so there might be some changes in the empire.
"It's not for their foundation ceremony. It's a royal ball for an engagement party" he said casually.
Engagement? Who's going to be engaged?
Don't tell me…
"It seems my father and the emperor had been exchanging letters regarding about that matter"
I knew it.
"You're going to be engaged to Athacias am I right? The only princess in the Empire" It make sense. If the current emperor wants Athacias to be married then it's only appropriate for him to choose someone with good reputation.
'Yes. It's not just about that Fana. It seems the crown prince will also be engaged"
The Crown Prince? It cannot be. He must be joking.
"You're kidding. He's been engaged 3 years ago. To my sister. Vanaya."
My sister Vanaya has been chosen by the late empress as well as the emperor. She's the only perfect candidate for the position. They were already engaged.
However, Correll's face seems different. Is there something he wanted to tell me?
"Fana I came to meet you here because of a specific reason. Someone wants see you" He's dead serious.
"What do you mean?". I'm confused. Someone familiar approaches where we are seated before he can utter a word. He's tall and dressed in a black cloak over his fine suit. His hair was an Ombre of black and silver, and his lifeless gray eyes told me who it was right away.
"Brother." My mouth just spoke a single word. I hadn't seen him in quite some time.
I got up and walked up to him.
"Fana" He approached me and embraced me. I looked at my brother, who had just arrived, and he said, "It's been a long time." He had a transformation. A lot. He appeared to be weary and fatigued. Has he been on the road? I wouldn't recognize him if it weren't for his distinctive hair.
'What brings you here?' He concentrated his attention on me after looking at Correll. Something isn't quite right.
"Fana. We have to return home. An ambush killed Vanaya and Father by unidentified bandits"
I can't say anything. It's not possible! Is it possible that I misheard his words?
'Par-don?" His eyes were bloodshot. He wasn't lying.
"Vanaya and father are no longer with us. We must return before something bad happens to our mother."
I was dizzy. I'm having trouble understanding what he's saying. My heart sank. My knees are shaking. My eyes began to well up with tears. And I knew I was about to pass out the minute I looked at my brother.
"Fana!"
"Lady Fana!"
"Father... Vana...ya,". Everything became pitch dark.