There once lived a girl called Maria who was the prettiest Empress in the continent. She attracted many men but never could get her hands on Edward, Prime Minister of the kingdom (She loved him more than anything). He never paid any attention to her but one day he went to see her ask a question about the trading system but when he came into her room, the whole room was trashed, and everything was broken. He searched around the room in search of anything severely important that might have been stolen. One thing that was noticeably taken was the sacred necklace passed down to Maria's family, you can guess just how much it would be worth on the black market. So, he and a few heavily trained soldiers set out to find her. Within a few days Maria was found and so was the necklace. When Maria was kidnapped, Edward realized how much he cares for Maria. So, then a week after the kidnapping he proposed to her, of course, she said yes.
And then a few weeks later they were married, but the thing was, after a month of the marriage they started acting cold to each other. And for Maria, it was completely out of her character to do so. But one day, when she fainted, she found out that she was pregnant. And then the 1st prince was born, and then after a few years, four more children were born. The family tree was Maria (Empress), Edward (Emperor), Allister (1st Prince), Qrow (The 2nd Prince), Yavari (1st Princess), Andreas (3rd Prince), and Elias (4th Prince). Their marriage did not last long so naturally they got divorced and Edward died not long after. So, Maria was left alone trying to take care of her five children along with her responsibilities as an Empress alone without an Emperor. When her children realized how alone and hurt their mother was, they tried desperately to find someone who would make her feel better and smile more. They were found bare-handed with no one willing to help them until one man came along from another kingdom and was named Alexander, The Duke of Savigusta.
He was a kind man who had a warm heart but was never used or taken advantage of because that is just how smart and clever, he was. He was a handsome, clever, and kind man. You could never sense a shroud of hate coming from him, not one bit (a grudge here and there). When he met the children, they were in a fight with a man they asked to help the Empress, but he lashed out and they started calling each other's names. He managed to calm everyone down and got the children far away from the man, he then asked the children why they were fighting. They said they were looking for a man to help their mom, then Qrow and Yavari asked if he would help, their mom. He then said yes and headed to the Empresses' palace, when they got to her room, they saw the Empress crying on her desk. When she realized she had visitors she wiped her face and asked Alexander if he needed something, he started to say that her children were trying to help her, but she interrupted him and said with annoyance that she is sorry her children brought him here unwillingly. He then said that he voluntarily came here, usually, any man that came here was forced or extorted into doing it. But Maria was smart, so she knew that most of the men did not care. He then proceeded to say that he felt sorry for her and that he wanted to help, so they became friends and started talking more. Her depressed and dark-hearted face started to brighten up and smile more like the sun, most servants in the palace were shocked by the sudden change in the Empress' mood. But they weren't complaining, she was much more kind to everyone.
But like rain to a puddle, something interrupted their romance at full. The Emperor of Savigusta (Arthur) came to the kingdom and was looking for Duke Alexander, so naturally, he went to the Empress's palace and asked for her help. She was conflicted on what to do, either she tells him that she loved him and didn't want him to leave, or that she lies and sends out a search party for him even though she knows exactly where he is. She made up her mind and told the emperor that she loved him and that she didn't want him to leave. The emperor was shocked since he had feelings for her since they were children, so he said that he would let her stay on one condition.... that she marries him. She was in complete shock and shouted that he had no right to have that condition since she had more power and more land than him. But he said that he would take the duke by force if he had to, she was devastated and incredibly sad. But she agreed and they got married, Alexander thought that she betrayed him and that he was being used. So, he left the kingdom and went back to Savigusta to continue with his duties as a Duke. She again was devastated. The one person that made her happy had left her, just because she was trying to get him to stay.
A few years later Alexander had to come back to the kingdom on business, although he wasn't happy that he had to go. But on his way, there he heard some villagers say that the Empress had fallen ill and there was nothing that could cure her, he also heard that she never smiled and never left the palace. To him it was a little suspicious that she never left the palace, so he went to the palace and was greeted by his old Emperor. Alexander said with a polite voice that he came here to see the Empress, but the emperor said that she was ill and was to not be disturbed, and so he was basically kicked out of the palace. But he saw in the corner of his eye the 1st princess behind a wall trying to be sneaky, so he walked over to her and asked what she was doing. She said that she wanted him to be with her mom again since the emperor doesn't take care of them and only does the nasty with her mother by force. She then told him that she only married him to keep you here so you two could marry but then he left. He was shocked, he left the woman he loved and didn't even let her explain. He told Yavari that he would save her mother from him. He patted her head and asked her if she could help him get inside and to her mother. She grinned at him and said that she had already planned everything.
The Empress was in her bed crying when suddenly the window opened and in came Alexander, she didn't even get to gasp cause the moment he got inside her room he hugged her with passion and sorrow. She was shocked and started to cry as she hugged him back, "You're here!" she said with relief "I'm so happy to see you again!". He then started to cry, but he stopped hugging her and knelt to the ground on one knee and said "I'm so sorry Maria! I left you when you were at your worst!" he said with anguish "I'm no better than the emperor!". She stood up and knelt in front of him and said, "It's fine, though it would've been nice if you let me explain first" she said as she chuckled, "Yeah" he said as he started giggling. After that, he kept coming to see her through the window, but again their happiness didn't last long. The emperor was coming to see Maria to talk about having another child, but it would originally be his and not Edward's, but when he got there, he saw Maria and Alexander kissing on the balcony. He was angry and wanted to kill Alexander, but he came up with a better plan, and even greater plan than killing him, it was the most sinister plan you can think of to torture someone.
So, a few days later Arthur and Maria were at the dinner table eating with the children when suddenly they got a guest visitor... Alexander?! Maria was surprised and choked by accident (but not loud enough for people to see or hear). "It's very nice to see you again Alexander, why don't you have dinner with us, Alexander," said Arthur. "Of course, your majesty," said Alexander bowing. He then sits down and starts eating politely. It was silent. You couldn't even hear the clanking of the silverware cutting the food and slashing the plate. The children were already done with their food and were just staring back and forth and the adults. Maria looked up and back down a few times at both men in the room, but Arthur was just eating his food while closing his eyes. Maria thought 'This is so awkward, what is Alexander even doing here?'. She then asked Arthur with resentment (but tried to be formal) "Why did you invite Alexander to our dinner, honey?" Alexander got easily jealous so you can tell how jealous he is after hearing her call him honey. "Well, I haven't seen my old duke in a long time, so I just invited him here to catch up," said Arthur. Maria looked at Arthur with certainty, he invited him for a reason, she just didn't know what reason that was. And that.... was scarier than anything. The silence grew and grew until Arthur finished eating, "Children why don't you go prepare for bed? I'll be there in a minute, ok?" said Maria. The kids went to their bedrooms and looked back at their mother with confusion. "Now what's your real plan Arthur? "Said Maria "There's no one way you just invited him here to catch up". The emperor then responded, "Well you found me out, are you happy now? You betrayed me and you think I'm not going to do anything about it?! Have you gone mad?!". Alexander then shouted, "Well at least I don't force her to have sex with me and harass her whenever I like, you dirty old bastard!!". "At least I didn't leave her without explaining the situation first!" said Arthur. "BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!!!!" screamed Maria, "You both are so pathetic right now! Why're are you fighting over me?! All I want is to marry Alexander but because of you, Arthur, I must endure so much pain that I can't take it anymore! "said Maria. "And you, Alexander, have no right to just come back unannounced!". Both men stared away guiltily, Alexander then walks to her, hugs her, and then starts crying.
"I'm so sorry Maria," said Alexander "I never thought you were bottling up your pain like this...you can let it all out now Maria, just cry until you feel better," he said reassuringly. Maria then hugged him back, started crying like the world was going to end. Arthur just stared blankly at her and Alexander. He never thought he was hurting her so much. He never even thought about her feelings nor her pain. Arthur now knew how cruel he was. "You said you wanted to marry him right Maria?", she looked over to Arthur while still hugging Alexander "Yes, I would never love such a vile man like you". He couldn't believe the love of his life said those awful things about him. He didn't want to believe it. His entire world was falling apart. All because of one person... Alexander the Duke of Savigusta. Alexander took everything from him. But Arthur eventually held back his rage and said "Very well, I will divorce you by tomorrow. Good luck in your romance." He then walked out of the room and was never seen again. Maria and Alexander stared at the door just wondering "Was that really Arthur talking?". The day that followed was the divorce of the Emperor and the Empress, and then after a while of getting used to being with Maria, Alexander proposed to her. She said yes and they married not long after, the children were overjoyed, and their empire was the strongest once Alexander took over. Everything was at peace. Finally, Maria and Alexander get the peace of romance that they have long awaited for.
And soon came along a baby, who was named Silica. She had her mother's beauty and her dad's cleverness. The house cleaners and butlers in the palace thought her eyes were weird or terrifying. Her white pale eyes. She couldn't see the colors of beauty nor the colors of pain. All she could see was nothingness. Complete and udder nothingness. Sure, that didn't stop her parents from loving her, but she couldn't see their faces. Her lifelong dream was to see her family. But she couldn't. She always thought that if she was born different that maybe, just maybe she could've seen her family. Even with this "curse" her family still loved her. She couldn't understand why they loved her so much if she couldn't see, or why they loved her at all. Could they have been lying to her and just trying to use her for her dowry? Could they have hated her secretly so that their reputation could be upheld? But they genuinely loved her for her. After a few years, the children grew and grew. Maria is now 34, Alexander is now 35, Allister is now 15, Qrow is now 14, Yavari is now 14, Andreas is now 13, and Elias is now 12, Silica is now 9. And after a few years of ruling, the emperor died of a heart attack. And now again Maria was alone. All alone. She couldn't take it anymore. Her children hated how in the end their mother was always left alone. They couldn't stand it. It was like God was keeping her on a leash and making sure she doesn't have happiness. It killed them inside. So, they set out on a hunt for another person to be a candidate for their mother. Allister, as the oldest, did what he could in the palace. Qrow on the other spent most of his time on ships by the docks and in the shadows of the kingdom. Yavari used her beauty to find some kids her age and ask if their father is married or not (but asked in the most non-weird way possible). Andreas was the top 3 youngest assassin at the time (he grew up with excessive training by Edward) so the guild he was in had dirt or details of almost everyone in the kingdom so it wouldn't have been hard to look for someone worthy for his mother. And Elias helped out Yavari but instead of attracting boys, he attracted girls (and maybe some boys). Silica helped comfort her mother since she couldn't really do anything else.
This went on for months, just searching and searching. Maria was so grateful that her children were so mature. Again after a few months, a man that had great white hair and emerald eyes caught Yavari's attention. His name was Sean. He was like Alexander but instead of hiding how clever he was with kindness, he bluntly just corrected what that person did wrong and then made them a laughingstock. And on top of all of that, he was going to become emperor of Hysteria in five months (Hysteria was another empire remarkably close to Savigusta). Yavari pulled a bunch of strings just to get an audience with him, but her brothers were worried he might hurt her, so they came with her to meet him. When they got to his office, he was wearing a white silver uniform with all sorts of metals on it and his hair was slicked back and jelled to a point where it was as shiny as a mirror. "So, I heard you wanted to meet with me," he said while sitting down, "And for what reason did you want to talk to me?". "Well, I actually wanted to ask you a question your majesty," said Yavari sitting down with her brothers, "And what questions would you like to ask?" responded Sean. "Would you like a queen when you become king?" asked Yavari. He stood there in shock with utter silence. He cleared his throat and said "I'm guessing you have someone in mind kid" he said while crossing each leg. "One, I'm not a kid and I'm very mature thank you very much. And second yes, I do in fact. My mother, Maria De Savior.". "The Empress Savior?" said Sean "I see why you would recommend her, but doesn't she have a husband?". The children started gritting their teeth. "The former Emperor loved her very much but died a few months ago. We just want our mother to be happy. But the universe seems to disagree with what we want." said Yavari. "So, you want me to be your mother's husband? I don't see why not. But I must marry her after I become the emperor ok kid?" said Sean patting Yavari's head. "Stop calling me kid!!!" said Yavari. After that Sean wanted to get to know his soon-to-be wife so he sent a letter by bird to Maria each day. Eventually, five months passed, and it was time for them to marry. During the time they were exchanging letters, he revealed who he was, and Maria was surprised. They soon fell in love with each other and married and so she became the empress of Hysteria. Their happiness faded, just like with Alexander, when Sean was assassinated when Maria was on vacation with her children. And then again, she was alone. Forevermore, she was named the "Cursed Empress". This was just a repeating cycle until one day where Maria decided to end it all and killed herself. Her children were left alone. Their mother left them. Allister succeeded the throne and all the children distanced themselves from each other. They all grew up and had their own separate lives. But they never, and I mean never, had a romance with anyone for they despised it more than their own father (Edward). But Silica had found someone who loved her and married him.
Then extremely far away Maria was alive but in the wrong body. She woke up in a strange bed, in a strange room, and a house cleaner standing beside the bed. "Your majesty it's time to get up," she said as she bowed. "Where am I?" said Maria, "Your majesty you were hit on the head by accident by one of the house cleaners. Also, you must attend your brother's funeral in a couple of hours," said the house cleaner as she started to undress Maria. "W-What are you doing?!" said Maria, "I'm helping you change your majesty," said the house cleaner nervously. Maria got out of bed and looked in the mirror. She saw bright teal hair that looked like the moon was shining above the water. And her eyes glowed like emeralds after being polished. She was her former deceased husband's sister, Cassandra the 2nd Princess and since her brother died, she is next in line. Maria thought 'Why am I Cassandra?!, what happened?!'. After calming down, "Your name?" asked Maria/Cassandra, "Me? well my name is Alison, your majesty," said Alison. "I can change on my own. I don't need you to do such silly things," said Maria\Cassandra. "No, I am your maid, I can't allow you to do such a thing!" said Alison. Maria/Cassandra gave a death glare face at Alison and Alison backed away and out of the room. "What's up with her?" said Maria/Cassandra. Maria/Cassandra got dressed and went out of her room to Cassandra's fiancé (Adamson) and her parents, her fiancé was a huge douche and never cared about Cassandra's feelings. Everyone in the kingdom knew how badly he was treating her so that's how Maria knew. "Mother, Father....and Adamson," said Cassandra/Maria bowing. "What's with that tone dear?" said Cassandra's mother," Actually mother there is something that I want to talk about with all of you," said Cassandra/Maria. "What is it honey?" said Cassandra's dad. "I don't want Adamson as my fiancé, nor do I want to marry him. He was going to throw me away once he gets the throne. You're only using our family name for your own personal greed." said Cassandra/Maria confidently pointing at Adamson. "Excuse me?!" said Adamson "Do you even know who you're talking to?! How dare you accuse me of such things!". "Wait a minute," said Cassandra's Dad "Actually what she is saying might be true. A few days ago, my secret intelligence found out someone was bragging about how they were marrying a rich family and how they were spending money on expensive things. And the person said they are marrying that woman only for money. Was that you Adamson?" said Cassandra's Dad looking at Adamson. Maria/Cassandra thought 'I know I'm dense but when it comes to love I know when someone is faking it. "No! That wasn't me! She's lying to you!" yelled Adamson. "Why not settle this with a duel? We both spar and whoever knocks down the other opponent wins and will do anything they say. Sounds fair to you Mr. Coward?" said Cassandra/Maria. "You? Wielding a sword?" said Adamson laughing "Yeah sounds fair. You'll be lucky to stand on your feet again Future 'Queen'".
So, the match between Cassandra/Maria and Adamson was scheduled. And two days later Cassandra/Maria stands holding her metal sword and giving a stare like a fierce tiger about to catch its prey. Meanwhile, Adamson isn't taking the whole match seriously, he should. Maria was at the top of her class in swordsmanship and was a teacher to young soldiers who were going to be sent out to war. And even better. She taught the elite league of assassins who were the king's finest guards. "Come at me you little princess," said Adamson mocking Cassandra. "You'll regret even knowing-" Adamson was interrupted by Cassandra/Maria knocking him down and putting the sword in her hand to the tip of his nose. She was as fast as lightning since no one even saw her move. "How in the hell-" said Adamson star-struck. "And I thought you would be challenging. Guess you were just taking for granted how strong you were" said Cassandra/Maria "But I'll at least be honest with you" she knelt "You're just a low life who should stay poor" said Cassandra/Maria with a death glare. Adamson couldn't believe that he was beaten, and he didn't even lift his sword. He was humiliated. Everyone that was at the match was laughing secretly with their friends. He was furious. Cassandra/Maria turned her back and started walking back to the palace, but suddenly Adamson charged at her with sword front and center just waiting to impale someone. Then he attacked her. But Cassandra/Maria grabbed the sword with her hand and bent it backward-facing Adamson. "How is this possible!?" said Adamson starting to lose his sanity "You're like a whole different person!! I don't even know who you are!!". Cassandra/Maria just stood there staring at him with a dazed stare as she let go of his sword. "I don't even know who I am anymore" whispered Cassandra/Maria after a few minutes. Then Casandra/Maria turned around and got in her carriage, and then once she left everyone went back to work as the match never happened. Adamson thought 'She didn't even tell me to want to do since I lost. And now my reputation is ruined. I guess this is what I deserve for being a douche'.
After a few months of being Cassandra, Maria got used to the lifestyle. She also was training with her guards just in case something happened, but she always beat them. She found it funny that they even tried. After a sparing lesson "When did you get this good your Majesty?" said one of the guards sweating. "Guess I've been harboring a secret talent gentleman," said Maria/Cassandra. After having lessons with one of the guards for many months, she started to catch feelings for him. But she knew it would end in her death or his death. She didn't want him to get hurt so she decided to avoid him to the best of her capabilities. Then one day, the guard came to her chambers at night and confessed his love for her. With tears starting to appear she responded "You'll only get hurt if you love me. Everyone does". He said, "I don't care! I want to be with you till you die!!". So that night, they made love. But afterward, they told Cassandra's parents about their newfound relationship. They had no complaints about their love. They were angels sent from heaven with how nice, kind, and beautiful they were. After a year of being together she started her own family with him (One kid (Zari), and she (Cassandra/Maria) was pregnant with a boy (Stolas)), but she never forgot about her original family. When the kingdom was at war the guard was sent to fight in the war. The guard was killed in battle and Cassandra/Maria was a single mother again for a long time. She thought that she could finally be happy with him. God had different plans. Cassandra/Maria grew distant from everyone and showed no mercy if she was on the battlefield. She fell into a deep black hole filled with darkness. She never left her room anymore. She never had that bright 9 on her face. And she never ate. Eventually, it got so bad that her parents took over the kingdom until another heir shall come. Then one night as Cassandra/Maria was sleeping, the gods spoke to her saying "The only way to lift your curse is to find someone dedicated enough to live until they die from being old". Maria said, "My former husbands were all dedicated to their lives!". "Then how come they died, Ms. Maria?" said the gods. Then her dream started to fade, and she sprung up sweating and shaking with anger. 'How dare they mock my former husbands' thought Maria. Then she lied back down and started thinking 'Do I deserve to be with such a man?'. She then fell back asleep soundly like a feather touching water.
The next day she asked her father if he would pick five men and that she would pick who she would marry, if they weren't good enough for her, she would tell her dad to find other men. After two weeks of searching, (Cassandra/Maria almost lost hope) her father found five candidates. Apollo, Aaron, Leonhart, Liam, and Nathaniel. Apollo was very tall, had blonde hair, was a gentleman, and oversaw all the guards in the palace. Aaron was of average height, had dark blue hair, was a flirt, and disrespected everyone. Leonhart was of average height, had dark red hair, was very cold toward anyone, and was really respected. Liam was short, funny, adorable, and had a massive intellect. Nathaniel was tall, had black hair with bright blonde tips, never talked, and had respect for all women but not really any men. thought they were perfect candidates since they all came willingly but had never met Cassandra before. "All five of you have been summoned here to be judged by my daughter. If she does not pick you, you will leave without any retaliation," said the king. "My lady your father wishes to see you," said Alison. "Ugh...why this early?" said Cassandra/Maria waking up. Alison hands Cassandra/Maria clothes and then she heads to the throne room where she sees five men on their knees. "Father?! Why are we doing this so early in the morning?" said Cassandra/Maria. "What do you think of them my dear?" asked the king. Cassandra/Maria walks in front of them and examines them. She kept examining until she got to Nathaniel. "You. What is your name?" said Cassandra/Maria pointing at Nathaniel. "I am Nathaniel, my lady. But you may refer to me as anything you wish," said Nathaniel. Maria/Cassandra thought 'What a gentleman. Let's see if he's up to the task of being my soul mate'. "What can you do, Nathaniel?" asked Cassandra/Maria with a doubtful face. Nathaniel then stands up and bows and says, "Will you give me permission to spar with you, my lady". Cassandra/Maria looked shocked that he asked that. "How dare you ask my daughter to," said the king interrupted by Cassandra/Maria. "It's fine father. I'll spar with you but on one condition. You must spar with me after you spar with an elite fighter that was trained by my father. Do you agree to this condition?" said Cassandra/Maria. "Yes, my lady," said Nathaniel. He looked at the other candidates and picked Apollo.
The match between them was set for the next day. In the end, Nathaniel won and sparred with Cassandra/Maria. It was a draw. They tried again; it was a draw. For the final one, Cassandra/Maria lost. Nathaniel had beaten her only because she fell and sprained her ankle. "My lady, I never meant for this to happen," said Nathaniel as he looked like he was going to cry. Cassandra/Maria looked at him with a weirded-out expression on her face. "Yeah...it's fine, I guess," said Cassandra/Maria with the weird look still on her face. "My daughter! Are you alright?!" said the king rushing to her. "I'm fine father, it just hurts a little," said Cassandra/Maria. Nathaniel was still looking at Cassandra/Maria with sappy eyes. "I'm fine stop making that face. Also, father I chose him and Leonhart if that's ok with you?" said Cassandra/Maria. "It's perfectly fine my dear," said the king. "I'm happy you're fine my lady," said Leonhart with a straight and cold face. Maria/Cassandra thought 'Why did I pick them again?'. After picking them she kept hanging out with them. They were either sparring or talking or just out and about in the city. She really connected to both of them, but she loved Nathaniel and thought of Leonhart as an older brother. So, when one day Nathaniel and Cassandra/Maria were talking she ended up telling him the truth about everything; her past life, her children, her lovers, and the curse that was placed on her. Of course, Nathaniel was shocked and at the time he thought she was using him, but Cassandra/Maria reassured him that she didn't love him because of the curse and loved him for who he really was. So, they both ended up marrying a few days later. Nathaniel swore to Cassandra/Maria that he would never die or get hurt and end up dying one day. One night when Cassandra/Maria was asleep with Nathaniel, she woke up and saw the god again. "How dare you see me again?! I'm finally at peace, there is no reason to kill my husband!" said Maria/Cassandra shouting at the god. "I know very well that you are happy my dear. I have not come to give you a warning. My onlookers were all talking about how you found the perfect husband finally. I just had to see for myself" said the god curiously. "Well, if that's all you are here for then I advise you to leave me alone for good," said Cassandra/Maria looking away and trying to go back to sleep. "Y' know I've always wondered how you get by in having all your lovers killed. It vexes me more than it should" said the god slowly fading away. And with that, they were finally at peace.