Laura's life as the Fliskan princess flashed before her in an instant. Yes, she truly was Princess Elzilaura of Fliska, the gem planet of their star system as they are the largest supplier of minerals and gems in their region. She recalls the planet's surface filled with beautiful natural resources. They have mountain ranges with half of which have large crystal and precious stone formations. The capital city has wonderful Gothic to Baroque-like infrastructures with crystal pillar formations and greenery in between. Everything looked splendid and grand. The people were dressed in long dresses or tailored outfits. They were warm, friendly, and respectful. It was a seemingly perfect world.
The kingdom of Fliska has been ruled by a Queen since the kingdom's early days. She is given a gem to protect her people and safeguard the kingdom forever. This gem was called Umna Urevi which is translated as the Crystal Cross.
Each person in this universe can use the power of the gem should it fall into his or her hands but only the true heiress from the royal line will be able to harness its full power. The process of gem linking or simply called linking, allows the gem keeper or bearer to safely use the power within. The Fliskan royal family conducts this linking through a ceremony called the trial of light.
She then recalls an experience wherein the royal tutor brings her to the hidden hall and shows her the mural depicting the history of their world. It was a mandatory history lesson for every princess of Fliska. One day, she too will contribute to history and her story will be painted on the wall.
She is the daughter of Queen Azestina and her prince consort, Lischem. Elzilaura in an ancient Fliskan language means life-giving daybreak or hope that comes with each morning. Her nickname was Ella or Elle and was informally referred to as such. As a child, her mother would call her "Lianka", which means beloved girl or adorable little one in one of the Fliskan dialects.
She never met her father because he died before she was born. Her father figure was her uncle, Prince Galabrus, her mother's elder brother. He died defending Fliska during the Flisko - Galmaran War.
She has an older sister, Kanunia, whose name in an old Fliskan language means Passionate or Passion Fruit. Her nickname was Kania. Kanunia is biologically Elzilaura's first cousin. Her true mother is the queen's sister, Princess Azriane, who was banished from Fliska for marrying a rebel leader. He left his resistance force and she left her family and royal duties when they fell in love.
They eloped to a different planet and lived far away. Since then, Princess Azriane was hated by the people for putting her personal interests before her royal obligations. But when she died, the people somehow took pity. Her husband gave up his daughter to support the freedom fighters of his new home world. He vanished on his first mission and is believed to be dead.
Queen Azestina took in her niece since the latter's biological father left. It was done by several queens in the past to adopt their nieces especially when a queen has no children of her own. Though royal adoptions were well accepted in the past, Kanunia's adoption was contested because of her infamous father.
Nevertheless, the Queen made it clear that the adoption was necessary to protect the young princess and restore her royal rights which were lost when the late Princess Azriane abandoned her royal duties.
Kanunia grew up knowing of her true birth mother and was comfortable about it. In fact, she was thankful that the Queen took these measures to protect her. But when she learned rumors that her true father may still be alive, she ran off in search of him.
Luckily, the Fliskan forces were able to retrieve her. Though she chose to come back to the royal palace, the bonds between her and the queen have been strained.
Since the incident, she rebelled by being flirtatious in court. She even dated men within and outside their social circle. Though the queen is displeased, she is merciful enough to make efforts to salvage Kanunia's reputation. The princess' rumored romantic affairs were quickly dismissed especially when the men associated with the princess are not nobly born.
She and Kanunia were very close even though they possessed different attributes. Though in truth Kanunia is her cousin, Elzilaura considers Kanunia her sibling. She even refers to Kanunia as her elder sister. Kanunia has been protective of her ever since they were little.
As her mother's heir apparent, she was educated and trained to become the next queen. Sometimes, she spent her days training in Craiine with the duke and his family.
She recalls the region filled with natural wonders. It has the longest rivers and lakes. The river's end leads to a moat surrounding the palace of the duke. They used to run and play along the meadow nearby with their security detail watching them from a safe distance. The weather is usually fair but they experience occasional thunderstorms that look like mosaic patterns in the skies.
Her fondest childhood memories were of playing with the three children of the duke. Their eldest was Zedon, Crown Prince of Craiine. He was followed by Zyric and the youngest was a daughter named Zora. She was a few years younger than Elzilaura and Zyric who were of the same age. When they were older, her visits to Craiine were lessened. She saw less of Zedon and Zora except in certain royal gatherings.
Zyric often accompanied them because he was designated to be the Marshal of Fliskan forces. Thus, they would meet when both of them have finished their respective tasks. They became the best of friends since then.
As the High Commander or the Fliskan Marshal, he occasionally advises the Queen in military decisions and is a member of her council. Because of their close family ties, the Queen considered him as a son and was often accompanying her.
Elzilaura loved him since they were little. As children, he played the role of protector while his brother played the tormentor. Though he was usually protective of her, there were times that he would tease her and make fun of her.
Overall, he was very lovable, reserved as well as attractive. That is why most women adore him and his even better-looking brother. The princes of Craiine were well adored for their looks but Zyric was admired for his pleasant image.
She always felt cherished in his presence but sometimes doubts if it was just to fulfill an obligation or if he genuinely treasures her.
Zyric left his service when the Duchess of Craiine's illness worsened.
Soon after his departure, the Queen made the official announcement that talks with Galmar concluded with setting a wedding date to finally seal the Flisko - Galmaran alliance.
She had been preparing all her life for three events. First is the trial of light. It was an initiation rite that the heir apparent must accomplish. If she passes the test, she will be named Crystal Princess and solidify her status as the next Queen of Fliska.
Next would be her coronation and tenure as Queen. As ruler of her kingdom, she must do what she can to maintain peace and order. Thus, she has endured years of education and a series of training all for her country's sake.
Last was her wedding. Marrying her mother's chosen fiance will establish peace between the two kingdoms and avert possible wars.
Royal marriages are for political alliances. The royal advisers make their best effort to find a good selection of ideal men to present to the queen. Any member of Fliskan nobility could present their children and marriage proposal documents to the ministers and advisers. Then the sovereign would review the background and credentials of each man and would carefully select one whom she believes would be fit to be consort not only for her daughter but for her kingdom as well.
As a dutiful daughter and an honorable princess, she is to marry Prince Jarin of Galmar whose kingdom is on Planet Havo. After reviewing a long list of eligible men, Queen Azestina had chosen the Galmaran to simply ensure peace in both their kingdoms. The Queen lost her brother and the Galmarans lost their family members as well in the war. As part of their peace treaties, the sovereigns of both kingdoms chose to wed their children to seal their new alliance.
She had never met him as traditions of both their planet kingdoms must be followed. Until he completes his training, he cannot see her in person.
Then, she also recalled her enemy, Kyron, the ruler of Nybos. She remembers that fateful day when her mother was assassinated before her eyes. This happened because they were betrayed by the people closest to them. In order to save her life, the dying queen pushed her into a wormhole and sent her far away. Surprisingly, she ended up on a budding planet called earth.
She looked at Kanunia with a smile. Then she sprung up and embraced her dear sister.
"I missed you Kania." Kanunia embraced back and replied. "I missed you too, Elle." When they both released each other, Elzilaura almost lost her balance as she was letting go of Kanunia.
Her gaze turned to Zyric. The former marshal smiled. "Welcome back, royal highness." With the greeting, the former marshal bowed respectfully.