Flashback: The Fall of the Kingdom
The sound of clashing swords and desperate screams echoed through the palace halls. Fire crackled in the distance, its glow flickering through the arched windows. The air was thick with smoke, panic, and the metallic scent of blood. The grand doors of the throne room shuddered violently as enemy forces battered them, their relentless assault drawing closer.
In the dim candlelight of a hidden chamber, a trembling young girl stood, her wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto her personal maid, Elizabeth. The princess's hands gripped the fabric of Elizabeth's dress as though letting go would mean the end of everything.
"Princess, you need to go. We will take care of everything here. Run and don't ever look back, or they will mercilessly kill you and use your body for their war." Elizabeth's voice was urgent yet soft, trying to calm the terrified girl before her.
The young princess shook her head violently, her long golden locks swaying with the motion.
"I don't want to go! I'm scared, Elizabeth! I don't want to leave you all behind!"
Her sobs broke through the chaos, her small frame trembling with fear.
Elizabeth knelt to meet the princess's eyes, cupping her tear-streaked face gently.
"We will be safe. But you… they are after you. They will kill you and use your blood to flourish their cursed land. We cannot let that happen."
She reached into her apron and pressed a delicate brooch into the princess's hand. It was a golden crest adorned with a rare sapphire—the royal emblem of her mother's land.
"Take this and go. Down the forest, a carriage awaits. It will take you to your mother's kingdom, where you will be safe."
A thunderous crash resounded from outside the chamber, followed by the cries of knights struggling to hold the enemy at bay. The heavy door shook as it began to splinter under the relentless blows. Time was running out.
Elizabeth grabbed the princess's shoulders, her voice sterner now.
"Quickly! We can't waste another second. They'll break through at any moment! We will buy you time, but you must be brave. If you stay, our sacrifice will mean nothing."
The princess sobbed, clinging to Elizabeth's hands.
"Promise me… promise me you'll all survive! You'll come back for me, right?"
Elizabeth forced a reassuring smile despite the fear gnawing at her heart. She smoothed the princess's hair one last time. **"Of course, my princess. But right now, you must go."**
Another deafening crash—splinters flew from the door as a knight shouted, **"The enemy is here!"**
With no time left, Elizabeth turned to the floor and pulled open a hidden trapdoor. Before the princess could protest, Elizabeth pushed her into the dark passage below. The princess let out a yelp as she tumbled down, her vision swallowed by the shadows. The last thing she saw before the trapdoor closed above her was Elizabeth's determined eyes—filled with sorrow, yet unwavering.
---
The Escape
The tunnel was damp and cold, its narrow walls pressing in on the princess as she ran, her heart hammering in her chest. Her bare feet slapped against the stone floor, and her breath came in ragged gasps. At the tunnel's end, a lone servant stood waiting with a carriage, its horses restless from the distant sounds of war.
The servant grasped her hand and hurried her inside.
"Hold on tight, Your Highness."
The carriage lurched forward, speeding toward the thick forest beyond the castle walls.
But they were not alone.
Shouts rang out behind them. The enemy had spotted their escape. Hooves thundered against the dirt road as enemy riders pursued them. Arrows whistled through the air, barely missing the carriage as the horses galloped faster.
"Faster! We're almost to the border!" the driver shouted.
The trees loomed ahead, dark and menacing, but they offered the only chance of losing their pursuers. The carriage veered into the dense forest, weaving between towering trunks and overgrown roots.
But the enemy was relentless.
Suddenly, a fiery explosion erupted ahead, flames licking at the trees as enemy soldiers threw torches to block their path. The horses neighed in terror, rearing up as the fire encircled them.
The servant turned to the princess, urgency in his eyes.
"Stay inside, no matter what happens. Do not come out!"
He leaped from the carriage, sword in hand, and rushed toward the approaching enemies. The driver followed suit, ready to defend the princess with his life.
Hidden inside the carriage, the princess clutched the brooch tightly against her chest, shaking in fear. Then—a sound behind her.
Before she could react, a rough hand yanked her from the carriage. She screamed as she was dragged out, her captor's grip bruising her arms.
A soldier sneered down at her, pressing a dagger to her throat.
"Drop your weapons, or your princess dies!"
The servants hesitated, their swords shaking in their grip. They exchanged a helpless glance before slowly lowering their weapons.
But the enemy showed no mercy.
Blades flashed in the dim firelight as the enemy soldiers raised their swords, ready to execute the two loyal servants. The princess let out a horrified cry, shutting her eyes in despair—
Then, the ground shook.
A deep rumble echoed through the forest as the earth beneath them trembled violently. The trees groaned, their roots twisting unnaturally. A sudden, dense fog rolled in, swallowing everything in an eerie whiteness.
And then—a blinding light.
The world exploded in brilliance, illuminating the forest in an unnatural glow. The princess shielded her eyes, her heart pounding as she felt the energy crackle in the air. Something—or someone—had intervened.
Then, everything went still.
---
A New Beginning
The blonde girl stirred, her eyelashes fluttering open. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar—smooth, a mixture o wood and stone with delicate carvings of intertwining vines. It was unlike anything she had seen before. The air smelled of fresh linen and blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the smoke and blood she last remembered.
She tried to sit up, her body weak and aching, when she noticed a figure sitting at the bedside. A young woman with dark hair and warm eyes watched her patiently, her expression gentle yet concerned.
"How are you feeling?" the woman asked softly.
The blonde girl remained silent, merely staring at her with cautious eyes.
Narra smiled reassuringly.
"Do you understand me? My name is Narra, and you are inside the House of Magnolia."
The girl blinked, her gaze shifting around the elegantly furnished room. The soft silk sheets draped over her, the warm glow of enchanted lanterns casting calming shadows across the wooden floor. Despite the comforting ambiance, an unsettling unease settled in her chest.
"Where are my people?" she finally asked, her voice hoarse yet firm.
A flicker of regret crossed Narra's face.
"I apologize, but we don't know. You… came out of a brooch that I bought from an antique shop."
The girl's breath hitched. A brooch?
Before she could process the words, another voice interrupted.
"You, kid—your kind has a gift of self-preservation. Bet ya, before you died, your gift activated and sealed you inside that brooch."
The blonde girl turned her head sharply toward the bedside cabinet where she saw a talking crab
"Carcinus," Narra warned in a firm tone.
He merely shrugged.
"Just stating facts. She's lucky. If that trinket had landed in the wrong hands, she wouldn't be waking up in a comfy bed."
The blonde girl clenched the bedsheet tightly, confusion and dread swirling in her mind. Was she truly sealed inside a brooch? For how long? What of her people?
Before she could ask more, another presence entered the room.
A composed woman with braided dark hair bowed slightly.
"Lady Narra, the bath is ready for the little lady."
Narra nodded.
"Thank you, Astrantia." She turned back to the blonde girl.
"We've prepared a healing bath for you. Your soul is weak, and this will help stabilize you. Don't worry—you are safe here. We will wait for you to share your story when you're ready."
The blonde girl hesitated but eventually nodded. Astrantia stepped forward, effortlessly lifting her frail body as if she weighed nothing. The girl stiffened at the sudden contact, but Astrantia's touch was careful and reassuring.
The Healing Bath
The moment they stepped out of the chamber, the blonde girl gasped softly. The House of Magnolia was unlike anything she had seen before. Sunlight streamed through large arched windows, illuminating the polished wooden floors.
The air carried a soft floral fragrance, and faint melodies of wind chimes danced in the background.
She couldn't help but admire everything around her, her gaze flickering from the elegant architecture to the warm glow of magical lanterns floating gently along the walls.
Astrantia noticed her curiosity and smiled.
"Little lady, we have arrived. This is the healing bathhouse of the House of Magnolia."
The large doors opened, revealing a breathtaking sight. A massive long bath pool sat in the center, filled with shimmering water infused with delicate petals. The steam carried a faint, soothing scent of lavender and healing herbs. Soft golden light filtered through the glass ceiling, casting an ethereal glow upon the pool.
Astrantia gently placed the blonde girl into the warm water. The sensation was instant—comforting, weightless, as if the bath itself was cradling her weary soul. The aches in her body eased, the exhaustion she hadn't even realized she carried melting away.
She let herself float, eyes wide in amazement. It had been so long since she had felt warmth, safety—peace. For a moment, she simply enjoyed the feeling, running her fingers through the water, watching the soft ripples spread.
Then, curiosity took hold. She turned to Astrantia.
"Why are you being kind to me?"
Astrantia paused at the question, her expression unreadable. Then, she spoke.
"Lady Narra was the one who brought you here. She is a kind person—one who helps others without expecting anything in return. She saw you and chose to help. I hope you can give her a chance."
The blonde girl frowned slightly, contemplating Astrantia's words.
"Is she really kind? Will she let me stay here?"
Astrantia smiled gently.
"Yes, she is truly kind. And I believe she will let you stay. I can tell."
The girl said nothing more, but for the first time, a small sliver of hope began to bloom within her heart.
The Garden Meeting
After the bath, Astrantia helped the blonde girl into a soft robe and guided her through the hallways once more. This time, they stepped outside into a vast, breathtaking garden. Vibrant flowers of all colors swayed gently in the breeze, their petals glowing faintly with magic. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of earth and blooming blossoms. Butterflies danced in the air, and a soft melody of birdsong filled the space.
In the heart of the garden, beneath a grand pavilion entwined with ivy and wisteria, sat Narra. A book rested in her hands, though her gaze lifted the moment she heard their approach. She closed the book and offered a small, warm smile.
The blonde girl hesitated for a moment, glancing at Astrantia, who nodded encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her heart uncertain yet willing.
Perhaps, just perhaps, this place could be a new beginning. the blonde girl thought
A Fateful Conversation
The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the garden as the girl sat at the round marble table, her small frame wrapped in a soft robe. The scent of freshly brewed tea and blooming magnolias filled the air, carried by the gentle breeze that rustled the vines around the pavilion. Birds chirped in the distance, their melodies blending with the tranquil ambiance of the House of Magnolia.
Narra, seated across from her, poured warm tea into delicate porcelain cups. She smiled kindly, her gaze soft yet curious.
"How was your bath?" Narra asked, setting the teapot down.
The blonde girl, still marveling at the serenity of the place, met Narra's eyes.
"It was good. I feel refreshed," she replied, her voice shy but sincere. "Thank you for letting me take a bath."
Astrantia, who had carried the girl earlier, gently placed her on a chair across from Narra. The older woman watched over her with quiet attentiveness, ensuring she was comfortable.
Narra leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table.
"We've been talking, but we still don't know your name. Do you remember it? If you do, would you mind telling us?"
Diyan hesitated for a moment. It had been so long since she had said her own name aloud. Yet, as she looked at Narra's expectant yet patient expression, she felt a flicker of warmth.
"My name is Diyan," she said softly.
Narra's eyes lit up. "Diyan… What a beautiful name." She tilted her head slightly. "Where do you come from? Tell us about yourself—perhaps we can help you find your place. That is, of course, if you're comfortable sharing."
Diyan clutched the edge of her robe, inhaling deeply before speaking. "I am… or was… a princess from the Kingdom of Sicapoo. We were escaping from invaders who wanted to use me for their doomed kingdom."
Narra's brow furrowed. "Thank you for sharing, Diyan. I really appreciate it. But why would they want you for their kingdom? Is it one of those situations where you were arranged to be married off to another kingdom?"
Diyan shook her head. "No, it was nothing like that." She took another breath, gathering her thoughts before recounting the story that had shaped her fate.
"Before I was born, our kingdom was cursed with a terrible disease. The land became barren, and our people starved. My grandfather and father sold everything—properties, jewels—just to feed the people, but it was never enough. Desperate, my grandfather sought aid from the neighboring kingdom, which was rich in food. But they refused to help."
Narra and Astrantia listened intently, their expressions growing solemn.
Diyan continued, her voice steady but laced with sorrow. "My father, however, believed in the Diwata—forest spirits who governed nature. He ventured deep into the dark forest near our kingdom, hoping to find one who could help us. But instead of a fairy, he found a woman sleeping inside a glowing tree at the heart of the dead forest."
Narra leaned in, intrigued. "A woman? Was she a prisoner?"
Diyan shook her head. "That's what my father thought at first. He assumed she was being held captive by the Goblin King who lived in the same forest. Without hesitation, he took her back to the kingdom, forgetting his original purpose."
A wistful smile flickered on her lips before she continued.
"That woman was actually a nature fairy. She had been trapped in the dark forest for so long that she had weakened. When she awoke, she thanked my father and, in return, blessed our land. Crops flourished once more, and our people thrived. Over time, she and my father fell in love. She stayed in our kingdom, and together, they worked to restore the dark forest by planting new seeds and nurturing the land."
Narra smiled warmly. "That sounds like a beautiful story."
Diyan's smile faded. "It was… until the neighboring kingdom was struck by the same disease. Their land withered, just as ours once did. My father, unable to bear seeing innocent people starve, offered to trade with them. But their king was too prideful. Instead of accepting my father's offer, they chose to steal from us—and eventually, they waged war against our kingdom."
Narra exhaled sharply. "They were so foolishly stubborn. Your father tried to help them, and they refused to swallow their pride?"
Diyan nodded solemnly. "Yes. And because of that, everything fell apart."
Narra tapped a finger against the table, deep in thought. "What about your mother? What happened to her?"
Diyan's hands tightened around her robe. "My mother… couldn't return to us. She had disobeyed the King of the Diwata by having a child with a human. As punishment, she was imprisoned in their realm. However, she was eventually pardoned and allowed to send letters to my father and me."
A deep sadness clouded her expression. "My father assigned me to oversee our kingdom's agriculture, as our entire economy depended on food, wood, and plant trade. But a spy from the neighboring kingdom discovered my existence. That's why they wanted me—to use my power to heal their land."
Diyan swallowed, her voice growing softer. "As we tried to escape, they caught us. There was an earthquake… a blinding light from the ground… and then—nothing."
Narra remained quiet for a moment, letting Diyan's words settle in the air. Then, she reached across the table, placing a gentle hand over Diyan's.
"You've been through so much. But don't worry—I will help you find your kingdom. I know you miss your family and want to know what happened after."
Diyan looked up at her, hope flickering in her golden eyes. "Truly?"
Narra grinned. "Of course! But—" she tilted her head "—I have to ask. Are you a full Diwata, or something else?"
Diyan shook her head. "I'm half-human, half-Diwata. I was sealed in my brooch before, and since my human body has already decayed, I exist now as a spirit."
Narra blinked. "Oh… But why are you so small?"
Diyan let out a soft chuckle. "Because I was confined for so long. My energy was drained, and it affected my appearance. But being surrounded by nature helps me regain my strength." She met Narra's gaze with quiet determination. "I would love to help you in return for saving me. I know many years have passed, and my father and relatives may no longer be alive… I just want a home and a purpose while I search for the them."
Narra's heart warmed at her words. "You're more than welcome to stay here, Diyan. I'm glad to have another helping hand." She leaned back, stretching her arms. "I'm actually opening my own business soon, so any extra help would be amazing."
Diyan's face brightened. "Then I will do my best to assist you!" she said enthusiastically.
Narra chuckled. "That's the spirit! But first, you need rest and time to regain your energy. Astrantia will give you a tour later, but for now, just take it easy."
Diyan nodded, gratitude filling her heart. "Thank you, Narra… for everything."
As the afternoon sun bathed the garden in golden light, Diyan felt, for the first time in a long while, that she wasn't alone. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found a new home.