-Amoria Palace; Luxana's Room, Early Morning-
The sun poured through my window, casting a warm glow across the room. "Wow, the weather's so bright today," I thought to myself, contemplating a stroll outside. Just then, Myla burst into the room, her excitement palpable.
"Princess!" she exclaimed, rushing towards me. "Good Morning! I have something to report!"
Curiosity piqued, I leaned in. "Oh? And what might that be?"
With a mischievous grin, she continued, "I heard Princess Isabella secretly went out with her escort knight late last night. When the King found out, he was furious and grounded her for two weeks!"
Hmm... that's not like Isabella to go out at night, especially when it was downpouring so heavily. I wondered if she had an ulterior motive. "Do you know why she went out?" I asked.
Myla shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "I heard from the maids at Vinar Palace that she was meeting a man."
"Is that it?" I replied, intrigued.
"Honestly, I think she's planning to detrimental you!" Myla said, her tone serious.
I chuckled at her choice of words. "Myla, you have quite the vocabulary for a mere maid. Were you perhaps a mercenary?"
She laughed softly. "No, but my brother is. My parents died early, and he raised me. Maybe that's why I sound like one."
She has a brother? I thought. A pang of sympathy hit me. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's not your fault, Princess. Maybe that's why we're a bit similar," she said with a smile.
"Maybe..." I replied hesitantly, recalling the loss of my own mother when I was 8 and now I'm 15. It's been 7 years... sigh
"Your Highness," Myla continued, "I'd like to be your personal maid!"
"What?" I was taken aback.
"I believe you don't have a personal maid who assists you daily. Will you give me the honor to serve you from here on out?"
"But I thought you hated me..."
"I did, but I no longer do... because you remind me of my younger sister..."
Understanding dawned on me. "Very well then."
With a sense of gravity, I declared, "By the authority vested in me, I hereby bestow upon you the honor of not only serving as my personal maid but also as my esteemed lady-in-waiting. Henceforth, your duties shall broaden, and your unwavering dedication to me shall be of utmost importance. I pledge my allegiance to you, and in turn, you shall reciprocate this loyalty. May our bond strengthen as we embark on this new chapter together, united in service and commitment to one another."
Myla's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Your Highness, I am deeply humbled and grateful for the trust and honor you have bestowed upon me. I shall fulfill my duties with utmost diligence, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast devotion. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you more closely."
"Now then, will you accompany me to the garden? I'd like to take a walk."
"Of course, Princess," she replied eagerly.
"I'll set up the table in the Garden."
"Thank you, Myla." smile
-In the Garden inside the Gazebo; in Amoria Palace-
As we stepped into the garden, I marveled at the vibrant flowers. "Look at those pink ones," Myla exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight.
"It's great weather," I agreed, as Myla poured tea in the gazebo that held so many memories of my mother. The intricate design reminded me of her elegance and grace, a bittersweet reminder of the bond we shared.
This gazebo was built for my mother, who had once lived in the palace with me. It holds a special place in my heart as a tribute to her memory and the time we spent together in that grand setting. The intricate details and design of the gazebo remind me of her elegance and grace. The gazebo's presence in my garden brings me comfort and peace, allowing me to feel connected to my mother even though she is no longer with me.
It serves as a poignant affirmation of the love and bond we shared. The gazebo also provides a serene space for reflection and contemplation, where I can honor her achievements and treasure the moments we created together. Its splendor and significance make it a precious part of my home, symbolizing the enduring love between a mother and her child. The intricate carvings and delicate features of the gazebo reflect the attention to detail and care that my mother always showed in everything she did.
Its presence in my garden is a constant source of solace and inspiration, reminding me of her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The gazebo stands as a testament to her enduring spirit and serves as a comforting reminder of her presence in my life. Every time I sit within its walls, I feel a sense of peace and connection to her that transcends words.
"Pa-Pa-Prin-Princess? Why are you crying?" Myla's voice broke through my reverie.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just recalled something."
"Are you sure you're alright?" she pressed.
"Yeah... I just miss my mother a bit," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"The Late Queen?" Myla asked gently.
She was a beautiful woman. Slender and elegant, with gentle curves that gave her a graceful silhouette. She stood at a height of 5'7", with a posture that exuded poise and confidence. Her complexion was fair, with a hint of blush that would rise to her cheeks when she laughed or smiled. The contrast of her reddish-orange hair against her pale skin was striking, and her hands were soft and delicate, often adorned with a simple gold ring that had been passed down through generations.
Her piercing zircon eyes were like a window to the depths of the ocean, radiating a warmth and kindness that would captivate anyone who met her gaze. Their hue was like a clear summer sky, filled with endless possibilities and promise. Her eyes conveyed a keen intelligence and a deep sense of empathy, making them a defining feature of her striking appearance. It's no wonder why her eyes and smile were so memorable!
Her personality radiated a natural warmth and charisma that drew others to her effortlessly. She was a person of great integrity and kindness, always willing to lend an ear and offer a helping hand. She was known for her infectious positivity, and her gentle demeanor never failed to bring joy and optimism to any situation. Her mannerisms were refined and poised, with a gentle elegance that spoke volumes about her inner beauty. She always listened with intent, using her keen empathy to understand and connect with others. Her sense of humor was lighthearted and genuine, and she had a way of making those around her feel comfortable and at ease. Despite her elegant mannerisms, she never took herself too seriously and had an ability to find joy in even the simplest things. Her authenticity, compassion, and grace were truly admirable qualities that continue to inspire those who knew her.
"Anyway, when is the Banquet?" I changed the subject.
"The Banquet? Oh! The Banquet for announcing the wielder of the Dragon Flames?"
"Is there another Banquet besides that?"
"Um... the maids in the kitchen kept gossiping about a Banquet which will be held for the Flower Princess after three months. And I think His Majesty the King will announce your powers at that Banquet itself. Because think about it, Her Majesty the Queen wouldn't be so happy spending the money of the Palace to hold a Banquet in your name, would she?"
I frowned. "Ain't like I didn't think of that." But man, she's got guts to speak like that, I thought, taking a sip of the tea.
"So, it's clear that she won't allow the King to hold the Banquet for you in return; they'd just announce it at the Flower Princess Banquet. But I believe it's too far away," Myla exclaimed.
"..." She's quick-witted, I thought, taking another sip.
"Princess, this is just my suggestion but, how about you get into the High Society?"
"What?"
"The news about your powers has reached even the most lowly flies out there. So of course many of them must be eagerly waiting for you to show up and confirm for themselves if it's true. And besides..."
"If I keep waiting for Father to hold up a banquet for me and step into the High Society, there'd be worse rumors circulating around me, and it'll also confirm I'm just a pawn for the Royal Family."
"That's exactly my point, Princess."
"Alright then, prepare the carriage. We'll be heading off to the Shrine of the Hidden Springs."
"The Shrine of the Hidden Springs? The Temple?"
The Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple was a breathtaking architectural marvel, its towering spires stretching towards the sky and ornate carvings adorning every inch of its stone facade. The temple was a popular destination for nobles from all corners of the kingdom, who came daily to pray, worship, and offer generous donations.
The temple's interior was equally stunning, with polished marble floors and glittering stained glass windows depicting scenes from ancient legends. A peaceful hush hung in the air as devotees knelt in prayer before the ornate altars, the hushed murmur of their voices echoing softly off the high ceilings.
The temple's priests were revered for their wisdom and piety, and the temple itself was known throughout the land as a beacon of hope and salvation. It was said that the waters of the hidden springs, which flowed beneath the temple's foundations, held the power to heal all manner of ailments and bring peace to troubled hearts. Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to seek solace and guidance within its hallowed halls.
-In Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple-
"Greetings, Your Highness the First Princess of Domino. It's a pleasure to meet such a talent. It is an honor for us to serve you," greeted the Pope as we entered the Temple.
*Nods*
HAH, they're so pathetic. Look at how they've changed their attitudes. Even at the entrance gate, the knights bowed. If I were to come here a day before my awakening, I'd be thrown out even before I entered the temple, I thought.
*On the way to a Private Worshiping Room for High-Class Nobles*
"Your Highness, I heard the news about your Awakening. It's truly magnificent to be one of the first few to have met with the Wielder of the Dragon Flames in generations to come! I wonder if you're aware, for the past six generations, there hasn't been a single Dragon Flame wielder. You are the first one in six generations," exclaimed the Pope.
"..."
"Oh, but the other generations just made contracts with spirits to compensate for the loss of not being a wielder of the flames," added the Pope.
"..."
"Princess, I believe we have passed by the private worshiping room," whispered Myla. I nodded.
"Your Holiness, it appears we have surpassed the predetermined destination."
"Haha, of course not. We aren't even halfway there."
This man! What does he want exactly? We've already passed the worshiping room, where else does he want to take me? I thought.
As we entered a room, my eyes widened. "HUH?" This...this is...The Royal Chamber of Sacred Rites? Why'd he bring me here? I thought.
The Royal Chamber of Sacred Rites is an architectural masterpiece situated within the temple's innermost sanctum. The octagonal chamber is adorned with elaborate marble columns, their capitals embellished with golden filigree, supporting a grand central dome that soars high above the ornate mosaic floor. Stained glass windows depict the divine pantheon, filtering rays of sunlight into ethereal patterns that dance across the room. At its center lies a sacred altar, meticulously crafted from rare gemstones and precious metals, upon which sacred relics and holy texts rest.
Exclusively reserved for the Royal Family and the highest-ranking members of the temple's clergy, the Chamber serves as a hallowed space for conducting sacred rituals and ceremonies. It is here that the most potent blessings and divine invocations are performed, with the participants channeling their collective energies to commune with the celestial realm. The space is imbued with an aura of reverence and power, its walls resonating with ancient hymns and prayers that have accumulated throughout the centuries.
Access to the Chamber is tightly restricted, with its mysteries and sacrosanct rituals safeguarded by a select few. Only those deemed worthy and initiated into the innermost mysteries of the faith may set foot within its hallowed confines, and the knowledge of its rites is carefully passed down through generations of the Royal Family and temple hierarchy.
"Your Holiness, What does this signify?" I asked belligerently.
"Your Highness... You are the one mentioned in the Prophecy! THE GODDESS! You are the Goddess, the God has bestowed upon us!" *kneels down*
"Your Holiness, I am no Goddess. So please rise."
"No, You are the Goddess. It's only a matter of time before you realize that, Your Highness. You possess all the qualities and strength of a true Goddess, it is only a matter of time before you see it within yourself. Embrace your power and embrace your divinity, for you are truly majestic."
"Rise at once, or be deemed in contempt of the Crown! Your delay in adhering to my command is a flagrant affront to the dignity of the Royal Family. I demand that you exhibit the requisite reverence and comply without further hesitation. Let it be known that any deviation from the expected decorum shall incur severe consequences."
"You-Your Highness! You..."
"Have you failed to pay heed to Her Highness's words, Your Holiness?" said a Holy Knight.
The holy knight stood tall and proud, his armor gleaming in the sunlight, a testament to his unwavering devotion to his divine duty. His chiseled features bore the marks of a seasoned warrior, yet his striking golden eyes shone with an inner light that spoke of a deeper wisdom and compassion. His broad shoulders and muscular physique hinted at the countless hours spent in prayer and training, honing his skills in service to his faith. His short hair, the color of burnished gold, added to his regal bearing.
-In the Carriage-
"Your Highness, who do you think that Knight was?" asked Myla curiously. "I've never heard or seen anyone so handsome before!"
"Regardless of his identity, it appears that the pope is jittery about him!" I replied.
"Yeah, upon his entrance, the pope's face revealed extreme willies."
"It seems that the pope's apprehension towards him is not unfounded, as his actions or intentions may be causing concern within the Vatican. This mysterious figure may hold significant power or influence that is causing unease among the higher ranks of the Catholic Church," I added.
"Then, do you suppose we find out who he is?" Myla questioned.
"Of course, that's why we're headed to The Moonlit Tearoom Cafe!"
"The what cafe?" Myla exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.
To be Continued...