Stella woke up from her exhaustion, her eyes fluttering open to find her father sitting beside her. As she sat up, her father stood up too, a warm smile on his face. He handed her a steaming cup of tea, his eyes shining with pride and love.
"Ever since I took you home, I've always watched you sleep," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I've always sworn to protect you, no matter the cost. And now, look at my daughter... you're the one protecting me."
Stella's eyes welled up with tears as she took the cup from her father. She felt a deep sense of connection and gratitude towards him. She knew that he had always been her rock, her safe haven.
"Father..." she began, her voice choked with emotion.
But her father just smiled and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're grown now, Stella. You're strong and brave. I couldn't be prouder of you."
As they sat there in comfortable silence, sipping their tea together, Stella felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she would always have her father's love and support,
Father, where's Smith?" Stella asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "I haven't seen him in a long time. What has he been up to?"
Her father smiled and nodded towards the door. "He's outside, dear. Come, let's take a walk."
Stella set her cup down and followed her father out into the bright sunlight. They strolled through the gardens, the fresh air filling their lungs, and Stella couldn't help but feel a sense of peace.
As they walked, her father began to tell her about Smith's latest endeavors. "He's been busy, Stella. He's been working on a new project, something to help protect our people. He's been spending long hours in the forge, perfecting his craft."
Stella's eyes lit up with interest. "What is it, Father? Can I see it?"
Her father chuckled. "Ah, Smith would want to show it to you himself. Let's go find him."
Together, they made their way to the forge, the sound of hammering and laughter growing louder with each step. Stella's heart swelled with excitement, eager to see what Smith had been working on, As they arrived at the forge, Smith welcomed Stella with a warm smile and open arms. "Ah, Stella! It's so great to see you! I've missed you."
Stella laughed and hugged him back. "I've missed you too, Smith. What's this invention of yours? I can't wait to hear about it."
Smith's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ah, yes! Come see for yourself." He led her to a workbench, where a strange contraption was taking shape.
"It's a device that can detect and deflect magical attacks," Smith explained, his hands moving animatedly as he spoke. "I've been working on it for months, and I think I've finally got it right."
Stella's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible, Smith! How does it work?"
Smith launched into a detailed explanation, his passion and enthusiasm infectious. Stella listened intently, her mind racing with the possibilities. This invention could change everything.
This invention is truly remarkable, Smith," Stella said, her eyes shining with excitement. "But, between you and me, I'd like you to keep this private for now. Just between us, okay?"
Smith nodded understandingly, his expression serious. "Of course, Stella. I understand."
Stella's father, the chief, added his agreement. "Yes, that's why we've been waiting for you before showing you this. Now, my daughter, sit down."
Stella sat down, her heart racing with anticipation. Her father's expression turned solemn, his eyes filled with concern.
"I know all that you're going through now, Stella. You don't deserve it. You've always been a shining light, a beacon of hope for our people. And yet, you're the one who's been hurt the most."
Stella looked down, her emotions swirling. She knew what her father was referring to - the struggles she'd faced, the dangers she'd overcome.
"But I'm proud of you, Stella," her father continued. "You're strong, brave, and resilient. And with Smith's invention, I know we can make a difference.
Stella, I know I'm not your biological father," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "Years ago, when I found you in this forest, I took you home without hesitation. My love and bond for you were instantaneous and immeasurable. We've always been close, and I've cherished every moment we've shared."
He paused, his eyes misting over as he looked at her. The sunlight filtering through the dense canopy cast a warm glow on his weathered face, highlighting the depth of his sincerity.
You had no idea about your true heritage, and I must admit, I liked it that way. But the forest calls to you, Stella. You belong to it, and it to you. Your destiny is tied to this land, and I've known it since the day I found you."
He took a deep breath, his voice cracking with emotion. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, a tiny, fragile being nestled among the roots of the ancient oak, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect you. You were so small, so vulnerable, and yet there was something undeniably powerful about you. I couldn't leave you there, alone and exposed to the elements. Bringing you home was the most natural decision I've ever made."
Stella listened, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always felt a unique connection to the forest, a sense of belonging that went beyond her father's cabin. The rustling leaves and the whispering wind seemed to speak to her, filling her with a profound sense of peace and understanding. Now, as she looked into her father's tear-filled eyes, she realized that her bond with the forest was more than just a feeling – it was a part of her very being.
Every member of the royal family, every heir to the throne of Reichtum, has been connected to the forest. It's a sacred bond, one that cannot be broken."
"I watched you grow," he continued, his voice steadying. "You thrived in the forest, just as much as you did in our home. The trees seemed to bend towards you, the animals regarded you with a familiarity they usually reserved for their own kind. I saw it all, Stella, and I knew that one day, I would have to tell you the truth. But I also knew that you needed to find your own way, to understand your connection to this place on your own terms."
"Now you've figured it out on your own, Stella," he continued, his voice filled with pride. "You are strong, brave, and soon to be queen of the lost city.
And with patience and the right strategies, you can achieve this," her father said, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm not saying it will be easy, but you are strong, Stella. You can do this."
He paused, his expression turning serious.
"That's why I called you here today. There's something odd going on, something that requires your caution. You need to be careful, Stella. Don't inform others about your plans, not yet. Trust no one until you're sure you can."
Stella's heart skipped a beat as she sensed the gravity of her father's words. What secrets was he keeping? What dangers lay ahead? She nodded, determination coursing through her veins.
"I understand, Father. I'll be careful. I'll trust no one until I'm sure."
Her father's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for any hint of doubt. Then, he nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I need to go find Clever's father before I leave," Stella said, standing up. "Smith, I'll be back, okay? I need to talk to you about something later."
Smith nodded, his eyes curious. "Alright, Stella. Be careful. We'll be here when you get back."
Stella smiled and nodded, then turned to her father. "I'll be back soon, Father. I promise."
Her father nodded, his expression serious. "Be careful, Stella. Remember what I told you. Trust no one until you're sure."
Stella nodded, then turned and left the forge, her heart racing with anticipation.