The door swung open abruptly, the hinges creaking in protest, and revealed a young child in its threshold. Tears streamed down her cheeks, glistening in the dim light of the room. A sense of fear and uncertainty gripped her as she wondered how long she would remain confined in the dark, musty closet. As she mustered the courage to look up, her eyes met the gaze of a woman clad in regal attire. The child felt a wave of helplessness and fear, especially since it was this very woman who had locked her away. Recalling her mother's advice to remain composed, she gazed at Her Majesty with a deeply worried expression, hesitant to speak.
" If you wish to meet that wenched then you will certainly behave yourself."
The young one bore the weight of those words with a soul as deep as the ocean, her azure eyes mirroring a tumult of emotions. Her Royal Highness, peering into the depths of the child's gaze, found echoes of Julian's treachery haunting her thoughts. She fixed a stern gaze upon the innocent one, her own anguish mirrored in the young eyes she beheld.
The servant, noticing the displeased expression, promptly intervened. She knelt down, bowing her head, and addressed,"O Majesty, the young one harbors no ill intentions. Might I be granted the chance to impart wisdom upon her in the right manner?"
"As thy heart desires!"
How could you do this to me Julian! Behind my back, you went to the council and deceived them about the child you had with the servant, claiming it as ours. Now, I am compelled to accept her as my own to avoid tarnishing our family's reputation that has taken centuries to build.
The letter bore tidings of celebration for the ascension of the royal successor, prompting queries from the council regarding the clandestine nature of the affair. The forthcoming arrival of the daughter was to be unveiled in half a cycle, bestowing upon her a title without delay.
The servant carefully arranged a stack of colorful storybooks on the table before the child. As the young girl looked at the books, she recalled how her mother had once stumbled upon similar books but had always stressed that they were off-limits. Despite this memory, the girl decided to pay no heed to it and carried on with her joyous play among the fluttering butterflies in the sunlit field.
" You can't read or write; no wonder!"
The servant, feeling overwhelmed with frustration and exhaustion, couldn't contain the welling up of anger as it poured out toward the innocent little girl. An idea came to her when the poker disappeared from the fireplace in the study.
She struck the young child with each strike harder than the next.
It will be over soon and I will be able to see Mama
The little girl clenched her fist and endured the hit the best she could with tears brimming from her eyes following the endless echoes of her screams. She tried to forget all about the pain as she pictured herself running into her mother's warm embrace.
It endured through half a year's embrace.
A young girl made a grand entrance into the ballroom in a stunning dress, radiating natural beauty, with her heels glistening brightly. Despite her hidden elf ears causing discomfort, skillful makeup enhanced their charm. Her captivating presence drew all eyes towards her, accentuated by her long flowing hair dyed blonde and her blue eyes, reflecting a hint of sorrow. The guests were mesmerized.
"Such grace and purity."
Tuille maintained her composure, elegantly bending her knees and offering a respectful bow to both her majesty and his majesty as they bestowed upon her the title of princess of Senerele. Even amidst the alluring scent of confections that almost led her astray, she retained her dignified demeanor.
As soon as the young boy laid eyes on her, he instantly recognized her as the figure he had glimpsed in the closet. His heart swelled with excitement, filled with the hope and anticipation that she would soon become his cherished little sister.
Her Majesty has gleefully welcomed the advent of two princes. The elder, Isaac, aged 11, is adorned with locks of golden hair and sapphire eyes, while Noel, five winters younger, dons tresses of deep amethyst hue and bewitching eyes of emerald green.
Countless individuals embarked on long and arduous journeys across expansive stretches of land to witness the historic revelation of the heir to the throne. Amidst this momentous assembly, a multitude of kinfolk extended matrimonial offers, marking the occasion with a display of familial commitment and allegiance.
The effects of the medicine administered by the royal physician began to diminish. The young child observed a rapid alteration in her hair color, with the blonde shade being gradually replaced by white.
Struggling to remain stationary, her yearning for repose grew strong, seeking solace in a nearby garden where vibrant blooms danced in the gentle breeze. Amidst this floral symphony, a boy with eyes like emeralds, reminiscent of a precious gem she had once glimpsed in the forest, sat serenely on a bench engrossed in a tome.
He was snapped out of his daydreams by the approaching footsteps. Ready to scold her, he then noticed the hidden bruises beneath her makeup. "Hey, are you alright?"
She took a step back, stumbled, and landed against a bush of roses, where a pesky thorn decided to give her a little prick on the finger.
He recalled that the servant used to speak negatively about a five-year-old child. When he tried to reach out to her, she flinched.
"I have been searching everywhere for you. What brings you here? This is not where you should be!"
The servant grabbed the young child's elbow with a strong and forceful grip, causing the child to wince in pain.
The young boy raised his voice, expressing his disapproval, "A servant is not supposed to treat a member of the royal family in such a disrespectful manner."
"Prince Noel, may I inquire as to the purpose of your presence here? Her Majesty has summoned you, and as the garden is presently restricted, defying a royal decree may result in grave repercussions. It might be prudent for you to join your brother instead."
" You didn't answer the question! I will have you executed" The young boy, with a hesitant and stuttering voice, mustered up the courage to step forward. His words were filled with both bravery and foolishness as he expressed his desire to stop the harsh treatment of his new little sister by any means necessary. Despite his lack of understanding of concepts like execution, toughness, or defending others, he spoke on impulse, driven by a strong desire to protect his sister.