In the depths of her despair, a hand suddenly clasped hers in her dream. Her body tensed, and her heart raced as she opened her ocean-blue eyes to find a boy with horns staring back at her. His sapphire eyes seemed to penetrate her very soul, radiating an unsettling and icy presence. Yet, in that fleeting moment, she breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the unexpected salvation. However, upon waking, she was reminded that none of it was real—or so she believed..
In the darkness, where she found herself alone, his voice was the only sound that echoed in her mind. The icy floor sent chills through her skin, causing the cream the prince had assisted her in applying earlier to vanish from her delicate wings, leaving a lingering ache in her back. She often dreamed of escaping the relentless gaze of the demonic eyes that pursued her. Just as she locked eyes with them after tumbling backward, a chain shattered in the distance.
I hear footsteps. Is someone coming?
The heavy wooden door creaked open, and a sliver of light pierced the darkness of the room. Her Majesty, Queen Isabella, stood in the doorway, her regal figure silhouetted against the brightness. As she peered into the dimly lit chamber, her gaze fell upon the illegetimate child, Tuille who sat huddled in a corner, the faint light illuminating their tired and frightened expression. She had been confined within the depths of the queen's grand castle, a place that was meant to be a sanctuary but had become their prison.
'Why is her majesty here? Did she find out that I snuck out with Big brother Noel to see my mama. Is she here to punish me, too?' Tuille felt a surge of fear wash over her, and she quickly shut her eyes tight.
"Come along, my child," Her Majesty ordered.
Tuille quivered at the thought of speaking in the presence of the Queen, yet she somehow found the strength to voice her thoughts, her heart racing wildly as she stumbled over her words." Why do you want me to follow you? What are you going to do to me?" She questioned.
Will I be executed like my mother?The servants said it was painful or whatever that meant. I am not sure if I know what it means to be executed....
As the queen turned her back and began walking away, Tuille's eyes briefly met with her majesty's. In that fleeting moment, Tuille felt a surge of conflicting emotions – a mix of reverence, fear, and resentment. Her gaze lingered on the opulent room, the very space that had been the setting for her years of trauma. The ornate decor and grandeur that once mesmerized her now served as a constant reminder of her painful past, evoking a sense of unease and discomfort. She chose to trail behind her majesty.
As Her Majesty and her illegitimate daughter make their way down the grand hall, the servants and guards bow their heads in a display of deference and respect. The opulent surroundings and the hushed whispers of the attendants create an aura of regal power and intrigue.
What's going on?
As Tuille walked alongside her majesty, they arrived at a grand door, and her heart began to race as it swung open. In the hushed tones of the regal chambers, her majesty spoke, "This is now your room. Despite being the king's illegitimate daughter, you are also my child. As the heiress, I will impart to you the knowledge and skills required to rule the kingdom."The room was grand, far more opulent than anything she had ever imagined. Ornate tapestries lined the walls, depicting battles won and alliances forged. A large window overlooked the sprawling kingdom, its villages and fields stretching as far as the eye could see. She felt a mix of awe and apprehension, aware of the weight of the responsibility that had just been placed upon her shoulders.
Her Majesty, the Queen stood composed, stood beside her, a comforting presence amidst the grandeur. "You must understand," she continued, "that being the heir is both a privilege and a burden. You will learn diplomacy, leadership, and the art of statecraft. But most importantly, you must earn the trust and respect of those you will one day lead."
Tuille was completely confounded by the queen's unexpected show of affection. Previously, the queen had consistently overlooked Tuille, even going so far as to reject her, treating her with contempt while the other servants reprimanded her. This sudden shift in demeanor left Tuille feeling disoriented and unsure about how to understand the queen's newfound warmth.
" Um, why are you doing this you majesty? I do not know why you are being kind to me?" Tuille inquired politely, making a sincere effort to avoid sounding rude or ungrateful.
A few months back, a servant approached her with a fabric that was more exquisite than silk. Upon discovering that it was made from the wings of a child fairy, a being that is also part human, she felt a pang of guilt. She realized that the servants were not only disciplining the future heir to the throne, but harsher penalties were also being considered. Her majesty was troubled to learn that her husband had fathered another child, and she simply wished to have the reminder removed from her sight. Little did she know that her devoted subjects would go to great lengths for her sake.
" You will no longer endure suffering at the hands of others."Her Majesty declared, taken aback when the child wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace".I assure you that, in the near future, I will facilitate an opportunity for you to see your mother.
Tuille couldn't hold back the tears that flowed down her cheeks, glimmering like crystals. A gentle sob echoed through all realms, as the Queen offered her comfort.
A trail of enchanting fairy dust, represented by a flower, flowed through the depths of a shadowy realm. With a light touch, the chains fell apart, and the gate slowly creaked open.