Somewhere in Tyrinthian Empire,
In one of its Royal Palaces, A boy suddenly woke up, soaked in sweat , a drop of sweat falling from his chin.
He blinked, disoriented. The ornate ceiling, the plush velvet curtains, the heavy mahogany furniture—all were unfamiliar to him.
A soft, embroidered quilt lay over him. He was in a bed, but not his own. A shiver ran down his spine. Where was he?
His mind raced.
The last thing he remembered was the cool breeze, the sound of exhaust of his super-bike, the water of the lake which shined like sapphire, the thrill of speed, the greenery of the trees which followed him along his path, the warm rays of sunlight falling on his helmet and his hands on which he wore sports gloves.
However, suddenly everything turned pitch black like the frightening darkness of Midnight, he was not able to feel anything, it felt like he was asleep for an eternity. It felt he drowned in his own sub-consciousness.
He was asleep for probably a minute?, an hour?, a day?, a week?, a month?, a year?, a decade? or a century?, no one knows!
Was that a dream? He sat up, his heart pounding. An Octahedral shaped marvelous huge mirror with precious jewels on each of its borders hung on the wall. He slowly moved towards it, his breath catching.
Staring back at him is a face he didn't recognize. It was his own, yet different. His hairs which turned from purple to red from the back of his head leaning towards his forehead, his eyes which were light purple , the features-all were familiar, yet somehow altered. He is now a stranger in his own body.
Panic began to set in.
Soon memories of the actual owner of the body in which he is in, begin to enter the chamber of his mind, he remembered every detail about the owner of this body even the ones which did not matter to him at all, he remembered many secret details.
"Is this for Real!?...why? no! How? so...I Actually.....
'Kairav Qushik Arion', "My Dear Prince, The Emperor and Empress have called for you, please be ready after a few hours they want to talk with you about something important regarding your... future marriage contract that they have decided, please be sure to summon in the Royal family dinner tonight"
Suddenly my ears perked up someone said my name out loud, I move behind to look at the closed door...'yes, Qushik is my name, rare right but that's not something that matters right now'...So my parents want to meet me I already knew about this a long time ago that they will go for this marriage, well not me the previous me.
huh? a contract marriage?, hmm, what are they up to? I have to check and see the details myself I can't just go for anything can I? nope!.
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Again, Somewhere in Tyrinthian Empire but this time in one of Tyrinthian Empire's owned and affiliated kingdom 'The Astra KIngdom',
The Astra kingdom was won over by Tyrinthian Empire when they declared a large scale war with the Astra kingdom somewhere about 4 to 5 decades ago, now its all history. But, Of course the impact of victory of Tyrinthian Empire is still deep and the Astra Kingdom has still not recovered from the losses and maybe it never will.
Aurelia Solaris Astra - is currently the young and one of the royal princesses of the Artra kingdom.
Currently at the Royal castle---
In the heart of her Astra Royal castle, Princess Aurelia Solaris Astra stands as a vision of grace and youthful brilliance. Her delicate features, framed by cascading waves of golden hair, glow with an ethereal radiance. Dressed in an exquisite gown of shimmering sapphire and silver, her attire sparkles with the enchantment of her royal heritage.
Aurelia Solaris Astra, though young, possesses an air of profound wisdom. Her eyes, a deep shade of emerald green, reflect both curiosity and confidence. As she stands in the grand hall, the room is illuminated by the soft, otherworldly light of her magic. Her slender fingers weave through the air with precision, tracing intricate patterns that leave trails of sparkling stardust.
With a graceful flick of her wrist, she conjures a swirling vortex of iridescent colors ( like a water bubble that reflect's multiple lights ) that dance and shimmer like the northern lights. Her movements are fluid and enchanting, each gesture a testament to her mastery of the Astra arts. As she performs, her voice, soft and melodious, hums an ancient incantation, adding a musical quality to the spectacle.
Aurelia Solaris Astra, she is a beauty both by heart and nature known for her good intelligence and understanding, shows remarkable talent in Magic and has many Unique skills of her Astra kingdom lineage.
The Astra Kingdom is a prosperous kingdom if we don't mention the downfall effect of the kingdom and the power struggle of this very land, the people life's were at peace and there is no harm at the lives of commoners until they stay low-key and don't come in the way of nobles and the riches!
Aurelia Solaris Astra is just one of the many princesses of Astra kingdom and a young one off all that, perfect fit for a political marriage for the kingdom.
Soon a voice come to Aurelia as the soft rustle of footsteps echoed through the hall, it is one of the personal maid and Caretaker since her birth, 'her name is Lila', a devoted servant with a gentle demeanor, she approaches with a respectful bow. Her simple attire contrasts with the opulence of the room, but her presence is warm and reassuring.
"Princess it's already late at Night, it will be a wise choice to go to your...Ahem 'Your Highness' the night has deepened, and it's time for you to retire to your royal chambers. The hour grows late, and your rest is important for tomorrow's duties."
She looked at her, Oh Lila!?, "Thank you, I was so engrossed in my magic arts that I lost track of time."
Lila smiled softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "It is a common fate for those who are passionate about their craft. But the kingdom will still need its princess rested and ready."
With a graceful nod, she acknowledged the wisdom in Lila's words. As she takes one last, lingering look at the hall, Her thoughts briefly wandering to the tasks that are awaiting for her tomorrow.
As they walked through the Royal castle's dimly lit corridors, Lila guides her with gentle steps. The air is filled with the faint scent of lavender from the Night breeze. Her gown swishes softly with each step, but her demeanor remains poised and serene, that's is what a princess should look like.
Upon reaching the entrance to her royal chambers, she turns to Lila, with an expression of genuine gratitude. "Thank you for reminding me, Lila. Your attention to detail is as invaluable as ever, you always know what is right for me"
Lila curtsies with a modest smile. "It is my honor, Your Highness. Rest well, and may your dreams be as magical as your talents."
As she is about to step into her royal chamber, Maid Lila hesitates for a moment, her face turning serious. The gentle hum of the castle's night-time ambiance contrasts with the gravity of her words.
"Your Highness," Lila begins, her tone carefully measured, "There is one more matter I want to discuss with you before you retire."
Aurelia paused as she turns to face her with a curious gaze. "What is it, Lila?"
Lila takes a deep breath, her demeanor reflecting both respect and concern. "The King and Queen wish to speak with you tomorrow regarding an important matter. It concerns your future... specifically, a contract marriage."
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. The concept of a contract marriage, though not uncommon in royal circles, had not been on her mind as she immersed herself in her magical studies. Her thoughts raced as she absorbed the unexpected news, that Lila had bought her.
"A contract marriage?" she repeated, Her voice tinged with a mix of intrigue and apprehension. "Why did they not mention this sooner!?", She asked Lila.
Lila offers a sympathetic smile. "The matter has been under consideration for some time, but it seems like they have now decided that the time is right to discuss it with you. I understand this may come as a shock, but the decision will be important for the future of the kingdom."
...I see..."Thank you for...i..informing me, Lila I..I...I will be prepared to speak with my parents tomorrow."
Lila bows respectfully. "Of course, Your Highness. Rest well tonight. If there is anything you need, I am here to assist."
As she closed the door behind Lila, the soft click echoes in the quiet of her Royal chamber. The room now bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight filtering through the large windows. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, the weight of the news setting on her shoulders currently.
She moved to her ornate dressing table, As her fingers lightly tracing the intricate patterns carved into the wood. The reflections of the moonlight dance across her face as she looks into the mirror, her expression is that of serious contemplation.
With a sigh, she sits down at the table, Her gaze shifting to the array of delicate magical artifacts and trinkets that adorn it. Each item represents a piece of her magical journey and the commitment to her royal duties.
She reaches for a small, silver locket lying among the trinkets. she opens it to reveal a portrait of her dear parents, the King and Queen of The Astra kingdom. As she takes a look at their smiling faces, she feels a mix of admiration and apprehension.
"A contract marriage?, though a royal tradition..., now feels like a pivotal moment in my life".
Rising from the seat, she walks over to the window, her mind swirling with thoughts about the future. As she gazes out over the kingdom, the lights of the castle reflecting in the tranquil river below. The beauty of the night contrasts with the uncertainty that she was currently feeling about the upcoming conversation.
"Well...I will see what it is then".
Determined to approach the matter with clarity and grace, Aurelia Solaris Astra decides to prepare herself mentally and emotionally. She retrieves a leather-bound journal from her desk, its pages filled with her thoughts and magical observations. She begins to write, pouring out her feelings and concerns about the marriage, using the act of writing to organize her thoughts and emotions.
As she writes, the soft rustle of the night breeze through the open window brings a sense of calm. The gentle sounds of the castle settling for the night provide a soothing backdrop. Her thoughts turned to her responsibilities as a princess and the impact that this marriage could have on her future and the future of her kingdom.
With her thoughts finally gathered, She closed her journal and placed it back on the desk. She takes a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of resolve.
Tomorrow, she will face her parents with a clear mind and an open heart, ready to discuss the future with both dignity and determination.
She walks gracefully across the room towards her royal bed, her gown flowing elegantly with each step. The bed itself is a grand piece of furniture, draped in luxurious fabrics and adorned with intricate patterns. Its headboard is carved from rich, dark wood, embellished with gold accents that catch the light.
She laid back on the bed, the silk sheets cool and soothing against her skin. As she settles into a comfortable position, she looked up at the ornate ceiling, which is decorated with a subtle, celestial motif. The gentle light from the moon casts a calming glow, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the chamber.
"I just hope he...will be good to me whoever he is, my chosen one that I am going to be...living with".
In just a few minutes she fell asleep without knowing about the disaster that was going to come soon in her life, an event of such magnitude that was going to turn her life upside down.
Although, maybe just maybe it could be so that this disaster changes her character so radically that she becomes capable of turning her risks and problems into opportunities of great importance.
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On the other side while showering Qushik thought,
'I have already showered for half an hour and now I am feeling better, I can understand what is going to happen I ponder every thought of mine to see if this is not an illusion, and guess what it's all real', I just came inside this body of a prince who looks exactly like me we just have differences in color of hairs and eyes maybe because of that bloodline hmmm and a very much difference in body too!'
I opened the door and looked at my maid who is currently standing outside the door.
I changed in the regal attire, a pair of fine breeches, a doublet embroidered with gold thread, Ready to attend the Royal dinner table.
As I look outside the door my gaze fell on this Elf maid who is taking care of me for quite a few years, well as long as I can remember maybe 10? well I don't care about that but she is a hidden gem.
Her name is Lyra Elowen, she has silver hair and green eyes, she is very good at Martial arts, that pointed ears of hers, her extensive knowledge of magic, including protective spells, elemental manipulation, and healing enchantments.
Actually she is very loyal to me...I do admit that she provides both practical and emotional support when needed despite her extraordinary abilities, Lyra has always maintained a low profile, operating behind the scenes with subtlety and efficiency. Her true talents and the depth of her knowledge are often hidden from those outside the royal circle, making her a valuable secret asset. Her humility and dedication only enhance her mystique, revealing her to be a hidden gem, I like people like her.
As soon as she noticed my Gaze..
"Your Highness," Lyra begins, her voice soft yet authoritative, "the Royal Dinner Table is ready, and the family members have already assembled. Please allow me to escort you"
I smirked, "Lyra please lead the way"
...'let's see what's goes on then'.