Long ago, the Four Great Empires of Artria were embroiled in an endless and savage war. The skies, once peaceful, had been torn asunder by the arrival of strange, unknown beings who descended from the heavens. These foreign creatures, monstrous and malevolent, brought with them chaos and misfortune that darkened the world. The very foundations of Artria trembled under the weight of their destruction, and the empires seemed powerless against them.
For many years, the world of Artria knew nothing but cruelty, despair, and the crushing weight of an unwinnable war. It was during this darkest of times that the people began to pray to the God Altrie, pleading for salvation, for a light that would free them from the oppressive storm. Moved by their cries, Altrie bestowed blessings upon nine extraordinary warriors, granting them unimaginable power and abilities to fight back against the invaders. These warriors rose from the ashes of the war, their might far surpassing that of any mortal man. They led the charge, rallying the people and driving the foreign beings back, striking down the foes that had once seemed invincible. Their heroism and sacrifices turned the tide of battle, bringing peace to a world that had long forgotten what peace felt like.
When the war was finally won, these nine warriors were heralded as the Nine Great Dukes of Artria. They were celebrated across the lands as saviors, and their names became legends passed down through generations. As a reward for their bravery and to cement their place in history, each of the Nine Dukes was granted dominion over vast territories. They formed their own empires, each greater than the ones before, and in time, they claimed the title of Emperor for themselves.
This act, however, did not sit well with the older, established rulers. The original Emperors, once masters of Artria, watched as their power waned, eclipsed by the might and blessings of the Nine Dukes. Yet, bound by Altrie's will and unable to challenge the divine favor bestowed upon these new Emperors, they could do nothing but seethe in silence. They knew that any resistance would be futile, and so, Nine new Empires were born.
Four hundred years passed, and the largest of these Empires, the Frost Empire, was plunged into chaos. Under the rule of a foolish and tyrannical Emperor, the once-great nation began to crumble. The Emperor, driven by greed and selfish desire, squandered the empire's vast resources, using the nation's wealth to satisfy his endless hunger for luxury and pleasure. He took many wives and sired numerous children, each one treated as a pawn in his games of power.
His reign became synonymous with corruption, and the people suffered greatly under his rule. Discontent simmered in the streets, and in time, the people of Frost, tired of their suffering, rose in rebellion. But their revolt was short-lived. It was brutally crushed by none other than the Crown Prince, Claudius Frost, a warrior of terrifying reputation. Known as the Bloodlusted Warrior, Claudius was feared throughout the empire, not only for his unmatched skill in battle but for his ruthless and unrelenting nature.
The failed revolt left the people disheartened and broken, forced to retreat into their suffering, living in fear of both their Emperor and his monstrous son. And yet, hope was not entirely lost. That day came during Claudius's coming-of-age ceremony, but no one could have predicted what would happen next. In a moment of unprecedented horror, Claudius turned against his own blood. He massacred his entire family, slaughtering his father, his siblings, and every member of the Emperor's faction. The massacre unfolded before the eyes of the empire's most powerful nobles, each one paralyzed by fear as they watched Claudius lift the crown from his father's head. Without hesitation, he placed it upon his own, sitting upon the blood-soaked throne.
With a single word, he cemented his rule. "Kneel."
The people, still trembling in shock, obeyed. They knelt before their new Emperor, unsure whether their future held salvation or further torment.
However, Claudius, contrary to all expectations, proved to be a ruler unlike his father. He quickly set about improving the lives of his subjects, restoring old trade routes, reestablishing forgotten traditions, and opening the gates of the castle to those in need. He became a paradox—a ruler both feared for his ruthless ascent to power and revered for his dedication to his people's welfare.
Despite their initial suspicions, the people of Frost grew to respect their new Emperor, recognizing in him the strength and wisdom that his father had lacked.
In time, Emperor Claudius married a woman of unmatched beauty and wits, Amarithiya D. Vanhadelia, who became his Empress. Together, they had a son, Elliot. Though Elliot did not inherit the symbolic white hair and golden eyes that marked the Frost bloodline, he was still recognized as the Crown Prince. Under pressure from the empire's powerful noble families, Claudius reluctantly took a concubine, Zefania Von Shuat, who bore him three more children: Clinton, Annette, and Syria.
But it was Amarithiya's second child, a daughter, who truly captured the empire's heart. Born with the unmistakable features of the Frost lineage—snowy white hair and eyes that gleamed like molten gold—she was named Lianne, meaning "The Future."
Lianne was more than just the empire's beloved princess. She was its hope, a symbol of renewal and strength, destined to one day ascend the throne and lead the Frost Empire into a new era. Her pale, porcelain skin and delicate appearance earned her the reputation of being a fragile doll, but beneath that exterior, it was whispered that she held the same indomitable spirit as her father.
---
As the maid finished reading from the thick, leather-bound book, she gently closed its pages and looked down at the small child nestled in a bed of silk and fur.
The little girl, Princess Lianne herself, gazed up at her with wide, curious eyes. "Miya! Is Everything truly recorded by the scholars? Everything?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike wonder.
The maid, a woman named Miyan, smiled softly as she brushed a strand of the princess's silky white hair behind her ear. "Yes, your highness. Every moment of history, every great deed—it is all recorded by the scholars."
Lianne's eyes lit up with excitement. "Then, what about me? Is there anything about me?" she asked, nibbling on a cupcake as her curiosity bubbled over.
Miyan chuckled gently, keeping her composure. "Your story will be written when your debut arrives, your highness. Until then, the scholars are waiting, just as the world waits for your future."
The little princess pouted playfully but then smiled, satisfied with the answer. "The future... that's me, isn't it?" she whispered.
Miyan nodded, her heart warmed by the princess's innocence. "Indeed, your highness. You are the future."
And with that, the room fell into a peaceful silence as the princess drifted off to sleep, her destiny yet unwritten, but filled with promise.
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Loved, cared for, and adored by everyone, Princess Lianne grew up surrounded by the warmth of those who cherished her deeply. Servants doted on her every whim, the people of the Frost Empire admired her, and even the Emperor himself, cold and distant to most, melted in her presence. But amidst this affection, there remained a shadow that lingered within the walls of the royal palace—a coldness that could not be melted.
the Frost Empire thrived under Emperor Claudius's reign, and the royal family seemed blessed. However, the happiness that surrounded young Lianne was fragile. When she was just five years old, tragedy struck. On a bitter winter day, the beloved Empress Amarithiya, returning from a charitable journey, was involved in a fatal carriage accident. The empire mourned her loss deeply, but none more so than Lianne, who was devastated by the sudden death of her mother. The once joyful and carefree child became quiet and reserved, finding solace only in the memory of her mother's gentle presence.
---
As Lianne grew older, however, she blossomed into a figure of grace and kindness, admired not only for her beauty but for her wisdom and compassion. The people adored her in the same way they had once loved her mother. Lianne, taking after Amarithiya, dedicated herself to the wellbeing of the empire. She became known for her charitable deeds—donating generously to orphanages, providing food during seasons of hardship, and personally overseeing the distribution of warm blankets and supplies during the harsh winters that plagued the empire. She was no longer just the Emperor's precious daughter; she had become the people's beloved "angel."
Her kindness was matched only by her wisdom. By the time she reached her teenage years, Lianne had earned a reputation for her keen intellect and involvement in matters of state. Though still young, she often attended parliamentary debates and discussions, offering her insight on important policies. It was she who championed the removal of the unjust Noble Tax, which had long burdened the lower classes. Her advocacy for the common folk didn't end there; she spearheaded the creation of affordable schools, ensuring that even the poorest families had access to education.
The people marveled at how such a young princess could be both so kind and so shrewd in matters of governance. "She has the heart of her mother and the mind of her father," they whispered in the streets, grateful for the positive changes her influence brought to their lives.
The recent book by the scholars was being read by Miya to the angelic Princess who combed her luscious white hair.
"Miya.. Why do people think badly about Lady Zefania ? " She asks in her usual childish wonder.
Because she tried to hurt you on many occasions! Miya wanted to say, however she held her tongue as she remembered that Liane didn't know any of that. The crown prince had maneuvered all possible dangers away from her and made sure she never knew about her cruel step mothers behaviour.
"I'm not sure, you highness" Was all Miyan could reply, before walking up to the princess to do her hair.
She made a simple braid before putting some light blue pearls to decorate it along with a long blue ribbon to tie them together.
Liane smiles and gets up.
"Miyan, let's go meet Lady Zefania. It's been so long" She says as she walks out causing her maid to panic.
"Your highness. Why so sudden?"
She asks hurridly following the princess.
"Can I not? " Liane asks curiously making Miyan feel guilty.
"That's not it, your highness. Just... An unexpected visit may be improper. You could inform them beforehand so they can welcome you well" Miyan made up the excuse.
"Okay... " Lian replies, a little saddened but still smiling.
Miayn couldn't help but admire the princess, who was both beautiful outwardly and inwardly.
However, the thoughts on Lianes head was far from innocent.
'It seems big brother handled the situations well. Step mother Zefania, I'll be the fallen angel you so wished~'
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶.・゜゜・༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
"Newspaper! Newspaper! Get your Newspaper! " A young boy said as he gave papers to the people walking in the streets. The commoners as well as Aristocrats who loved gossips would buy them for their entertainment.
That day had a rather interesting frontpage.
"[Beloved Princess' butler missing: Was it the Cruel Sisters? ]" The particular line was in the front page in bold and large fonts.
The people who read it sighed in annoyance.
"Again? Can't those ugly princesses leave Princess Liane? " A passerby said as he reads the contents.
"They should just send those half bloods off to some neighboring kingdom" The commoners scoffs.
"Well, I heard their mother was caught doing the deed with a commoner. Like mother, like daughter I guess" A noble muses to her friends as she sips her tea. Her fancy hat covering half her face. The people at the table nods in agreement.
"Poor Liane" A young girl with pink hair says as she holds her doll whose head had been decapitated. Her lovely red eyes glowed in excitement and worry at the same time. As she comforted her decapitated doll head, she laughs at the chaos of the room. Her beautiful pink room which was once decorated in dolls and flowers, now in tatters due to her tantrum.
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶.・゜゜・༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
Inside Zefania's Chambers
The atmosphere in Zefania's private chambers was thick with tension. The luxurious room, adorned with velvet drapes and golden trimmings, seemed colder than usual, as if the warmth had been sapped away by the turmoil brewing within. A large mirror hung on the wall, reflecting the pale faces of both mother and daughter. Annette, with her violet hair cascading over her tear-streaked face, stood rigid before her mother, her trembling hands clenched into fists.
Zefania, the infamous concubine of Emperor Claudius, sat in a grand armchair, her presence as sharp and intimidating as the chill outside the palace walls. Her pale face, framed by raven-black hair, was set in a mask of cold fury. Her emerald green eyes—normally sharp with calculation—were now smoldering with an icy rage that sent a shiver down her daughter's spine. The sound of breaking glass had only just stopped, as Annette, unable to contain her frustration, had shattered yet another vase.
Annette stood frozen, trying to hold back her sobs, but the weight of her mother's silence was suffocating.
"I've had enough of your tantrums," Zefania spoke at last, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. It was low and dangerous, filled with an anger that simmered just beneath the surface. "Do you not understand the position you've put us in?"
Annette, her vibrant green eyes burning with tears, bit her lip, trying to find the words to defend herself. "But, Mother—"
"Enough!" Zefania rose from her seat, the silk of her gown swishing ominously as she stood. Her imposing figure towered over Annette, making the younger girl feel even smaller and more helpless than she already did. Zefania's face twisted in disgust as she looked down at her daughter, shaking her head slowly. "You've disgraced us. You've allowed that little witch to humiliate you."
Annette's lip quivered, her fury boiling over. "It wasn't my fault!" she cried out, her voice cracking with frustration. "I never intended for any of this to happen! That butler—he... he was supposed to be loyal, but instead—"
"He was loyal to her," Zefania spat, her lips curling into a sneer. "And you, you were foolish enough to think you could sway him. You fell right into her trap, Annette. That girl—Lianne—plays the court like a finely tuned instrument, and you've given her exactly what she needed to destroy you."
Annette's fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms. Her violet hair, once perfectly styled, was now disheveled from her earlier outburst. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks, but this time, they were not born of sadness—they were born of rage. "It's not fair!" she screamed. "She has everything! The people love her, Father loves her, and now she's turned everyone against us! Even you—you love her more than me!"
A sharp crack filled the room as Zefania's hand flew across Annette's cheek, the slap echoing in the heavy silence. Annette gasped, stumbling back, her cheek burning from the blow.
Zefania's voice trembled with barely-contained fury. "How dare you speak to me that way, you ungrateful child! I have fought tooth and nail to ensure our place in this empire, to protect you from the wolves that circle us. Everything I've done, I've done for you!"
Annette clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. She had never seen her mother like this, never felt the full force of Zefania's wrath directed at her before. Her mother had always been distant, cold, but this... this was something else entirely.
"You think this is about love?" Zefania continued, her voice seething with venom. "You think I care for that spoiled little brat? That angel everyone worships? She's nothing to me. But you—you were supposed to be the one to rise above her. You were supposed to be smarter, stronger, better. Instead, you've allowed yourself to be outwitted by a child."
"But, Mother," Annette whimpered, her tears falling faster now. "I didn't—"
"You didn't think," Zefania cut her off sharply, her eyes narrowing. "That's the problem. You let your emotions guide you, and now we're both paying the price for your carelessness. Lianne has been pulling the strings all along, and you've given her the perfect opportunity to ruin us."
Zefania turned away from her daughter, pacing the length of the room as if trying to rein in her anger. Annette stood there, shaking, unsure of what to do or say. She had always sought her mother's approval, always tried to be the perfect daughter, but nothing she did ever seemed to be enough.
After a long moment of silence, Zefania finally spoke again, her voice cold and calculating. "Do you know what they're saying about you in the courts? About me? The rumors are spreading like wildfire. They're calling you 'the cruel sister,' accusing you of things far worse than you've ever done. And who do you think is behind it all? Her. Lianne has made you the villain of this story, and now, every noble in the empire is looking at us like we're the enemy."
Annette's heart sank at her mother's words. She had always known that Lianne was favored by the people, but she had never realized just how deeply the princess's influence ran. And now, because of one mistake, it felt as if the whole world had turned against her.
"I'll fix it," Annette whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll make it right, Mother, I swear."
Zefania stopped in her tracks, turning to face her daughter with an unreadable expression. For a long moment, she simply stared at Annette, as if weighing her words, her eyes cold and calculating.
"You'd better," Zefania said finally, her voice as sharp as a blade. "Because if you don't, we won't survive this. And neither will you."
Annette shuddered at the ominous threat in her mother's tone. She nodded quickly, wiping her tears and standing straighter, though her heart was still pounding in her chest.
"I will," Annette promised, her voice shaking but determined. "I'll make sure Lianne doesn't win."
Zefania's gaze lingered on her daughter for a moment longer, then she nodded once, curtly. "Good. Because in this game, there are no second chances. Either we rise, or we fall. And I won't let that angel drag us into the dirt."
With that, Zefania turned her back on Annette once more, her posture rigid and commanding as she walked toward the window, staring out over the palace gardens. Annette stood frozen in place, her heart still racing, but her mind now set on a single goal: to reclaim her place and destroy the girl who had taken everything from her.
As Annette left her mother's chambers, her resolve hardened. She would do whatever it took to bring down Lianne, no matter the cost.
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶.・゜゜・༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
Inside a hidden cell in the Royal garden, two cloaked figures stared at the beaten and bounded body of the butler who was missing. His breath was uneven and his body was convulsing and shivering at every touch.
"Little rose, should I kill him? " Asked the taller cloaked figure causing the butler to widen his eyes and tried to speak and beg for mercy, but to no avail.
The shorter of the three turned around and walked to the exit, stopping in front of the door.
"Sure" The angelic voice said as she walked out of the prison cell, while removing the cloak off her head revealing her white hair and golden yellow eyes. She takes one of the lamp while walking out with not much care about the death of her butler.
The prison cell is filled with groans and screams of pain and agony before there's complete silence. Walking out of the prison cell the man removed the hood of his cloak revealing his bluish white hair and deep blue eyes, his cloak stained with blood and his dagger dripping red.
"This is the third time, little rose" Elliot says as he wipes the blood off of the dagger with his white handkerchief, and catching upto her.
Eliane stares at her biological brother in confusion. "And? " She asks absentmindedly as she continues her pace. "Is it my fault all my butlers are incompetent? "
Throwing the bloody handkerchief to the side, Elliot pats his lovely sisters head.
"I'm not blaming you for anything dear. Just.. People might get suspicious" He warns. Contrary to his warnings, Eliane gives out a warm smile.
"My lovely older sisters will take the blame anyways~" She says, her eyes glowing in mischief as they reach the end of the long tunnel back to the garden.
After removing his cloak and helping his sister with hers, Elliot stares at the most important person in the Empire with a calculative gaze making Eliane pout.
"Don't look at me like that, I don't like being judged for my worth" She says causing Elliot to backtrack.
"Sorry" He muttered out as he patted her head and smile..
Eliane returns the smile and says "don't worry brother! I'm on your side"
Their sibling moment was cut short when a servant came to inform Elliot of his factions appearance causing Elliot to begrudgingly leave his sister.
The princess walks back to her castle where a dozen maids awaited her return, unaware of her selfish and evil thoughts lingering.
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶.・゜゜・༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
The next few days was a chaotic mess.
[Beloved Princess' butler found Dead in Emerald palace]
[Cruel Princess Annette held responsible]
[Butler position in Angel's palace vacant. Anyone may apply]