Ambrose Dukedom, the beautiful white flower of the Vechnost Empire. It is located on the north side of the Country, across from the Imperial City. Even though the carriage that Princess Solliana travelled is far enough from the Imperial Palace, she was able to see the glimmering crimson red light that came from the dark cursed mountain residing near the Palace.
“I-Is that … Is that a panther!?” Princess Solliana screamed in her mind after seeing the glimmering red eyes in the dark mountain, excitedly thinking that it could be a Panther.
“Seriously, Princess? A panther?” The mysterious voice was dumbfounded by the conclusion that the Princess made after locking eyes with each other’s eyes. How can she not be scared after seeing these cursed eyes? The voice thought in amazement.
I can’t believe this! How can a mere Panther speak to me? Are you a magical being? Instead of fear, excitement was evident in the voice of Princess Solliana, raining the mysterious voice a lot of questions.
“Princess, please do calm yourself. I am not the magical being that you thought” The voice said, amused by the interesting reactions and questions of the Princess, making him conceal his laugh.
Then do I develop some kind of powers? How can I hear you? Princess Solliana asked, full of curiosity. Encountering this kind of situation was making her wonder if she had hidden magical abilities.
“I too, didn’t think that you’d heard me, Princess. You see, this is the first time someone has heard me on this dark mountain.” Loneliness is evident in his voice. The carriage was travelling way too far from the Imperial City that made Princess Solliana only hear his voice slowly fading.
I’m sorry, Mr. Panther, but I don’t think we can continue our conversation any more than this. You’re way too far, and I couldn’t get a chance to hear the last thing you said.” Princess Solliana said, but the mysterious voice did not reply anymore.
Maybe I can only hear him if the mountain is still visible. Princess Solliana thought when the voice didn’t reply and even the mountain couldn’t be seen at all because some trees and houses across the Imperial City were big enough to cover the cursed mountain in the Palace.
Is that mountain really dangerous? But why did that Panther’s voice sound so warm and nice? The Princess was bewildered by the sudden happenings in her surroundings; it was her first time seeing a mysterious being all her life. Making her more curious on what’s inside that mountain that the Imperial Palace kept prohibited.
After their long journey from the Palace, they finally arrived in the Ambrose Duchy. The head butler and Lucille proceeded to get down from the carriage first to help the Princess from going down since the carriage has a steep step that may harm the Princess.
Stepping outside the carriage, Princess Solliana can feel a forbidding energy coming from the Ambrose Palace. I can already feel that Father will scold me right after he sees me later. Solliana thought while looking down to her feet.
“Princess Solliana!” A man who was running from the Palace suddenly called the Princess while trying to catch his breath. It’s Father’s loyal Attendant, Mr. Walter. Seeing that her Father’s attendant personally greeted them, it means that she is required to go straight to her Father’s office.
“Welcome back, our dearest Princess, I am grateful that you arrived with no harm. Duke Ambrose asked me to inform you that he wants you to go straight to his office right now.” Mr. Walter said while bowing in front of the Princess. Hearing what the attendant said, Princess Solliana quivered in fear. Father wanted me to see him without wasting any more minutes because of what I did in the Palace. It's okay if he scolds me or gives me probation, I would even love that, but I am scared of what he will do to my lovely Lucille. The Princess thought while staring quietly at her Father’s attendant.
“I understand, Mr. Walter. I will go to Father’s study right away.” Princess Solliana said, striding past them.
“Young Miss, please walk with grace, don’t run!” Lucille shouted from afar but Princess Solliana couldn’t hear any more so she proceeded to run to the Castle, straight to her Father’s office.
All the employees inside the Ambrose Palace know that their beloved Princess doesn’t act like an ordinary lady, that’s why they’re used to seeing her wildly running towards the hall.
Ahh, must’ve been nice to be young~ Some maids said when they saw Princess Solliana running lively in the halls of the Palace. But, Princess Solliana just wanted to finish what her Father wished to discuss with her urgently, that’s why she’s making haste in order to not make her Father more furious wasting his time waiting for her.
*knock*knock*
Princess Solliana finally arrived outside her Father’s office. Trying to catch her breath and fixing herself, not wanting her Father to see her disheveled hair and dress.
“You may enter,” A deep husky voice said from inside the room. Princess Solliana opened the huge door, and there, she saw her Father who was currently facing the window.
“I have arrived, Father. Mr. Walter told me that you wanted to see me?” Princess Solliana immediately greeted her Father with courtesy, making Grand Duke Alexei turn around and look at his daughter.
“You’re not being rude today, Solliana. Is this because you know what you did wrong?” Grand Duke Alexei said, distress is evident in his voice. He’s glaring his sharp eyes intently at Princess Solliana, making the Princess quiver in fear and stare down on her feet.
“I-I know what I did earlier was wrong, Father. I will make no excuses, I will accept whatever punishment you will bestow to me! But please, don’t punish Lucille” Princess Solliana said and bowed in front of her Father, begging not to harm her beloved attendant because of a mistake she made.
“Solliana, raise your head” Grand Duke Alexei commanded with a firm voice, making Solliana suddenly raise her head.
“Solliana, you’re already 14 years old. How many times do I have to lecture you about our power? The Ambrose Family doesn’t bow their head to anyone. We are the most powerful family in this nation, though we’re still under the Emperor to sustain a peaceful life. If they saw you bowing your head, what do you think their useless mind will ponder? Act like an Ambrose. Act according to your power.” The Grand Duke lectured making Princess Solliana look disinterested. She already heard that lecture everytime she made mistakes.
Act like an Ambrose, Act according to your power. Tch, is that even important when I can’t even go against you, Father?ㅡ Princess Solliana’s thought was cut when the Duke continued what he’s saying.
“And if you’re going to cause trouble, you shouldn’t let them catch you. Do it where no one else can see it.” Princess Solliana looked shocked after seeing what her Father just said. Is he seriously saying I can cause trouble? Is he not scolding me? Why is he saying that? Countless questions run through her mind, looking so confused while staring at her Father.
“What you did can cause a war between the duchy and the Empire, that’s why I immediately called you when you arrived.” The Duke explained, making her more confused from what she’s hearing from today’s lecture.
“How can a simple walk in the garden result in a war, Father?” Princess Solliana asked with a muddled tone. The Duke smiled and walked towards his daughter.
“A simple wound can easily kill a person if not treated right away. Do you understand? Your simple walk in the garden that leads to the mountain is very dangerous, you could die.” The Duke said with a worried tone while caressing her head. Those words sent shivers to Princess Solliana’s body.
“So it really is a cursed mountain. Where I could die once I take a step inside it?” Princess Solliana said, making the Duke stop for a moment.
“Solliana, that’s why I told you not to recklessly do whatever you want when you’re inside the Palace. I can’t protect you right away, so I want you to behave. Because, if they harm you, I will not hesitate to kill whoever they are.” The Duke said, matching their height and holding her small precious hands. Princess Solliana on the other hand, got scared hearing her Father would easily kill someone because of her.
The Grand Duke of Ambroseㅡ Alexei Voltaire Ambrose, the man with a silver hair and golden sharp eyes, is the most powerful swordsman in the Vechnost Empire. He is the owner of the famous magical sword Excalibur. The sword that only the righteous and strongest warrior can pull out from its rock where it’s resting for a thousand years, but the Grand Duke easily obtained it. He is also the Grand General of the Imperial Armyㅡ Making the Ambrose Dukedom the foundation of the strong military forces in the Vechnost Kingdom.
“Then why did you agree to marry me off to the Imperial Family? If you want to protect me, why would you give me to them?” For the first time after informing her that she’s to wed the Crown Prince, Princess Solliana finally opened up about what she really feels to her Father. The Duke flinched and made a regretful face after hearing what his daughter said. He couldn’t think of any excuses to reply to his daughter.
“I’m sorry, Solliana. But I already told you that it’s a royal decree. I know we are in the neutral faction but our family still respects the Imperial Family. It’s decided before you are even born.” The Duke said and stood up, proceeded to walk toward his desk. Princess Solliana looked disappointed because of what her Father said, but she couldn't help but to understand the situation. As the first born Princess of the Ambrose Dukedom, and as a woman, it is her duty to be a bride of the Imperial Family.
“Solliana, you’re home! Why didn’t you inform me?” A woman suddenly yelled outside the room, making the two startled and looking in the voice’s direction.
“Mother/Sophia!” Both the Grand Duke and Princess Solliana called. It’s the Grand Duchess of Ambroseㅡ Sophia Eleanore Ambrose. The precious wife of Alexei.
Princess Solliana immediately ran and hugged her Mother.
“Are you scolding her again, Alexei?” Duchess Sophia said while caressing her daughter’s back.
“I’m just lecturing her, my dearest. No need to get mad at me.” The Duke explained, not making his wife worry too much. Duchess Sophia only sighed and shook her head. She gently pushed Solliana away from her embrace and matched their height.
“Solliana, I am glad you’re not in harm. I was so worried when I heard the news, and I am glad you’re okay. You’re tired, aren’t you? Go to your chamber and rest, Lucille is there.” Duchess Sophia said with her soft warm voice that made Princess Solliana’s mind at peace.
“Thank you, Mother!” Princess Solliana happily said and embraced her Mother again, and strode towards the hall. Leaving her Mother and Father alone in the office.
“You did well lecturing her, dear.” Duchess Sophia said after Solliana left the office. The Duke only placed his stressed palms on his head, as if it’s going to break because of fatigue.
“I just couldn’t say anything to our daughter. If only I could hide her here forever, I would do it.” Duke Alexei said, standing up and walking towards his wife, embracing her and burying his face on her neck.
“I know she’ll understand it someday, Solliana’s still growing. Don’t worry too much, I am here to make her understand more.” Duchess Sophia calmly said while caressing his back.
“Those insolent thieves! Using their power to covet my precious Solliana.” Duke Alexei said, dropping his strong demeanor in front of his wife, acting all childish. Duchess Sophia couldn’t help but giggled at the sight of her pouting husband.
“There, there. You know we can’t do anything, right? You know the truth, so don’t worry too much.” Duchess Sophia said while suppressing her laughter.
--
“Daneyrha!!!!” Princess Solliana’s loud scream echoed inside the halls of the Ambrose Palace. Making all the servants in the Palace startled and scared for a moment.
“Sister, you’re not supposed to scream like that. You’re much louder than Father training his knights!” Princess Daneyrha said while laughing. She is the younger twin sister of Princess Solliana. She spends most of her time inside her chamber, and Solliana came just to tell her amazing stories like she always does.
“Don’t say that! I just came from Father’s office. It may bring us bad luck if we mention him while we’re playing.” Princess Solliana convincely said but Princess Daneyrha laughed harder than earlier.
“Sister, if Father heard you he’ll definitely tell Mother about it and your desserts will be controlled! Also, we’re already ladies. We’re not playing, okay?” Princess Daneyrha firmly said and corrected her older sister.
“Yes, I would die if Mother suddenly prevented my desserts from coming to me. Ugh!! Regardless of what we’re doing, I have something to tell you!” Princess Solliana was full of excitement that piqued the curiosity of Princess Daneyrha.
“Oh my, what could be your adventure for today?” Princess Daneyrha said with her golden eyes opened wide, shining like crazy.
“I met a Panther from the cursed mountain!”
--
“What did you just say?” Duke Alexei said, extruding an ominous energy. Mr. Walter, the loyal attendant of the Duke, overheard the story from Princess Solliana and reported it right away to the Duke.
“The Princess said she met a Panther with crimson red eyes from the cursed mountain.” Mr. Walter repeated it, making the Duke exhale a heavy sigh.
“How did that happen if the Imperial Knights are guarding that damn mountain discreetly?” Duke Alexei asked in confusion, but even his attendant didn’t know how that happened.
“Call the Duchess, it’s impossible for Solliana to meet a panther inside the cursed mountain without entering it. Something might’ve happened that we didn’t know.” The Duke commanded but the attendant seemed to be confused as to why the Duchess was to be called.
“Don’t worry Walter, are you forgetting that Sophia was a mage before I married her? We’ll need her to contact Rogue who’s out for a mission. We need him.” Duke Alexie explained that it made the attendant astonished.
“T-The young master?” Walter asked.
“Yes. The Successor of Ambrose Dukedom, Rogue Gregorii Ambrose. My son.”
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