Awakening from my ethereal encounter with the goddess Selene, I was swiftly informed that I had been in a deep slumber for three days. The duration of my unconsciousness had summoned a legion of imperial physicians, their presence mandated by my father, who had steadfastly remained by my side throughout.
It struck me as somewhat ironic that only now did my father find the time to be with his sole daughter, but I held no grievances. The genuine concern etched upon his countenance spoke volumes.
Once granted permission to leave my chamber, I elected to spend most of my day in the embrace of my cherished rose garden. There, I listened to the distant clamour of labouring carriages on their way to the Imperial Capital for the King's Tournament. However, these mundane sounds hardly registered, for my mind was consumed by the profound words of the goddess Selene.
"Know that Prince Alexander is the chosen vessel for the powers of darkness, but yet, he slumbers unaware of the abyss within…”
“...Despised by all, shackled to a life of unrelenting agony, he becomes a susceptible host to the manipulative grasp of darkness. Be cautious of those who try to influence him.”
Bearing the weight of those profound words, it felt as though the hopes and aspirations of the entire kingdom rested upon the slender frame of my being. Yet despite the burdensome responsibility that now lay upon my shoulders, I found myself unafraid. If anything, a resolute determination burned within me, bolstering my resolve to salvage this realm and protect all those who called it home. I must find a way to halt Prince Alexander's descent into darkness. I must become the guiding light to lead him through the abyss.
Without hesitation, I dressed swiftly and hastened my journey to the Imperial Capital to witness the grandeur of the King's tournament festivities. My father, of course, insisted on accompanying me, citing his concern over my well-being and the need for his protective presence.
"I can manage on my own, Father," I grumbled, my gaze fixed firmly outside the carriage window.
"No," he retorted, his voice firm with unwavering conviction.
On the contrary, my mother found the situation amusing, a light-hearted chuckle escaping her lips. "It seems like you two are finally bonding after all these years," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
I couldn't help but smile at her words. She was right. I couldn't recall when my father had chosen to accompany me anywhere. Our interactions had often been limited to matters of state or formality. Despite my initial frustration at being treated like a child, I couldn't deny the faint warmth that bloomed within me, grateful that, for once, my father had chosen to extend his care to something beyond the realm of political affairs.
The capital city, Audun, bustled with vibrant activity. Known for its bureaucratic nature, the city was now adorned with festive lights and banners proudly displaying the crest of the Kingdom of Aethralis. The cobbled streets were lined with wooden stalls, offering a cornucopia of goods from every corner of the realm, creating a colourful and lively atmosphere that led to the Imperial Palace.
The joyful chatter of the city's residents filled the air, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. As I peered out the window, I couldn't help but be enchanted by the sight of children with radiant smiles waving enthusiastically as our carriage passed by. Their happiness was infectious and a poignant reminder of my own privilege as the daughter of the Prime Minister, Duke of Emberforge.
Gradually, our carriage stopped in front of the imposing Imperial Palace. I followed my parents as we alighted from the carriage, and we were promptly greeted by the formidable King's Guard, along with King Cyrus, Queen Julia, and Crown Prince Marcus. The regal presence of the royal family dominated the scene, casting a sense of grandeur over the event.
"As expected, Alexander is not here," I thought, forcing a polite smile as the trio approached. I performed a courteous curtsy to show respect.
"Your Highness," I addressed the King.
"Lady Sophia, I see you're well," he replied, his own smile unwavering.
"I am well enough to observe the remainder of Your Highness's tournament," I responded evenly.
"My lady," Crown Prince Marcus interjected, flashing me a bright grin.
"Prince Marcus," I replied curtly, my voice tinged with an underlying tone of disdain. I had always detested the way his blue eyes lingered on me, a gaze filled with lust and a sense of ownership. Those eyes haunted me in my previous life, and I found them even more repugnant in this one.
"Allow me to escort you inside," he proposed, his arrogance evident in his manner.
"I politely decline," I asserted. "I'm here with my father and mother today." I moved closer to my father, wrapping my arm around his. "I'm still feeling a bit frail. Father kindly offered to accompany me."
The King's hearty laughter boomed in response. "As the young lady insists, let us head inside."
The journey to the inner courtyard of the palace was not without its challenges. Despite my attempts to keep my distance, Prince Marcus persistently inched closer to me, prompting me to push my father further between us. He relented only when my father shot him a stern glare, reminding the Prince of the boundaries.
Though Prince Marcus was the heir apparent, he was cautious not to overstep with my father. Without my father's unwavering support during the War of Unification, the von Richter House wouldn't have ascended to power in the Kingdom of Aethralis.
My mother, positioned on the opposite side of my father, deftly maneuvered to shield me from the Prince's advances. "Have you no tact?" she chided, unimpressed by the Prince's behaviour.
"Please forgive him. Prince Marcus is still quite exhilarated. In your absence, he emerged victorious in the joust. He is still revelling in the thrill of his triumph," Queen Julia explained nonchalantly.
"Winning does not excuse such behaviour," my mother retorted as we entered the inner courtyard.
There, before our eyes, were Prince Alexander and William engaged in a mesmerizing duel, their swords a blur of polished steel cutting through the air. Each movement was a symphony of power and finesse as if the very elements of nature were harmonizing with their every strike. The clash of their blades reverberated through the air, sending a shiver of excitement through the gathered spectators.
Bathed in a soft, otherworldly glow, wisps of their intertwined mana danced around them, weaving a dazzling tapestry of magical energy that illuminated their forms with an ethereal radiance. With each swing and parry, the pulsating energy intensified, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the courtyard, creating an almost hypnotic display that held the onlookers spellbound.
Prince Alexander, his gaze unwavering and determined, moved with a raw, primal elegance that belied the challenges he had faced within the empire's rigid social hierarchy. His every strike carried the weight of years spent honing his craft, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit. Despite the odds stacked against him, his swordsmanship remained a testament to his unbreakable will.
In contrast, William's movements exuded a polished grace, reflecting the privilege and refinement that had shaped his upbringing. His every step was a calculated display of precision, his blade cutting through the air with the finesse of a master artisan, each strike speaking of a lifetime of privilege and access to the finest training the empire could offer.
As the spectators held their breath, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the intensity of the duel mirroring the simmering power struggles and rivalries that coursed through the empire's intricate political landscape. Whispers and gasps rippled through the crowd, echoing the awe and respect that this clash of titans commanded, a testament to the undeniable allure of skill and power in a world where every move could tip the delicate balance of influence and control.
At that moment, it was as though I was watching magic at work. They danced around each other, using their mana to complement their striking ability. The swordsmanship was impeccable. Even though Alexander was not held in high regard with the nobility of this empire. The only thing they could never take away from him was his swordsmanship.
Much to the ire of Queen Julia and Crown Prince Marcus, the Emperor had long praised Prince Alexander for his talent and abilities in swordsmanship and mana, which quietly killed the two solely responsible for Alexander’s dire reputation.
That’s when it happened.
A blazing wave of fire and flames engulfed the courtyard. The intense heat seemed to sear my very soul, and I was paralyzed with fear. Tremors ran through my body, and I clung desperately to my father's arms. The flames were an eerie reminder of my past life, a terrifying déjà vu.
"Sophia!" my mother cried out, wrapping me in a protective embrace. "It's all right," she reassured me soothingly.
"Alexander, stop this at once!" I heard my father's stern command, his authoritative voice cutting through the inferno that consumed the courtyard.
"Mana usage is strictly forbidden within the palace grounds. You are well aware of this, my son," King Cyrus thundered.
As I clung to my father, trembling uncontrollably, I muttered to myself over and over, "You cannot be afraid. You cannot be afraid." It took immense effort, but eventually, I found the strength to open my eyes. A sea of concerned gazes met mine.
"I'm okay," I whispered to my mother, her comforting presence helping me regain my footing as I rose from the ground.
"How dare you!" a voice boomed, drawing my attention. Prince Marcus charged toward Prince Alexander, striking him across the face, causing Alexander to stagger to his knees. With a handful of Alexander's hair, Marcus continued to lash out, subjecting his younger brother to humiliating abuse in front of the assembled crowd. The atmosphere was tense, the silence deafening as the Crown Prince unleashed his fury on his helpless sibling.
My gaze remained fixed on the scene before me, watching Alexander endure the torment he had suffered silently for so long. This public display of cruelty was a startling revelation, exposing the dark underbelly of the royal family's dynamics, hidden away from public view for years.
Before I could react, Prince Marcus turned his attention back to me, his mouth curled into a sinister grin. "Are you okay?" he asked, his fingers reaching for my cheek.
My immediate response was to slap his hand away. "Don't you touch me."
With his wider grin, Marcus assured me, "Rest assured, I will make sure he won't ever do that again."
I recognized his game immediately. Marcus was putting me on the spot, showcasing his dominance and marking his territory. He was well aware of my feelings for his brother and was using this situation to taunt Alexander, knowing that the younger prince was powerless to intervene. Marcus was the heir apparent and accustomed to getting what he wanted.
Overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions surging within me, I couldn't hold back. I slapped the smug Crown Prince and uttered with seething contempt, "You are... You're a jerk."
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