The prince should not involve himself in matters that do not concern him.

The servant humbly knelt to meet the young prince at eye level, imparting a reassuring smile to alleviate his anxiety. With a gentle tone, the servant consoled the prince, emphasizing his sister's exceptional nature and the profound destiny she carries. Despite an unintended misstep in language, the servant's responsibility lies in guiding and instructing her for her forthcoming role as queen. Urging the prince to leave before drawing his mother's attention, the servant underscored the necessity of priming the princess for her future reign.

" A-Alright then." The young prince responded in an uncertain tone as he watched the servant take his little sister by the wrist.

He shut his eyes and dashed towards the ballroom, glancing back to witness the little girl departing with the servant. Tears streamed down her face, meeting his gaze, causing him to avert his eyes hurriedly. With a flush of embarrassment, he hastened into the ballroom, evading his mother's notice of his absence.

Why can't I get her out of my head?

Struggling to manage his intense emotions, he found his body reacting involuntarily once again as he hurried out of the ballroom in search of his little sister.

The symphonic ensemble played with precision, their instruments creating a pleasant harmony that resonated throughout the spacious ballroom. The exquisite chandeliers suspended from the ceiling illuminated the room with a soft glow, adding to the already magical ambiance. The couple, with their graceful movements and coordinated steps, seemed to be in perfect sync with the melody, creating a captivating sight for all those present.

In a moment of dire urgency, a sentinel hastened towards the noble lineage amidst a throng of onlookers, bearing unsettling tidings. "O sovereigns," he whispered with a heavy heart, "It grieves me to convey that the youthful prince has suffered harm at the hand of one within your retinue."

As the symphony of the orchestra nears its finale, the melodies gently wane, until they vanish into the ether, leaving only echoes of their enchanting resonance.

Enchanted gazes beheld her majesty, anticipating her next celestial step. The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd awaited for her next move. Her presence commanded attention, and all eyes were fixed on her as she gracefully moved forward. Each step she took seemed to radiate power and grace, captivating all who were fortunate enough to witness her in all her glory.

-

The young boy eagerly grasped the worn wooden sword, his pulse quickening with anticipation as he trailed behind the experienced servant. Summoning all his courage and youthful energy, he let out a fierce battle cry and sprung forward, aiming to catch the servant off guard with a surprise attack. However, his attempt was thwarted by the servant's skillful defense, causing his blow to be effortlessly deflected. The force of the impact sent the boy reeling, stumbling backward until he crashed into the unyielding wall. As he struggled to regain his balance, a searing pain shot through his knee as it scraped against the rough surface, bringing tears to his eyes and a sharp realization of the challenges he faced in honing his skills.

The young girl made the bold decision to escape in search of her mother. Disliking everything about her current surroundings, which were far from the idyllic scenes in storybooks, she felt a strong hand gripping her hair tightly, and she was forcefully dragged across the room by a servant. Despite her struggles, the little girl kicked and screamed in protest.

The young prince perked up at the sound of footsteps drawing near. "Mother..." A slow smile spread across his face when he realized it was a delightful surprise.

It was as though an ethereal touch cascaded down her back, guiding her to kneel in reverence before the majestic presence of the her Majesty. A subtle shadow danced at the edge of her sight, a mystery she dared not confront. "Your Majesty," her voice resonated with serene respect, "I seek your grace. My actions were but a fleeting instinct, devoid of malice towards the child."

Upon the regal throne, Her Majesty drew in a breath deep as the ocean's embrace, for she stood at the crossroads of destiny. The eyes of the realm fixed upon her, their whispers weaving a cloak of expectation. Beside her, a loyal servant, a pillar of steadfastness through the sands of time, awaited her decree. In the crucible of fleeting moments, she must weigh justice with a heavy heart, crafting a sentence that would echo through the annals of time.

" I-I." The servant, gasping for breath, struggled to utter her words. As she faltered, the royal guard swiftly raised her sword and sliced the servant's throat upond command.

This is quite bothersome.

The young girl looked from the corner of her eye and witnessed the death. That sweet and cheerful child was shocked by a cruel reality. The fantasy picture books did not prepare her for the dark horrors within the castle. Her skin crawls, and her bones rattle. The sight could not be unseen. Yet, she forced her eyes shut and thought of her mother when they played in the lake, splashing water at each other.

'I-Is this my fault?' The little girl was deep in thought, wearing a sad expression and looking weary.

She was accompanied by the warmth of the boy's hand.

"It was inappropriate for the servant to strike children, especially those belonging to the royal family. I don't want to come across as mean, but those are the consequence." The young prince observed the little girl's sadness and struggled to find comforting words. His face blushed as he tightly held her hand"I will be your protector! I vow to keep you safe from harm."

"Young prince, it's your bedtime, and this is where you and the girl part," His Majesty said with a regal decree.

Please don't leave me alone

The little girl stood in the doorway with a hint of sadness in her eyes as they shut the door completely. A speck of light vanished and was isolated. Then, after a few hours, the door opened again. She lifted her head and was terrified by the person before her. She ran to each corner of the room and scraped the tips of her fingers on the wall, trying to climb out until they bled. Her eyes widened at the blade cut her back multiple times swiftly as her soft voice screeched in agony.

Mama! Where are you?

" You killed her!" The servant shouted angrily and was furious with the young child.

His Majesty walked past the closet with his eldest son and a few servants. He heard the cries of his daughter but continued.

"Father, that young one stirs up storms of chaos. She does not find favor in my eyes! Wysome, gentle soul, stood by your side and Mother's, second only to you." He gazed with a vacant expression.

Undoubtedly, he will face the greatest challenge in coping with this loss. Lady Wysome has been a constant presence in his life since his birth a decade ago, imparting a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Her absence leaves a profound void in his heart.