Tuille stood silently on her bare feet and slipped through the door, glancing back to see her brother still asleep, or so she thought. With no idea of her mother's whereabouts, she dashed down the hall, breathing heavily. Hiding behind a pillar, her heart raced upon seeing a servant passing by. Fearful of being caught, she made every effort to remain silent. Just as she prepared to dart past the servants, a boy grabbed her hand and covered her mouth to avoid detection. Looking at him, she realized it was her supposedly sleeping brother.

At that moment, she noticed two guards passing by. Luckily, her brother intervened just in time, fearing the consequences of what punishment the queen might have imposed on her.

"Tuille, what's gotten into you? Can you imagine the chaos if someone caught you instead of me? I promise your mother to keep you safe!" Noel appeared visibly upset, as mentioned.

" I did not ask for your help at all!" With tears streaming down her face, she quickly pulled her hand away from him. Her stunning blue eyes filled with emotion as her long white hair cascaded down to her calves, revealing how overwhelmed she was feeling.." I hate it here! I hate everything about the palace. I want to go home to my mama, I miss my mama- I don't care what happens to me!"

He gazed at her with compassion, seeing his sister as a delicate bird confined in a cage that many are eager to observe but hesitant to touch. She yearned for freedom to explore the vast lands, yet her wings were injured, perhaps never to soar again.

I can't stand those stupid tears of hers!

He couldn't bear to see her cry in that way. It pained him deeply. Taking her hand, he started running, and she had no option but to maintain a steady pace while gazing at the back of his head. "Hey, Noel. Where are we headed?" she inquired.

" Didn't you say that you wanted see your mother?"

Tuille followed her brother, yearning to see their mother. Hand in hand, they dashed through the palace halls, careful not to be seen by anyone. Fortunately, the guards were on their 15-minute break, and the servants had returned to their quarters, creating the perfect moment for them to arrive at a large steel door.

As the steel door swung open, some of the guards were chatting about grabbing a snack in the kitchen. In a quick move, Tuile and Noel, two young children, managed to slip through the gap while holding hands. They turned away as they watched the steel door close, blocking out all light.

" What is this place, brother Noel?" She questioned and examined the torches lining the wall, noticing several prison cells occupied by peculiar individuals." I don't remember such a place."

The boy held her hand tightly, feeling fearful as he began to speak, "Your mother's cell is just down the hall." Hesitant at first, but when he saw his sister's radiant smile, all his worries seemed to vanish, and his heart skipped a beat. With a soft smile, he led her down the path, their footsteps echoing through the dark hallway.

"Mommy"

Tuille's eyes widened as she caught sight of her mother in the prison cell. Rushing towards her, she was halted by a metal bar separating them. Concerned, she noticed her mother's eyes closed, fearing she wouldn't respond to her voice. Placing her little hands on the rusty bar, she spoke softly, her tone filled with weariness," Mama?"

My sweet daughter

The young child anxiously scanned her surroundings, convinced she heard her mother's voice, but all that echoed was the crackling of flames from the torch. Fear gripped her as she witnessed her mother lying unconscious on the floor. With tears welling up in her eyes, the child tightly gripped the metal bars and let out a scream." MAMA, OPEN YOUR EYES!"

The woman delicately opened her captivating yellow eyes, her heart brimming with joy upon seeing her daughter in front of her. As she sat up, a wave of emotions and astonishment washed over her. It had been almost a year since she had bid farewell to her daughter, entrusting her to the care of His Majesty. Memories of tearful days and nights spent without her daughter came rushing back. Through the prison bars that stood between them, they locked eyes, and she tenderly reached out, gently touching her child's face.

" My sweet baby girl."

As the woman observed her daughter, she noticed that the wings that once fluttered radiantly were now broken. Looking into her daughter's oceanic blue eyes, she could see the pain and suffering reflected within.

" You promised that you would be right behind me."Tuille gently laid her hand on top of her mother's, tears softly streaming down her cheeks."Mama, I've been searching for you for such a long time!"

The young child discerned a knock echoing on the concrete, signaling her brother's discreet warning that the guards would imminently resume duty. She swiftly comprehended the urgency to conclude her conversation with her mother, who was confined as a prisoner. Aware of the risks involved and the potential repercussions if apprehended, particularly the Empress discovering Tuille's escape from her quarters, she felt a surge of fear.

" Mama, I need that special cream so the lady who visit my room would stop hurting me."

Yavanna was filled with rage and confusion, gripping the metal bars tightly. "Dear, what do you mean? I thought your father was supposed to take you in?" she asked her daughter.

" Mama."

The tone in her daughter's voice exposed profound sorrow, laying bare the bruises and tattered wings on her back.

What have they done to you? My sweet baby girl.

Yvanna accidentally let the small container of ointment slip from her grasp as it fell into her daughter's hand.

Julius, how could let them hurt my baby? You promise that you would protect her!

She observed her daughter sprinting down the hallway alongside the young prince, tears brimming in her eyes.

" Bye Mama, I will come visit you soon. I promise!"