A grand, snow-white castle stood near the very edge of the cliffs, where the raging sea crashed against the rocks. The people of the kingdom had never seen their rulers. Only distant flickers of candlelight behind drawn curtains. The sharp golden spires of the towers seemed to pierce the heavens themselves, whispering of the kings' divine connection.
Within this castle lived a very young princess. But her childhood knew no joy - never did laughter ring through her chambers, only the sound of footsteps or the whistle of the wind. The girl's parents had passed away before they could even witness her first steps. The entire kingdom was plunged into mourning for three years, and the late king's brother took the throne. As the years of mourning drew to an end, the new ruler had solidified his power. No one dared to oppose him, not since the day, two years prior, when he ordered the execution of all who dared to question his claim to the throne.
The man had wanted only one thing his entire life: the power that rightfully belonged to his older brother. Having obtained it as regent, since the previous king's daughter was far too young. Marcus had no intention of relinquishing it. Not even to his own niece. The new king reveled in his rule, drunk on his absolute power, temporarily forgetting about the child whose fate concerned him little.
Every night, the young princess clung to her favorite old toy and gazed out the window at the star-strewn sky, thinking of her parents. She had no real memories of them. She had been far too young when they died, but sometimes, girl swore she could hear a voice carried by the wind, whispering softly, "Aleana..." In those moments, she almost believed they were still there, watching over her, protecting her in secret. As if she wasn't truly alone in this vast, cold world.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
— The child has lost her mind from grief and longing for her parents, Your Majesty. — A servant reported one evening, bowing before the king, who, for the first time in so long, had taken an interest in the girl. There was a reason for that. By the age of six, something was meant to manifest in the princess. Something that would determine whether she was the kingdom's true ruler.
— Furthermore, — the servant continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper. — The princess has shown no signs of magic.The elderly man did not notice the slow, creeping smirk of satisfaction spreading across the king's face. What a gift from fate. The throne would be his forever. A mad child posed no threat to his reign.
— What a tragedy. I have been so burdened with affairs of the state that I never had the chance to visit my dear niece... and now it is too late. — The king spoke, his voice dripping with feigned sorrow.
— You may rise, — king said to the servant, though his gaze never left the goblet of red wine in his hand. He swirled it slowly, watching the liquid move, then took a measured sip, closing his eyes.
— Exquisite wine, — he murmured.
The servant did not dare to speak, but he felt a sharp pang of pity for the young princess. What kind of man could savor wine in such a moment, after hearing such news? The late king's only daughter, barely more than a child, was suffering. She needed a doctor, or at the very least, the comfort of her last living relative. And yet that very man was thinking only of the taste of his drink.
— Ah, yes. — The king's voice broke the silence a few moments later, sounding almost absent-minded, as though recalling something of little importance.
— Make sure that my dear niece is well cared for. Let her lack for nothing. Perhaps all is not lost... perhaps she will recover yet. After all, Aleana is the only child of my late brother. — A faint smile touched Marcus lips. Dismissing the servant with a casual wave, he remained in the hall, indulging in his wine.
