Queen Lustia had just stepped out of the grand doors leading to the pond patio when her eyes fell upon an unexpected sight: a red-haired girl reclining casually in a chair, her back turned toward the queen.The sun cast long shadows across the lush garden, its golden rays dappling the ornate stone pathway. The scent of blooming jasmine mingled with the crisp, fresh air. The serene beauty of the pond, with its gently rippling water and vibrant lilies, contrasted starkly with the unsettling scene before Queen Lustia.Gulping audibly, Queen Lustia silently withdrew her foot and retreated into the hallway, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been anticipating a peaceful moment of solitude, not an encounter with someone so brazenly disregarding her presence.“Your Highness, the fish food is here,” came the sudden, nervous voice of a maidservant, breaking the queen’s reverie.Startled by the intrusion, Queen Lustia spun around and glared sharply at the maidservant who stood there. The m
During Dinner.Rara remained seated beside the queen, but her gaze was firmly fixed on the king. Her posture was respectful, but her attention was unmistakably on him, her eyes darting occasionally to catch his reactions.Her movements were delicate, like a devoted daughter eager to please. She had learned from the morning’s encounter that the queen’s temper was not something to be trifled with, and she was determined to avoid provoking another outburst.Despite her focus on the king, she occasionally turned to the queen with a sweet smile, though her attentiveness was clearly directed elsewhere.The queen, who had been in high spirits that morning, was now visibly displeased.Her expression was a mix of frustration and resignation as she watched Rara’s overt attempts to gain the king’s favor. The air around her felt charged, as though her displeasure could manifest physically.The meal itself seemed to lose its appeal for the queen. The once-delicious food now tasted bland and unappet
“Chief, are you alright?” Assistant Bear asked, his voice laced with concern as he rested his hand on the handle of the gun strapped to his waist.Chief Lisun groaned and slowly pushed the figure lying heavily on top of him aside. He sat up, brushing off the dirt and grime that clung to his clothes.He looked down at the person sprawled on the grass, their clothes a muddled mix of colors. She was a young woman with a defiant posture, her fiery red hair fanned out like a halo around her. Her face, partially hidden by a stray lock of hair, was flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration.She glanced up briefly, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting second before she turned her attention back to the dirt. With intense focus, she resumed drawing a series of concentric circles on the ground, her brow furrowed in concentration.Chief Lisun was torn between incredulity and irritation. She had landed on him with such force that he’d thought he’d been flattened. And now, here she was,
When Rara entered the dining hall for breakfast, she was momentarily stunned by the scene before her. The hall, elegantly decorated with tapestries and grand chandeliers, was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee. At the center of this regal setting stood a tall, striking male figure beside the queen. The queen's warm, affectionate smile contrasted sharply with the king's cool, detached demeanor.The figure beside the queen was dressed in a finely tailored outfit, a rich navy blue that complemented his stature. His hair, dark and meticulously styled, fell just so, accentuating his chiseled features. As the queen spoke, he responded with brief nods and succinct answers, his posture upright and formal.Rara, lost in her observations, barely noticed Prince Ariel approaching until he spoke. “What are you standing there for?”Startled from her daze, Rara turned to find Prince Ariel standing just behind her. His expression was one of mild impatience mixed with curios
The expression on the prince’s face was priceless.Their father never smiled at them like that, nor did he acknowledge their skills. Yet this little girl—sigh. It was clear that she had struck a chord with him.Forget it. There’s no point in arguing with an unknown girl who’s managed to capture the attention of royalty.After dinner, the queen and king decided to take Rara for a stroll around the palace garden, hoping the fresh air would aid digestion. The garden was a lush, sprawling expanse of greenery dotted with vibrant flowers and intricately manicured hedges. The centerpiece of the garden was the Tree Lamp, an impressive structure that resembled a colossal, ancient tree. At night, it bathed the surroundings in a warm, golden light.“Chihara, right?” the king’s voice cut through the tranquil evening air.Chihara stiffened at the sound of her name. It was the first time the king had used it, and his tone suggested he had something important to say.“Yes, Your Majesty,” she responde
The next day, the queen and Rara reconvened in the palace garden in the afternoon. The sun cast a warm, golden light over the meticulously tended flowers and shrubs, creating a serene and picturesque setting.The queen, poised and graceful, began to explain the process to Rara. “For beginners, you must sit cross-legged and place your index fingers and pinky fingers on either side of your head, just above your ears,” she instructed, demonstrating the posture with practiced ease.Rara mimicked the queen’s movements, settling onto the soft grass. “Inhale, exhale, concentrate,” the queen continued, her voice calm and soothing.Rara, already accustomed to magical practices, found the technique relatively straightforward. Her innate magical abilities seemed to accelerate her progress. Within moments, she felt herself slipping into a meditative state, and her surroundings began to dissolve into a strange, mystical space.As she looked around, Rara saw the fog fairies—ethereal beings with tran
“Are we close?”Rara opened her eyes, her face tired and drawn. She glanced at the maid sitting beside her, who was patiently enduring her frequent queries.“My Lady, we still have three hours left before we arrive at our destination,” the maid responded, her voice steady despite the repetition of the information.Rara sighed, reaching for the water bottle situated in the middle of the car seat. She unscrewed the lid and took a long, refreshing drink, savoring the cool liquid.They had been traveling for five grueling hours, making only brief stops for food and bathroom breaks. The interior of the black SUV was dim, with the hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the vehicle making Rara feel more exhausted by the minute.In their convoy, two black vans led the way, with two more following behind. The front van was occupied by Assistant Bear and his subordinates, while the second van in front contained only a subordinate. The same arrangement applied to the vans behind them.Chief Lis
Upon arriving at the Meeting Hall, Rara’s eyebrows shot up in momentary shock. The sight before her was both unexpected and disconcerting. Prince Xavier lounged on the grand throne, his posture nonchalant and commanding, while King Loton stood beside him, appearing slightly out of place. The throne, an opulent seat adorned with intricate gold carvings, seemed almost too grand for the aged king.Rara couldn’t help but roll her eyes and shake her head at Prince Xavier’s apparent disrespect. His casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the gravity of the occasion.King Loton, a figure clearly in his sixties or seventies, bore the unmistakable signs of age. His face was a map of deep wrinkles, and his once-straight posture was slightly bent, giving him a stooped appearance. His gray hair was neatly combed, but his overall bearing was frail.Prince Xavier, in stark contrast, exuded a youthful arrogance. Seated on the throne, he maintained an air of casual authority, as if the grandeur of the