Chapter 2 –
The carriage rattled over cobblestone streets, the distant hum of voices growing louder with every turn.
"Mariela," her father's voice stirred her from a drowsy dream, "you're awake. Look outside."
She rubbed her eyes and leaned toward the window.
And froze.
The Gold Kingdom's capital stretched out like a living painting: towering spires kissed the clouds, markets bloomed in explosions of color, and laughter and music drifted on the breeze.
Her breath caught. "It's… beautiful."
Peter chuckled at her wide-eyed awe. "You'll see more once my meetings are done. But promise me you won't wander off. Stay close to Gideon."
"Yes, sir," she said quickly, though her restless heart was already plotting escape routes.
The palace gates yawned open, revealing a fortress of stone and gold that seemed to scrape the sky. Inside, chandeliers like falling stars lit the halls, and marble floors gleamed beneath their feet.
Mariela couldn't stop staring. So this is how royalty lives…
Peter left her in the guest quarters, papers in hand, already preparing for his audience with the king.
Days passed slowly. Mariela paced the small courtyard like a caged bird, her excitement dimming with each hour her father spent in endless meetings.
"I shouldn't have come," she muttered one evening, chin resting on her hands.
"Please, my lady," Gideon said from his usual post nearby. "Patience. Once the master is free, you'll see more."
Mariela sighed, staring longingly at the city lights outside her window. "I miss wandering the woods. Here I'm… stuck."
She flipped open a book and traced her fingers over an illustration of a glowing midnight bloom. "Do you know there's a flower that only blooms under moonlight? They say it can heal even the deepest scars."
Gideon arched a brow. "And you plan to go find it?"
Mariela grinned slyly. "Who said anything about going? I'm simply sharing knowledge."
"You're dangerous when you smile like that," Gideon said, smirking.
"And you didn't call me 'my lady,'" she teased.
"Forgive me, my lady."
Mariela laughed softly, her voice turning wistful. "One day, I'll see every flower in this world. I'll become a healer, like my mother dreamed of being before she…" Her words trailed off.
"You will," Gideon said firmly. "I believe in you."
That night, Peter returned early, exhaustion lining his face but his eyes brightening at the sight of his daughter.
"Father!" Mariela leapt to her feet. "You're back!"
Peter smiled warmly. "Seems you and Gideon have been keeping each other company."
"We survived," Mariela said, grinning.
Peter's expression shifted, mischief dancing in his eyes. "I have news. Tomorrow, you'll meet the king."
Mariela groaned, flopping onto the sofa. "Meet the king? Sounds like more boring things. Wake me when we're going home."
Peter laughed. "What if I told you the king's greenhouse is the largest in the kingdom? With flowers from every corner of the realm."
Mariela shot upright, eyes blazing. "Why didn't you lead with that? Gideon, pack the horses—we're going now!"
"Tomorrow, my lady," Gideon said dryly.
"Fine. But tomorrow, I want to see everything."
The next morning, Mariela rose with the sun, practically vibrating with excitement. As she nibbled on breakfast in the garden, the sharp clang of swords caught her ear.
She turned—and froze.
A young man was training in the courtyard beyond. His golden hair glinted like fire under the morning light, his crimson eyes focused and unyielding as he swung his blade with breathtaking precision.
Mariela watched, captivated. He moves like he's dancing…
Then he stopped mid-swing and turned. His piercing gaze met hers.
"If you continue spying on me, little mouse, it will cost you your life," he said coolly.
Mariela straightened, unfazed. "I wasn't spying. But you might lose your life if you keep pointing that sword at me carelessly."
The swordsman raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you lecturing me about swordsmanship? How bold."
"And you're clearly too arrogant to learn," Mariela shot back, folding her arms. "Even a master can learn from a child if he's not too proud."
His smirk curled like a blade. "And you think you could teach me? Go back to your dolls, princess."
Before Mariela could retort, Gideon's voice called behind her.
"My lady, the carriage is ready. We're leaving soon."
The swordsman gave her one last look, his crimson eyes glinting dangerously. Then he turned, his cloak snapping in the air as he walked away.
Mariela shook her head with a smirk. "What an insolent brat."
Gideon raised a brow. "My lady?"
"Nothing," she said sweetly. "Let's go."
But as they walked away, she couldn't help glancing back at the courtyard, her heart beating just a little faster.