Evelyn POV
With blankets wrapped tightly around her, Evelyn sat at the window, her knees pulled up to her chest. She stared out into the dark sky beyond the kingdom's walls. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks as she sat there with a broken heart. She had lost everything today—her kingdom, her brother. Many of her people—and now there was nothing left of the once-beautiful Vila Kingdom.
She wish that she could have chance her past and never make a deal with Lord Lorcand . Everything was mess because of her being afraid to loose Willow.
She was grateful that her daughter had survived, but the war had taken nearly all of her power. And she don't know how much she is going to take to keep Willow save from Lord Lorcand.
Only a small amount remained—just enough to one day pass on to her daughter, to keep the legacy of the Vila fairies alive.
Now, it was only Evelyn—the last true royal—and her daughter Willow who remained. That was all that was left.
She wiped her tears as the door creaked open. Her attention turned instantly toward it. Tyrion, her dearest friend, stepped into the room. Thanks to him, they had escaped that nightmare. She was grateful for his kindness and that he had offered them shelter in his kingdom, even if only for the night. If it hadn't been for the Elves stepping in, she wasn't sure they would've survived the war against the ogres and Lord Lorcand.
Her eyes remained fixed on Tyron as he crossed the room, stopping in front of her by the window. His deep blue eyes were full of concern as they locked with hers.
"How are you feeling?" he asked gently.
Evelyn took a deep breath before answering. "I'm… okay," she said quietly.
Tyron pulled the nearest wooden chair closer and sat down, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees. His gaze softened.
"Willow is with Everest . You don't have to worry about her," he said reassuringly.
Evelyn shifted slightly, turning to face him. "It's not her I'm worried about," she began. "We lost everything today. My entire kingdom… it's gone—destroyed by those monsters."
There was nothing left for her to return to. Her home, her people—gone. All that remained were a few scattered Vila fairies, herself, and her daughter. And worst of all, she had lost her brother. Her heart twisted at the thought, and fresh tears welled in her eyes.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell Willow that we have no place to call home anymore—that everything is gone," she whispered, her voice breaking.
A sob escaped her lips as she sat before him, grief consuming her. Her heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces, and she didn't know how to put it back together.
Tyron reached out, taking her hands in his. His touch was warm—comforting. Just what she needed. He leaned in a little closer, his voice steady and strong.
"Evelyn, you may have lost everything today, but you still have your daughter to fight for. You have the Vila fairies we managed to save. Your people need you. And Willow needs her mother now more than ever."
Her eyes met his, tears still clinging to her lashes. His words rang true, but her heart struggled to accept them.
"But we don't have a home to go back to," she whispered, her voice raw. Another sob wracked her body.
She pulled her hands away from his and wiped at her cheeks, but no amount of wiping could take away the ache inside her. Her heart was still breaking—all over again.
Willow POV
As the early morning light fell across the Eleven Kingdoms, a new day dawned. Sunlight streamed through the tall bedroom windows, casting golden beams across the silken sheets. Willow stirred from her heavy sleep, her eyes fluttering open with effort.
She blinked a few times, then glanced to her right — where Everest had been the night before.
His side of the bed was empty.
But something caught her eye: a folded white letter resting delicately on his pillow.
Willow frowned softly, pushing herself upright and pulling the white silk sheet up to cover her chest. She reached out and picked up the letter, already recognizing the handwriting.
It was from Everest.
With care, she opened it and began to read:
My dearest Willow,
I am truly sorry I could not be there when you woke. If the Elders discovered I spent the night with you before our betrothal ceremony, I'd be in more trouble than you could imagine — and the entire arrangement could be called off. I cannot wait to make you my wife and finally share with the world the truth about the incredible woman you are.
I love you. I'll be counting every moment until I see you again at the betrothal ceremony.
XOXO,
Everest
Her heart swelled, and she couldn't help but smile as she clutched the letter to her chest. It smelled like him — that warm, earthy scent that always made her feel safe. Her cheeks flushed as memories of the night before returned to her.
But before she could drift further into those thoughts, a knock interrupted the quiet.
She turned quickly as the door cracked open without waiting for permission. Two castle servants entered the room. One carried a silver tray with breakfast, the other held a flowing gown draped over her arms.
Startled, Willow pulled the sheets tighter around herself, hiding behind the covers.
"Good morning, Princess," said the first servant with a polite bow.
"Good morning," Willow replied softly, still adjusting to the interruption.
"Prince Everest asked that you enjoy your breakfast in bed," the second servant added gently. "Then we'll assist you in preparing for the betrothal ceremony."
Willow drew a deep breath, then gave a small nod, her fingers still wrapped around the letter pressed close to her heart.
"Thank you," said Willow gratefully as one of the servants made her way toward the bed and placed a silver tray at the foot of it.
"We will draw your bath water while you eat your breakfast and prepare your things for the day," said the servant.
It wasn't something Willow was used to—being helped to bathe and dress. At her own castle, she had always done such things herself. But she guessed this was Everest's doing. It sounded just like him.
Willow took a deep breath and set the letter down, pulling the tray closer to her as the two servants disappeared into the bathroom. While they busied themselves with preparing her bath, Willow focused on eating her breakfast.
After she finished, she slipped out of bed and quickly spotted one of Everest's loose shirts. She pulled it over her body to cover herself. Just as she was half-dressed, one of the servants returned to fetch her, and Willow followed her to enjoy a warm, soothing bath.
After her bath, Willow wrapped herself in a clean, warm white towel and made her way back into the bedroom, where one of the servants had already laid out her clothes.
Her eyes widened the moment she saw the beautiful dress, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. She stepped closer, mesmerized by the sight of the gown hanging delicately against the wall.
It was a stunning silver-white dress with a delicate lace heart-shaped neckline. Hanging beside it were matching silver-white heels adorned with small diamond-like crystals.
"Prince Everest said it would go perfectly with your wings," the servant said with a gentle smile. "He said this dress would look beautiful on you."
Willow's fingers lightly traced the fine fabric, her heart fluttering with emotion. Carefully, she lifted the dress from the hanger, and with the help of the servant, she got dressed.
Today would be one of the best days of her life—one she would never forget.
Authors POV
As a new day arrived, the Kingdom of Howard buzzed with anticipation. Today, a new king would be chosen—and all eyes were on Mathew.
He stood before the mirror in his chamber, his reflection staring back at him in full coronation attire. His royal suit, tailored to perfection, shimmered with golden ribbons that lined his chest and shoulders. Mathew drew in a deep breath, trying to steady the nerves rumbling in his chest.
Today was the day. The day he had prepared for his entire life.
A familiar voice broke the silence.
"There is my son."
Mathew turned to find his mother, Queen Charlotte, stepping into the room. She looked radiant in her elegant white gown, her crown gleaming atop her head.
"Do you think I look okay?" Mathew asked, trying to hide his nerves behind a playful smile. "Do I fit the part of the next king?"
Charlotte stepped beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her eyes met his in the mirror.
"You look more than okay," she said softly. "You look ready. I'm proud of you."
Mathew exhaled slowly, his gaze returning to his reflection. "I just don't want to disappoint anyone," he admitted.
"You won't," Charlotte replied without hesitation. "We all have faith in you. And I know in my heart—you'll be a great ruler for this kingdom."
He turned to face her, truly seeing the depth of her belief in him. In that moment, Mathew realized that if his mother could have such unwavering faith, then he owed it to her—and to the kingdom—not just to rise to the occasion, but to be the king they deserved.
He would not let them down.
Deep within the forest, nestled in the heart of the mountains, lay the Elven Castle—where excitement stirred in the air. Today was a momentous day for Prince Everest.
He stood in his chamber, adjusting the last piece of his ceremonial attire. The traditional Elven uniform, woven with ancient silver threads and adorned with forest emblems, fit him perfectly. As he gazed at himself in the mirror one last time, a mixture of nerves and anticipation flickered in his eyes.
Today marked the day of the Betrothal Ceremony, and the entire castle was alive with preparation.
Everest stepped out onto the grand front terrace of the castle, where the courtyard below was bustling with activity. Elves hurried back and forth, arranging garlands of glowing flora and shimmering silks, preparing for the sacred celebration that would begin in just a few hours.
His heart fluttered with one thought—Willow.
He hoped she had received his letter in time. He hoped she felt the same rush of joy, the same warmth in her chest, as he did. He could already picture her walking into the ceremony, radiant as ever, about to become not just his bride, but the next queen of the Elven kingdom.
Today would be unforgettable. A day etched into the history of their realm, and more importantly, into Everest's heart forever.