"Your Highness, His Majesty has called upon the two of you," the maid announced with a bow.
The garden's breeze was warm, carrying the faint scent of blooming roses. Beneath the gazebo's shade, two sisters sat for their cherished tea time.
"Hm? What's the matter?" Zuleika asked, raising her crimson eyes toward the maid.
The servant lifted her head slightly to meet the gaze of Her Highness, Zuleika Livia Yekosta Vasiliou, Crown Princess of the Nexus Kingdom. She was elegance itself—draped in a flowing sapphire-blue gown adorned with delicate golden beadwork that shimmered under the sun like scattered starlight. Her long teal-turquoise hair fell in layered waves, pulled into a side-braided ponytail that framed her sharp yet graceful features. When she blinked, her crimson eyes caught the light, glowing faintly like rubies.
Across from her sat her younger sister, Eloisa Cera Yekosta Vasiliou, seventeen years her junior. Eloisa's bobbed chestnut hair framed her soft face, her crimson eyes echoing Zuleika's but with a gentler hue. She wore a pale cream dress lined with sky-blue embroidery, modest yet charming, the fabric flowing lightly around her frame.
The maid spoke again, her tone hushed and respectful. "It seems to be an important matter… concerning the Feltogora Empire."
Zuleika's brow twitched. She sighed dramatically and set her teacup down with deliberate grace. "I feel like I'm about to have a stomach ache."
Eloisa gave a quiet laugh at her sister's theatrics. "Orders from Father, Lei. We cannot avoid this one."
"Fine," Zuleika muttered, pouting like a child as she rose to her feet. Eloisa followed suit, and the maids bowed deeply before trailing behind them.
The palace of Nexus greeted them in its full grandeur as they walked the marbled halls. White stone walls shimmered under streaks of blue and gold, every pillar carved with seashell patterns and waves, reflecting the kingdom's bond with the ocean. The high windows let in a glow that made the polished floors gleam as though they held fragments of the sea within them.
At the massive gilded doors, armored knights stood sentinel. They bowed with respect before pulling the doors open.
The scene within was warm, familial. At the long dining table, though not excessively grand, a bounty of dishes was laid out, enough to fill the air with savory scents.
"Wahhh, Steven! Elijah! You two are even cuter than yesterday!" Zuleika chirped as she rushed forward to her twin brothers.
Steven Cethan Yekosta Vasiliou, his light brown hair slicked neatly back, winced when his sister pinched his cheek. Elijah Leord Yekosta Vasiliou, with his messy teal hair and round spectacles, frowned as she immediately reached over to ruffle his head. Both shared her crimson eyes, though Steven's sparkled with mischief while Elijah's glowed with calm intellect.
"Sis, sit down already," Elijah muttered, adjusting his glasses.
"Yes, yes, so we can finally eat!" Steven said with uncontained enthusiasm.
The twins, only twelve, were identical in face but opposite in spirit: Steven reckless and lively, Elijah thoughtful and reserved.
"Fine, fine," Zuleika sighed, finally settling in her seat beside Eloisa.
Their mother, Queen Elisha Stepha Yekosta Vasiliou, laughed softly at the playful scene. At forty-eight, her beauty was timeless. Her teal hair, woven into a perfect crown braid, shimmered under the light, and her serene blue eyes radiated a gentleness that could ease any storm.
"Mother, where's Father?" Eloisa asked.
"He'll be here soon," Elisha replied, her voice melodic and soothing, "just fetching some parchment."
Moments later, the doors opened again. Entering with dignified grace was King Stewart Cepheus Hekiz Vasiliou, ruler of Nexus. His light brown hair, slicked neatly back, framed a face of both authority and warmth. A crimson cape trailed behind his light formal suit, brushing against the marble as he strode forward. Pausing, he leaned down to kiss his queen gently upon the head.
"Boo! Boo!" the twins chorused, joined by Zuleika's teasing laugh.
The king chuckled and took his place at the head of the table. Dinner began in cheerful chatter, but halfway through, his voice grew heavy.
"The Feltogora Empire," Stewart began, his crimson eyes scanning his children. "They have sent an invitation for an arranged marriage… to the Crown Princess of Nexus."
Silence fell for a breath before spoons clattered softly against plates.
"Oh, then we should tell Stella," Zuleika said innocently, glancing toward her father.
In the Kingdom of Nexus, they have two Crown Princess, first is the first line in the throne, their older sister Stella Cynthia Yekosta Vasiliou.
But the king's gaze lingered on her. "It was… specifically addressed to you, Lei." He spoke the words almost casually, taking another bite of food.
Zuleika froze. "No way. Father, you know I have no interest in this royal politics." Her lips pressed into a frown. "I only accepted the Crown Princess title because Mother asked me to. I'd rather live near the coast as a fisherwoman."
Her declaration nearly made the king choke on his food, while the queen hid her laughter behind a graceful hand.
"You're just like your sister," Stewart muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Stella said it differently, though," Elisha teased. "She told me she wished to spend her life in the fields, helping farmers." The queen's laughter filled the room again, and the king's frown deepened.
"Oh, oh! Then Father, I want to be a knight!" Steven exclaimed, raising his hand.
"I just want to stay in the library and read," Elijah added dryly.
The king's face twitched at his children's responses, then slowly turned to Eloisa, who was quietly savoring her cake. Sensing his stare, she lifted her gaze. "Oh, me? Don't look at me like that, Father. I also have no interest in inheriting the throne."
The king groaned and facepalmed. "Other royal families kill each other for power, and this is what I get…" His grumble drew stifled laughter from the servants in the hall.
Stewart cleared his throat and turned serious. "Lei, at least think about it before you decline." He slid a scroll toward her.
"You always reject their proposals, so why hesitate this time?" Zuleika asked, arching a brow.
Caught, Stewart exhaled. "Because this alliance could bring us access to mineral-rich lands. Our defenses could be strengthened—and with Tartagalia's raids growing more aggressive, we cannot remain careless."
His gaze softened. "But listen, my dear. You are not forced. The choice is still yours."
Zuleika nodded slowly. "I understand. I'll read it later in my room."
The rest of the meal returned to lighter chatter, though the weight of the scroll lingered in her mind.
·—————————·
That night, in her chamber, Zuleika sat by her vanity, brushing her long teal hair. The room glowed softly under lantern light—white marble walls lined with golden trim, sheer curtains billowing with the sea breeze. A canopy bed of white silk dominated the space, its posts carved like coral.
Her crimson eyes caught sight of the scroll resting on her desk. With a sigh, she unfurled it.
"Ugh." She rolled her eyes after reading: a formal proposal for the marriage of Crown Princess Zuleika Livia Yekosta Vasiliou of Nexus to Crown Prince Mathew Klyde Lavezki Revazkerio of Feltogora.
She tossed the parchment aside with little care. She knew too well the cruelty of the Feltogora Empire.
Curling into her silken bed, she glanced at the moonlight spilling through the window. Her brows furrowed as a thought struck. "Isn't this prince… whatever his name is… older than me? About the same age as Stella?" She groaned and buried her face in her pillow.
"Argh, whatever. I'll think about it tomorrow."
And with that, the princess drifted into restless sleep.