Chapter 1
The night was bitterly cold.
A damp cave stretched deep into the mountain, its walls breathing shadows as soldiers dug into the frozen earth. The sound of metal striking stone echoed endlessly. A young girl stood beside them, holding a flickering torch. The fire trembled in her hand, casting light over her pale face.
Princess: "So… we are this close to finding Monesa's grave?"
Esabell: "Yes, Princess. At last, you may become the hope of humanity."
A soldier scoffed, wiping sweat from his brow.
Marco: "Huh… We haven't found anything yet. Too much hope isn't good."
Esabell turned sharply toward him, her voice firm.
Esabell: "It is destiny. Whoever finds her body and awakens her soul will be granted an audience with the God of Justice—the one who can heal humanity… and the earth."
Marco laughed under his breath.
Marco: "A soul? And how exactly is that supposed to happen?"
Esabell held up an old, worn text.
Esabell: "It is written here. If the body is found, the soul can be awaken and it can save humanity."
Before Marco could reply, a shout echoed from deeper inside the cave.
Soldier:
"Sir! We've found something!"
Marco's grin widened.
Marco:
"Well, well. Let's see. And if this turns out to be a lie, Esabell, I'll happily gift this empty grave to you."
Esabell:
"Huh?!"
Princess:
"Shut up, Marco."
Marco laughed and jumped down into the pit.
Marco:
"Princess, come look. It's a body. Seems Miss Esabell didn't lie after all. Your head is safe—for now."
The Princess and Esabell climbed down carefully.
Esabell froze.
Esabell (whispering):
"It's her… It's Monesa."
She pointed with exiting fingers.
Esabell:
"Look at the mark on her head—the curse symbol. It's really her."
Her eyes shone with desperation.
Esabell: know you can awaken her soul and get the crused reverse.
The Princess stepped closer. Her breath caught. Her eyes widened as she reached for Monesa's hand—
Suddenly, screams filled the cave.
Dark figures dropped from above. Blades flashed. Soldiers fell—some dead, others screaming in pain.
The Princess spun around.
An assassin stood before her, watching calmly.
She pulled out her knife and pointed it at him.
Assassin:
"So you are the Blood of Peace… interesting."
His gaze flicked to the fallen soldiers.."
Assassin:
"So you are the Blood of Peace… interesting."
His gaze flicked to the fallen soldiers.
Assassin:
"Most of your men are dead. Yet you still raise a blade. Brave."
Princess:
"Shut up! You're after the grave, aren't you? I won't let you have it!"
The assassin chuckled.
Assassin:
"And how will you stop me?"
Princess:
"Fight me.
Assassin:
"…Why not?"
He leapt.
Steel clashed against steel. The battle was fast and brutal. The Princess fought fiercely, but she was struggling.
The assassin slipped behind her.
She blocked him with her leg and kicked his face, forcing him back. His eyes widened in surprise—but he recovered quickly, slashing her cheek with a hidden blade.
Blood ran down her face.
Her expression hardened. She lunged—
The world suddenly spun.
Marco:
"Princess! Stop! You're more important than this!"
Princess:
"Don't… order me…"
Her vision blurred.
Esabell:
"He's right! Your blood—it's too important!"
The assassin struck her hard.
She fell.
As she lay on the ground, fading, she watched him lift Monesa's body. Before leaving, he glanced back at her once more—silent, unreadable—then disappeared into the darkness.
Two Days Later
The Princess sat quietly inside a moving carriage, staring out at the passing landscape.
Esabell:
"Are you alright, Princess? We lost Monesa… but don't worry. We'll find her again.
No reply.
Marco:
"We'll reach the palace in a few hours. The King sent word—there's a ball tonight. He wants you to attend."
Esabell:
"A ball! Dancing, music, people, drinks… Being a princess sounds fun."
The Princess finally spoke.
Princess:
"Then be one."
Esabell froze.
Esabell:
"Huh… what?"
Marco smirked.
Marco:
"Oh? You want to be a princess now?"
Esabell:
"No! I didn't mean—"
Marco:
"Careful. Talk like that, and you might lose your head."
Esabell:
"No!!"
The Princess sighed.
Princess:
"Enough, Marco. She's just a child."
Marco laughed loudly.
Marco:
"Then she should learn her place."
The carriage rolled on in silence.
The grand doors of the ballroom opened.
Music softened as heads turned.
The Princess stepped inside, wrapped in a deep blue gown that shimmered under golden chandeliers. Her orange hair was tied neatly into a bun, a few loose strands framing her face. Green eyes—sharp yet tired—glanced across the hall. Whispers followed her every step.
She approached the throne and bowed.
Princess:
"Good evening, Father. I apologize for my lateness."
The King smiled—warm on the surface.
King:
"Flora, my dear. You're back. How marvelous to see you after so many months. We have much to discuss."
The Princess stiffened, her gaze lowering.
Princess:
"Yes… as you wish."
The Balcony
Cold air brushed the balcony as the King sat down. The Princess stood before him, hands clenched tightly at her sides.
King:
"Where is Monesa?"
Princess:
"We lost her."
The King's smile vanished.
King:
"…Where?"
Princess:
"We will find her soon."
The King rose suddenly.
King:
"WHERE IS IT, YOU USELESS GIRL?!"
His voice echoed sharply.
King:
"How could you lose her?! Do you even understand the value of Monesa's body?"
He stepped closer.
King:
"It could have granted every wish we desire. Power. Control. Everything."
His eyes darkened.
King:
"You're just like your pathetic mother. Both of you are useless."
The Princess remained silent, staring at the floor.
Find it."
A pause.
King:
"Because your next failure will cost your half-dead mother… her life."
He turned away.
King:
"And don't mistake this for cruelty. This is simply punishment."
The King walked off, leaving silence behind.
The Princess slowly moved to a nearby chair and sat down. With trembling fingers, she pulled out a necklace and opened it.
Inside was a small portrait of her mother.
Her expression softened.
Memory
A younger Flora sat beside a bed, holding her mother's weak hand. The room smelled of medicine and fear.
Footsteps approached.
King (then):
"Hello, Princess."
Flora didn't look up.
Present King:
"Unfortunately, your father has passed. And your mother… she is too sick to rule."
He folded his hands.
Ptesent King:
"As your uncle, it is now my duty to care for both of you—as King."
His voice was calm. Cold.
present King:
"I hope we will get along… until the Queen awakens."
The child tightened her grip on her mother's hand.
Present
Fireworks burst across the night sky, their colors reflecting in the Princess's eyes.
She whispered softly.
Princess:
"I'll bring you back, Mom. No matter what it takes."
She closed the necklace and looked up at the fireworks.
Who was he?
The assassin's face flashed through her mind.
No matter where you run… I will find you.
Suddenly—
A shadow dropped in front of her.
... END OF CHAPTER 1.....