Aira wandered through the bustling streets of Villin City, marveling at every corner. Soon, she found herself before the palace of King Alexander. Her breath caught in her throat. The gates rose higher than any building she had ever seen, the walls adorned with intricate carvings and glinting banners. It was more magnificent than she had imagined, almost like a city in itself.
Gathering her courage, Aira stepped toward the grand gates, only to be stopped by the palace guards.
"Hold! You cannot enter without permission," one of them barked.
Aira's mind raced. She waited patiently, observing the guards, and as soon as they were distracted, she seized her chance. With a swift step, she slipped past the gate and entered the palace, her heart pounding with both fear and excitement.
Inside, the grandeur of the halls left her speechless—the chandeliers glittered like stars, and the marble floors reflected the sunlight streaming through towering windows. Aira knew in that moment that she had crossed into a world far different from her own.
---
The grand hall had barely settled in silence when a sudden clatter echoed through the corridors. Before Aira could react, dozens of guards poured into the hall. Her heart raced, and she pressed herself against the cold marble wall, hoping to remain unseen.
From her hiding spot, she watched intently as Alexander strode forward, his presence commanding every eye in the room. His sharp gaze swept over the men around him, and his voice cut through the air like steel.
"Do you know about the girl with the butterfly birthmark?" he asked, his tone both cold and urgent.
Aira froze. Her hand instinctively touched her shoulder, where the faint mark was hidden beneath her cloak. Her pulse quickened as she listened closely.
One of the guards bowed slightly and replied, "My Majesty… only the Rajput family carries that birthmark. The princess of Rajput is traveling the city, and she is not in the mansion."
Aira's eyes widened in shock. Her heart pounded harder—he was talking about her. She pressed herself tighter against the wall, realizing that Alexander, the king from her dreams, was searching for her.
---
🌑 alxender and aira :(pov)
The royal meeting ended, and Alexander strode from the hall, his cape flowing behind him. Unseen, Aira quietly followed, her curiosity and courage pushing her forward.
But Alexander's sharp instincts did not fail him. He sensed movement behind him and slowed, his piercing eyes scanning the corridor. As soon as they reached the privacy of his chambers, he spun around with lightning speed, grabbing her by the cloak and pulling her inside.
Aira gasped, her heart pounding, as the room's shadows swallowed them. Alexander's eyes immediately fell on the faint butterfly birthmark peeking from under her sleeve. His sharp gaze then met hers, and recognition flashed like fire.
"She's the girl I've been searching for…" he murmured, almost to himself. Then, with a sudden intensity, he asked, his voice laced with curiosity and authority, "What are you doing here? Who are you?"
Aira's eyes widened in shock, realizing that she had walked straight into the presence of the ruthless king she had overheard. For a moment, the air between them was thick with tension, fear, and the strange pull of destiny.
---
Aira's fear turned into defiance. She suddenly pulled Alexander's hand away and demanded, "Why are you searching for me?"
Alexander's lips curved into a dark, confident smile. His voice dropped low, almost like a claim of fate.
"Because you are my woman."
Aira's eyes widened in disbelief. Without another word, she spun around and bolted for the door.
"Guards!" Alexander's voice thundered through the palace halls as he chased after her. His soldiers rushed in, but Aira's nimble steps and quick wits allowed her to slip past them. Her heart pounded as she darted through corridors, narrowly escaping their grasp.
At that moment, King Fernandez stepped into the hall, his presence commanding silence. "What is happening here?" he demanded, his sharp gaze scanning the chaos.
But before Alexander could answer, Queen Zara's eyes fell on the fleeing figure. For a single moment, her gaze locked on Aira's striking blue eyes—eyes she recognized from the stories of destiny.
One of the guards shouted breathlessly, "My Majesty, she escaped!"
The hall fell into tense silence, with Alexander's fury boiling and his parents realizing that fate had just walked into their palace.
---
🌕 Aira and zara : (pov)
But Aira had not escaped the mansion. Instead, she slipped silently into the Queen's chambers, trembling as she pressed herself against the shadows.
Time passed, and the heavy doors creaked open. Queen Zara entered, her steps graceful yet commanding. At first, her sharp eyes caught the faintest movement, and her expression hardened—but then she truly saw the girl.
It was Aira.
The Queen's sternness melted instantly. A soft, almost motherly smile appeared on her lips as she walked closer. She reached out and gently touched Aira's head, her voice warm with affection.
"Why are you hiding here, child?" she asked softly. "I can tell… you are a little naughty one. But tell me—who are you, and what brings you into my palace?"
Her eyes glistened with curiosity, but deep inside, she already felt a strange sense of recognition—as if fate itself had placed this girl before her.
Aira looked into the Queen's kind eyes, her fear slowly melting. Gathering her courage, she bowed her head and whispered,
"I am Princess Aira… daughter of King Virendra Singh Rajput and Queen Isabella… of the Rajput dynasty."
The words struck Queen Zara like lightning. For a moment, her breath caught, and her hands trembled. Memories long buried came rushing back—faces, promises, and a past tied to the Rajput bloodline.
Tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them. Slowly, she reached forward and pulled Aira into a tight embrace, her voice breaking.
"My child… I never thought I would meet you like this."
She clutched Aira close, her heart both heavy and relieved, as if destiny had just reopened an old chapter of her life.
---
Queen Zara pulled back slightly, her tears still glistening as she cupped Aira's face. With a trembling voice, she asked,
"How is Virendra brother? Is he well?"
Her words were soaked with longing, and the tears streaming down her cheeks told Aira this was not just a casual question.
Aira froze, her eyes widening in shock.
"Y-you… know my father?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
For a moment, Queen Zara's lips parted, as though she were about to reveal everything. But before she could speak, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway.
"Your Majesty, Prince Alexander is coming," a servant whispered fearfully from the door.
The Queen's expression instantly changed. Her gentle eyes hardened with urgency. She gripped Aira's shoulders tightly and whispered,
"Quickly, child—hide! In the cupboard, now."
Aira nodded, her heart pounding. Without another word, she slipped inside the large carved cupboard, closing the door just as the chamber doors creaked open…
---
Alexander stepped into his mother's chamber, quieter than usual. He went straight to her, laying his head on Queen Zara's lap. She gently massaged his forehead, her touch softening the hardness in his heart.
"Mother," he whispered, his voice low but certain, "I met her. And I won't leave her. She is mine—I want her."
Queen Zara's lips curved into a warm smile, her heart secretly rejoicing.
But Alexander frowned slightly. "Why are you so happy, Mother? You always said I must marry your brother's daughter."
Zara's expression turned serious. She leaned closer and said firmly, "No, my son. Don't ever force yourself into such a marriage. I will never make you marry my brother's daughter."
Alexander's eyes softened with relief. He nodded slowly. "Then I agree, Mother. I will not."
Zara stroked his cheek lovingly. "Good. You should only choose the woman your heart desires."
Hidden in the cupboard, Aira's chest tightened. She never imagined this cruel king could show such tenderness—or that his mother carried such secrets.
---
From inside the cupboard, Aira pressed her hands over her mouth to keep from gasping. Don't force him to marry my brother's daughter… Those words from Queen Zara echoed in her mind, leaving her both shocked and confused.
Moments later, Alexander rose from his mother's lap. With one last smile, he said, "Thank you, Mother," before striding out of the chamber. The heavy doors shut behind him, and silence returned.
Queen Zara waited until his footsteps faded, then slowly turned toward the cupboard. With gentle hands, she opened the carved wooden door.
Aira stumbled out, her heart still racing. The Queen's eyes softened as she reached forward, brushing a strand of hair from Aira's face.
"You heard everything, didn't you?" Zara whispered.
Aira could only nod, her mind spinning with questions.
---
Aira's voice trembled as she asked,
"How… how do you know my father? You haven't even answered my questions."
Queen Zara's eyes softened, but carried the weight of years.
"He is my brother," she said quietly. "I saw him many years ago… long before you were born."
Aira's eyes widened. "Then… why didn't you ever mention your name to me?"
Zara's face darkened, and tears welled up in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her voice breaking as she spoke,
"Because… after all these years, he still hates me. That is why… he never mentioned my name in the palace."
She wiped her tears, her hand lingering on Aira's shoulder. "There are many things you do not know yet, child. But for now… you must trust me."
Aira's heart ached for the woman before her, a stranger and yet someone who already felt like family.
---
Aira felt a surge of determination. She threw her arms around Queen Zara and whispered,
"I will talk to my father… I will convince him to come here."
Zara hugged her back tightly, a mixture of relief and pride in her eyes. "Be careful, child," she murmured, "but I know you are strong."
Aira pulled away slowly, her eyes shining with purpose. She stepped out of the mansion, the sunlight warming her face.
Before leaving completely, she glanced back at the palace. In the window, she saw Queen Zara's figure, standing tall yet gentle. Aira smiled, a silent promise passing between them.
With her heart set on her goal, she mounted Bella and rode off into the streets of Villin City, ready to face whatever awaited her next...