“What is so important that a garbage like you forced herself into the throne room?!” Empress Faira of the Denver Kingdom roared across the room. “You have no right to step foot anywhere in the palace.!” The empress scoffed, looking coldly at the girl in dirty and ragged clothes.

However the girl, Lalla, ignored her, looking straight to the man beside the empress. Emperor Zarc Denver of the Denver Kingdom. Lalla’s eyes looked lifeless and tired. She looked like she was this close to giving up on her life. Nevertheless, with the knights’ sword pointed at her, she spoke loud and clear.

“If I do your bidding, do you promise to keep your side of the deal… father?” Lalla made sure she was heard and understood, but as soon as she finished, a knight slapped her, leading her frail and weak body to fall on the cold palace floors.

“W-what great insolence!” The empress fuming in anger more than ever , standing up and throwing the fan she was using earlier at her.

The emperor sitting on the throne, her father, who had not uttered a single word and had only looked at her with the coldest eyes she had ever seen, made her heart ache.

“Marry the duke’s son, and Lucienne’s position in the imperial family as well as her future will be secured. She will no longer be regarded as the bastard she is, just like you.” As cold as his gaze, his voice was enough to send chills all over Lalla’s body. But more than that, she had no choice but to trust her father’s words. In her mind, this is the only option left to give her sister, Lucienne, a good life, free of pain and suffering.

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From the moment I opened my eyes, I have only tasted nothing but cruelty. Despite being the daughter of the empire’s ruler, I was regarded as trash, a nuance to everyone. I was the living proof that royal blood will never be enough to save you from having the slightest drop of a peasant’s blood. But if that isn’t enough, the world decided to give life to my little sister, only to bring about hell to her as well.

As far as I remember, at two year’s old, I was already a slave.

‘She has no right to carry his majesty’s blood!’

‘A bastard like her doesn’t deserve to live a life of royalty.’

‘Lucky her, the brat should be thankful that she wasn’t beheaded at birth.’

I grew up with everyone around me saying all these things. Some even wished me death.. wait, no. Everyone wished me death. Growish up, it was very dark. Even if I had a task with the sun at its peak, my eyes only saw darkness. Everything around me was gloomy and without life, but then again it was probably because I, myself, couldn’t see the will to live that I couldn't see the life around me… but there really was no life in the place where I am.

There was no life intended for me, I was only destined to be a slave. To be the secret bastard of the emperor. In the place I grew up in, it was a sin to be born a bastard. Even those who came from rags looked down on me.

I was mocked for being the fallen princess. Well, at least by those who knew. But even those who didn't treated me in a vile way. So much hostility was displayed before me. There was no ounce of respect given to me, for everyone's eyes saw me as not a human.

A single mistake would result in my beating, each one worse than the last, no matter how small that mistake was. I felt trapped and suffocated.

But one day, instantly I saw life. For the first time, I saw how colorful the world can be. A baby arrived where I stayed. She looked just like me, brown hair, emerald eyes, innocent face. She was introduced to me as my sister. But those wretched people never even named her, it was I who named her. Lucienne, the light who shined and opened my eyes. My little Luci. If only that life I saw lasted.

She was also my mother's daughter to the emperor, my mother being emperor's mistress. Luci, my sister, was bound to suffer the same fate as me.

“Then it shall be done. I shall marry lord Dane.” With the last of my strength I spoke, not looking at father for I no longer have the strength to do so.

“You will marry in seven days. Now get out of my sight.” And before I could even think, the guards forcefully took me out. They took me in a worn down carriage to god knows where it would take me. Not one bit did I argue, for I no longer will fight.

I leaned on the side of the carriage, raised my feet up in the seat, and hugged my legs. I closed my eyes as I thought about Luci. A faint smile crept into my face. ‘You’ll finally have the life worthy of a princess, my little light.’

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I stared at myself in front of the big lavish mirror. For the first time in my life, I was dressed like what seemed of a princess. Big sparkly jewels that I’ve never had the opportunity to touch not even once in my life, and here I am wearing them. I’d be lying if I said I’ve not dreamed of being put in a pretty dress and wearing all these jewels. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be wearing these. I thought wearing these would mean that I would be put out of misery.

But all I can see is a dull, lifeless person. It seemed like all the life was sucked out of my whole being. These emerald eyes would have been pretty, only if they had shown an ounce of light in them.

I hated everyone here. I was a fool to hope that I would be loved by my so-called father and mother. Growing up, not once did I hate them. I was very optimistic that once day, they’d pick me up from the wretched place they threw me in as soon as I was born. It was only when my sister came that I woke up from that dream. I realized they weren’t going to acknowledge our existence.

They were vile beasts. The emperor never wanted to have any child with his mistress, my mother, let alone Luci and I. So she threw us away, not fighting for our place, yet remaining by the side of the emperor. She threw our lives in exchange for hers. I started hating them when even Lucienne wasn’t exempted of their cruelty. I started losing hope when I couldn’t protect her from being beaten and punished unjustly.

“Lady Lalla, the wedding is about to start.” A helper called from the door. I stood up and went in front of the full body mirror. I took one last glance at myself.

Lucienne.. Luci. She became my strength. She became my life. My baby, my light. This is for you baby. This is all for you. I will live out the rest of my life in misery for you to live the life of comfort you deserve. After this day, you will never see pain once more.

I finally went out of the room. With a dedicated face, I walked in without hesitation, after all this what’s there to hesitate for my Luci.

“You’re the talk of the house.” A boy, specifically lord Aldrich, the youngest son of the house I’m marrying into. House of Gernio.

“I am honored to be seen by this house.” Then I bowed a bit to show my respect to the young lord. This wedding is to somewhat tighten the emperor’s knot to the house. Although my existence is kept a secret and is only known to a few, the head of the Gernio house is the emperor’s right hand man, hence one of the few who knows.

“Why did you agree to marry into my family?” He asked, crossed arms, with a doubtful face. My face did not falter, keeping my smile intact.

“It would be a great honor to marry into-” Before I could finish, he cut me off.

“We both know that you’re going to suffer here, bastard daughter of the king.” I very well knew he was provoking me, thus I never let anything out but a smile and the respect I was told to give this family.

“Doing this will make me happy, lord Aldrich, that much I assure you.” I spoke with much contentment. After all, it is true. Nothing will make me happy but to see my sister well off.

“For a 16 year-old, you sure are something. It’s probably not even the right age for you to get married yet.” I really can't believe that a 9 year-old is lecturing me. He seems far too mature to talk like this.

“I am flattered by the young lord's concern, but there is really no need to worry.” He stared at me for what seemed like eternity before closing his eyes and walking away, but before he could go far, he once again spoke.

“Your eyes are confusing. It’s the most lifeless eyes I’ve seen, but the most determined as well.” He is right though. It seems like for his age, he knows what will happen to me and just what his family is capable of.

I continued walking, reaching the carriage outside. I arrived shortly outside the grand door of the church. It was relatively near the house. Behind that door, lies doom for me. However, outside that door is Luci. Luci was waiting there. My face immediately lit up as I saw her. She was wearing a pretty pink dress that suited her.

“You look like a princess, Luci! You're very pretty.” I spoke ever so softly. When it came to her, I would always be extra gentle and warm. With a bright face, she hugged me.

“And you look like a queen, sister! I'm so happy that our lives will get better now.” Excitement evident in her voice. But more than that, there was also a hint of relief.

“Will you do this queen a great honor of walking her down the aisle?”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Yes!”

Just like that, we were announced before the doors opened for us. As soon as we started walking down, my eyes wandered through the people present. I couldn't find my father. No, I shouldn't even be looking for him.

Luci went to sit somewhere on the front as I continued on to the front where a tall, red haired man was waiting. Lord Dane. He looked cold and cruel, but that's fine.

“Are you both ready?” The priest asked. Lord Dane answered yes with a cold stern voice, whilst I gazed at my sister one more time.

‘This is it, my light. Live the life we dreamed of for the both of us.’

“Yes, I'm ready.”

But of course, I can never count on any of these people. I can’t say I’m surprised. The knights of the kingdom barged in, following the imperial twins, the crowned prince and princess of the kingdom. A little bit later, followed by my father.

“My emperor! We are honored that his majesty has graced us with his percen-” Duke Philip, the head of the house Gernio was interrupted by Prince Ziel, the Imperial Crowned Prince, my half-brother.

“Silence! You are charged with treason for conspiring against the Imperial Family!” Everyone’s eyes widened.

“E-excuse me?! Our family has done nothing but serve the Imperial house!” Dane shouted back in anger, but in return a knight kicked him on leg and forced him to kneel.

“How dare you talk back!” Princess Zari spoke back in anger.

“For months now, I have been investigating you and your family. I am honestly disappointed, Philip. To betray me is to betray the country.” My father finally spoke. Duke Philip hurriedly went as close as possible to his majesty before being stopped by the guards and kneeled down.

“Zarc! I swear I have been loyal without fail ever since we were young! I would never betray you, let alone the crown!” He pleaded but was pushed away by the knights harshly onto the floor.

“You know the fates of traitors, right?” Prince Ziel unsheathed his sword as he spoke. This is the time that I moved forward.

“Y-your majesty! T-there must be a m-misunderstanding. The duke’s house has always been loyal to you. This must be a ploy to bring them down. Please reconsider this, your majesty.” I can’t let this go on. I can’t let this turn into a bloodshed. Lucienne.. she’s here. As soon as I finished talking, I was immediately slapped by princess Zari slapped me hard.

“Being a bastard wasn’t enough for you, now you’re protecting these traitors? Even marrying them! You should die along with them.” She shouted after kicking me multiple times. She then suddenly looked ahead, at Luci, and then smiled wickedly. My eyes widened.

“Bring that little brat over here.” She commanded.

“W-wait, n-no!” I looked directly at my father's eyes pleadingly. “You promised me!” I shouted. I looked over at Luci, crying as the knights were trying to take her away. The only one helping her resist is a young red-haired boy, just a tad bit older than her, the duke’s youngest son, Aldrich.

“Traitors deserve to die. Kill everyone present at this occasion.” And just like that, it was chaos. I ran over to Luci, trying my best to protect her from all surroundings. Pushing away the knights that tried to harm her. It was a fairly big occasion so it was a real mess.

“Lalla, I’m scared!” Luci cried out, tightly gripping my dress. I did the same, I made sure to hold her as tight and as close as possible. Looking around, there was blood and screams everywhere. Moreso, the Duke and his family were trying to protect themselves as well, but they were slaughtered one by one.

I saw an opened window. I took that as an opportunity to escape with Luci. But before I could run, I noticed Aldrich. He was frozen as a knight approached him. I remembered how he tried to help my Luci.

I bit my lips and ran with Luci to where he was, holding a sword I picked from the ground and intercepting the knight. I bruised him enough for him to fall on the ground.

“A-are you o-okay?” I asked, my voice shaking. Actually, my whole body trembled. Everywhere I looked, it was red. But I kept going, especially after feeling how Luci shook so much. She was scared to death! I looked over to Aldrich and he was still frozen, tears running down his face.

“H-hey, we have t-to go!” I screamed, but he really wasn’t budging, so I pulled him with me and Luci.

“Take the bastard princesses and that boy!” I heard Prince Ziel shout. My heart sank. I didn’t know if I could protect Luci. I still, however, continued to run to the window. I have to get her out of here. The window wasn’t far, but with everything that’s been happening, it seemed like an eternity before we got there.

I acted quickly, water starting to fill my eyes. I lifted Luci and hovered her over the other side. I then lifted Aldrich and hovered him too.

“Go! Run!” I cried out to them, but Luci held onto me while crying hysterically.

“N-no! You g-go with us!” She pleaded, but before I could answer, a knight grabbed me.

“Aldrich! Take her and run! Hide her, please.” I shouted as loud as I could to get Aldrich to listen. When he came to his senses, he couldn’t stop another stream of tears before wiping them and taking Luci's hands to run.

“Let me go!” I did my best to struggle with the knight that was holding me. I saw my brother trying to make his way to me. I have to get out of here, fast. I have to make sure that Luci lives.

“Lalla!” My brother roared. I’m running out of time, good thing I was able to escape the knight's grasp because of the guest running over him. I quickly climbed over to the other side, and ran after my sister. I can still see them from afar.

I was born with a really weak body. So all that struggle in the place of the wedding really took a toll on me. I wanted to stop running, my body was burnt out, but the image of Luci kept appearing on my mind. I can’t leave her be!

“Luci!” I tried shouting for them in the distance but they were already far off. Looking back, although I had made it a bit far, there were some knights who were after us, along with my brother. I bit my lips and decided not to look back. Keep running as mine and Luci’s life were on the line.

I saw them making it to the Gernio's mansion estate. As Aldrich led my sister inside of the mansion, he looked over at my direction and saw me. He whispered something to Luci and she looked my way too. I saw her smile through the tears as she waved at me.

I ran faster. I pulled the both of them inside the mansion as soon as I got there and hugged Luci. She cried and cried on my shoulders.

“I-Isn’t t-that d-dad?” She asked through the tears. “W-why did h-he try to kill u-us?” My heart ached at her question. For a child to witness her own father try to kill her.

“Shhh, I’m here Luci. I’ll protect you.” I assured her.

“W-we have to hide.” Aldrich suddenly said. I turned to him and saw how he tried to play it off, but I can see his hands clearly shaking. I was about to reach his hand but then the doors suddenly opened, and there a knight stood. My eyes widened. I immediately stood up and pushed the knight.

“Run!” I shouted once more. I made sure that the two of them went before me, but as we ran, Aldrich and Luci went the opposite direction. I bit my lips. As much as I want to run after Aldrich, I had to be with Luci.

“Luci, in the room!”

“Are you okay? I love you, Luci.” I hugged her again as we settled in the room. We sat on the floor on the darkest corner of the room.

“Father doesn’t love us.” She was heartbroken as she cried on my lap. I wanted to comfort her, tell her that it wasn’t the case. But I can’t lie to her after today.

“I’m sorry Luci. I couldn’t get you a good life.” I spoke as quietly as I could. She sat properly on the floor and faced me. She shook her head and wiped her tears, she then held my hand tightly.

“No, I love you Lalla. I’ve always wondered why we were living like this, why our parents were never around. I didn’t want to believe it but I knew they were never coming for us.” Despite being a child, she already knew how despicable the world is to us.

“You will only ever be the family that I have. Thank you for always protecting me. I don’t need anyone else but you.” She gave me a bright smile and hugged me tight. This is why she is my life. In the darkness we were born into, she shined brightly. I smiled back at her.

Suddenly, the door opened. I was immediately on my guard, but as I got a look, it was a tired and worn out Aldrich. I quickly helped him in and let him sit with us.

“The knights are still in the mansion. It’ll only be a matter of time before they…” He didn’t continue. His hands were still shaking. I felt bad for him. His whole family got murdered. I instinctively hugged him, and surprisingly, he broke down. Luci stroked his back softly which made me smile.

“I’m sorry for today Aldrich.” Maybe if I was born with the proper position, I could have had the power to prevent this. He is a child, both he and Luci are. I hate that they had to see this.

It has been close to about three hours. Luci is sleeping on Lalla’s lap. The mansion of the Gernio’s is a few times bigger than a normal one, hence they were able to hide for a long time. Lalla couldn’t sleep because of the fear that someone might suddenly appear. She sighed as she stroked Luci's hair gently.

“You love your sister so much.” Aldrich spoke. Lalla looked at him with a smile.

“I do. She’s my life, my princess, my light. The truth is, I was marrying into your family at the order of my father. He promised me that Luci would have a spot waiting for her in the Imperial family.” She responded with so much warmth in her voice.

“But he betrayed you in the end.” Just like that, from being warm to bitter, Lalla laughed after hearing him say that.

“You’re wrong. He betrayed us from the very start.” She said as she looked at the ceiling, full of regrets and anger.

“When I saw you for the first time, you were so lifeless, but seeing you earlier, it seemed like you suddenly had the strength of a thousand men.” She chuckled at what Aldrich said. The truth is, Lalla’s body is close to not being able to move.

“When you’re fighting for something, you’ll surely have the strength.” She lovingly looked at Luci as she said this. Now, it’s Aldrich who looked at the dark empty ceiling.

“Fight.. I have no more will to fight. My whole family has been murdered.” He said with a cracked voice. After a while of silence, Lalla closed her eyes and answered.

“I have no will to fight for myself. But I have something I’m fighting for. I’d probably be dead back there if Luci wasn’t there. You should fight for something too.”

“If you’re not fighting for your life, why should I?” Aldrich stared at the close-eyed Lalla, but to his surprise, she opened her eyes and looked at him as well.

“Because we’re different. I am fighting for my life. Lucienne, my sister, is my life. How about you? Who is your life?” She asked her, smiling sweetly after which made him admire her.

“Find her! Find them!” Their eyes widened when they heard approaching people.

“Luci, Luci, wake up.” Lalla woke up her sister and signaled her to be quiet.

“Each of you enter a cabinet.” She calmly spoke as she both helped the two children in. Luci started tearing up.

“Shh, it’s going to be okay baby. I love you, stay inside here, okay? Whatever happens do not go out. Cover your ears and close your eyes.” Lalla instructed her sister. Luci suddenly hugged her older sister.

“I love you, Lalla.” Luci smiled and let herself enjoy the hug for a few more seconds. After which she closed the closet door. Lalla then turned to Aldrich’s cabinet. Without opening it, she spoke.

“Fight, Aldrich. Live.”

She quickly moved away from the closet as the doors to the room opened. She stood there, facing them without fear.

“Emperor Zarc! We found her!” The knights shouted. Lalla bit her lips.

‘Father? Is he really going to have us killed?’ Moments later, Emperor Zarc entered. Lalla stood there in the middle of the dark room, the only light present was the brilliance of the round full moon.

“Where’s the other bastard? And the son of the traitor.” He asked Lalla, scanning the room for other people.

“You promised her safety!” Lalla argued, but the king ignored her.

“Where are they?” He asked again. This time around, she didn’t answer, she only looked at the ground. A knight approached her because of this and grabbed her hair violently, making her face the emperor.

“Ahh! L-let me go!” She screamed, but she has no more strength left to struggle.

“The emperor asked you a question, answer it!” The knights spoke angrily and tightened his grip.

“They got seperated from me, they're probably somewhere far away now.” She smirked at him, but the knight pushed her harshly onto the floor.

“I'm sorry your majesty, it's true that the red-haired boy got separated from them. But I'm pretty sure this girl was with the other child.” A knight came forward and confessed. Lalla’s eyes widened.

“Search the room. This girl won't ever leave her sister be.” Emperor Zarc calmly said as he sat comfortably on one of the sofas in the room.

“She's not here! I am, so take this out on me!” Lalla’s anger was evident in her voice as she stood up and tried to approach the emperor, but stopped by the knights to once again beat her.

“L-Lalla! N-no!” Lalla's heart sank as she heard her sister's cries. Lucienne was thrown on the floor beside her. She immediately hugged Luci protectively.

“Leave her alone, please.” She pleaded as her tears started to fall down her cheeks. She felt so helpless and weak.

“I'll tell you the truth, as our parting gift before your death.” Zarc started, getting up and moving closer to the two girls.

“The Gernio’s fate was already decided, dating back to when Philip and I were kids. He himself didn't betray me, but his ancestors gravely sinned against the Imperial Family. Hence, he and his family should pay.” He spoke and looked like that of a psychopath.

“They were innocent! They may not have been the nicest people, but to kill all of them?” Lalla spoke in disbelief. Although deep inside, she knew that her father was really capable of doing this.

“They deserve to die, just like the two of you. Your very existence is a shame on my name. So getting rid of you along with them is the best possible outcome. You can't possibly think that I'd let this bastard kid join the Imperial family, right? What a fool you are.”

Lalla cursed herself for believing in her father. She blamed herself that she and Luci were put into this situation, that Luci had to experience all this at a young age.

“Please, I'm begging you, let us go. You will never see our face or hear from us again.” Lalla kneeled in front of her father with the last ounce of hope she had. Zarc faced them, and then smiled evilly.

“Kill them.” And just like that, Lalla lost hope in all things. She hugged her sister tightly, accepting their fate. The knights pulled them apart.

“Luci! Luci! Luci!” She felt her heart die as the knights stabbed Luci deeply. Slowly and slowly, Luci stopped struggling, losing all her strength.

“La..lla” Before Lalla could even react, she was also stabbed, twice. Her body fell to the ground as she tried to reach Luci, who was now laying on the ground, full of blood. Slowly, Lalla’s eyes started to get heavy.

‘Someone, please. Do not let our lives end unjustly.’ She thought in her last seconds.