chapter 1
Adaline sat alone in the grand library, the air filled with the faint scent of old parchment and polished wood. The ancient texts lining the shelves whispered stories of the empire’s long-forgotten past—wars, alliances, and rulers who had shaped the world. As she closed the thick history book in front of her, her lavender hair, which fell in soft waves past her shoulders, caught the light of the setting sun. The warm glow cast across the room did little to comfort her, and her clear blue eyes, as blue as the sky itself, sharp and intelligent, stared at the last page with a puzzled expression.
Her brow furrowed in frustration as she muttered to herself, "Well, that’s not fair." With a soft sigh, she rose from her seat and made her way to the balcony, the warm light filtering through the tall windows casting long shadows across the room. Her long, simple gown of muted blue trailed softly behind her, blending into the shadows as if she were part of them. As she stepped outside, a gentle breeze rustled her hair, and she looked out over the sprawling city below. The city below sprawled out like a living tapestry, bustling with life. She could see the great towers of the royal palace, their tips brushing the sky as if in constant defiance of the gods themselves. But despite the bustling streets, Adaline felt a deep, gnawing loneliness.
"They weren’t even given a chance," she thought, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the injustices she had just read about. As she leaned against the balcony’s stone railing, a gentle breeze rustled her hair. She closed her eyes, letting the cool wind wash over her as she tried to push the troubling thoughts from her mind. Just as she began to lose herself in the peaceful moment, a cheerful voice called out from behind her. "Adaline!"
Startled, Adaline turned to see her younger sister, Anastasia, bursting through the door with her usual exuberance. Her golden hair bouncing in tight curls that shimmered in the sunlight. Anastasia’s skin, kissed by the sun, glowed with vitality, and her brilliant blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed toward her sister, her gown in shades of light pink and gold sparkling in the light, flowing elegantly as she moved. Anastasia’s voice was full of excitement as she rushed to her sister’s side, her arms outstretched. "Anastasia!" Adaline exclaimed, her earlier melancholy melting away as she opened her arms wide to embrace her sister.
They embraced warmly, the soft scent of Anastasia's perfume filling the air., and for a brief moment, Adaline's heart lightened, and she allowed herself to be swept up in her sister's joy, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging. Anastasia, always full of energy, grabbed Adaline’s hand and tugged on it eagerly. "Let’s play!" she said, her face lighting up with anticipation. Adaline couldn’t help but smile. "Okay!" she replied, allowing herself to be led down the long hallway, their laughter echoing off the marble floors.
They soon arrived in a large, brightly lit room filled with toys of all shapes and sizes. As they began to play, their joy filled the air, the sound of their laughter mixing with the distant songs of birds outside. It was a rare, fleeting moment of happiness in Adaline’s otherwise lonely life. The door creaked open, and a nanny entered the room, balancing a tray of tea and cookies. "Princess, I brought your favorite snack today—" she began, but her words died in her throat as she took in the sight before her. The tray clattered as it hit the floor, tea spilling across the polished wood. The nanny’s face twisted in shock and outrage as she rushed across the room, harshly pulling Adaline away from Anastasia. "Ow!" Adaline yelped as she stumbled, the hot tea splashing onto her arm, burning her skin.
The nanny’s eyes blazed with disgust as she turned on Adaline. "What are you doing with… her?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the warmth like a knife dripping with venom. Adaline backed away, trying to blink back the tears that threatened to spill over. She knew she didn’t belong here, and didn't deserve to be here. She was the unwanted daughter, the one everyone wished would simply disappear. Anastasia, however, was not so easily cowed. "We were only playing!" she protested, her voice trembling with indignation.
The nanny, sighing deeply, knelt beside Anastasia, stroking her hair in an attempt to soothe her. "Princess, you know his majesty forbids you from playing with her. You’re not allowed near that palace. Did you go there today?" Anastasia sniffed and shook her head. "No! I had one of the maids do it. But I don’t understand. We’re both sisters. Why is it so wrong to play with Adaline?"
The nanny’s expression softened slightly as she hugged Anastasia gently, but her tone remained firm. "You must understand, you are very precious to his majesty. He wants to ensure you only associate with suitable people and see only good things. Being around her is… dangerous. You could get hurt and end up like her mother. You don’t want to end up like the empress, do you? "Adaline bit her lip, forcing herself not to react. Tears welled up in Anastasia’s eyes, her lip quivering as she realized the gravity of her mistake.
"I’m sorry, nanny, I just wanted to be nice and spend time with my sister. Please don’t tell Father about this. He’ll be very angry. "The nanny wiped away Anastasia’s tears, her expression softening as she said, "Oh, princess. You are very kind, but there are bad people in the world. You must be careful who you’re nice to, understand?" Anastasia nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Yes," she whispered, the weight of the nanny’s words pressing down on her young heart.
The nanny smiled gently, trying to lift her spirits. "Let’s make a deal. Tell me all the toys you played with. After I bring more tea, we can take a walk while the other maids clean your room. I'll keep this little accident from his majesty." Anastasia’s eyes brightened with hope. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with the innocence of a child.The nanny nodded reassuringly. But when Anastasia turned to share the good news with Adaline, she found that the door was wide open and Adaline was gone.
Down the hall, Adaline walked with her head bowed low, the stinging whispers of the maids following her like a cruel shadow. They sneered at her, their voices dripping with scorn. "Look at her, the abandoned princess," one muttered, loud enough for Adaline to hear. "She’s nothing but a burden," another added, a smirk playing on her lips. Adaline kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her thoughts swirling in a storm of despair. My name is Adaline De Elgiar, she thought bitterly. First princess of the fourth emperor of the Elgiar Empire, and I…
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She stopped in front of an old, dreary palace, its once-grand walls now covered in moss and slowly crumbling with age. She stared up at the imposing structure, the place she had been banished to, her voice trembling with the weight of her reality. I am the first-ever abandoned princess in the history of the Elgiar Empire. Pushing open the heavy doors, Adaline stepped into the empty space, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the cracked marble. In the dim light, her gaze flicked to an old tapestry, fraying at the edges. With a heavy heart, she made her way to a small, dimly lit bedroom. The room was sparsely furnished, the gloom only slightly chased away by the flickering light of the candles she had lit.
She moved mechanically, pulling out a simple gown and slipping into the bathtub. As the warm water filled the tub, Adaline glanced at the empty tray beside her bed. "Guess tonight's supper is about dreams and aspirations," she murmured, her voice hollow. When her burned arm touched the water, a sharp pain shot through her, and she winced, her face contorting in agony. She slowly sank into the water, her body aching with the physical and emotional pain that had become her constant companion. Only her nose and eyes remained above the surface as she stared blankly ahead, her thoughts as murky as the water.
Yup, this is my life, she thought bitterly. Alone and withering away, just like this place. Later, Adaline walked slowly to the windowsill, her footsteps barely audible in the quiet room. She sat delicately on the ledge, her eyes drawn to the vibrant trees and shadows below. The city beyond the palace walls was alive with activity, a stark contrast to the emptiness she felt inside. This is where I belong, she thought, her gaze distant. Forgotten and cast aside. No one cares about me, not even Father.
As the moon rose in the sky, casting a pale light through the tattered curtains, Adaline changed into her nightgown, her movements slow and weary. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring down at the worn, frayed quilt that had once been bright and new. But… she’s still my sister, Adaline reflected, her thoughts turning to Anastasia. Despite everything, I can’t help but care for her. And I wouldn’t want her going through the same thing as I am now, her or Cassius.
With a deep sigh, Adaline knelt by the window, the moonlight beaming down on her, making her lavender hair glow brightly against the dark, dreary surroundings. She clasped her hands together, her voice soft and filled with quiet desperation. "Oh, great beings, Galathea, Goddess of the moon, and sun, Eurella, guardian of hope and love, and Serviana, protector of peace and prosperity," she prayed, her voice barely a whisper in the silent room. "With a meek body and mind, I come before you, praying for the prosperity of our beloved empire. May its lands be fertile, its people kind, and its future bright with endless possibilities."
She paused, her voice trembling with emotion as she continued, "Watch over my family, dear goddesses, I pray. Keep the ones I hold dear safe and sound. Guard them from harm’s way. May they be blessed with health and joy, their days filled with peace and harmony. In the quiet moments of their hearts, help them find acceptance and understanding. May they one day learn to see me truly and come to love me as I am." Adaline’s voice broke as she finished her prayer. "With unwavering faith, I place these hopes in your hands. Guide us all with your eternal light."
Exhausted, and shivering from the cold in the dead of the night, Adaline slipped into her bed., staring up at the ceiling, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. The shadows of the room seemed to close in around her, amplifying her sense of isolation. She closed her eyes, finally letting sleep take her as the moonlight filtered through the grimy window, casting a soft glow on her face. Maybe tomorrow will be different… she thought, the words fading as sleep overcame her. The next day
~the next day~
Anastasia strolled through the grand halls of the palace, her mood light and cheerful. The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm, golden glow that seemed to reflect her own happiness. She hummed a tune to herself, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. "Good morning, Princess Anastasia!" called out a palace staff member, bowing respectfully as she passed. "Morning!" Anastasia replied brightly, her voice full of youthful energy.
As she continued down the corridor, she overheard two maids talking in hushed tones. "She’s so lovely, isn’t she?" one maid remarked, with admiration in her voice. "Indeed, a true beauty," the other agreed. Anastasia’s face lit up even more when she spotted her brother, Cassius, standing near the entrance to the main hall. Without hesitation, she ran over to him, her arms outstretched. "Brother! I’ve missed you so much!" she exclaimed, eager to embrace him.
But instead of welcoming her with open arms, Cassius gently pushed her away, his expression serious as he grabbed her arm. "Anastasia," he began, his tone stern, "do you know anything about the maid who was fired by Mother today?" Anastasia’s eyes widened in surprise, her innocent expression masking any knowledge she might have had. "?" Cassius released her arm, crossing his arms and frowning at her. He knew his sister well enough to sense when she was hiding something.
Anastasia, however, dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. "Oh, come on, you’re overthinking this, Casey. "Cassius sighed in disappointment, shaking his head at her immature attitude. "You need to grow up, Anastasia, or one day, you’re going to regret this. "Anastasia pouted, clearly not taking his words seriously. "Hmm, is that so?" With a huff, she turned on her heel and walked away, heading towards her mother’s chambers. "Tch, useless," she muttered under her breath, her mood soured by the encounter. Cassius watched her go, a troubled look in his eyes. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, but for now, all he could do was hope that his sister would learn before it was too late.
~ to be continued~