A tiny girl sat on a small chair in a garden that was filled with golden flowers. She hummed as she poured tea that she had made herself into a cup. Her hair was silver and looked as if it was weaved with the essence of stars and the moon. Her eyes were a shade of gold that seemed to sparkle when one looked into them. A smile was on her face as she sipped the tea she had just poured. She was alone and unsupervised in a garden that was as big and complex as a maze, but the girl behaved as if this was normal. Duke Herman Carstein’s only daughter, Lesa von Carstein, was unattended by any maids and didn’t even have a personal guard. Lesa was celebrating her fifth birthday today. The teddy bear her father had gifted her a few days ago sat across from her. Her father was a nice man, and he cared for her, Lesa was sure of it. Thinking of her father made a gentle smile appear on Lesa’s face. Her father promised to always love her and be on her side no matter what, and he was all she had as her mother passed away when she was born.

When Duke Herman Carsein returned to his manor with only his newborn daughter, all of the servants immediately understood. Duchess Evelynn had passed. She always had a weak body, and she knew having this baby was a risk, but she wanted a child more than anything. All the servants swore to serve Lesa von Carstein with their utmost loyalty. Until her hair started to grow, and it matched neither her father’s nor her mother’s, it was an unnatural silver, and her eyes that seemed to be brown slowly became brighter and brighter and turned into a brilliant shade of gold. Although the servants swore to serve her, they were unnerved by her appearance. Silver hair and golden eyes weren’t natural, and she took after neither of her parents. Although her features were soft, they didn’t align with her mother’s delicate features. The servants may have distanced themselves, but Herman attempted to open his heart to this child. His and Evelynn’s child, but the more he looked at her, the more he felt a hole in his heart slowly spread. His daughter was proof that the love of his life was gone, and she had sacrificed her life for their daughter, so why couldn’t he love her? Why wasn’t she enough? Herman was haunted by guilt and distanced himself from his daughter, but he still sent everything she could ever need or want directly to her room in the manor.

Lesa was ignorant of all of this. She knew people cared for her, even if they weren’t always around her, and she didn’t want to cause a fuss. Adults don’t like fussy children. If she behaved her best, then her father would come to see her more often, and she would make friends with the servants. Lesa was certain of this, but she was turning five today, and deals were made.

Herman sat in his office doing paperwork. He was noticeably exhausted. His hair was unkempt, his clothes were wrinkled and worn loosely, his eyes were bloodshot and his face seemed to be discolored from the lack of sleep and nutrition. He glanced at the calendar. Today was his daughter’s fifth birthday, and today was a day that he could fulfill Evelynn’s wish for their child. She would be betrothed to the crown prince, and then their daughter would be happy, and once she was happy, he could join Evelynn in the afterlife. “Eve… I miss you…” Herman sobbed as he pulled out a ribbon that he had gifted Evelynn. She was so happy she nearly cried, and all from receiving a ribbon. Evelynn was his one and only. She would never be replaced. Herman’s only solace was that she would never have to endure this pain. At least Evelynn had left first, so he was the one who had to suffer, not her. But if Evelynn had survived, would she have done a better job raising their daughter Lesa? Herman couldn’t help but wonder. “Tell me what to do… I don’t know what to do… All you wanted was her happiness, but I can’t be around her anymore… I can’t do this without you Evelynn…” Herman hunched over his desk. Although today was Lesa’s birthday, it was also the fifth year since Evelynn had passed away. The only reason Herman was alive was that he wanted to survive for his daughter. To fulfill his promise to his wife. Once that was done, he could leave. Herman clenched his jaw and held back his tears. Today was the first step towards his daughter’s happiness.

“Sir.” A servant knocked on the door. Herman straightened his clothes and tried to appear somewhat presentable.

“Come in.” Herman sat up. He knew what this was about. His Majesty Vicar had sent word that the engagement between their children could now proceed, and he had likely now sent an official invitation for his daughter to go to the castle and meet the

Crown Prince Ernest Hal Anselmet.

“An invitation has arrived from His Majesty Vicar.” The servant, Vikki, said while maintaining an indifferent expression to Duke Herman Carstein and his disheveled appearance.

Duke Herman nodded and stood up. “Prepare my daughter, Lesa, for a trip to the royal palace.” Vikki nodded and exited the room. Herman then went to take a shower and clean himself up.

Lesa was in the garden, walking around, when she ran into a maid. The maid's name was Amber. She was a very kind soul, but still hesitant when it came to Lesa. “Miss,” Amber slightly curtsied. “Your father has announced that you will be visiting the Royal Palace with him, and you must be prepared.” Amber tried to smile gently, but the smile came out awkwardly.

“The Palace! With father!” Lesa was overjoyed, and a dazzling smile appeared on her face. She grabbed Amber’s hand and started running toward her room. The smile on her face was beautiful, but Amber got chills from the touch of this child.

Once Lesa arrived in her room, she hurried her maids to choose an outfit for her. A casual outfit that she wore every day wouldn’t do. Amber took more of a background position, and the personal maid of Lesa, Darcy, chose a deep blue dress. The design was a simple flutter dress. The skirt came down to right below Lesa’s knees, and there was a white ribbon attached to the chest area. The outfit was very simple and modest, and Lesa worried it wouldn’t be enough for a visitor to the Royal Palace. She decided to have the maids do her hair up into two braided buns, and put on a white jacket over the flowy sleeves of the dress. Lesa hoped this was enough to present herself to her father and whoever she was seeing at the castle.

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The maids took Lesa to the carriage that was outside of the house. Duke Herman wasn’t there yet, but Lesa decided to wait for him on the steps. The maids urged her to sit down in the carriage, lest she get tired, but Lesa was sure her father would arrive soon.

Lesa was correct, her father arrived five minutes after her. He was wearing a white shirt with black pants, and his hair was wet. There was a sword attached to his hip. He was extremely casual, but he was dashing enough to pull it off.

“Father!” Lesa hurriedly curtsied and approached her dad. It was her birthday, and she wanted to see her father and hear him wish her a happy birthday.

Herman felt his eyes burn as his stomach churned as Lesa approached. Why? Why was he disgusted by his own daughter? It made no sense to him. Herman bit his tongue and smiled at his daughter, willing himself through the pain. “Lesa, my wonderful daughter. Happy fifth birthday.” Lesa smiled so wide it seemed her face would stretch. Herman didn’t see any similarities between Lesa and his wife, nor any similarities between himself and Lesa, but he was certain that Lesa was his daughter. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t be near his daughter, but he would try his best for this was his child with his beloved Evelynn.

“Father! Thanks so much! I heard we’re going to the palace! Is that true?” Lesa was so excited that she was bouncing around, and her cheeks were becoming flushed, but she was so happy she couldn’t contain herself.

“Yes, the king has summoned us. I’m sure he wants to congratulate you on your fifth birthday.” Herman smiled back at his daughter. She might be painful for him to be near, but she seemed like such a bright child. He was sure she would attract the love of others and be happy. “Let’s get in the carriage now.” Herman lifted Lesa and placed her on the opposite side of the carriage from him. Sitting across from Lesa didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would. Maybe if he spent more time with his daughter he would gradually open his heart to her.

Lesa fidgeted, she wasn’t sure what to talk about. She hadn’t seen her father for a while, and she didn’t do much. She didn’t know what he did either, and what do families normally talk about? As Lesa racked her brain, Herman stared out the window and pondered how to improve his feelings towards his daughter.

The pair ended up sitting in silence for the whole ride to the castle. Herman exited the carriage then raised his arms to Lesa and she jumped into his arms. Lesa cherished this. Her father caught her and was spending time with her. What more could she ask for? They approached the gates, and Herman left his sword at the entrance and was immediately allowed in. Although he rarely appeared in public anymore, no one dared to underestimate the Duke of Carstein. Lesa looked around the palace in wonder, the Duke’s manor was very fancy, but the imperial palace had more.

After a short walk, Duke Herman and Lesa arrived in a glass greenhouse. The flowers inside looked as if they were frozen in time. Not a single petal was withered or dehydrated. Lesa was amazed. She loved flowers, especially ones that were gold, her eyes were just pulled towards them. Duke Herman approached a table where the King Vicar, the Queen, and their eldest son were sitting. Lesa immediately followed behind, she was excited to meet new people, but anxious as they were royalty.

Duke Herman bowed. “Your Majesty, King Vicar. Queen Sonia. Crown Prince Ernest.” He kept his greeting simple and then sat down. Lesa gulped and discreetly wiped her hands on her dress as she curtsied. “It’s my honor to be in the presence of your majesties.” Lesa breathed a sigh of relief. She had not messed up. She sat down next to her father, across from the crown prince.

“Thank you both! I hope you’ve been well.” King Vicar said this but made sure to stare at Duke Herman. Everyone knew he no longer cared about anything after his wife passed away. He was living for his daughter. “It’s a treat to have the Duke of Carstein and his esteemed daughter join us for this tea party. I hope our discussions are meaningful.” The king gave a gentle and knowing smile. Duke Herman’s face remained indifferent.

The Queen smiled at Lesa and handed her a pastry. “You’re absolutely adorable. I do not doubt that you’ll become a stunning young woman one day.” It was strange. The King, Queen, and Crown Prince did not have any aversion towards Lesa.

Lesa smiled gently and blushed. “Thank you…” Lesa took the pastry and held it in her hand, but did not attempt to eat it. She felt it was too precious. The Queen gave this to her, along with a compliment.

“Of course dear. Treat us like family.” The Queen smiled at the young girl. She approved of Lesa. She was gentle and modest so far, and she was from a good family. Although she was young, she would grow into a wonderful woman who would be fit to rule the kingdom.

Ernest indifferently stared at the girl. She was cute, he would give her that, but he didn’t feel any strong attraction or positive feelings towards her. They could be cultivated with time though. Ernest smiled, “Lesa, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m only one year older than you, so if you need any assistance with schoolwork you can come and ask me.” Ernest decided to extend an olive branch. This girl was the most likely to become his wife in the future, and he wanted to have positive relations.

Lesa blushed and looked away. “Of course!” She wasn’t used to such kindness, and she’d never been close to any boys near her age. But Ernest was a handsome little boy. He had royal features, silver hair that seemed to shine with the sun, and purple eyes that had specks of color in them. Although they both had silver hair, Lesa’s seemed softer and more delicate, closer to white, whereas Ernest’s was closer to gray and seemed sharper.

Duke Herman paid attention to the interaction between his daughter and the royal family. She seemed pleased, and the boy seemed like a decent one. This was a good choice for Lesa. She would be happy here. “Your Majesty Vicar, long ago we made a promise. Do you remember that promise?” Duke Herman stared intensely into King Vicar’s eyes.

King Vicar sighed. He wanted the children to get a little closer, and develop more feelings, but if this was what Duke Herman wanted, then he would cooperate. “Yes. I believe your daughter would be an excellent marriage partner for my son.” The King smiled at Lesa.

“Marriage partner?” Lesa was shocked and elated. She didn’t think she would get married yet, but she knew that when people got married, they loved each other unconditionally, and were always there for each other. She had heard about her parent's marriage, and she wanted a bond like that with someone. Lesa was starved for attention but was unaware of this. “Your Highness Ernest?” Lesa glanced expectantly toward Ernest. If he agreed, then they could be together forever. He would love and cherish her and always be on her side.

The Crown Prince Ernest got up and kneeled in front of Lesa. He grabbed her hand and smiled “It would be my honor to have Lesa von Carstein as my marriage partner.” This was a grand romantic gesture between two children who had no idea what they were in store for.