Fate heart pounded with a mix of dread and desperation as the servant's words echoed in the grand hall. The realization that her true identity might be exposed, leading to dire consequences, sent a chill down her spine.
Fate: (frantically, in a hushed tone) "What do you mean, a mistake? Speak quickly!"
The servant gulped, clearly overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation.
Servant: (breathlessly) "My lady, it's about the betrothal. There's been a mix-up. You're not the celestial princess... you're someone else."
Fate's mind raced as she tried to process the implications of the servant's words. If she was not the celestial princess, then who was she? And why was she in this situation?
Before she could formulate a response, the prince's mother intervened, her voice sharp with authority.
Prince's Mother: (demanding) "Explain yourself, servant. What do you mean by this?"
The servant hesitated, casting a fearful glance at Fate/Sany before gathering the courage to speak.
Servant: (hesitantly) "I... I mean no disrespect, Your Highness. But the truth must be revealed. This woman standing before you is not Princess Sany. She's an impostor."
Gasps filled the grand hall as the revelation hung in the air, thick with tension. Fate/Sany's heart raced as she braced herself for the inevitable consequences of her deception.
Prince's Mother: (furious) "An impostor? How dare you make such accusations without proof?"
The servant's gaze darted around the room, seeking support from anyone who would listen.
Servant: (desperately) "I swear by the heavens, Your Highness, I speak the truth! The real Princess Sany is missing, and this woman has taken her place!"
The prince's mother's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation, her expression unreadable.
Prince's Mother: (coldly) "Very well. If what you say is true, then we shall put it to the test. Bring forth the magic stone."
As the servants hurried to retrieve the mystical artifact, Fate/Sany felt a wave of panic wash over her. She knew that if the stone revealed her true identity, she would face certain execution.
As Fate braced herself for the moment of truth, she extended her trembling hand towards the magic stone. The hall fell into a hushed silence, every eye fixed on the mystical artifact as it awaited her offering.
With a deep breath, Fate/Sany pressed her palm against the smooth surface of the stone, feeling a tingling sensation course through her veins. A hush fell over the room as everyone waited with bated breath, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
Suddenly, a soft glow enveloped the magic stone, illuminating the hall with its ethereal light. Gasps of astonishment filled the air as the stone pulsed with energy, casting a radiant aura around Fate/Sany's hand.
The prince's mother watched in stunned silence, her stern facade momentarily faltering as she witnessed the unexpected turn of events. It seemed that Fate/Sany's blood had indeed triggered a reaction from the ancient artifact, defying all expectations.
As the glow faded and the magic stone fell silent once more, a sense of awe swept through the grand hall. Fate/Sany stood before them, her true identity revealed by the undeniable power of the stone.
Prince's Mother: (with a mixture of shock and reverence) "It... it cannot be. She... she truly is Princess Sany."
The realization rippled through the gathered crowd, disbelief giving way to acceptance as they processed the miraculous outcome of the ritual. Fate/Sany's heart swelled with relief as she realized that she had passed the test, her true identity confirmed by the magic of the stone.
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The prince's mother approached her, her expression softened by a newfound respect.
Prince's Mother: (with a nod of approval) "You have proven yourself, Princess Sany. Your courage and determination have earned you the right to stand beside my son as his betrothed."
As Fate witnessed the unfolding events, a mixture of emotions surged within her. While relief flooded her at the confirmation of her identity, a simmering anger began to brew within her as she realized the gravity of the situation caused by the servant's revelation.
Turning her gaze towards the trembling servant, Fate's eyes blazed with an intensity that sent shivers down their spine. With each step she took towards them, the air seemed to grow heavier, her presence commanding attention and respect.
Fate: (icily) "You dare accuse me of imposture without evidence? You risk not only my life but the stability of this kingdom with your reckless words."
The servant cowered before her, unable to meet her gaze as they stammered out apologies.
Servant: (frantically) "Forgive me, Your Highness! I spoke out of turn, I beg for your mercy!"
Fate's expression softened slightly as she took in the servant's fear-stricken demeanor. While her anger still smoldered beneath the surface, she understood the desperation that had driven the servant to speak out.
Fate: (with a hint of disdain) "Your fear clouds your judgment, but know this: your words have consequences. You will face punishment for your indiscretion, but for now, your service to the kingdom may continue."
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Fate turned her attention towards the prince's mother, her demeanor regal and composed once more.
Fate: (addressing the prince's mother) "Your Highness, I assure you, I am indeed Princess Sany. My actions and loyalty to this kingdom speak louder than any accusations."
The prince's mother regarded Fate with a measured gaze, her earlier fury tempered by the realization of Fate's true identity.
Prince's Mother: (with a nod of acknowledgment) "Very well, Princess Sany. We shall discuss this matter further in private. As for you," (gesturing to the servant) "you will be dealt with accordingly once this ordeal is resolved."
As the tense atmosphere in the grand hall began to dissipate, Fate found herself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. While relief washed over her at the confirmation of her identity, a lingering sense of betrayal lingered in the aftermath of the servant's accusations.
As Fate composed herself, she noticed a subtle shift in the prince's demeanor. Though their relationship was fraught with tension, she couldn't help but sense a faint glimmer of concern beneath his aloof facade.
Prince: (casually, but with a hint of concern) "Princess Sany, are you unharmed?"
Fate's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected question, her gaze meeting the prince's briefly before she nodded in response.
Fate: (with forced composure) "I am fine, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern."
The prince nodded, his expression unreadable as he observed Fate from a distance. Though their interactions remained distant, Fate couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the prince's demeanor than met the eye.
Prince: "Very well. If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask."
With that, the prince turned and left the grand hall, his retinue following closely behind. Fate watched him depart, a lingering sense of curiosity gnawing at her mind.
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From Celestial Heights to Infernal Depths as Sany ( in Fate's body ) opened her eyes, she found herself tied up tightly. Panic rushed through her as she tried to wriggle free, but the ropes held her fast. She looked around and saw she was in a dark room, with strange signs on the walls.
She wasn't alone. Hooded figures moved about, doing some weird stuff. Fear gripped her. She wasn't a guest anymore; she was trapped.
Sany struggled harder, feeling the ropes give a bit. Maybe she could escape. She knew she had to pass a test to prove herself. With all her might, she broke free from the ropes, making a loud noise as they fell to the ground. Souddenly her eyes fell upon a young man, his features illuminated by the dim light of the chamber. Despite the dire circumstances, there was an undeniable air of strength and resilience about him.He was bound just like she was. As Sany approached him, she couldn't help but admire his striking appearance with a steady hand, Sany began to untie the knots that bound the young man, her fingers deftly working to free him from his constraints.
As the last of the ropes fell away, leaving them both liberated, the young man stood before Sany, his gaze smoldering with an intensity that sent a thrill down her spine. Without a word, he closed the gap between them, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss that set her aflame.
Sany's senses ignited as his lips moved against hers with a hunger that matched her own. His touch was electric, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body as they melted into each other's embrace. She could've pushed him but she chose not to.
Their kiss was a symphony of desire, each movement a tantalizing dance of passion and longing. Sany lost herself in the intoxicating sensation . As the roof began to creak, the young man urgently took Sany's hand and they dashed towards the prison exit. But as they made it outside, the young man unexpectedly fell to the ground, lifeless. Sany turned around to see a strikingly handsome yet chilling figure standing before her. It was clear that this man had been responsible for the young man's demise. With a cold gaze, he spoke to Sany, "Hey, princess . "
To be continued.