Time is such a wonder. Sometimes, it feels as though everything is frozen. Other times, it feels like quicksand and everything seems rushed. And so days passed since the banquet, and days turned into weeks, and eventually months.

Eternia found herself frozen as she stared out of her window, watching the sunrise. “Another day of torment,” she mumbled sadly. She recalled the plans she made with her new friends. How happy she was that night and how excited they all were. Alas, the Queen somehow persuaded the King to change his mind.

A few days before the planned playdate, an attack was made on the Kingdom's borders. Monsters from the West made their way to our lands and all the mages and knights had to destroy them. They were eventually vanquished, however, some breached the castle walls and attacked a nobleman. The werewolf was killed, but the noble was infected and later executed. Because of this, the King agreed that it wasn’t safe.

“What’s on your mind?” Adrian asked, tapping her shoulder. But he already what it was. He saw how happy she was that night to meet new children. He never saw her smile that way before.

Eternia sighed, keeping her gaze at the sunrise. “I just wish I could see them again, Adrian. I never get to play with other children, you know? Not in Crystalia and not in Sapphiria. It’s always, books, studies, training, and etiquette; never enough time for myself,” she shared, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Adrian hugged her in an attempt to comfort the child. “Why don’t you just tell your father that the queen is abusing you,” he suggested, wiping the tears from her eyes. “If he knew that the queen’s making you work from seven in the morning until half past five, I’m sure he’ll object on your behalf.”

“And make an enemy of my stepmother?” she said, almost trembling, “I wouldn’t dare. Besides, she means to make a suitable heir.”

Adrian shook his head in disbelief. “God, sometimes I forget that you’re merely five years old when you talk like that,” he says, “Anyhow, I’ll make you a promise. When you are eight years old, I’ll take you out some time for some fun. I think you’d enjoy the village.”

“Really?” she beamed, “You truly mean it?”

“Of course,” he says, satisfied at the smile on her face. “When you turn eight, I shall show you around. Perhaps that’ll cheer you up and give you something to look forward to.”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” she says, jumping onto him. She practically squeezed him to death.

“Let me go,” he said, pushing her away. “Anyway, about your magic lessons, Princess… I think you should take a break.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because your body will give up with all the work the queen is putting you through,” he explained, “Too much work is bad for you. If you want, you can speak to the queen regarding this and we can arrange a proper schedule.”

“Okay!” she said obediently.

And so the hours passed and the princess made her way to her private study where the Queen was already waiting. Eternia curtsied in respect to her stepmother, and greeted her, “Good morning, Your Grace.”

Alexa smiled, receiving her warmly with a kiss on her forehead. “Good morning, my princess,” she responded, “I trust you’ve had a good night’s rest.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” she replied, “There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“You’ve been doing incredible in your studies and training, of course, I’ll grant your wish. What might it be, my princess?” she asked.

Eternia went pale and she felt sweat trickling down her forehead. The queen is quite terrifying when her mood is off. Hesitantly, she began, “As you know, both my parents have the ability to wield magic… A-and so… I inherited that trait a-and have come to l-learn how to wield it.”

“Speak clearly, child,” the queen commanded, eyes darkening. Parents? As far as the queen is concerned, Marcella is out of the picture. The only parents Eternia has now are the king and queen. Merely hearing her say that made the queen’s blood boil.

“Father said that I am quite talented,” Eternia continued, “So, I wanted to ask if I could study magic and alchemy. I believe it is a subject that would prove to be helpful to the realm one day. So please, allow me to learn it.”

“Hm,” the queen contemplated, “I suppose that is an important subject to learn. You would prove to be a warrior, too. Then I suppose you shall. Your Mage friend can teach you since I hear that he’s all-powerful.”

“Thank you, Your Grace!” Eternia exclaimed gratefully.

“Your schedule shall change then in order to squeeze that into your plans,” Alexa says, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll arrange it for you. Anyhow, proceed to your studies.”

And so Eternia did as she was told. Eternia studied hard and exceeded everyone’s expectations. As time passed, she mastered reading ancient texts and learned to become fluent in several languages. She is excellent in all her subjects, but what she most excelled in was magic and alchemy. At such a young age, she became a prodigy. She didn’t lag behind her training as an archer and a swordsman either. She became a dangerous weapon and card to play by the King and Queen.

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Her days aren’t easy. There were times when the Queen would strike her with a whip as a form of discipline whenever she made a mistake. Of course, the whip Alexa had was specially made for her. The whip inflicts pain just as any, but it would never leave a single trace on one’s skin. In other words, there will be no proof of the Queen’s abuse.

Eternia became known as the “Queen’s Delight” with the way Alexa showed her off. If only her father knew what a monster she really was, perhaps he’d leave her. But she could never tell him that. Everyone in the Queen’s household was afraid of her, so no one would ever dare tell the king. Sometimes, she wondered if she traded one prison for another. But she knew such thoughts wouldn’t help her. She prayed hard every night that the queen could finally conceive an heir that maybe her attention would leave her.

Two years in the palace had changed her. Today is a very special day. It was the Queen’s birthday, and she was to perform a special song for her with a guitar. Nothing must go wrong. If not, tomorrow shall bring her excruciating pain.

“Announcing the arrival of Princess Eternia,” the pager announced, “The Queen’s delight!”

And so Eternia descended the stairs like a soft cloud, receiving the warm welcome of the courtiers. She curtsied before the King and Queen, greeting, “Your Majesty and Your Grace.”

“Rise,” Aurelius said, smiling proudly at his daughter.

Eternia rose like the sun, saying, “I have a song prepared especially for Your Grace. A token of my gratitude for your being here and for appreciating what you’ve done for the realm.”

“My delight, Princess Eternia,” Alexa said sweetly, “Go on.” Her voice was so sweet as though honey had been slathered all over them. Easily, she fooled the realm into believing that she’s the doting stepmother who stepped up into taking the role of Eternia’s mother.

Eternia received her guitar from her nanny. It was a beautiful piece that was crafted especially to thank her parents for listening. “I hope that Your Grace enjoyed it,” she said.

And so the great hall was filled with praises and applause. Truly, no one could ever match the Princess’ talents. For that very reason, everyone acknowledged the queen for her diligence in making her so.

“It was lovely,” the queen acknowledged, “Thank you, Princess.”

One last curtsy and Eternia faded into the crowd with Adrian. Because she is young, she’s not required to stay in court for long. All they need is a moment of her presence and she’s free to leave. The one good thing there is today was that she didn’t need to attend her studies.

“You did great, princess,” Adrian acknowledged, “I’m sure the queen of darkness can’t harm you now.”

“Sh,” she warned him. They may be outside of the great hall, but people might still hear. The only person she could vent to about her sufferings was Adrian. Not even her nanny knew what was going on. “Be quiet,” she glared at him. She then dragged him to the training ground where her weapons were already prepared for her.

“You want to spend the day training?” he asked, “Can’t we just spend the day in the library or something? I don’t wish to be your sparring partner today.”

She ignored his protests and grabbed her bow. Concentrated, she took an arrow from her quiver and eyed her target with unwavering resolve, her focus narrowing on the bullseye as she drew back the bowstring, readying herself to release the arrow. She released it, the arrow soaring through the air with a swift and graceful arc. With a satisfying thud, it struck the target dead center, hitting the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy.

“So you really do like archery,” said a cold familiar voice, startling her.

Eternia turned around to meet a familiar face. Hair golden as the sun and eyes the color of embers—there’s no doubt that the person standing before her was the firstborn of the House of Solaris. “Y-young Master Alexander!” she stuttered, almost stumbling as she stepped towards him. Fortunately, the boy caught her in his arms before her face could meet the ground.

His cold eyes pierced through her soul, intensifying her unease. Gently, he helped her stand. With a respectful bow, he greeted her, “Princess Eternia,” and planted a soft kiss on her hand.

She blushed immensely at his gesture. She hasn’t seen him in two years. What does she say to him? Her mind went completely blank and she felt like an utter fool.

“Are you alright?” he asked, a bit confused. “I saw you at the party, however, you disappeared. The King said I’d find you here. I believe Christopher and Zachary are on their way here as we speak.”

“Shall I leave you then?” Adrian broke his silence.

“Who are you?” Alexander asked, keeping the princess behind him. He felt a sense of duty to protect her for some reason he can’t explain.

“Relax,” Adrian says, “I’m the Royal Magician and the Princess’ royal protector.”

“You?” Alexander’s eyes grew wide. He didn’t know whether to laugh or believe him. He was told that the Royal Magician was quite young, but he didn’t expect him to be a child. They were practically the same age. “Exactly how old are you?”

“My body appears to be that of a ten-year-old,” Adrian replied, uninterested.

Changing the subject, Alexander says, “Anyway, you made quite the shot, Princess. I didn’t believe you then when you told us you’re fond of archery. I must apologize.”

“That’s not necessary, Young Master Alexander,” she smiled, “Would you like to shoot some arrows? I’d be more than happy to spend time with you.”

Alexander nodded, his movements fluid and effortless as he retrieved a bow and quiver of arrows from the rack of weapons. With a calm demeanor, he aimed at the second target, his gaze steady and focused. With minimal effort, he released the arrow, and with a satisfying thud, it struck the target dead center.

His cool demeanor remained unchanged as he glanced briefly at Eternia. There was still an air of aloofness about him, a stark contrast to her youthful exuberance.

“That was impressive, Young Master!” Eternia acknowledged with much enthusiasm.

Their moment was then interrupted by the call of two young boys with silver hair and stormy eyes. “It’s been a while, yeah!” Christopher shouted from across the grounds. “It’s good to see you!”

Eternia's heart swelled with warmth at the familiar voices. "They're all here," she thought, clutching her fist against her chest. Finally, at long last, a day with her friends had arrived.