I had been tense for days, confined within the walls of my room, haunted by the same recurring dream. Nothing interested me anymore. I spent hours seated by the window, staring endlessly at the garden below my room.
The royal garden bloomed with countless flowers, yet one caught my attention more than the rest zinnias.
They stood vibrant and proud, as if someone had planted them with devotion, nurturing them with quiet love and care, as if their whole world belonged to them.
"My lady," Daisy's gentle voice broke the silence, "why don't we go outside? They say if one doesn't see the royal garden at least once in a lifetime, they miss something truly precious."
She tried far too hard to convince me. Seeing the hope in her innocent eyes, I finally gave in.
"Alright," I said, offering her a faint but warm smile.
She carefully draped a shawl over my shoulders, mindful of the chilly air, and we made our way outside.
I had always thought people exaggerated when they spoke of the royal garden calling it heaven on earth. But as soon as I stepped inside, I realised they had only spoken half the truth. The scenery was breathtaking, almost unreal.
For a moment, I forgot everything my worries, my duties, my noble obligations. I sat on a garden chair and leaned back, letting peace claim me. Daisy stood beside me, watching quietly, her soft smile saying what words could not that something heavy had finally eased within her heart.
That was when I saw her.
The Princess of Solénaire.
It was my first time seeing her, and I was utterly stunned.
Sunlight danced through her golden hair, her green eyes shimmering like distant stars. Her posture alone spoke of discipline and authority every movement refined, every breath measured.
She didn't need to say that she belonged in royalty her elegance itself introduced her.
There was no doubt why every man in the realm desired her so much And it was equally clear why the King of Solénaire guarded her so fiercely.
She hadn't noticed me. She sat alone on a bench tucked away in the corner of the garden perhaps, like me, seeking nothing more than fresh air and solitude.
After a moment of hesitation, I approached her.
In a noble society, one must always introduce oneself to those of higher rank.
"My Lady Solénaire," I said, bowing as etiquette demanded,
"May I present myself...Calista Miravelle Thalorien, daughter of Marquis Thalorien."
She smiled politely.
"Miss Thalorien. It's a pleasure. I didn't expect to meet anyone here today."
"I came seeking fresh air as well," I replied softly.
I was just finishing my sentence when a soft breeze lifted the loose strands of hair near her face, and she slowly tucked them behind her ear. That single gesture alone could bring any man or woman to their knees and I was no exception. No wonder she was called the most beautiful woman in the realm.
"I hope you are well, Miss Thalorien," she said with practised grace and smile.
The air between us is a bit awkward but what can I do that's what I was taught from childhood.
"I shall take my leave. Enjoy your stroll."
She turned to go and only then did I notice her knight.
She emerged silently, as though she had always been there and she was there, I just didn't notice her presence was so little that anyone could make a mistake.
Her name was Ana.
She was a commoner and a woman that itself explains her aura because she was from a kingdom that tends to keep its women in check. A kingdom where women are only seen as breeding sheep.
She was the first woman to become a knight.
Commoners don't have a voice in Solénaire but she didn't just raise her voice but a sword.
Her face bore scars, her hands rough from battle, yet her presence was commanding like a fierce tigress ready for the hunt anytime.
One hand rested on her sword, the other near her abdomen, ever alert.
She bowed to me, adhering strictly to knightly etiquette.
I listened when my father talked about that one knight who sliced half the enemy army heads, which was enough to make me respect her.
Even the king himself praised her in the royal assembly. No one dared deny her strength or her worth.
I did not wish to notice but my eyes had always betrayed me in moments like this.
The distance between the Princess and her knight was… closer than closer than etiquette allowed".
"Oh, I must be imagining things," I murmured to myself, forcing my gaze away.
"My lady," Daisy whispered hesitantly, unaware of the weight her words carried,
"Don't you think the Princess and her knight look rather close? Almost like us no not like us it's more like some.."
"You're imagining things," I said quickly cutting her words, my tone sharper than intended.
I needed her to stop.
In a selection like this, where every participant sought victory at any cost, even a careless whisper could turn into a weaponRumoursrs did not need truth only opportunity.
I began walking in silence, the gravel crunching softly beneath my steps.
Then the feeling returned.
The unmistakable sensation of being watched
I slowed, glanced around but saw nothing. No movement. No shadow out of place.
"…It's nothing," I whispered, more to convince myself than anyone else.
Yet the unease followed me, clinging like mist.
The royal place office
"Your Majesty," Alaric spoke carefully, breaking the heavy silence,
"What are your thoughts on the participants?"
King Asper stood near the tall window, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the kingdom beyond the glass.
"Thoughts," he repeated slowly.
The room seemed to tighten around the world. He smiled as he turned to Alaric.
"Don't you think the selection has already been decided?"
His voice softened, but his eyes did not.
"All that remains is to complete the formality."