In a time long ago, when mystical creatures roamed the sun-kissed lands, two leaders reigned, both benevolent yet proud. Though they governed differently, humans and beasts alike, they ensured that peace was preserved, and this persisted for centuries. The two rulers loved their people deeply, prioritizing their welfare above all else. However, everything changed when both leaders became greedy and sought dominion over one another, leading to a cold war that eventually escalated into a full-scale conflict.
The war between humans and majestic beasts resulted in the humans' defeat, and just around that time, the number of abnormally savage beasts began to rise. As their numbers swelled, they were labeled "malice-stricken beasts," causing a great divide between humans and beasts, fueled by disgust and prejudice.
The Princess of the human race was abducted by a dragon, believed to be the beast tribe's ruler, which enraged the humans. They felt helpless and humiliated by the loss of their kingdom and the death of their beloved ruler seeking revenge. They prayed to the gods, and their prayers were answered when a mysterious knight embarked on the quest to save the Princess and avenge the previous ruler.
Some say he was a beast in the form of a human, a strong being that believed in justice, a stoic savior knight, and all those notorious yet respectful names.
He fought valiantly against the dragon and was even near to defeating him, however, he was unable to do so as just before he slew the dragon he was prevented to do so by the Princess who was held captive.
"Honorary Knight, I commend your bravery in accepting this quest of great peril. However, the lands have long forgotten the taste of the river waters, having been drenched in its people's blood. Must we shed more blood in this war when we have already lost a lot? Spare him as you would spare a helpless child." she pleaded as she clung to his feet.
The man, now drenched in blood he was stained within his journey to rescue her, retracted his sword, embarrassed. But his pride was not hurt, as he felt the princess's honesty through her words. The ruler of the beast observed as he sensed his impending death. Moved by her benevolent and forgiving nature, he bequeathed to her an ancient stone relic that belonged to the mythical beasts before sealing himself away for centuries to come.
The two were later known to have re-established the human empire and ruled the people like the previous ruler however this time without pride and greed and although they did not succeed in reforming the bonds severed between the beasts and humans they believed that in the future there would come a time when the two can live in harmony again. They were recorded as the longest rulers in the history of The Florence Empire and lived a happy life till the end...
"That's the end of the story. Now get some sleep little Lys it's past bedtime." said a boy as he closed the storybook and blew the candle out.
"That was a wonderful story brother!" she exclaimed with wonder in her eyes.
"Somehow it feels different from all the ones you read to me before." the little girl replied.
"Why yes. I decided to read it to you as I came across this old book in the library today and it was rather interesting because it is a book about how our Kingdom was first established. Althou-" the boy added.
"You mean everything of it was real? About how beasts and humans lived together and how the knight saved the Princess from distress!" she exclaimed as she jumped out of her bed, excited.
"Although this is just a folk tale among the common people and is meant to be a bedtime story. Alright, off to bed now, Brother has a long day tomorrow." he said retucking her into her sheets.
"Ohhh that's a horrible thing to know." she sulked after hearing it was just but a fairy tale.
"Now don't be too upset. Tomorrow I will be free earlier than my usual time so I will be able to play with you." he reassured her.
"Really?! That's wonderful to know I can't wait for tomorrow" she said excitedly but in a sleepy tone.
"Umhm we will play a lot so sleep tight now." he gave a peck on her forehead and left her room.
"I wonder if I will ever be lucky enough to meet my Knight as well." she mumbled as sleep finally took over.
Everyone surely wants to experience love, the way in the books and it was no different for the only Princess of the current Florence Empire - Lysandra Alis Fleur. Life in the palace every day was repetitive for a young girl who had yet begun any lessons. Time passed much slower for a growing child as she ran around the palace halls and killed time in the royal gardens or parlor. With no friends, her age to play with as a Princess, her only time to enjoy was when her brother was free from his studies. However little did she know the year she turns twelve will be the year when everything changes for her and life gets even more beautiful.