The king stood, his eyes fixed on me—intense yet softening with recognition.
"Raise your head, my child," he said, his voice deep but calm. "Ask of me anything you desire."I lifted my head slowly, meeting his crimson pupils."If my king would allow," I said gently, "I wish to tell him tomorrow morning. It would be an honor".
A small smile touched his lips. "Very well".
With that, he returned to his seat, and the hall erupted in applause. The feast began shortly after, but the air was still thick with the magic of my dance. From afar, I caught Flora's gaze—her eyes sharp and narrowed with jealousy. Princess Jamaine was nowhere to be seen. Some princesses whispered among themselves; others forced smiles as they congratulated me. My little sister, Bomi, came running and threw her arms around me, her laughter bright and pure. My mother smiled, pride shining in her eyes. The other queens did not. They sat stiff and silent, envy hidden behind their jeweled masks.
And that was how the night ended—my dance still lingering in the minds of everyone, my crystal dove gleaming softly in the king's hand. I went outside for fresh air; the stares I received in the hall had been suffocating.
The weather was cool, and the humidity was high. I felt the cold breeze sweep past my feet. I looked up to the shimmering sky—the stars that were its decoration, the moon crafted to protect us from falling stones beyond the world. I sat on the wooden bench in the Coral Garden.
"We meet again, b*tch!"
I turned to look at the owner of that voice... It... it was—"Prince Shinra!"He spoke to his guards,"Take her to my chamber and do it silently. Let no one notice," he said with a smirk.
"Shinra! What are you doing? To lay with your sister is a sin! I thought I made it clear after I kicked you in the balls. I'll tell Father to have your head taken off as my wish," I said fiercely.
"Indeed, I find you very attractive. And do you want to know a secret? I like it when they struggle."
I slapped him hard across the face. He held his cheek, then grabbed my neck aggressively with his large hands.
"Take her!" he shouted in anger. Then he licked my ear. A shiver ran through me—like electricity reverberating through my entire body.
The guards held my arms. At that moment, all the defense skills I'd learned from Denba vanished. I was terrified. I struggled and tried to fight back, but they were far too strong."I am the daughter of King Wsalf! Unhand me!" I cried.
"And I am his son. Don't act like this isn't normal around here," he replied.
Footsteps approaching.
"What are you doing here, Sahir? What are you doing with this girl? Your father sends for you."It was his mother—Queen Rashmea's sister from the same parents. They both came from another wealthy kingdom far away.
"Release her! Are you trying to get yourself killed, Sahir?" she said, grabbing his arm. "If you get killed now, how will you become king? The girl is not worth it. Leave her and go join your brothers inside."
Sahir looked back at me, unsatisfied, then left with his guards following behind.
"My child, do not be offended by his rough nature. You know how difficult things can be these days. All I can ask is that you pretend none of this ever happened," she said with a cunning smile.She placed her hand on my shoulder. "Congratulations. May I ask, dear, what are you going to request from the king tonight? You see, child, I have—"
"It will first be to the king's ear tomorrow... my Queen," I interrupted sharply, glaring at her without blinking.
"I hope you use wisdom," she smiled and walked toward the hall.I headed straight to bed, exhausted.
Morning came. There I stood before the king. Mother waited outside the throne room where the king granted me audience. Bomi was playing in the courtyard with her brothers and sisters.
The hall felt endless. His throne gleamed—pure gold and red silk woven like fire, jewels scattered across it. On his left, five seats; on his right, five more. The king's tunic shimmered like the dawn, and in his hand rested the crystal staff of dragon flame, pulsing faintly with red light.
His voice cut through the silence. "How did you know about the dove?"
My throat tightened. I bowed my head, fingers gripping the edge of my gown.
He asked again, "How did you know about the dove from my childhood?"
My lips trembled before the words slipped out. "I read about it in the book of your history, my King."
The king studied me for a moment that felt like forever, then leaned forward slightly."What do you desire, my child? You danced as elegantly as I have ever seen. Ask of me anything, and it is yours."
I lifted my gaze at last. "I want to be wed to the third prince of the Qua Zi Empire."
He looked at me intently. "You are aware the third prince of the Qua Zi Empire is to wed the first daughter of my eighth queen—the holder of the second seat to my right?"
I stood in silence. I had never been so close to the king. Until now, I'd only ever seen him from afar. He was a tall, handsome man with an ego as large as his legend.
"I am aware. That is... what I desire... Father," I stuttered.
"So shall it be. By dawn, it shall be done."
I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."
When I stepped out of the great doors, my mother was waiting. Her smile gleamed with pride."How did it go? Is it done?"
I nodded. "Yes, Mother." Her eyes softened, glistening with a kind of joy I'd never seen before.
"Any mother would be lucky to have a daughter like you."
Before I could answer, she turned and walked away, her steps light, almost happy. I didn't understand why. Not yet.
Later, I found Denba, my brother, in the courtyard talking with some high-ranking soldiers and war heroes. He saw me, quickly ended the conversation, and dismissed them. I told him what Mother had instructed me to ask—the annulment. He frowned.
"What motive would Queen Tabika have for asking you to do something like that?" he asked rhetorically. "You should be ready. The princess you displaced... she's kind, good, loved by all, and sweet. No one will take this lightly. Even the eighth Queen of High won't take this lightly. My advice... stay away for a while."
I nodded slowly. I was ready. I had to be.We talked for a while—about last night. Denba seemed distracted, lost in thought, as if something weighed on him.
By evening, I waved goodbye as Denba left on urgent patrol with some guards. As I walked back to my chambers, I met Rhye. She looked a little flushed and excited."Where have you been since last night? I have so much to tell you!" I said.
She smiled."I went hunting with our brothers. We stumbled upon something that shouldn't exist."
"What do you mean—" I began, but before I could finish, a girl with black hair and green eyes came storming toward me—the first daughter of the eighth Queen of High. Her tears shimmered in the torchlight.
"You'll never be happy for what you did!" she screamed."How could you ruin my life? I was to marry the third prince! You stole my place—out of jealousy! You're nothing, Korj. I hope you die before you marry him!"
Gasps rippled through the onlookers—princes, slaves, courtiers—everyone watching. My heart felt like glass."I'm sorry," I whispered. "But this is what I want."
She turned and ran, another princess following after her. Rhye looked at me, speechless."What happened while I was gone?"
I didn't answer. She sighed and took my hand, leading me to the courtyard fountain.
"Why would your mother make you do something like this?" Rhye asked quietly.
I stared at the swans in the fountain. "As long as I can prove useful, I'll do it."
Rhye frowned. "But it's not right. We found a girl in the forest today," she said suddenly. "Her skin was blue. Entirely blue."
I blinked. "Painted?"
She shook her head. "No. Her eyes glowed the same color. We startled her while she was picking fruit. When my brother called out, she ran. The king was told, and he sent an immediate group to find her—and to find out what she is."
A chill ran down my spine. Rhye held my hand, comforting me. "If anyone says anything mean to you, you tell me, okay?"I nodded and rested my head on her shoulder.
Later, during the feast, I felt every pair of eyes on me. The princesses whispered; the princes stared. Rhye nudged me, smiling faintly."Ignore them. Just eat."
Afterwards, in the corridor, Ryoka stopped us. "Is it true?"
I nodded.
Her face twisted. "Why would you do that?"
"That's what I want."
"It's wrong, Korj! Why didn't you tell me before I heard from someone else?"
I stared at her, tired. "Have I ever questioned you wanting to be the first female knight in the kingdom? Princes have played dirty games to get the throne—so how is this any different?"
She glared, taken aback. I sighed."Then please… don't ask me why".
Ryoka's eyes dimmed. "You're hiding something," she said softly.
I looked away. "Nothing."
We left before she could say more.
Blocking my chambers stood four of my brothers, arms folded, smirking. Their words cut deeper than their laughter. Ryoka appeared again, stepping between us. "Enough," she snapped.
I didn't look back. I ran to my chamber, shut the door, and pressed my face into the pillow. The tears came silently.
Then the door creaked open. It was Bomi, holding something in her small hands.
"Why are you crying?" she asked.
I wiped my eyes quickly. "I'm still hungry. I've been having big appetites lately," I lied.
Bomi smiled, crawling onto the bed. She pulled an onion bun from under my pillow."I always keep night snacks," she whispered proudly.
I laughed softly, breaking the bun in two.We ate in silence, the world outside fading away.
Mother came in quietly, kissed Bomi's forehead, and went to her bed.