The manor garden was alive with laughter .
Servants trimmed hedges , maids carried trays of refreshments and the Baron daughter's toddled about with curious eyes .
Reina was only four --- yet her presence already drew whispers among the staffs - of her intelligence , of her odd maturity, of her balanced that seemed far too steady for her age .
On this day , however , had invited another noble family for tea : the Bernhardts , Viscounts loyal to House Throne . Their daughter was to meet Reina for the first time .
" Reina , come here , sweetheart !!! " Lady Emilia called , smoothing her daughter's green dress .
Reina obeyed , though her gaze wandered toward the carriages rolling into the courtyard. She felt an odd anticipation rising within her chest , as though fate itself was nudging her forward .
From a carriage hopped a girl within chestnut brown hair tied messily in ribbons . She was perhaps a year older than Reina , her sky blue eyes sparkling with mischief . Without waiting for introductions , she ran up, hands on her hips.
" So you're Reina ? The Baron's little flower ? "
Reina blinked , startled by her boldness . "...Yes . "
The girl grinned , puffing out of her chest proudly . " I'm Liora Bernhardts !!! And I don't like flowers . I like swords. Do you like sword ? "
Reina's lips twitched . This girls ..... she's blunt . Too blunt . But ....I like that .
" Yes , " Reina said simply.
Liora eyes lits up . " Good .... Then, let's play knight. "
Before Reina could respond , Liora grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the training yard . Harold and Emilia exchanged looks of surprise , but neither stopped them.
The two girls found a pair of wooden sticks leaning against the wall . Liora tossed one toward Reina , who caught it with surprising ease .
" You'll be the villian . " Liora declared . " I'll be the brave knight who saves the kingdom."
Reina tilted her head . " What if .... I want to be the knight ? "
Liora frowned , tapping her sticking against shoulder . " Hmmm.... Then we'll both be knights !!. Knights fight each other to see , who's stronger . Ready ? "
Without waiting for an answer , she charged , swinging wildly. Reina , instinctively parried. Her small frame moving with practiced grace.
Clack ! Clack ! The wooden sticks met again and again . Liora stumbled back , panting and smiling , while Reina 's eyes gleamed with hidden joy .
These feeling ..... The clash of blades . It's been too long .
" You're really good . " Liora gasped , wiping sweat from her brow . " Better than the squires I've seen train at my house . "
Reina simply shrugged ,trying not to reveal too much . " I ....watch Papa sometimes."
Liora stared at her for a long moment , then grinned slyly . " No . You're hiding something. But that's fine . I'll figure it out one day . "
From the day onward , Liora became a constant presence in Reina's life . Whenever
her father , Victor Bernhardts , visited the Baron's land , she would run straight for Reina , dragging her into adventures - climbing trees , sneaking into the stables , playing pretend with wooden swords .
" Reina , Today we're dueling pirates . "
" Reina , Pretend you're the evil queen . "
" Reina , let's sneak pastries from the kitchen ! "
Reina , who had once ruled armies and executed war councils , now founding herself running breathless across garden with a laughing girl at her side .
At night , lying in her bed she would smile softly . So this is what childhood should have been . Not lessons in war . Not the burden of kingship . Just freedom .
One afternoon ,while they played in the courtyard , Liora stumbled over a loose stone and nearly fell . Without thinking , Reina reached out and caught her hand pulling her upright .
Lyria forze , her cheeks tinged pink ." H-Hey , ... that was smooth . "
Reina blinked . " ...Smooth ? "
" You caught me like ... Like a prince in the stories , " Liora mumbled , looking away .
" You're supposed to be lady but you act like ,--- like a knight who rescues people ."
Reina smirked faintly . " Would you rather I let you fall ? "
Liora shoved her playfully . " No ... No . K-Keep Rescuing Me , Dummy . "
The servants watching from afar whispered with amusement , though neither girl noticed.
Inside Reina's heart gave a strange thump .
She looks at me with admiration ...but also something else . Is this called they .....
Affection ?
She shook her head , No , I mustn't
overthink . I will simply be Reina , Not Ray Throne. Just Reina .
Despite their growing closeness . Reina never revealed trh truth of her powers . When Liora always asked ,how she always balanced so perfectly , or why her swings looked so sharp , Reina would smile and shrug .
One day ,Liora pouted after losing yet another spar . " You're holding back , aren't you ? No one learns swordplay that fast . "
" ....May be , " Reina admitted softly .
Liora eyes narrowed ,then suddenly brightened with a grin . " Then , I'll just catch up to you ! Just you wait -- someday , I'll best you fair and square."
Reina chuckled under her breath . Her spirit .... it remind me of my generals , charging forward no matter what . But she's softer . Warmer . She's exactly what I need to stay human in this life .
One evening as the sun set and painted the sky in orange and violet , Reina and Liora sat atop the garden wall , their legs swinging .
" Do you ever think about the future, Reina ?" Liora asked suddenly.
Reina glanced at her , then at the horizon . The future .... In my past life , it filled with duty . Burdens . Blood . But this time ....
" I just want to be free . " Reina whispered.
" Free ? " Liora tilted her head .
" Yes . I want to be just myself . "
Liora smiled , bumping her shoulder gently.
" Then , let's be free together. No matter what , I'll be always be by your side . "
The word warmed Reina's hearted more than she expected . She looked at Liora's bright mischievous smile and felt something stir deep inside her chest , - something both foreign and familiar.
She clenched her fist , her eyes flickered faintly with divine light as she whispered to herself .
This time , I will not bound by destiny . I will live as Reina . And with Liora by my side.....
I will crave my own path .
Thus , the bond between Reina Throne and Liora Bernhardts was forged -- not of duty , or politics , but of childhood laughter , shared secrets and promise to live free .
It was the first step toward a story that would one day shake kingdoms and defy gods .