"Laa-laa-laa-laa-laa," Nat hummed happily as she skipped forward through the palace corridors, a continuous bright smile lighting up her face. Her heart felt light, almost floating. She was on her way to see her mother, excitement bubbling in her chest.
As she rounded a corner, the sound of laughter drifted toward her.
"Haha, you did what? Is that really true, Kyra? Hehe, you're quite a naughty girl, aren't you? Haha!"
Nat slowed her steps and peeked around the doorway. She saw her mother and Kyra sitting together, chatting very happily. Their faces were relaxed, genuine smiles on their lips as they leaned toward each other like old friends sharing secrets. The tension that had been there before seemed to have melted away completely.
Well, it looks like they've finally gotten closure. Good for them, Nat thought warmly. Let's go, Tyra. It's only you and me for now!
Nat gently grabbed the floating Tyra, who had been drifting lazily beside her, and quietly ran off in the opposite direction. She hummed softly to herself all the while, her footsteps light and quick.
She moved through the winding hallways with purpose, slowly approaching a room located in the deepest, most isolated part of the palace. The air here felt different—heavier, charged with something she couldn't quite name. When she reached the entrance, she turned to the servants who had been following her at a respectful distance.
"I'll go inside alone," Nat said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "You guys wait here and don't let anyone pass. No one. Understand?"
"YES, PRINCESS!" they replied in perfect unison, bowing deeply as Nat entered the room with Tyra cradled in her arms.
She closed the door behind her, leaving the others standing guard outside in the corridor.
Sigh. This is the last place I want to come to, but I still have to try. I can't give up now.
Nat walked forward slowly, her footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. The room opened up into a large, open space that felt almost sacred in its emptiness. In the center was a circular hole filled with crystal-clear water that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. The surrounding ground was covered with various machines and strange devices, their purposes mysterious and complex. Wires and tubes connected them in intricate patterns.
Nat carefully placed Tyra on one of the larger boxes near the wall, making sure the little creature was comfortable. "Stay here, okay? I'll be done soon."
"Tyr tyrr," Tyra squeaked softly, settling down but watching her with curious eyes.
Nat proceeded down the small set of stairs that led to a carved stone platform positioned just above the water pool. Each step felt heavy, weighted with the knowledge of what she was about to attempt again.
She approached the large circular hole and paused, observing the beautiful water as it gently shimmered and undulated, moving up and down in hypnotic waves. The surface caught the light from above, creating dancing patterns of rainbow colors. Rectangular boxes surrounded the pool on all sides, humming quietly with stored energy. In the center, a hollow cylindrical machine hung suspended just above the water's surface, held in place by nearly invisible supports.
Directly in front of the pool, sitting on the ground, was a large box that shimmered with a powerful light pulsing from inside. Even from here, Nat could feel the raw energy emanating from it—intense, almost alive.
Nat shook her head, pushing away her doubts, and began to undress. Her fingers worked at the buttons of her shirt—Zack's shirt—and she removed it slowly. She brought the fabric to her nose and inhaled deeply, breathing in his scent. The familiar smell calmed her racing heart.
Zack, if I can just do this, then everything is going to be alright, she thought, closing her eyes for a moment. I have to succeed. For us. For everyone.
She smiled sweetly at the thought of him, then gently folded the shirt and placed it inside a changing cupboard built into the wall. Then she removed her pants and underwear, becoming completely naked. The cool air of the chamber kissed her bare skin, raising goosebumps along her arms and legs. She placed her remaining clothes inside the cupboard as well, standing vulnerable and exposed in the empty room.
Next, she reached for a delicate garment hanging from a hook—a translucent veil woven from some ethereal fabric. She slipped it on with care. The gossamer cloth fell lightly over her shoulders, its sheer folds brushing against her breasts while leaving her bare abdomen exposed to the cool whisper of the air. Around her waist, she fastened a smaller piece of fabric, its hem skimming the tops of her thighs and barely concealing her crotch. The material was so fine, it seemed less like cloth and more like a wisp of mist come to life.
Nat took a deep breath, steeling herself, then walked slowly toward the pool. Each step felt deliberate, important. She began to descend into the water, the cool liquid rising up her calves, then her knees, then her thighs. The water reached her upper thighs, the surface just barely touching the cloth wrapped around her waist. The temperature sent a shiver through her body.
She waded forward carefully, her movements creating gentle ripples that spread outward in perfect circles. She reached the hollow cylindrical machine hanging in the center and grabbed it with both hands. The metal was cold against her palms. She pulled it down and positioned it around her waist, adjusting it until it sat properly giving her a cooling sensation on her bare skin, then she pressed a button on its side.
WWRRR WRRRR!
Suddenly, the large box at the front of the pool began pulsing with visible energy. Rainbow-colored light shot out in a concentrated, straight line directly at the cylindrical machine around Nat's waist.
"AGH!" Nat gasped as a strange, intense tingling sensation flooded through her entire body. It felt like electricity dancing across her skin, through her muscles, into her very bones. She gritted her teeth and tried to steady her mind, forcing herself to focus.
Breathe. Just breathe. Systematically. In and out. You can do this.
She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing—in through her nose, out through her mouth, maintaining a steady rhythm. Slowly, gradually, the energy flow grew stronger, more intense. It pushed against her resistance, testing her limits.
Sweat began to bead on her forehead, then her neck, then her entire body. The heat was incredible, like standing too close to a blazing fire. Droplets ran down her temples, between her breasts, down her spine. The translucent cloth grew damp, sticking to her skin taking shape of her private areas.
Nat kept her eyes firmly closed, maintaining her harmonious breathing pattern despite the growing discomfort. She refused to give up.
WRRR WRRR HUFF HUFF! WRRR! HOOO! WRRR!
The machine continued its relentless assault of energy. Nat stood motionless, enduring what felt like an eternity as her legs trembled under the strain of maintaining her stance. The delicate fabric clinging to her body grew heavy with sweat, turning nearly transparent. The faint outline of her nipples showed through the soaked material, as did the subtle curves of her form where the fabric adhered to her skin. The cloth around her waist stuck tightly, tracing the line of her hips and the contours beneath it with almost sculptural precision.
Time seemed to stretch and bend. Minutes felt like hours. Her entire body ached, muscles screaming in protest, but she held on. She had to. But not for long…..
Finally, unable to endure any longer, Nat reached out with a shaking hand and switched off the machine.
"AGH! Did it work?" she gasped, her voice hoarse. She looked around desperately at the various devices surrounding the water pool, searching for any sign of change, any indication of success.
Sigh… Still nothing!
The readings were exactly the same as before. No change. No progress. Nothing.
What will I do on that day in front of everyone? When they're all watching, expecting me to succeed? Despair crept into her heart like cold water. Is it my destiny to fail? Am I just not good enough?
"NO NO!" Nat said aloud, shaking her head violently. Water droplets flew from her wet hair. "Focus! I can do it! I will not disappoint anyone!"
She clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms until they hurt. The physical pain helped center her spiralling thoughts.
"Zack is with me now," she whispered to herself, her voice growing stronger. "I can win against the whole world if I want to hehehe. I will not give up until the very end! I promised him! I am the Princess of this City of Eirs! I can't Lose! Whatever it takes I will win!"
Newly motivated, determination burning in her chest, Nat started the machine again. The rainbow energy shot out once more, and she braced herself for another round of torture.
After a full hour of relentless attempts, Nat finally emerged from the pool feeling utterly dejected. Her body was exhausted, every muscle aching. Her spirit felt bruised and beaten. She dragged herself to the changing cupboard and quickly changed back into Zack's comfortable shirt and pants, pulling them on with trembling hands. The familiar fabric against her skin was a small comfort.
"I'll try again tomorrow," she told herself firmly, looking at her reflection in a small mirror on the cupboard door. "Don't worry, Nat. You can do it! You just need more practice."
She turned and looked at Tyra, who had scurried toward her across the floor, his tiny feet pattering against the stone.
"TYRR TYRRR TYRR!" Tyra jumped around excitedly, bouncing up and down while attempting to communicate something urgent. His little body wiggled with the effort.
"Hmm, Tyra, are you hungry?" Nat asked, kneeling down to his level. "Let's go, Sorry to make you wait here for so long. Come on, let's get you something to eat."
Nat picked up Tyra gently, cradling him in her arms. The little creature wanted to fly away on his own but couldn't quite manage it.
"TYRR!" Tyra kept squeaking insistently, his head turning to look back at the water pool. He seemed to be trying to tell her something important.
"Yes, yes, the water is very beautiful, I know," Nat said with a tired smile. "But you can't go inside it, okay! It's dangerous for little ones like you. Let's go—I'll treat you to something really good today as an apology."
Nat smiled more genuinely and walked toward the door, carrying Tyra.
"TYRrrr," Tyra made a disappointed sound but reluctantly looked away from the pool. Then, being the mischievous little creature, she thought he was, Tyra nudged his soft nose between her breasts, trying to use his paws to grab something.
"Kyaa! Don't do that, it tickles!" Nat laughed despite her exhaustion, the sound bright and genuine. "You little rascal! Don't become like Zack!"
She gently turned Tyra's face around, ignoring his soft whimpering protests.
"TYR TYR," Tyra shook his head as if to say he tried his best, then settled down comfortably in her arms, accepting his defeat.
Nat pushed open the door and left the chamber behind, trying not to think about another failed attempt.
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, laughter echoed warmly.
"Hahaha, my Queen, you're not so innocent either, you know! Haha!"
CREAAKK!!
The door opened suddenly, interrupting the pleasant conversation.
"Sorry to disturb you, Queen," a maid said, bowing apologetically. "But Mr. Kane and the Representative from the Empire of Echor have arrived. They're requesting to meet with you immediately."
"AGH!" Kyra's face went pale instantly. She quieted down, her laughter dying in her throat. She clutched the glass box she'd been holding so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her fingers trembling.
"Sigh…" The Queen noticed Kyra's reaction and gently placed her hand over hers. "Kyra, let it go. You don't have to come out if you don't want to. I'll give it to him myself and handle everything."
"My Queen," Kyra spoke hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. Fear clouded her eyes. "Everything is going to be okay, right? You promise?"
"Hmm. Yes, it will be!" The Queen smiled warmly and looked directly at Kyra, her gaze steady and reassuring. "I promise you. Trust me."
"Okay!" Kyra finally released her death grip on the box and carefully opened it. She reached inside and gently lifted her baby out, holding the tiny toddler close to her chest in a protective embrace. The baby slept peacefully, unaware of his mother's fear.
"Good. Now stay here and rest," the Queen said softly, standing up. "I'll call Nat and ask for her input as well. Just stay put and don't worry yourself sick. Your baby will be perfectly fine for a while."
The Queen looked down at the baby's peaceful sleeping face and smiled tenderly, reaching out to touch one tiny hand. Then she straightened, her expression becoming more formal and distant as she prepared to deal with their unwelcome visitors. She walked away with the strange device in hand.
"It will be okay, my son. Don't worry," Kyra whispered to her baby, gently patting his small back. She walked slowly around the room, humming a soft, soothing lullaby under her breath.
"Where is Nat?" the Queen asked the maid as they walked briskly through the corridor.
"She's meeting with Mr. Kane right now, Your Majesty," the maid replied lightly.
Sigh… The Queen Mother didn't say anything more, her jaw tightening with concern. She continued on toward the meeting room to deal with the Representative, her footsteps quick and purposeful.
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END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR BLABBERING
Guess what? I've officially started scheduling chapters! 🎉 This whole week is dedicated to organizing and lining them up properly — yes, full-time scheduling mode! Don't worry though, I've got a nice little stockpile of chapters ready, so I can take a short break from writing (finally!).
For readers following on the novel website, this update would have happened like a month ago.
Re-checking might sound a bit boring — because it's all about fine-tuning details and polishing things up — but it's actually pretty important. It's like an artist adding those final brushstrokes to bring the whole painting to life.
Honestly, I'm slowly getting used to this process. These days, if I post something without giving it a second check, it just feels… weird. Of course, I'm sure a few little mistakes might still sneak through, so forgive me for that! English isn't my first language, but I'm quite comfortable with it — just not one of those "infinite vocabulary" word wizards out there. 😄
Still, as long as my characters can express themselves and reach your hearts, I think that's what truly matters. Thank you for reading, and as always — keep reading, and keep smiling! ✨
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