The tower bell rang across the kingdom of Elareth, its deep chime echoing into the night sky. Celebration filled the streets — glowing lanterns floated above rooftops, music drifted through the air, and laughter rippled from every corner. Tonight was a sacred night. A night of union, of peace, of prophecy fulfilled.
But in the highest room of the royal tower, joy was nowhere to be found.
"My princess, you look... breathtaking," a maid giggled as she gently combed through strands of honey-blonde hair, each one glowing beneath the candlelight.
Princess Diane exhaled quietly, her gaze locked on her reflection. Her pale skin glowed like porcelain under the soft gold light, her lips naturally tinted rose, and her ice-blue eyes, usually so enchanting, were distant — like a frozen lake on the verge of cracking.
"You may leave now," Liora said firmly, gesturing for the maid to go out.
The other maid bowed and slipped out, leaving only Liora, the princess's personal handmaiden. She stepped forward, took the princess's delicate hand in hers, and helped her up from the vanity. They began walking toward the adjoining bedroom.
"Liora," the princess said softly.
Liora looked up, her emerald eyes meeting Diane's. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"I envy you."
The words landed like a blow, making Liora freeze. For a long moment, neither of them moved.
"I... I don't think I'm worthy of that," Liora said, unsure.
"Do I look worthy?" the princess asked as they resumed walking, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liora let out a breathy chuckle. "Of course you are. Your beauty, your hair, your grace, your life... everything. All the maidens envy you, Princess Diane."
The princess gave a faint smile. "Do you?"
"Maybe," Liora replied, helping her into the bedroom's dressing room.
"Maybe?" The princess frowned faintly.
"I mean... I do. But not your life."
Diane's smile faded. Her shoulders sagged as Liora stepped behind her, fingers working to untie the gown's silken knot.
"You're beautiful, kind, and gentle," Liora said. "Everything a man dreams of in a bride." The gown slid down Diane's shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving only her sheer undergarments.
"And you've got a damn fine figure too." Liora grinned.
The princess swatted her playfully, laughing — a sound too rare these days. But then, just as quickly, her face collapsed, and the tears came.
"You look more beautiful when you smile," Liora said softly. "If you don't want this marriage... reject it."
"I can't." Diane's voice cracked. "Mother won't let me. The people... their lives depend on this union."
She broke down, trembling.
"I don't want to marry a beast."
He's not a beast, he's a divine Celestial," Liora tried to reassure her, brushing her hand gently along Diane's arm to calm her down.
"They all are," Diane whispered, her voice shaking. "You're all just wrapping it up to look pretty. I've read the history books, Liora. All the princesses sent over the past thousand years—none of them ever came back home." Her teeth clenched as her body trembled. "I'm scared."
Tears welled in Liora's eyes. She looked away, forcing herself not to cry.
> Diane was right. We've wrapped it all in silks and gold, but underneath, it's always been the same brutal truth. So many strange, twisted stories surround the Celestials. So many things left unsaid.
The marriage was sealed the moment she was born. And even a hundred years from now, another bride will be chosen. Another girl torn from her world. Another soul forced to smile at her own doom.
It's always been this way... and we just keep pretending it's noble.
Her throat tightened.
> She's being sacrificed for the kingdom. And me? I'm standing here, brushing her hair, helping the very people who chained her fate.
Honestly... I feel ashamed. Ashamed that I'm part of the reason someone has to lose their freedom like this.
"Ever since the letter arrived last week, I've been trying to wear a smile," Diane said, her voice barely holding. "But I just can't bear it anymore. I can't imagine getting married to a beast."
Her fingers curled into her undergarment, clutching the fabric over her chest as if trying to hold herself together. The tears came freely now—like they'd been stored up for years, just waiting for a crack to spill through.
Without thinking, Liora pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly.
"Maybe if we stopped thinking about all the old stories," she whispered with a soft smile, "we wouldn't have to stress so much about what they look like."
---
Liora's POV
After that cry, I helped the princess into the bath, then dried and tucked her into bed like always. I wished her goodnight, watching her eyes slowly close—exhausted not from the day, but from pretending to be okay.
It must be hard, trying to please everyone while silently breaking. And if I'm being honest, I'm part of the reason she's hurting. I may not be the cause, but I'm tangled in the mess that's wearing her down.
Tonight... and the next two days are my days off. I'm both happy and sad.
I want to stay. I want to be here for her. But I haven't gone home in over six months. My little brother is sick, and my aunty has no one else. I feel guilty for wanting to leave—but I can't help it. I need to see them. I need to be selfish just this once.
Honestly, I pity the princess. Me? I could never give up my freedom for peace. Not even for a kingdom.
Not like she has a choice anyway. She's being forced. I guess that's the price of the luxury she's had since birth. All the silks, the praise, the palaces... yet not even the freedom to say no.
Sometimes I think maybe I'm the lucky one.
I'm just a maid from the slums—with a sick brother and a struggling aunt—but I have something she doesn't.
Freedom.
As I walked down the narrow lane between homes, my heart fluttered with joy. I couldn't believe I was actually out. I'd been locked away in that castle for so long, breathing air that never felt like mine. Tonight? I could finally breathe again.
What I need now is a hot bath... and a mountain of food.
My gaze dropped to the bag in my hand. It was packed with goodies from the castle kitchen—meat pies, roasted yams, dried fruit, a chunk of spiced bread. I grinned.
I can't wait to eat this.