Liliac Kingdom
Sitting before the grand, symmetrical mirror, Rose stared at her reflection. Her blue eyes reflected a quiet, conservative nature. Her petite figure and long dark brown hair flowed down past her waist, cascading gently over her back. Even with the soft folds of her gown cloaking her, the natural grace of her silhouette was evident. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, and her pale cheeks flushed a soft pink as her mind drifted back to the conversation that had taken place in this very room just hours ago.
Now curled up on her bed, wrapped in her favorite silk sheets, she glanced toward her parents, who had been seated across from her earlier.
Her father, Simon, was one of the king's three personal generals. Among them, he was not just the most trusted, but also the most respected- even adored by the king himself. Years of warfare had shaped his legacy: his tactical genius, countless victories, and unwavering dedication to the people made him both revered and envied across the kingdom. His massive frame, muscular arms that looked as though they could crush stone, and eyes that held a fierce, intimidating glare could send chills down the spine of any opponent. Yet for all his ferocity, Rose only seemed to share his courage. The rest of her, from demeanor to features, belonged wholly to her mother.
Esme, her mother, had passed down nearly every other trait. From her petite build to her serene temperament, Rose resembled Esme in almost every way. Her calm voice, gentle eyes, and soft movements painted a stark contrast to Simon's sharp presence.
After an awkward silence filled with exchanged glances, Rose had finally broken the stillness. "Is there something you need my help with, Mom?"
Esme cleared her throat, glancing sideways at Simon with a look that clearly told him to speak. Taking the cue, Simon stammered, "Uh.. R-Rose, we're here t-to-"
"Stop stuttering," Esme hissed, giving him a pointed glare.
Rose blinked. Her father? Stuttering? In all her nineteen years, she had never once seen General Simon lose composure, not even under her mother's deadliest glares.
What's going on? What is this about?
Then came Esme's soft voice, as calming as a lullaby. "Dear, what are your thoughts about having someone to love for life?"
Rose tilted her head. "But don't I already have you two for that?"
Her innocent reply, filled with genuine affection, momentarily derailed their conversation. Simon chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "No, sweetheart. She means… someone to love intimately. We're not forcing anything. If you're not ready- ah!"
He was interrupted by a sharp elbow jab to the stomach from his little wife. Esme's look clearly said, You-have-no-idea-how-to-speak. Rose turned crimson at their exchange.
She had never seriously considered matters of love. Life under her parents' careful guidance left her little room to explore such feelings. Not that any lady of the Liliac Kingdom was particularly encouraged to do so. Love, to her, was still this vague, tender emotion- foreign, distant.
She always obeyed, spoke as instructed, and kept her heart silent, fearing the label of disobedience or ingratitude. Making a decision for herself especially one as life-altering as marriage felt strange. Alien.
"Mom, Dad... you've always made every choice for me, and I've never regretted it," Rose said quietly. "I know marriage is important, but I trust you. If you think it's time… then I believe you'll choose someone right for me."
Her words struck her parents straight through the heart.
They looked at their daughter so grown, so sweet and suddenly, it hurt to think of letting her go. Esme's heart ached at the thought of parting with her child. She's too young, she thought. Too gentle. She can't even choose for herself yet.
As if reading her mind, Simon frowned. But that expression quickly melted into a broad smile when he saw the "do-you-want-to-argue-with-me" look Rose gave him. Esme reached forward, gently caressing her daughter's hair before kissing the crown of her head.
"Oh my darling," she whispered. "You're so filial… but you should begin making your own choices now. Just remember, whatever path you take, your father and I will always stand beside you."
With nothing more to say, both parents quietly exited the room.
End of flashback.
Now, sitting once more in front of the mirror, Rose replayed it all.
Thinking back, it hadn't been so terrible. In fact, it felt... warm. Sweet. Watching her fierce father turn into a soft, cuddly bear around her mother proved one thing- love had power. Enough to melt even the harshest of hearts.
Curiosity tickled her. What would her future husband be like?
Would he be bold and muscular like her father but gentle only for her?
Would he tease her? Or would she end up teasing him—just like her parents?
Would he be rough and outspoken, like many men in her kingdom?
Or perhaps... could she be lucky enough to find a charming tsundere?
Rose had never created an image of her ideal partner. She truly meant it when she told her parents to choose for her. But deep down, a quiet corner of her heart always longed to understand him, to learn why people whispered cruel things about him, why they judged him without knowing the full truth.
She wanted to uncover the real man behind the rumors.
A Few Days Later...
In the Royal Courtroom of the Liliac Kingdom
"Our neighboring kingdom, Wasum, has declared war," announced David, the king's second general. "It's been escalating for days now. We're running low on military supplies, Your Majesty. We'll need reinforcements soon, or we won't survive the aftermath."
The tension in the courtroom was palpable.
"We might consider reaching out to the Roosevolt Kingdom," said Amber, the king's third general, with a knowing glint in his eyes.
Silence.
Every pair of eyes snapped toward him as if he had just suggested feeding themselves to wolves.
"General Amber, are you even hearing yourself?" David scoffed. "The Roosevolt Kingdom hasn't helped anyone since their crown prince ascended the throne. What makes us so special?"
Amber simply smiled, completely unfazed. "Did you forget, General David? The late King Odin owed our kingdom a favor."
The king's eyebrows lifted slightly. Asking Roosevolt for help was risky. Their crown prince often whispered about as the Dark Lord wasn't known for his diplomacy. But if they could appeal to his father, King Alexander, who hadn't fully stepped down from power...
Amber leaned forward slightly, his voice slow and nearly hypnotic. "We all know speaking directly to the Dark Lord is useless, he doesn't care for negotiations. But his father still holds sway. King Alexander hasn't given up the throne completely. If we could secure an audience with him-"
Gasps of approval rippled through the room.
Even the king appeared intrigued. "A bold plan, General Amber," he said, a small smile creeping across his face. "Let's act on it. Set up a meeting with King Alexander as soon as possible."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Amber said smoothly, bowing. He masked the wicked gleam in his eyes behind a polite smile.