Chapter 61 The story so far
The fourteen years of my life was mundane. I was born between the king of Alvannia and a palace maid.
My king father had an affair with my mother. The queen was jealous of my mother and kicked her out of the palace. My mother knew not long after that she was pregnant with me.
We lived an ordinary life with the commoners but we were happy. Living with my mother was my best years. I felt her love for me was unmeasurable.
But it didn’t last long. My mother got sick and it just got worse rapidly. Then one day the king of Alvannia visited us incognito. He introduced himself as my father. My mother, who was in her deathbed that time requested my king father to take me and keep me safe. It was her dying wish. So then and there my mother died, knowing that my father agreed to take care of me.
After that I lived my days inside the palace of Alvannia. I learned that I had two elder sisters and a younger brother from my stepmother the queen. I thought I was fortunate to have a stepmother and step siblings, a family, but I was wrong.
My stepmother the queen and step sisters were cruel. They didn’t accept me and also bullied me every time. My own father just batted his eyes from the things the queen and his daughters have done to me. I accepted everything they threw at me quietly, knowing that I was only an outcast, a bastard in their eyes.
It was fortunate that my younger brother, the heir to the throne of Alvannia, accepted me as his sister. Even his grandfather, the queen’s father, who doesn’t have any blood relations with me, accepted me as his granddaughter.
Years passed by with the normal routine inside the palace. Then came my fourteenth birthday. My grandfather fought for me to have my grand ball, to present me to the people of Alvannia as their third princess.
After that my mundane life greatly changed. I met many people, ones that I never imagined to meet. I met the kind William, the son of Duke Cunningham and the heir to their dukedom. I was able to dance with the crown prince of Grandcrest, Prince Regaleon, who I believe has a very strong character but also charismatic. Then I met my own personal knight that my grandfather enlisted to me, Leon Fitzgerald.
Leon was the most notable person that have touched my life so far and he has been with me ever since. He had taught me many things. And also, my heart has fallen for him. Yes I know now that I love him. The man that had helped me improve myself, the man that has been protecting me, I have fallen in love with this man.
After some events in my life, I knew of my hidden lineage. I knew that my mother was a princess of the fallen kingdom of Atlantia. It was a kingdom where magic was present. Its citizens can use and harness magic and they know the ways of magic arts.
My magic abilities blew out of proportion one day. The faithful day that I was abducted by a young Atlantian man. He told me that they were rebuilding the fallen kingdom and needed me for its future. Leon came to my rescue but the young Atlantian proved his magic abilities are more superior. Leon was trapped in a water bubble and was losing his life. The thought of losing him was the key to awaken my slumbering magic abilities. I didn’t really remember what happened but with Leon’s story, he said that my magic was out of control and nearly cost me my own life.
Not long after the abduction incident, I saw a vision. It was a vision that I was afraid of happening and I was also afraid of telling anyone. Afraid that if I tell anyone, it might come true. In the vision, I was surrounded in the sea of fire. Leon was dueling a man covered with black robes. Leon was winning the sword fight, pushing back the man. But then an arrow out of nowhere pierced his chest. Leon was able to pierce his sword in the body of the man he was dueling with. But the flames grew menacing and engulfed both of them.
I didn’t know if ever this vision was really a premonition or only a nightmare my mind made. But I knew I need to get stronger and better. I will do anything and everything to prevent this from happening. Leon became a very special existense in my life. And I do not know what to do if I lose him.
And so two years have passed. In these two years I have tried so hard to improve myself. I was granted to live outside the palace, with an excuse that my health was weak and needed to recuperate in the countryside to rehabilitate. My king father agreed and so me and Leon were relocated in the countryside that was far from the capital.
Leon and I lived at a small villa surrounded by a thick and dense forest. We weren’t alone, my grandpa handpicked trusted maids to accompany us and also he made sure to visit once a month with Richard.
In the countryside, my education continued. I have excelled in all of my studies. My sword skills improved as well. My training with the magic arts was made in secret. Me and Leon are studying together, using the books that Dr. Andrew got in his expeditions around the continent.
And also Snow was always with me. Where ever I go, Snow was always beside me like she was guarding me. Not long, Snow and I leveled up our connection. I can now understand her, it was like we were talking with each other in our minds. There were some texts about familiars in Dr. Andrew’s books. It is said that when the master’s magic grew, so does their familiars. So far the improvment between Snow and I was getting to understand each other.
Now I am sixteen years old. I am proud to say that I can now stand my ground. I won’t be pushed over by others and I am sure to protect myself and the ones I love.
"Princes Alicia." Tricia called my attention. "A letter has arrived from the palace."
I was sitting in the veranda of the villa, having a break from my studies. Tricia handed me the letter.
"Thank you Tricia, you may go." I waved my hand to dismiss her.
"Just call me if you need anything princess." Tricia lightly bowed and walked away.
’What is it?’ Snow was curled on my lap but stirred when she saw the envelope handed to me. She took a peek in the envelope I was holding.
"I am not sure." I replied. Then I saw the crest of the king. "It’s from king father."
’Oh really?’ Snow seems uninterested and resumed her curled pose. ’After two years and he just remembers you now?’
I opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. I read the letter carefully.
"It seems that I am summoned back to the palace for Veronica’s debut." I said.
Snow lifted her little head and looked at me.
’And are you going back there?’ Snow said sarcastically. ’You know that place is nothing but a snakes lair.’
"I know what you mean Snow. But this is a royal summon. I cannot reject this." I sighed.
’Then what are you planning?’ Snow asked.
"There is only one option but to go back." I said. "Do not worry Snow, I am not the weak girl like before. But I have to play the weak princess for a while when I get back." I smiled intently.
’Oh I’m gonna love this.’ Snow got up and stretched her body. She jumped towards the table and looked at the letter I was holding. ’I would like to see how your two step sisters bully you when you get back.’
"Haha." I giggled. "Tricia." I called.
After a moment Tricia came.
"Yes princess?" Tricia bowed.
"Prepare our things. I am being summoned back to the palace for Veronica’s debut." I ordered.
"Yes princess." Tricia bowed. "How long will we be there?"
"I am not so sure." I said. "Just pack things for about a week I suppose."
Tricia bowed and was about to walk away when she stopped and looked back at me.
"If I may speak freely princess, are you sure you want to go back?" Tricia asked. "Well I mean we are living quite comfortably here away from those snakes.
’Told you, snakes.’ Snow inserted and I smiled internally.
"Well it is a royal summon, so I cannot do anything but to accept." I smiled.
"I understand." She sighed. "I will pack your things then. Will you take all the maids with you or is it just me and sir Leon that will accompany you back to the capital?"
I thought for a while. "It’s better if it will be only the both of you to accompany me. The journey is long and it will be much faster for a small group to travel and less conspicuous."
"I understand." Tricia bowed and left.
"Going back to the palace huh?" I thought. I was rubbing Snow’s fur and she was purring.
What will await me after two years away from the capital and the palace?