yoojee

Aideen Ruan, though a royal princess, was always unwanted due to the circumstances of her birth. Born blind to a hostage concubine, she possessed an intriguing beauty; however, her disability rendered her utterly useless to the royal family.

Even when the struggling Count Crueder reluctantly agreed to take Aideen as his wife to secure the royal dowry, her life failed to improve. A year into their marriage, Aideen's inability to produce an heir sealed her fate. The princess was destined for exile to the Temple, consigned to spend the remainder of her days in isolation and abandonment.

Contrary to her anticipations, instead of the Temple, Aideen found herself within the cold walls of Duke Tillian Valentine's castle. Duke Valentine, the last scion of the once-revered Valentine family that ruled the Kingdom before the "Fratricide Rebellion", now presided over the desolate Northern lands.

Faced with fear and confusion, Aideen expected her life to perpetuate its cycle of misery, only to discover that Duke Valentine might hold the key to a new opportunity, a chance at a life she had never envisioned.

"You bewitched my body and soul. Put an intoxicating spell on me, shackled my heart to yours with your magic. If I could exchange my eyesight with you, I would do it just to make you see what a man dying from love looks like."

Saved By The Mad Duke

Tru's body shrunk back to its baby form, his almost inaudible whimpering was heartbreaking. He was in a lot of pain but he tried to stay strong for his master.

"Taru!" Aideen cried again, embracing his small, almost lifeless body covered in bruises and cuts. His once-brilliant eyes were now dim, his small body trembling. Tears blurred the princess' vision as she cradled him. The queen's laughter echoed in her ears, a haunting reminder of her overwhelming power.

"It's over, Aideen," the queen sneered. "You never stood a chance. Accept your defeat and let the fate take care of the rest."

Despair threatened to consume Aideen, but a flicker of something ancient and powerful stirred within her. She closed her eyes, reaching out with her mind, seeking the bond she shared with Taru.

Taru, can you hear me?

Silence answered her call at first, but then, faintly, she heard his deep voice again.

Master... I'm sorry...

The Fight Against The Queen, Part II