CHAPTER ONE

I roamed around the castle halls, my platinum blonde hair bouncing wildly as I chased my little brother, Prince Henry, around the castle. My hazel eyes sparkled with mirth as I laughed widely, my pink cherry lips curved upwards in a joyful smile. I wore a pair of worn, blue trousers and a matching long-sleeved top, my attire a stark contrast to the elegant gowns my mother and sister favored.

As I turned a corner, my hair whipped around my face, sticking to my flushed cheeks. My breathing was ragged, but my smile never wavered. I was just about to corner him when a voice stopped me in my tracks

"Ophelia!" The voice was stern, authoritative. I turned to face my father, King Julius the 1st, and my mother, Queen Georgia.

King Julius's face was a picture of displeasure, his green eyes narrowed in disapproval. "May I ask why you are dressed like a boy, Ophelia?" His voice was low, menacing, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I bowed my head, refusing to meet his gaze. I knew I was in for a lecture. My father had always been disappointed in me, and I had grown accustomed to his disapproval.

As a princess, I was supposed to wear corsets and tight dresses, high heels and elaborate hairstyles. I was supposed to be demure and ladylike, to smile until my jaw extends and curtsy and make polite conversation. But I hated all of that. I hated the way the corsets squeezed my waist and the dresses restricted my movement. I hated the way the makeup felt heavy on my skin and the way the heels made my feet ache.

I was a rebel, a nonconformist. And my father hated it.

"Ophelia, this has to stop," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You are not a pig, so stop acting like one." And with that he walked away

I raised my head, a smirk playing on my lips.

Just then, my mother , Queen Georgia and the empress of nagging stepped forward, her hazel eyes flashing with anger.

"Ophelia, I am so disappointed in you," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Why can't you just be more like Charissa?"

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of frustration. My sister Charissa was the "perfect princess", always dressed in the latest fashions and always behaving with propriety. But I was not Charissa. I was Ophelia, and I would never be like her.

"Mother, oh, you're here, of course, it wouldn't be complete without you saying something about me, right?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Where's your disciple of fixing her makeup?"

My mother's eyes widened in shock and anger, much to my delight oh the joy it gave me to see her angry

Just then, my sister Charissa appeared at our mother's side.Charissa was the living evidence that a peacock can possess a human being. She was two years older than me, and she was so concerned about beauty and elegance. While she was beautiful, she took all our father's features - green eyes, red hair - which she was obsessed with, and acted like she basically worshipped it.

There was this one time a maid used the wrong hair oil for her hair, and she almost had her beheaded if not for our father's intervention. She is beautiful or was, no doubt, but she was so self-conscious. Every person who met her for the first time always complimented her beauty, but when they saw me, they simply stared agape with wonder. And the funny thing was that I didn't even try; I hated makeup and rarely wore it, unless our mother forced me to. But Charissa basically lived for makeup. I could swear she wore it to sleep.

Charissa was always seen wearing thick red lipstick because, at a ball, a rich lord said he liked how my lips were naturally red, and ever since then, it was red lipstick. And that had hazarded her beauty - the constant makeup, lotions, and potions had made her skin appear red always and blotchy, which one could mistake for freckles but weren't. Her fiery red hair had changed a little to a dirty orange due to a hair oil she got from Italy when she and our mother went for a ball. And the oil did much damage to her hair; the tips had turned orange while the top was still red

"Mother, ignore her," Charissa said, her voice sweet and condescending. "She's already a disappointment, and what a shame, a princess dressed in clothes for men."

I felt a surge of anger at Charissa's words, but I refused to rise to the bait. Instead, I smiled sweetly at her.

"You think I want to look like you?" I said, my voice dripping with disdain. "You're so concerned with your appearance, Charissa. Don't you ever get tired of pretending to be something you're not?"

Charissa's face went white with rage, and I knew I had struck a nerve. But I didn't care. I was tired of being judged and criticized by my family.

"Come on, Mother," Charissa said, her voice tight with anger. "Let's leave Ophelia to her...games."

My mother nodded, her eyes flashing with anger. "Yes, let's leave her to her foolishness."

As they walked away, I felt a surge of relief. I was glad to be rid of them, glad to be free from their criticism and judgment.

But as I turned to leave, I caught sight of a figure watching me from the shadows. He was tall and dark, his eyes gleaming with intensity in the dim light. I could feel the presence it was heavy, I felt shivers run down my spine.

"Ophelia". A voice called out from behind. I turned around to meet my little brother, The crown prince Henry. As I turned to face him I met with , Henry's bright hazel eyes sparkled with excitement, and his platinum hair stuck out in every direction, we had the exact same features only I had freekles. He was dressed in a miniature version of our father's royal attire, complete with a tiny sword at his side. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.

"Hey, little brother," I said, kneeling down to his level. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in lessons or something?"

Henry shook his head, his eyes wide with mischief. "I snuck out," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to find you."

I raised an eyebrow, impressed by his bravery. "Well, you're definitely going to get in trouble if you get caught," I said, trying to sound stern.

But Henry just grinned, his missing front tooth making him look even more adorable. "I don't care," he said, his voice full of conviction. "I wanted to see you, Ophelia. You're the only one who doesn't treat me like a prince all the time."

I smiled, at least one person in this horrid family of mine likes me.

" Hey ophelia" he called out again. I turned to look at him raising a brow. " I heard mom shouting at you, are you alright".

I nodded smiling

" It's fine Henry" I said. He arched a brow skeptical about what I said .

" And that horrid sister of yours Charissa.. she's like a viper a snake ''

My eyes widened in amusement

" Henry!" I said '' she's your sister too"

"But she's so mean always bossing me around "he said.

I couldn't help but laugh

''i can relate to that" I replied ruffling his platinum hair. Henry grinned at me removing my hands.

" Hey ophelia, I'm your future king and you aren't supposed to do that".

" Your majesty" I said a small smile on my lips.

" Princess ophelia you didn't curtsy now I shall have you beheaded" Henry said smirking

I raised a brow

'' you'll have to catch me first " and with that I started running .

Henry's eyes widened and he began to chase me. Henry and I ran around the halls our laughter filling it. Henry was hot on my heels so I slid down the railings of the stair case and crashed into a few maids. Apologizing then hurrying away still laughing.

I approached the stables Henry hot on my heels. I burst open the stables door, tripping on my own feet and falling face flat into mud.

I groaned feeling the cold mud squelching beneath my face. I slowly lifted my head up mud dripping from my nose and chin. Henry appeared standing before me .

"Ophelia you" he said, his shoulders trembling he looked like he wanted to laugh. I raised a brow and he laughed, and I joined.

I laid in my bathtub. My eyes closed a small smile playing on my lips remembering how mother had been so mad. I could help but chuckle.

" You know you are a lot to handle Ophelia". Athena my lady and best friend said carrying some lotions for my hair. Athena and I were best friends since we were in napkins.

What's wrong in a little fun Athena " . I said

She looked at me over her shoulder.

" Nothing... except when you dress like a boy and play around in stables ". She walked up to me and sat down on a stool washing my hair.

" And look your hair Smells like horse pile ". she complained

I smiled

" Well it is horse pile " . I teased

" I thought you said it was mud".

I looked up at her to see her reaction

" It isn't". I lied

Her face contorted in disgust as she stood up

" I'll be in the room". She said scurrying on away, her dark hair bouncing a little as she left the bathroom. I laughed at loud at her expression. Athena was the only real friend. She was so free, I was glad to have a friend like her, someone who wasn't pretentious who won't agree to every thing I say or one who won't tell me I'm beautiful if I have a hundred pimples on my face. Although I never get pimples though I have perfect skin.

Athena left. Well I could bathe myself unlike other Queens and Princesses in this century who can't wash their own asses themselves and needed maids to do it. Charissa and mother one of them .

I washed my hair, trying to get the mud out, my hair was full and long so it took quite a while. After washing it , I layed down, closing my eyes and resting my head on the edge of tub to relax.

And there it was again. That presence again. I could feel it, it was near me. Choking me. I was scared, I refused to open my eyes. It was close, closer , I could feel it's breath minty breathe on my skin. I swallowed. Slowly opening my eyes.

It was gone, the presence was gone. I scanned around but nothing was there. But I could swear I felt a presence. It has been happening for a week now each time the presence growing more.

Maybe I was just hallucinating, maybe staying in this castle for so many years has finally driven me mad. I brushed it away. Finishing up my bath. I stood up wearing my robe and exiting the bathroom.

Athena sat on my bed, scrutinizing each gown the maids presented. "Too many colors," she'd say, or "Yellow doesn't suit Ophelia. Find another." The maids nodded and curtsied before exiting my chambers.

I raised an eyebrow at Athena, seeking an explanation. She stood up, leading me to my dresser, where I sat down as she began to dry my hair.

"It's for the ball tonight," she explained.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course. Because what's a princess's life without attending balls?"Father hosted them weekly. but I didn't understand why I needed a new dress. "Okay but why do I need a new dress I already have more than I wish," I said, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

Athena added oils to my hair, her expression serious. "Well dear friend of mine this ball is different "

My brows furrowed as I looked at her through the mirror. "What's different about it?"

"I heard from the servants that the guests attending the ball are royals from the kingdom of Visecarri," Athena replied.

My eyes widened. The kingdom of Visecarri – that dreaded place. The people of that kingdom are blood sucking devil's, creatures of the night. They spill blood mercilessly. I have heard stories, rumors about this kingdom. Terrible,terrible ones

" Are you serious?" I asked her swallowing.

She nodded and that just made me swallow again . What would even make father do this.

Of all the things he has done over this year's this was his dumbest one yet.

Then again, it might just be mere gossip, Athena did say she heard it from the servants and they did gossip Alot. I shouldn't take it to heart, father wasn't that foolish to let those creatures in our walls. It might be false but then again it might be true.

I really hoped it was just gossip.

I stood at the mirror looking at my own reflection. Athena hands had worked magic .Beautiful! Even I had to admit .

Athena had chosen a stunning red gown that hugged my curves in all the right places. The dress was a deep, rich shade that complemented my porcelain skin, making me look like a true princess. Eww a true princess!

Athena had styled my platinum blonde hair in loose, flowing waves that cascaded down her back like a river of gold. A delicate crown of white flowers rested upon my head. Athena knew my style how I hated heavy crowns and tiaras.The petals intricately woven together to form a beautiful, whimsical design. The crown added a touch of ethereal elegance to my overall look, and my freekles made it as if l were a mythical goddess come to life.

Around my neck, Athena had fastened a delicate silver necklace with a small, shimmering pendant that added a subtle sparkle to my appearance. My hazel eyes sparkled like gems in the light, and her skin glowed with a soft, radiant sheen.

I smiled at my own reflection. I looked at Athena through my mirror and she was smiling back at me with her cocoa eyes.

I was going to a ball, just like any other day, so why was I feeling so anxious. It wasn't something knew. It could be because Athena had said the royals of Visecarri might be there or it might be because of that presence I have been feeling. Feeling like it's watching me. I was over thinking this I had to stop over thinking. I stood up from my dresser and

I gazed at Athena .

Athena looked at me a vision of understated elegance in her soft, flowing gown. The dress was a Dark, shimmering blue that complemented Athena's dark hair and olive-toned skin. The delicate fabric seemed to glow in the light, as if infused with a subtle, ethereal magic.

Athena's hair was styled in a simple yet elegant updo with a white rose on her hair, , with a few loose strands framing her heart-shaped face. Her caramel eyes shone like bright, dark stars in the light, and her soft, full lips curved into a gentle smile as she gazed back at me

Around her neck, Athena wore a delicate, crystal pendant that added a touch of subtle sparkle to her overall look. Her hands were slender and graceful, with long fingers that seemed to be made for weaving magic.

Despite her understated attire, Athena radiated a quiet confidence and elegance, as if she were a goddess incarnate. Her presence seemed to calm the air around her, and made me felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over her as I gazed at my friend.

" You look beautiful Athena" I said.

" I know " she said smiling. I rolled my eyes at her cheekiness exiting my chambers with Athena behind me