First Experience Visiting The Castle

One night, a warrior, broad-shouldered and stern-faced, appeared before his quarters. His armor glinted in the shadows, the emblem of the Atlas Kingdom carved on his chest.

Darnisha, not surprised, had expected this.

"Darnisha," The warrior said, his voice deep and respectful. "Prince Cyrill has ordered me to deliver a message. His Majesty, King Titan and Queen Alzena invite you to the palace. You will be welcomed with great honor,"

Darnisha held her breath. Her heart pounded in her chest. The news was like a dream come true. She knew that her relationship with Cyrill would face many challenges, especially from his family.

Atlas was a powerful kingdom, ruled by tradition and lineage. The arrival of a woman from the forest with no noble status was sure to stir up some controversy.

"Tell the Prince..." Darnisha replied, her voice calm despite the excitement that was welling up inside her, "... that I will come,"

That night, Darnisha could not sleep. The image of the palace loomed large in her mind. She imagined the grand halls, the people clad in silk and jewels, and the piercing gazes of King Titan and Queen Alzena. She wondered if they would accept her, or if they would see her as a threat.

But above all the anxiety, there was a glimmer of hope. Hope that Cyrill’s love was strong enough to overcome all odds.

The crescent moon hung in the night sky, providing a dim light that was barely enough to guide her. The invitation to the castle from King Titan and Queen Alzena felt like a dream, but also terrifying.

Serena’s hut looked like an ordinary house in the daytime, but under the moonlight, a magical aura radiated from it. The door creaked open, and in the doorway stood Serena, her sharp eyes piercing the darkness.

“Darnisha, you have come as I predicted." Serena said, her voice hoarse but soothing. “Atlas… a place of light and shadow. King Titan and Queen Alzena are wise rulers, but their hearts are hard to fathom. And the Prince… his heart is still empty, waiting to be filled.”

Darnisha bit her lip, nervous. “I need your help. What should I do there? I’m afraid I’ll disappoint them,"

Serena smiled faintly. “You have something special in you, Darnisha. However, a little help wouldn’t hurt.” She turned and went into the hut, returning with five small pouches made of colorful cloth.

“Each of these pouches has a unique power,” Serena explained, handing the pouches to Darnisha.

“The first pouch, the pouch of Trust. Sprinkle its contents near Queen Alzena. It will make her see the goodness and honesty in you, building a strong trust.” The pouch was golden, glowing softly like the morning sun.

“The second pouch, the pouch of Wisdom. Spread it near King Titan. It will make him appreciate your intelligence and insight, showing that you are more than just an ordinary village girl.” The pouch was sapphire blue, radiating serenity and depth.

“The third pouch, the pouch of Generosity. Give its contents to the commoners around the castle. Small acts of kindness speak louder than words, showing your generous heart.” The pouch was emerald green, symbolizing growth and generosity.

Darnisha felt relieved. At least, she had a way to establish good relations with the royal family.

Serena continued, her voice turning more serious. “The last two pouches… these are more complicated. The fourth pouch, the Charm pouch. Spread it near the Prince. It will arouse a sense of attraction and admiration for you. However, remember Darnisha, forced love never lasts. Use this wisely, let your natural charms bloom together.” The pouch was ruby red, shimmering with a seductive allure.

Darnisha’s face flushed. The idea of making the prince fall in love with her felt strange and frightening.

“The fifth pouch, the Protection pouch. Keep this close to your heart. The castle is a dangerous place, filled with intrigue and hidden enemies. This pouch will protect you from evil intentions and negative energy,” The pouch was pitch black, feeling heavy and powerful.

“Remember, Darnisha..." Serena said, holding Darnisha’s hand tightly. “The true power lies within you. These pouches are merely tools. Use them with care. Your fate is in your hands,"

Darnisha nodded, hugging the magic pouches tightly. She thanked Serena, then hurried back to her home. That night, she could not sleep. Visions of the castle, King Titan, Queen Alzena, and especially the Prince, danced in her mind.

The next day, Darnisha prepared herself. She wore her best dress, simple yet elegant, woven from the fibers of forest plants and adorned with beads from the nearby river. She combed her thick blonde hair and tied it with a silk ribbon that her beloved late father had given her.

In the magnificent castle of the Atlas Kingdom, where golden domes gleamed in the sunlight and silk carpets covered the marble floors, Princess Katy wove a web of deceit. She had stunning beauty, practiced charm, and burning ambition. But beneath that veneer of perfection, there was a gnawing hatred. It was directed at Darnisha, who came from the forest abode of Airla and had captured the heart of Prince Cyrill, the heir to the throne. Princess Katy, who had always considered Prince Cyrill her own, could not tolerate the threat Darnisha posed.

Before Darnisha arrived, Princess Katy summoned her ladies-in-waiting, a group of loyal women bound by their beauty and blind loyalty. They were the perfect tools. “I have a mission for you all,” She whispered, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I want you to trap Darnisha,"

The plan was complicated and dangerous. The ladies-in-waiting, eager to please their princess, obediently carried out her orders.

Darnisha was stunned, her eyes rolling in admiration at the magnificent architecture that towered before her. The castle. From a distance, it looked like a giant carving of white stone, adorned with towers that flashed with the light of the setting sun. She took a deep breath, feeling her heart racing as she stepped through the wide-open golden gates.

Darnisha had not expected to actually be allowed to set foot in this place. As soon as she stepped through the main door, a welcoming hustle and bustle greeted her like a warm wave. Servants passed by with trays of delicious drinks and snacks, the scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and melodious music drifted from afar.

"Welcome to Atlas, Darnisha." A soft voice greeted from behind her.

Darnisha turned to find Prince Cyrill standing before her, a wide smile on his handsome face. He was dressed in a navy blue silk robe, which made his eyes seem even more sparkling.

"Cyrill," Darnisha whispered, feeling her cheeks flush. "This place is... beautiful,"

Cyrill laughed lightly and took her hand, leading her into the grand main hall. "I knew you would love it. I personally arranged this reception, just for you."

The hall was lavishly decorated. Colorful ribbons hung from the ceiling, long tables were laden with mouth-watering dishes, and professional musicians played soothing melodies. Darnisha was surprised to see so much preparation for her arrival.

Cyrill led her through the crowd, introducing Darnisha to the nobles and courtiers. They greeted her politely, though Darnisha could feel the probing stares and whispers behind her back. They must have wondered why a girl who had lived in the forests of Airla like herself was in the palace.

"Don't worry," Cyrill whispered, as if reading her mind. "They're just curious. Just ignore them,"

After introducing Darnisha to several important people, Cyrill led her to a balcony overlooking the palace gardens. From there, they could see colorful flower beds and dancing fountains.

"I want to show you this place," Cyrill said, pointing to the garden. "This is my favorite place in the entire castle,"

Darnisha turned her head, looking into Cyrill's sincere eyes. She felt comfortable and happy to be around him, as if they had known each other for years. But deep down, she felt uneasy. She knew what they were doing was wrong.

This grand reception, all these preparations, had been done without the knowledge of King Titan and Queen Alzena, Cyrill's parents.

Cyrill had warned her. Her parents were strict and conservative. They would not approve of his relationship with a commoner like Darnisha. That was why he had to keep their meeting a secret, and that was why this reception had to be done in secret.

Darnisha smiled. "I understand why. This place is so beautiful,"

As the two of them stopped under a shady willow tree, footsteps suddenly sounded approaching.

King Titan and Queen Alzena appeared at the end of the path. King Titan stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing at Darnisha. His expression immediately turned sour. Disappointment and anger were clearly visible in his expression. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving a cloud of tension in the air.

Cyrill looked devastated. He bit his lip, clearly feeling guilty. Darnisha tried to calm herself, though her heart was pounding. She knew that her presence in this castle was unwelcome by everyone.

Queen Alzena stepped forward, a faint smile etched on her lips. Though her husband's disappointment was obvious, she tried to remain friendly. "Good afternoon, my dear son, Prince Cyrill. Darnisha, welcome to Atlas."

Darnisha bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Queen Alzena ignored the tense atmosphere. In a gentle but firm tone, she said. "Darnisha, I understand that your journey must have been tiring. You should get dressed quickly. The luncheon will begin soon, and we would like you to attend,"

Cyrill breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled at his mother, thanking her for her understanding. "Thank you, Mother. I will escort Darnisha to her room,"

Queen Alzena nodded. "Good. See you in the dining room,"

As the two of them left, Darnisha felt both relieved and anxious. She knew that Queen Alzena's support was key, but she also knew that King Titan's anger was serious. She had to be careful.

Cyrill held her hand tightly. "Don't worry," He whispered. "I will be by your side,"

In her luxurious room, Darnisha stared at the beautiful dress that had been prepared for her. The emerald silk shimmered in the lamplight. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She knew that this luncheon was a test for her. She had to show everyone that she was worthy of being by Prince Cyrill's side.

With the help of a castle servant, Darnisha put on the dress. She looked at herself in the mirror. Although nervous, she felt beautiful and strong. She was not just an ordinary girl. She was Darnisha, the one Prince Cyrill loved.

When she came out of her room, she saw Cyrill waiting for her. His eyes sparkled at her appearance.

"You are so beautiful," Cyrill whispered, then kissed her forehead gently. "Ready for the challenge?"

Darnisha smiled. "Bring it on,"

Together, they made their way to the dining room, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

A grand hallway stretched before Prince Cyrill and Darnisha, its marble floors gleaming under the soft light of the crystal chandelier. Before they reached the dining room, a familiar figure blocked their way. Princess Katy, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, was also on her way to lunch. Her silk dress, a soft white, rustled as she stopped.

“Prince Cyrill,” Katy greeted him with a practiced smile. Her eyes then shifted to Darnisha, taking in her attire with what appeared to be genuine surprise. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in the castle before,"

Darnisha curtsied gracefully. “Yes, your highness. I have just arrived,"

Princess Katy’s gaze fell on Darnisha’s dress, which seemed to shimmer with an inner light. It was undeniably striking, a stark contrast to the more muted color palette favored by the ladies-in-waiting of the palace. “Forgive my oversight,” Princess Katy said, her voice neutral. "I was not properly informed of your arrival to offer a personal welcome. I apologize for not being there,"

There was a moment of silence. Cyrill was about to interject when Princess Katy turned her attention back to him, her smile widening slightly. "Cyrill, my dear, would you mind if I borrow Darnisha for a moment? I would like to have a chat with her,"

Cyrill hesitated. He sensed a subtle tension in the air, an undercurrent beneath the surface of polite conversation. He knew Katy could be... complicated. He glanced at Darnisha, looking for any sign of discomfort.

Prince Cyrill frowned. Why did Princess Katy suddenly want her to speak to her alone? His instincts screamed. He had known Princess Katy for quite some time. Behind her sweet smile and cheerful demeanor, sometimes lurked little plots, often without malice, but still... annoying.

He studied Princess Katy's expression. There was a hint of nervousness, but also a hint of... mischief? Or perhaps, worry? he didn't know. But something was clearly wrong.

"With pleasure, Princess." Cyrill replied in a flat tone, trying to hide his suspicions. "But may I know what you want to tell her?"

Princess Katy bit her lip, then sighed. "Actually, it's... a bit personal," Her face turned red.

Princess Katy lowered her head, plucking off the rose petals nearby. "Come on, Prince. This is just a short talk. We promise it won't take long. After that, we can go to the dining room in peace."

Cyrill shook his head. "I'm sorry, Princess Katy. But, with all due respect, I will not agree to this request."

Princess Katy looked up, her eyes flashing a hint of disappointment. "But why, Prince?"

"It's not like that, Princess." Cyrill answered carefully. He took a deep breath. "Let's forget about this request and let's just go to the dining room. I'm sure the King and Queen are waiting,"

Princess Katy was silent for a moment, looking at Cyrill with an appraising gaze. It seemed like she really couldn't persuade the prince. Finally, she sighed, giving up.

"Very well, Prince." She said with a hint of disappointment. "Maybe another time. Let's go to the dining room," Princess Katy glanced slightly at Darnisha.

The magnificent dining room of the Atlas gleamed under the light of a thousand candles. King Titan, a man whose presence exuded authority, sat at the head of a long, polished table. Beside him sat Queen Alzena, her beauty a calming counterbalance to her husband's stern demeanor. Prince Enver, Cyrill's younger brother, was already seated, his posture perfect.

The air crackled with unspoken tension as Prince Cyrill, Darnisha, and Princess Katy entered. Cyrill, handsome and noble-looking, maintained a forced neutrality. Darnisha, wide-eyed and slightly nervous, walked beside him. Princess Katy, a figure of regal perfection, followed behind him, her expression sharp and calculating.

The King's disapproval of Darnisha, a simple village girl whom Cyrill had brought into their lives, was palpable. The silence hung heavy in the air until Queen Alzena, sensing the unease, subtly intervened. "Darnisha, my dear." She said, her voice soft. "... Tell us, what are your hobbies? What skills do you have?"

Darnisha, taking a deep breath, answered. "Your Highness, I enjoy dancing, cooking, and tending the garden. I also practice archery and... well, other things." She hesitated, feeling the weight of the King Titan's gaze.

Princess Katy saw her chance. A competitive fire lit her eyes. "Your Highness, what an interesting thing Darnisha says! Surely, a true test is the best way to ascertain the truth of... Perhaps a competition between Darnisha and I?"

King Titan, his eyes sparkling with amusement, readily agreed. “Good idea, Katy. We shall see these skills put to the test. Tomorrow, then. A competition between you and Darnisha,"

Cyril’s jaw tightened. He saw the trap being set, the subtle malice in Katy’s suggestion, and the glint of satisfaction in his father’s eyes. He knew this wasn’t about justice, this was about humiliating Darnisha. He wanted to protest, to protect Darnisha from this blatant prejudice, but he knew his words would be in vain. His father’s will was absolute.

He glanced at Darnisha, her face a mixture of shock and concern. He saw a glimmer of defiance too, a spark of resilience that he admired. But he also saw the vulnerability, the trembling in her hands. He wanted to tell her to resist, to run, but he knew that would only anger his father further.

He had to play along, for now. He had to protect Darnisha and find a way to help her win.

“It will be interesting to see what you are capable of, Darnisha. Katy is a formidable opponent, but I have faith in you.”

He knew his words were hollow, offering little comfort against the burden of the King’s disapproval and Princess Katy’s ambitions. He was caught between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for Darnisha.

The figure of the prince sitting beside Princess Katy was Prince Enver. However, his eyes were fixated on one thing about Darnisha.

Enver had heard tales of her intelligence, her kindness, her courage in the face of adversity from his older brother, Prince Cyrill.

Cyrill, usually very disciplined and obedient, had been completely captivated. He had even defied their parents, begging to be allowed to invite her to the palace, a privilege usually reserved for nobles.

“Oh, so this is the woman..." Enver thought, his gaze sweeping over Darnisha. She has ensnared his brother's heart and driven him to such uncharacteristic defiance. What is so special about her that makes his brother so defy his parents’ orders?

He studied her face, searching for any sign of anything extraordinary. Was it her beauty? He had seen more beautiful faces among the women of the court. Was it hidden magic? But Darnisha exudes nothing but quiet, understated elegance.

Prince Enver then turned his attention to Darnisha. "I am Prince Enver, Prince Cyrill's younger brother. Forgive me for not introducing myself in the dining room,"

"Of course," Darnisha replied, her eyes scanning Prince Enver's face.

He was indeed different from Prince Cyrill. If Cyrill had an easy warmth and charm. Enver exuded a cold aloofness. His eyes, the color of the roiling sea, held a guarded intelligence, and his smile, though polite, never quite reached his eyes. He had an air of challenge attached to him, like a man who was hard to conquer, even harder to fall in love with.

Darnisha sensed that beneath his princely demeanor lay a complicated and perhaps even troubled soul.