cry

Since that incident, Zayden had completely changed—he no longer spoke to her.

Ambara grew even more confused.

Meanwhile, Celia became increasingly bold. After realizing Zayden no longer paid much attention to Ambara, she got closer to him—much closer.

Two weeks had passed. Zayden hadn't shared a room with Ambara even once. Instead, he slept with Celia every night.

He no longer ate the meals Ambara prepared.

Zayden was no longer the man she knew.

Ambara didn't understand what she had done wrong.

What about her parents?

To this day, there had been no visits, no letters—nothing from her mother. It was as if the first letter she received was also the last.

Her mother never wrote again.

Ambara felt more and more hopeless. She was no longer the cheerful girl she once was. She had even stopped attending her weapon training and spent most of her days locked inside her room.

At one point, she had considered ending her life—but her heart always stopped her.

---

The sun had risen, but Ambara remained inside, curled up in her room.

Faintly, she heard voices outside her door—Celia and Zayden.

"Zayden... can I go to school with you today?" Celia asked in an overly sweet voice.

"Whatever," Zayden replied flatly.

"Yay... woohoo~!"

Their voices slowly faded into the distance.

For some reason, Ambara felt a deeper sting of disappointment.

She walked to the window.

There, in the castle courtyard, she saw Zayden and Celia hugging before leaving.

Tears slid down Ambara's cheeks again. This time, she didn't bother to wipe them. She let them flow freely.

Her body grew weaker.

She no longer cared about her health.

Food? She ate once every two days—if she remembered.

Her head throbbed as she cried, hugging herself tightly.

Knock, knock.

"Princess Ambara, please open the door. A letter has arrived from the Kingdom of Lucifer."

Startled, Ambara rushed to the door and took the letter.

"Th–thank... you," she whispered, retreating into her room.

"Wait, Princess," the guard said, stopping her.

"I know you're hurting, but you must stay strong. The people of Alaric miss you dearly. They love you, Princess. Please keep going. We're always here for you."

Ambara gave a small smile, then closed the door.

The guard stood silently.

"You're a strong woman, Princess," he murmured.

.

Ambara opened the letter.

She froze.

It was from Queen Zelia, addressed to her beloved daughter.

---

My dearest,

I'm sorry I haven't visited.

But I need a favor, my child—may I ask it of you?

Please send the Kingdom of Lucifer some harvest from Alaric.

I'll consider it a gift from my beloved daughter.

I know you're doing well. You've always been a lucky child.

Do you even care about your parents anymore?

If you do, send the crops as soon as possible.

Lucifer is going through a terrible economic crisis.

Help us, sweetheart.

You wouldn't want to see your mother and father suffer once we step down from the throne, would you?

Please, help us...

---

Ambara folded the letter.

She didn't know why, but it made her feel even sadder.

She had hoped her mother would express worry for her, maybe send her a small memento to bring comfort.

Instead, it was just another request.

Ambara took out a piece of parchment and began writing.

---

From Ambara, to her parents

Father, Mother... your daughter still cares. Every night, she thinks of you.

She waits for a letter.

She waits for your guards to come fetch her.

She waits for the promises you made—to be kept.

But Mother... I no longer have hope.

Let me be the one to return to you instead.

Wait for me, Mom.

---

Ambara folded the letter and handed it to the guards.

She then walked toward the fruit fields.

She began gathering some fruits and vegetables.

"What is this for, Princess?" one of the guards asked.

"Send them to the Kingdom of Lucifer tonight—right after the moon rises."

The guard nodded.

Ambara smiled softly.

She took a deep breath. She had made up her mind. She had been gathering her courage for weeks—and now, it was time.

She went to the village of Alaric.

The people rejoiced at her presence, rushing to embrace her.

"You're strong, Princess. We know everything."

Ambara just smiled—over and over.

She chatted with the townsfolk and played with the children.

The young men and royal guards, who trained daily with their weapons, were happy to see her and even happier when she brought them food—just like the old days.

"You're the best, Princess," one said.

Ambara simply smiled.

She joined a short training session that day, then went to the market to help and talk with the merchants.

The people of Alaric welcomed her warmly.

"My dear Ambara, don't be afraid to share your burdens with us," said a woman as she tied Ambara's hair.

Ambara nodded.

"A strong woman is one who can hide her pain and still look fine on the outside. Just like you, Ambara," said an old lady who always greeted her.

Ambara smiled again.

Suddenly, a group of soldiers passed through the market. Among them were Celia and Zayden, laughing happily together.

Ambara quickly shut her eyes—she didn't want to see it.

She quietly excused herself and walked away.

The townspeople understood instantly.

"Prince Zayden! What are you doing? Who is your wife? Who do you truly love? Open your eyes—see who's been sacrificing everything for you!" shouted a firewood merchant.

Prince Zayden turned to the man.

He said nothing.

"Ugh, stop ruining our relationship! You all know I'm Prince Zayden's wife," Celia said, her face as smug as ever.

"We don't want a queen as arrogant as you!" a young man yelled from the crowd.

"How dare you? Want me to imprison you for life?" Celia threatened.

"Who do you think you are? How dare you threaten us?" asked a woman from the market.

"I am Princess Celia—your beautiful new ruler," she replied proudly.

"THE KINGDOM OF ALARIC ONLY HAS TWO LEADERS—PRINCE ZAYDEN AND PRINCESS AMBARA!" the crowd roared.

Everyone erupted in cheers.

"And one more thing—our Princess Ambara is more beautiful and kind than you'll ever be. So don't you dare belittle her!" another person shouted.

Celia grew furious.

"You insolent little—"

"ENOUGH, CELIA!" Zayden shouted.

Silence fell.

Even the people quieted.

"And all of you—stay out of my relationship with my wife, Ambara. Let us handle it on our own," he added.

The people fell silent.

"Tonight, I will host a celebration for my graduation. I hope you all come."

"Prince Zayden graduated?! Congratulations, Your Highness!" the crowd shouted joyfully.

Zayden smiled.

"Come... and also—"

"And also what, Prince?" someone asked.

"Tomorrow, I will be crowned King of Alaric. And I will officially name Ambara as the Queen of Alaric," he declared before riding off on his horse—leaving Celia behind.

The people cheered wildly, filled with joy.

They even found time to throw a few jabs at Celia.

Furious, Celia stormed off.

.......