With time, time changes.

Billions of years ago, the sky witnessed an island suddenly emerge in the middle of an endless sea.

A beautiful island adorned with lush green mountains and forests.

For centuries, it remained hidden from human eyes, silently concealing life within itself.

But for how long?

It was a dark, stormy, rain-drenched night when, thousands of miles away, a king of a kingdom — who was also a sorcerer — saw this island in a dream.

At dawn, he set out to conquer the sea with his soldiers and ships.

History records that they rowed through the ocean for decades without pause.

Many soldiers died during this expedition — some from the cold, some from separation,

And some due to the distance from land.

But the king was convinced that the island he had seen in his dream must exist in reality.

At last, when the sea had embraced the sun,

The king's ship struck the island.

It was so vast, it could contain several nations.

Eventually, the king settled there.

And slowly, the island began to flourish.

The soldiers who had set out with the king also settled there.

The king named this island Valenheart.

Now, if we move the hands of time forward, then centuries later, new islands were gradually discovered and populated.

Thus, the distance of decades shrank to mere months.

The first king of Valenheart — who was also a sorcerer — made the kingdom a blend of magic and reality. But as time passed and relations developed with other nations, magic was gradually abandoned.

And the story of our novel begins twenty years after the queen was burned alive on false charges of treason.

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Twenty Years Later – Palace of the Kingdom of Valenheart – Time: The sun was born anew

Tasha Valenheart, the twenty-one-year-old princess of the Valenheart Kingdom, lay on a marble bed. Outside, the morning sun heralded a new day, and Valenheart's signature morning melody had already played. Yet Tasha remained sluggishly in bed. Her eyes were so weary it seemed she hadn't slept all night. A mixed fragrance of roses and oud filled the room. The digital clock on the wall seemed less like it was showing time and more like it was counting her breaths. She cast an angry glance at the ringing pendulum, picked up a book from the side table, and hurled it at the pendulum with all her strength. It fell silent.

"Everything in this palace is useless... including me," Tasha muttered.

Her hair was deep black, always cascading down her back. Her wheatish complexion gave her face soft yet defined features. Her deep brown eyes were sharp like a cat's — she knew every art of attacking without a sound. But she didn't want to become like her mother — a traitor who died gasping in a dungeon. Every morning when she woke with memories of her mother, she gave her that title — traitor, coward.

There was a knock at the door. Tasha turned reluctantly and gave permission to enter. She knew it would be Safura — Safura, the graceful, middle-aged maid. She bowed before Tasha, who lazily gestured with her hand for her to rise. Another maid stood behind, holding Tasha's new dress for the day. Safura took the dress and placed it on the table, while the other maid exited the room respectfully.

"Good morning, Princess," Safura said softly.

Tasha remained silent for a few moments, then pulled a velvet shawl around her shoulders to protect against the winter's light chill and rose from bed.

"Breakfast is with the Queen?" Tasha asked as she sat before the mirror.

"Yes, as always, Her Majesty has given strict orders that you join her at the royal breakfast," Safura replied while combing Tasha's hair. A knowing smile spread on Tasha's lips. Safura filled a silver bath bowl with water, scattered flowers. It was time for the princess's bath. Exiting the bathing chamber, Safura drew the white curtain forward.

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The royal dining hall of the Valenheart Kingdom

Adorned with gleaming mirrors, ancient rare paintings in golden frames, and celestial muslin curtains in sky-blue, it displayed its full splendor as it hosted the breakfast gathering. White marble plates graced the table, along with white silver cutlery and tea cups carved from white gold. Fresh wheat bread, porridge, preserves, dried fruits, roasted meat, fresh honey, and much more were elegantly arranged.

Queen Merina was already present, dressed in a deep maroon royal gown, her hair neatly tied in a bun. Her thoughtful gaze was fixed on a golden tablet listing royal matters. All the ministers — responsible for various affairs — stood waiting for their turn to receive orders before breakfast. Merina set the golden tablet down and signaled her personal advisor to brief the ministers on each matter.

"My son is returning after many years. His welcome must lack nothing," the queen's voice carried regal authority.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Just then, from the opposite end, entered Tasha, dressed in a deep green gown, black hair cascading down her back, and wearing a white crown. Her gait was graceful and royal. Her maid Safura remained by the door. Tasha wore a pleasant smile, bowed slightly.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," she said sweetly.

"Good morning," the queen responded, gesturing for the ministers to leave and turning her attention to Tasha, who was now settling into her chair.

"My dear Tasha, you always arrive late to breakfast," Merina said gently, though her smile revealed hints of restraint.

Tasha smiled, brought the teapot closer, and replied softly,

"I apologize for keeping you waiting."

The queen shook her head and swallowed her bitterness with a sip of tea.

"You always say that," the queen thought to herself.

The clinking of almond biscuits and wheat bread with teacups echoed on the table in a few moments of silence.

Tasha took a sip of tea and said in a serious tone,

"I have something to talk about."

"What is it?" Merina asked, lightly patting her lips with a napkin.

"I actually need some money," Tasha's voice remained serious, as if concealing many emotions at once.

Merina raised an eyebrow. "How much? And for what purpose?"

"I have my own life. Travel is my passion. Secondly, I wish to pursue further education in another country."

Merina let out a faint laugh.

"Travel and education? Or shall I say, you want to complete the tradition of betrayal like your mother?"

Tasha blinked slowly with full control.

"This is my right," she said now, her voice holding a helpless softness.

"Look, Tasha," Merina said with some affection,

"The royal treasury is depleting day by day, and it's no longer opened for personal wishes, Tasha." She spoke in an explanatory tone.

"If you need anything else, let me know. The palace will provide it."

Tasha silently stared into the queen's eyes. Her lost smile returned faintly to her lips.

"I've developed a new interest in painting. Surely I'll receive supplies for that?" Her tone was carefully measured.

"Of course," the queen replied pleasantly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty…" Tasha replied with a soft smile and began spreading honey on her almond biscuit again.

Merina tried to unlock the doors of restraint within herself. Tasha's calm smile always posed a clear challenge — one that invited danger for the queen.

Tasha gently wiped the last drop of honey from the plate with her finger, then stood up.

"Your Majesty, I hope I don't have to remind you again. I also need paints, and permission to go to the palace mountains. I need to paint."

Merina nodded. "Alright. But please show some royal manners," she said, gesturing toward the dirty plate and scattered honey.

"Manners?" Her laugh was mocking. "There are no manners, no laws in this palace. The royal treasury can be opened for the queen's son's return, but for a step-princess's rightful needs, there is lack. Pardon the insolence, Your Majesty."

She bowed slightly and turned away, her steps leaving soft prints on the carpet.

Merina stood in the dining hall, lost in thought, gazing at the cold light streaming through the window.