Chapter 1
In the ancient Kingdom of Magnolia, there lived a frail young duke named Maximilian Winfield. Though only eighteen years of age, he was already feared and admired throughout the realm for his striking appearance—dark hair, crimson eyes, and the build of a seasoned knight. Yet despite his strength, he spent most of his days confined to his chambers, weakened by a mysterious illness no physician could cure.
The kingdom, however, could not afford to lose him.
Beyond the northern borders, monstrous creatures had begun emerging from the forests and mountains during what the people called the Crimson Hunt. Among all the warriors in Magnolia, Duke Maximilian alone possessed the strength to face them.
“We must restore his health before the next season arrives,” declared King Arthur Magnolia from the great hall of the royal palace.
“But Father,” protested the young prince, Luke Magnolia, a fair-haired youth of twenty years, “even the royal physicians have failed to discover a remedy.”
The king’s expression darkened as he rested a hand upon the lion-carved throne.
“Then we shall seek aid elsewhere,” he replied quietly. “There is only one person left who may save him.”
Luke frowned. “Who?”
“You will soon see, my son,” the king answered with a knowing smile.
By royal decree, messengers rode across the empire carrying parchment notices sealed with the royal crest. A reward of one million jewels would be granted to anyone who could bring forth a maiden of seventeen years with silver-white hair and blue eyes.
The following morning, the king and prince sat upon their thrones in the Hall of Judgment as armored knights entered the chamber. Between them walked a young woman bound in iron shackles.
She matched the description exactly.
Despite her plain white gown and travel-worn appearance, her beauty silenced the court. Her pale hair shimmered beneath the candlelight, and when she lifted her chin, her sky-blue eyes met Prince Luke’s gaze directly. The prince froze in surprise, feeling his face warm with embarrassment. His own eyes were blue as the sea, but hers were brighter—clear and endless like the summer sky.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” the young woman said with a graceful bow.
“State your name,” King Arthur commanded.
“My name is Lucia Skylar, Your Majesty.”
A murmur spread throughout the hall at the mention of her surname.
The king narrowed his eyes. “You are the daughter of the healer, are you not? Which means you possess the same restorative gift she once wielded.”
Lucia lowered her gaze briefly before answering. “Yes, Your Majesty. What you say is true.”
King Arthur leaned forward upon his throne.
“Your mother once served this kingdom faithfully and was a dear companion of mine. Therefore, do not attempt to deceive me.”
“I would never dare, Your Majesty,” Lucia replied calmly.
The king gave a satisfied nod before rising from his throne, his voice echoing throughout the hall.
“Then hear my decree. From this day forth, you shall enter into a binding royal contract. You will remain within the ducal estate and devote your healing abilities to Duke Maximilian Winfield until his illness is completely cured.”
The hall fell silent as the king’s expression hardened.
“This contract shall only be broken by the death of one of the parties involved. Should you attempt to flee or betray the crown, the punishment shall be execution.”
