The Kingdom of Glass
The Kingdom of Elaryn is very beautiful and full of beautiful places. The village of Elaryn rested beneath the shadow of the grand royal castle, its cobblestone streets glowing warmly beneath hanging lanterns at night. Small stone houses with silver rooftops and burgundy banners lined the pathways, while lively marketplaces filled the air with music, laughter, and the scent of fresh bread, food, and flowers. Crystal fountains sparkled at the center of the village square, surrounded by blooming roses and ivy-covered walls that made the entire village feel elegant yet welcoming.
Above the village stood the Castle of Elaryn, a breathtaking fortress built from shimmering silver stone with towering spires crowned in deep burgundy red. Its massive stained-glass windows reflected the sunlight like liquid ruby, while silver balconies overlooked the kingdom below. Surrounding the castle was a magnificent garden filled with white roses, crimson flowers, marble pathways, and glowing fountains that shimmered beneath the moonlight. Carefully trimmed hedges curved around crystal ponds, and tall willow trees swayed gently beside flower arches, making the royal gardens look like something from a dream.
And because every kingdom needed a king and queen. The people of Elaryn were blessed with two respectful and intelligent rulers. King Alaric was the son of the late King of Elaryn. He was known for his charm, wisdom, and handsomeappearance. Eventually, King Alaric got married to Queen Seraphine, the Swan Queen, as they call her because of her silver hair that shimmered like moonlight. People loved them and called them the perfect couple for each other.
A year after their marriage, the Kingdom of Elaryn was blessed with a baby princess. Queen Seraphine gave birth to the beautiful Princess Elara Celestine Valerienne. She was very beautiful indeed, inheriting her mother's silver hair.
Eventually as the Princess grew, slowly she became quite playful and is often seen to be running around the palace. The people adored her. The maids and the knights adored the loving young princess.
Until the day the Princess turned twelve.
Her parents sent her to Velmora Academy of Noble Refinement, an institution located in the kingdom of Virellea, far beyond the Silversea. She was sent there to prepare for royal duties, marriage, and the responsibilities of becoming a proper lady.
The kingdom felt sad as the Princess left, so did the King and Queen. The palace felt quiet and empty withouther presence. Meanwhile, Princess Elara missed her kingdom. Still, she studied hard, learned proper etiquette, and read books for fun during her extra hours but despite all of that she seems a little bit distant but observant. Because of her intelligence and kindness, the teachers adored her.
Many years passed, and Princess Elara was now turning eighteen in a couple of weeks. She had grown into a beautiful, loving, sweet, kind, and intelligent young woman. Since she’s about to turn eighteen she was now allowed to return back to her kingdom. The princess was already packing her things while waiting for the carriage to arrive.
Meanwhile the Kingdom of Elaryn was very busy as they are preparing for the princesses return. At the palace Queen Seraphine was making sure everything goes well. “How is everything so far, Lady Isolde? I just hope my daughter will like this.” Queen Seraphine asked as she paced nervously around the hall.
Lady Isolde smiled softly as she continues arranging the decorations. “Do not worry, Your Majesty. Everything is going well. I’m certain the princess will love it.” Queen Seraphine finally stopped pacing. She smiles softly after hearing everything is going well.
Just then, King Alaric came by to see the progress. “You worry too much, my love. Our little girl will love this.” King Alaric said warmly as he took Queen Seraphine’s hand and pressed a kiss against it.
“I just want everything to go well tonight. We haven’t seen our little girl in years, so everything must be perfect.”
King Alaric chuckled softly. “And everything will be perfect. Especially once she knows who she’s going to marry.” After King Alaric mentioned about marriage Queen Seraphine’s smile immediately faded.
She pulled her hand away from the King and glared at him.
“I thought we agreed that she’s going to marry at the age of twenty-one? She’s just about to turn eighteen next Saturday! Our little girl is far too young for marriage.”
The servants glanced at the King for a second before going back to preparing the decorations and food.
King Alaric sighed and took out a small jewelry box that he’s going to give to the Princess.
“I know, and I’m sorry, my love. It is simply...” He paused for a moment before lowering his voice into a whisper. “It had me worried after what happened two years ago. With you know...the pirates.”
The entire room frozed and the royal knights and servants whispered about the pirates. Queen Seraphine glared at the King before asking him to talk at the library so no one would hear them. The King followed the Queen without another word.
Inside the grand library, Queen Seraphine nervously looked around before sitting near the fireplace.
“We already discussed this. Why would you mention those pirates so openly?” She whispered harshly. “Also who exactly is Elara going to marry?” King Alaric placed the small box at the table before smiling once more.
“I told you my love, you worry too much. That was all in the past.” He paused. “I arranged a marriage with the Duke of Montclair. The Grand Duke Cedric already agreed that his son, Duke Alistair Montclair, will marry our princess.”
Silence filled the room.
“Duke Alistair? How old is he? I certainly haven’t heard or met him before.” Queen Seraphine said. King Alaric laughed softly as he sat beside her. “Fear not, my love. Duke Alistair is twenty-one years old. And for his age he is remarkably mature and intelligent. He is already assisting his father with royal duties.”
Queen Seraphine finally relaxed slightly after hearing about Alistair. She stood up and went to the table where King Alaric placed the small box. “I am relieved to hear that. But will he attend tonight's royal dinner?”
King Alaric nodded.
When all of the sudden the door opened.
A young knight stepped inside.
Sir Cassian Thorne.
Both royals shifted their attention toward the twenty-one-year-old knight.
“Ah...Sir Cassian. What brings you here? You’re supposed to be with the other royal knights. Perhaps you’re here with a news?” King Alaric said as he approached Cassian with a smile.
Cassian bowed respectfully.
“Forgive me for my intrusion, Your Majesty.” Cassian said with a respectful tone. “I came bearing a message from the Grand Duke of Montclair.” He extended a sealed letter forward. The Grand Duke Cedric and Duke Alistair apologize for not being able to attend tonight's royal dinner due to royal duties.”
King Alaric sighed softly as he took the letter from Cassian.
“Very well. Thank you for bringing the message, Sir Cassian. You may go back now.”
Cassian bowed once more before quietly leaving the library.
Queen Seraphine walked towards King Alaric as the knight dissappeared. The Queen reassured the King that the event will still be perfect.
Later that afternoon the King and Queen stood outside the palace entrance as the royal carriage arrives.
The princess of Elaryn arrived like a whisper carried by winter winds. Silver heels, delicate as carved glass, touched the carriage steps first, glimmering beneath the lantern light of the royal courtyard. A crimson cloak flowed behind her like spilled velvet, embroidered with golden threads that caught the night like dying stars. Beneath it rested a gown of silver and ivory, layered with intricate patterns.
Her silver hair was swept into an elegant bun, adorned with crystal pins that resembled frost blooming on branches, while soft bangs framed her pale face with effortless beauty. Strands of hair escaped gently beside her cheeks, dancing with the cold evening breeze. Her emerald-green eyes, glistened as the sunlight hit her.
The moment she stepped out from the carriage, the entire palace went quiet. The servants and knights were in shocked by how beautiful the princess has grown.
King Alaric stepped forward with a proud smile. “My little princess... look at you. You are absolutely beautiful.”
Queen Seraphine immediately embraced her daughter tightly. “My sweet princess, you grew so much. I have missed you so much.” Elara smiled softly and hugged her mother back. King Alaric chuckled.
“Let her breathe, my love. You may hug her again later.” King Alaric said as he looked at the Queen before shifting his gazed to the Princess.
“Come on now, my little princess. You need rest before the royal dinner tonight.”
He called for Lady Isolde to escort the Princess toward her chambers. As the Princess arrived at her room, she sat down on her bed as Lady Isolde unpacked her clothes.
“You have grown into a very beautiful young lady, Your Highness.” Lady Isolde said with a smile as she moves around in Princess Elara’s closet. “I’ve missed the kingdom. Especially my room. Do tell me, Lady Isolde, what happened while I was away?”
The Princess said as she removes her cloak. “Many things happened while you were away, but that’s all in the past now. There is no need to worry, Princess.” Princess Elara stopped midway through removing one of her earrings.
“Worry about what?”
A flicker of suspicion crossed her expression. Lady Isolde stopped for a second while arranging the Princesses clothes. “Nothing, your highness. I’m just excited about your return that I say things that doesn’t even make sense.” Lady Isolde smiled awkwardly but the Princess’ suspicions quietlydeepened.
As Lady Isolde was unpacking the Princess’ luggage she saw one letter that is in a grand envelope. She was about to hold it but Princess Elara immediately spoke.
“Lady Isolde,” Elara interrupted calmly, “You may leave now. I would like to rest. Thank you very much.” Lady Isolde bowed politely at the Princess before leaving her to have some rest.
The moment the door closed, Elara’s eyes slowly shifted toward the letter.
Later that evening. Lady Isolde and the other maids were in the Princess’ chamber to help her dressed up.
After a while the Princess stepped out of her chambers wearing a magnificent navy blue gown. The bodice is off-the-shoulder, featuring a corseted front laced with gold ribbons that accentuate her waist. Gold embroidery in intricate fleur-de-lis and vine patterns decorates the neckline and cascades down the full velvet skirt. The sleeves are fitted to the elbow and flare into soft lace drapes that flow gracefully with every movement.
Her hair is styled in loose waves and is parted on the side. The bangs are cut in a straight line across the forehead. The hair is decorated with a small tiara, that gives a perfect and elegant look for the princess.
As the Princes stepped inside the dining room, all eyes were on her. Every nobles were shocked by how the Princess looks. Princess Elara sat between her parents in the dining table she remained professional and poised as the royal dinner continues. One of the nobles, The Marquess Leopold Valois spoke.
“So the rumors are true. The princess is truly beautiful. The Duke of Montclair is lucky to have the Princess as his future wife.” The other nobles nodded in approved. But Princess Elara stopped touching her food after hearing who she was going to marry. She never heard of the Duke and she never knew about the marriage.
The Princess looked at her parents. Seeing the Queen shifted uncomfortably she knew she has to ask. “Marriage? My parents has never mentioned anything to me. And I’m still seventeen, I’m too young to be married.”
The dining room went silent after hearing the Princess. The silence was broke by King Alaric. “Don’t worry, my little princess. Your fiancée is a good match for you. As for your age...you’re turning eighteen next week. So you’re already allowed for marriage.”
The King smiled as he went back into eating, the entire room continued their chatter. But the Princess suddenly felt uncomfortable after hearing what her father said. She then put her fork down as she stood up.
“If I may? I would like to excuse myself, I’ve lost my appetite, but no worries you may all continue eating. Thank you.” She then walked away to leave the dining room with an anger hidden in her. All eyes remained on her as she walks away.
After getting out of the dining room went to walk around the palace. She then walked towards the library. As she arrived at the library she walks around until she saw a small chest with a letter on top. “What’s this? I never saw this when I was a kid.” She crouch down carefully. She then looks at the letter with suspicion especially with its markings. As Princess Elara was about to take the letter. King Alaric came.
“Elara? There you are, my little princess.” The Princess stood up and acted like nothing happened as she walks towards her father with an angry expression. The King after seeing his daughter mad sighed and held her hand as he pulled her away from the library.
“I’m sorry...I should’ve told you when you came back. I'm sorry princess. But I really have to do it for the kingdom’s future and your future.” King Alaric said as he smiled softly. Princess Elara pulled her hand away from the King as she sighed.
“I understand. My apologies for making a scene at the dining room.” He then hugs the her and the Princess smiles softly. The King then pulled away as he handed Princess Elara a small box. “For you, my princess. It’s custom made. Now why don’t you have some rest now. Alright?”
Princess Elara smiled and thanked her father, before walking towards her private chambers.
King Alaric's smile disappeared as the Princess went back to her private chambers. He then went inside the library and grabbed the letter. He looks around to see if anyone was watching him before placing it on one of the history books.
After he placed it on one of the history books. He then put on a smile before leaving the library.
