Prologue
IN THIS world, power means everything. Power meant having the authority to command over this vast land. It was the ultimate fuel of one’s standing in society. However, it was also a feeble thing. A power that has been fought and established for centuries can be extinguished in a matter of years.
“Your highness, I beg you! Please leave with us!” Rea tugged my hand tightly while tears flowed endlessly on her cheeks. She and the other four handmaids sobbed; their faces were pleading with desperation while her forehead wrinkled with extreme anxiousness.
I smiled gently and wiped the tears on her cheek as I shook my head. The steadfast faith and loyalty they have given me since becoming my handmaids were some of the things I am thankful for. Sparing them from this was my last gesture of gratitude.
“Then please let us remain with your highness! We can’t just leave you here alone. It is our sworn duty to protect you even at the cost of our lives,” Hans said as he knelt in front of me along with the other knights who had been escorting me.
I took a deep breath. “I will forever be grateful for your loyalty even at this moment of death, but I will not allow you to throw away your lives easily.”
For a moment, only their soft sobs echoed in the hall. The handmaids held each other’s hands in silent mourning while the knights clenched their fists in wordless frustration between duty and principle. I hate to see them like this for the last time, but letting out my emotion will only cause them more anguish.
“This is my last wish and final order as the crown princess of the Eosteria Empire—leave this castle and save your lives,” I spoke in a firm and stern voice, attempting to air whatever command was left in me, although it now possessed so little power.
With the defeat of Father’s cavalry and his surrender in the war with the northern follies, our empire was officially conquered by Brelmoren. It was only a matter of time before they would come for me, which was why I immediately commanded the few remaining soldiers to evacuate the citizens in places where the army would pass through and had all the servants abandon the castle.
“Time is running.” I pulled Rea on her feet before glancing at the men on their knees. “My loyal knights, guide these maidens to their safety.” Despite their initial denial, they knew that respecting my last wish was the greatest act of their loyalty to me.
“As... as you will, your royal highness, the eternal light of the Eosteria Empire.” Hans stood up with his face on the brink of tears. He straightened his pose and gave me a firm salute before holding Rea and directing her firmly to the west door leading to the castle’s back passage. The other knights followed as they marshaled the other handmaids who were weeping in appeal to stay with me.
I could only smile and watch them leave. It was best for them to see me this way, rather than witness and carry the horror of my execution at the hands of the enemies.
When all was settled, I sighed deeply and walked towards the throne seat to sit and relieve myself. I did not have the time to do so when I directed my final orders.
The chilly air of the night was starting to get into my skin, a far cry from the comforts this place had promised. The grandiosity of this throne hall, embellished with gold and crystals from floor to ceiling, was the symbol of the Royal House of Vindsere’s power and glory. Now, only traces of it can be seen by the moonlight from the windows.
On the other hand, it was the doom that I have long perceived. My ascendants had shed too much blood and sacrificed too many lives all in the name of their greed for power. As the remaining Vindsere, it is inevitable that I get caught in the war they have created, and I hope that the empire will finally be at peace with my death.
