Elliana stood by the window, staring at the flickering candles atop her eighth birthday cake. The warmth of her father’s hand on her shoulder was a comfort she had grown to cherish, but this birthday would be the last time she felt it. A week later, her father was gone, taken from her by illness. At eight years old, she was left utterly alone in the world.

Years passed, but the ache of loneliness never quite faded. Elliana poured herself into books and the chores of daily life, building a quiet strength that she didn’t yet realize she possessed. She had grown into a young woman who, though quiet and reserved, held a fire within her-one that would ignite when the time was right.

...-The Birthday Ball-...

Elliana’s nineteenth birthday arrived with an air of excitement she hadn’t felt in years. For once, the halls of the grand estate she now called home were filled with laughter and music. It was a rare celebration, a party arranged by her guardians to mark her coming of age.

As she descended the spiral staircase, her pale blue gown shimmering like the evening sky, her eyes met his. He was tall, with jet-black hair and eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the stars. The prince—Yohan.

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around them melted away. Gathering her courage, Elliana approached him.

"Happy birthday," he said with a small bow. His voice was deep and calm, carrying an air of command. "Thank you," she replied softly, her cheeks flushing. "My name is Elliana."

"And I am Yohan," he said, offering his hand. They spent the evening talking, their words flowing like a river. For the first time in years, Elliana felt truly seen.

...-A new Dream-...

The next morning, Elliana awoke with a sense of anticipation. She had dreamt of Yohan’s laughter and the way he had spoken of his training as a swordsman. Her heart raced at the thought of watching him practice.

Later that day, she spotted him in the courtyard, his movements precise and fluid as he sparred with another knight. She watched in awe, captivated by his strength and grace.

“I want to learn,” she whispered to herself.

When she voiced her desire to train, however, she was met with resistance. “It’s not proper for a lady,” her governess scolded.

But Elliana was determined. For too long, her life had been dictated by rules meant to contain her. She wouldn’t let her dreams slip away so easily.

Each day, Elliana returned to the courtyard, watching Yohan train. She studied his movements, memorizing the steps and stances. Late at night, she practiced in secret, wielding a broomstick as her sword.

One evening, Yohan caught her watching. Instead of scolding, he smirked. “You’ve been observing for days. Do you wish to try?”

Elliana’s eyes widened. “You’d teach me?”

“Only if you’re ready to fight for it.”

...-To be continue...

Training with Yohan became their secret. He admired her determination and the fire in her spirit. For Elliana, learning to fight wasn’t just about defying expectations—it was about reclaiming control over her life.

As they sparred beneath the moonlight, their bond deepened. Each strike and counter brought them closer, not just as teacher and student, but as two hearts beginning to intertwine.

...-Shadows of the Past-...

Elliana’s training with Yohan became the highlight of her days. Each evening, she would sneak to the secluded grove where he awaited her, a wooden sword in hand. His patience surprised her; he didn’t treat her like a fragile girl but as a student eager to learn.

“You’re improving,” Yohan said one evening after she managed to block his strike. His praise made her heart soar.

But as Elliana grew stronger, so did the whispers among the castle staff. Her late-night disappearances didn’t go unnoticed. One day, her governess confronted her.

“Elliana, where do you go every evening?” she demanded.

Elliana hesitated. For years, she had followed the rules, stayed within the confines of expectations. But now, she realized she couldn’t let fear hold her back.

“I’ve been training,” she admitted, her chin lifted in defiance.

“Training?” Her governess’s voice was sharp with disapproval. “Do you think your father would have wanted this?”

The mention of her father was like a dagger to Elliana’s heart. She clenched her fists, refusing to let the pain show. “My father taught me to be brave, to follow my heart. And this is what I want.”

The governess sighed, her expression softening. “The world is not kind to women who step out of line, Elliana. Be careful.”

...-The Challenge-...

Word of Elliana’s secret training spread beyond the castle. One day, a group of knights approached her during Yohan’s absence. Their leader, a burly man named Sir Alaric, sneered as he held out a wooden sword.

“So, the little lady thinks she can fight,” he mocked. “Care to prove it?”

Elliana hesitated, her grip tightening around her practice sword. She knew this was a trap, a chance for them to humiliate her. But as she glanced at Yohan’s empty training ground, she remembered his words: Strength is about what you choose to fight for.

Raising her sword, she stepped forward. “I accept.”

The duel was grueling. Alaric’s strikes were heavy and relentless, but Elliana held her ground. She recalled Yohan’s lessons—focus, precision, and agility. Though she stumbled and took several hits, she refused to give up.

When the duel ended, Elliana stood battered but unbroken. The knights, though reluctant, couldn’t hide their admiration.

“She’s tougher than she looks,” one of them muttered.

Yohan returned just as the knights were dispersing. His eyes narrowed as he saw Elliana’s bruises. “What happened?”

“I proved myself,” she said simply, a small smile playing on her lips.

...T-T-T-To be continue-...

Yohan studied Elliana, his jaw tightening as he noticed the cuts and bruises on her arms. “Proved yourself to whom?” he asked, his voice low but edged with concern.

Elliana straightened her back, unwilling to show weakness. “To the knights who doubted me. I fought Sir Alaric and held my ground.”

Yohan’s brows furrowed. “Alaric is twice your size and twice your strength. Why would you take that risk?”

“Because I needed to show them that I’m more than just a girl in a gown,” Elliana replied, meeting his gaze. “You said strength is about what you choose to fight for. I chose to fight for myself.”

For a moment, Yohan was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, to her surprise, a slow smile spread across his face. “You’re reckless,” he said, “but you’re also remarkable.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze. “So, will you keep teaching me?”

“I will,” he said. “But from now on, no more secret duels.”

That evening, Yohan introduced Elliana to more advanced techniques, his movements slower and more deliberate as he ensured she understood every strike and parry. With each lesson, their connection grew stronger. What had started as mere curiosity blossomed into trust, admiration—and something neither of them dared to name.

...-An Unexpected Invitation-...

Weeks later, as the kingdom prepared for its annual Harvest Festival, Elliana received an unexpected invitation to join the royal family at the palace. She stared at the ornate letter in her hands, her heart pounding.

“You’ve been noticed,” Yohan said, leaning against the stable door.

“By whom?” she asked, her voice laced with apprehension.

“The queen,” Yohan replied. “She’s heard of your... unusual pursuits.”

Elliana’s stomach churned. “Is this an invitation or a summons?”

“Perhaps both,” Yohan said with a smirk. “But don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

The festival was unlike anything Elliana had ever experienced. The palace gardens were transformed into a sea of lanterns and flowers, music filling the air. But as she walked through the grand hall, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

The queen, a regal woman with piercing eyes, approached her during the feast. “Elliana, I’ve heard much about you,” she said. “It’s not every day a young woman defies tradition so boldly.”

Elliana bowed her head. “I only seek to be true to myself, Your Majesty.”

The queen’s lips curved into a faint smile. “A noble sentiment. But in this world, being true to oneself often comes at a cost. Are you prepared for that?”

Elliana met her gaze, her voice steady. “I am.”

The queen studied Elliana for a moment, her expression unreadable. “Then perhaps you are stronger than most,” she said before turning to leave.

As the night went on, Elliana couldn’t help but notice Yohan watching her from across the room. When he finally approached, he whispered, “You impressed her.”

Elliana smiled. “I’m not done impressing people yet.”

... -To be continue-...