...CHAPTER ONE...

If you were to meet a princess who is forbidden to the public's eyes, what would you do?

That was Serena Syltharia's question.

"May I know the reason why is the princess forbidden? Did she do anything?". She questioned her kind tour guide, who was not kind at all.

"That is something I am unaware of". Knight Zade of Vysara Montclaire family uttered with no emotions.

Serena scoffed at his ridiculous answer. "That is something a thief would say if he was ever caught, 'oh my lord, I knew nothing of such robbery, forgive me' Ridiculous". A loud sigh came from the other side.

"You are tiring me and it is our first day together".

"But, am I wrong though? Everyone in the four walls of Vysara Montclaire Palace knows why but they just don't tell anyone. Maybe that is what family secrecy means by".

"Don't utter words that might result in you dying in any possible ways". Knight Zade looked in her eyes, well glared at her if we are being specific.

"Don't act like you would care". "I wouldn't".

Serene gave him a tight lipped smile and ignored his presence for the next an hour tour of the palace.

The forbidden princess's palace stood on a secluded hill, far from the grandeur of the main palace.

Built of pale sandstone, it was both elegant and solitary, with graceful arches and delicate carvings that whispered of its hidden purpose. Its domed rooftops shimmered under the sun, and its tall, narrow windows offered glimpses of the sky rather than the distant kingdom. The gardens surrounding it were meticulously kept, filled with fragrant blooms and winding stone paths, a quiet haven for the princess who lived there.

"More beautiful than the main palace". Her eyes widened as she gazed at it. She tilted her head slightly, as if a different angle might help her comprehend the magnificence before her.

"As I said before, don't utter words that would result in punishable acts, Miss Syltharia".

She let out a sharp, mocking laugh, Her gaze snapped to the knight before her, eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and challenge. The corners of her lips curled into a smirk as she tilted her head, taking him in. "Isn't that the difference between you and me, Knight Zade?"

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady and piercing, silently asking for the meaning behind her words.

"You would not dare utter a syllable of truth cause you are afraid of disappointing your masters but I am no person of lies. I say what I feel, even it means offending the person before me". There was no fear in her eyes, and that scared Zade.

"I would not be there to save you-".

"I am no girl in damsel, waiting for her knight to save the day, Zade. And I truly believe that the princess on the other side of this door is the same as me". Serena pointed the doorway to the Valoria Fortress Palace. "Maybe that is why, the others are so afraid that she is confined between the four walls".

"Too optimistic for your own good".

"You mean realistic or practical?". Before he could utter another word, the doors of Valoria Fortress Palace opened and a maid of the palace came out.

"Miss Syltharia, the princess is awaiting for you".

"Thank you for your kindness, Knight Zade. Will be seeing never"

Serena and the maid walked gracefully through the grand entrance of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly on the marble floors. The towering doors closed behind them with a soft thud, leaving the knight standing alone outside in the growing silence. His gaze lingered on the door for a moment longer, the weight of the unspoken tension heavy in the air. The cool breeze tousled his cloak as he remained rooted in place, the distant sound of Serena’s steps fading into the vastness of the palace.