The SilverCrest Empire was once a land of prosperity. Lush green fields stretched beyond the horizon, harvests overflowed, and the people lived under elegant roofs carved with gold and jade. The Emperor and Empress were beloved, praised for their wisdom and kindness.

But there's always a "but" in such stories.

In recent years, subtle cracks began to appear in that perfect painting. Unpredictable weather. Famine. Illness without a cure. And poverty, slithering like a snake into every alleyway and village. The Emperor and Empress tried everything. But the heavens no longer answered. Every solution failed. Every prayer echoed back in silence.

.

.

In the Syvlia Kingdom, within SilverCrest...

Servants gathered in hushed clusters, whispers crawling like insects across marble floors.

The Second Princess, Esther De Geire, was in trouble again. Tears clung to her lashes, but she didn't let them fall. Her gaze trembled as she looked at the Empress, her own mother, who stood before her, eyes filled with cold anger.

"Tch. What is wrong with that pitiful princess?" a maid sneered in a whisper. "Always crying, always pretending to be wronged. It's disgusting."

"Exactly. She spoils the atmosphere. Why must we serve someone so pathetic?"

The head maid's sharp glance silenced them, but the damage was done. The Empress stood up slowly. Her silk robes flowed like water, but her voice was sharp enough to slice skin.

"What now, Esther?" she snapped. "I have no patience for your useless drama."

Esther looked up at her mother, tears soaking her lashes, clinging like dew that refused to fall.

"M-Mother, I'm not lying... I-I really fell from the ladder while trying to get a book..."

Before she could finish, a sharp voice sliced the air like a blade. Suzy De Geire, third princess of the SilverCrest Empire, strolled forward with a soft scoff. Her eyes sparkled with ridicule as she jabbed her finger toward Esther's chest.

"What now, Big Sister?" she sighed. "Always throwing tantrums over every little thing. Mother is managing state affairs, and you—you're acting like a spoiled child. It's embarrassing."

Esther opened her mouth, but another voice exploded across the hall.

"Why did you climb the ladder alone?" the Empress roared. "Why didn't you ask the maids for help?"

Esther's lips trembled. She turned toward the maids, remembering their faces in the library, mocking smiles, averted eyes.

"I did... ask," she said quietly. "But—"

Suddenly, two maids dropped to their knees, sobbing loudly.

"Your Majesty, the princess refused our help!" one wailed, her voice soaked with false grievance. "I begged to assist her, but she scolded us so rudely... How can we poor servants bear such blame?"

Esther panicked. She took a step forward.

"No, Mother! That's not—"

SLAP.

The world tilted for a moment. Pain burned across her cheek, bright and sharp.

"You are so annoying," Maria spat, wiping her palm on her robe as if she'd touched filth.

At that moment, Sierra De Geire—the Empire's Crown Princess—entered, alerted by the noise.

"What is going on?" she demanded.

Suzy rushed over with a syrupy smile.

"Elder Sister, it's nothing. Just Big Sister being dramatic again. She hurt herself and now wants to blame the maids. Isn't that pathetic?"

Sierra's gaze sharpened.

"Suzy, enough." She turned to Esther, voice stern. "What happened?"

Esther's shoulders trembled. She lowered her head.

"I... I just wanted a book to study. I climbed the ladder. I slipped. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble..."

"Ugh, you're a fool," Suzy snorted, tossing her hair. "I'm done wasting time." She turned to their mother. "I'll go back to studying, Mother."

Maria's face melted into a soft smile.

"Go, Suzy. Don't let these trivial matters distract you."

Esther watched the scene silently. That smile... she wanted it too. But for her, it never came. Sierra sighed.

"Mother, don't raise your voice. You'll strain yourself. Esther is still young. And... don't you have matters to attend to?"

Maria waved her off but turned to Esther again, her expression cold and tight.

"Esther. Don't you understand?" she snapped. "Everything I do is for you! But you're useless! You can't study, can't carry yourself with grace. You embarrass me!"

She rubbed her temples in frustration.

"You are not good at anything. You are a disappointment!"

Maria pressed her fingers against her temple, her brows tightening with fatigue. Sierra stepped forward, voice soft but steady.

"Mother, let me take you back to your room. You've had a long day. The court sessions have been endless, and the Empire's matters only grow worse."

Esther hesitated, then followed, reaching for Maria's other arm—hoping, just for once, to be useful. But her hand was flung aside.

"Why are you copying your sister?" Maria snapped, eyes flashing. "Stupid girl. Have you even finished your studies?"

Esther bit her lip. Her vision blurred again. But she answered, voice barely audible.

"I... I finished two history volumes... and the etiquette book..."

The words were barely out when the air cracked with sound.

SLAP.

Pain bloomed across her cheek, sharper than the last. Esther collapsed onto the floor. Her limbs were weak from long nights of studying without food, from the weight of invisible expectations. Sierra gasped and rushed to her side, helping her up.

"Mother, please. She's still young—"

"Young?" Maria snapped. "She's nineteen! One year younger than you, and yet this is all she can show for it?"

Her gaze turned sharp as a knife.

"Suzy mastered the complete History of the Empires by sixteen. And look at her, this half-wit can barely finish two volumes and still dares to speak."

She turned to the maids with an icy tone.

"Lock this moron in her room. Feed her once a day. She can come out only after finishing the full history archive."

Esther's heart froze.

"N-No, please...Mother, not that room..."

That room. Cold. Dark. Lonely. A prison wrapped in silk curtains, where love never entered.

"Please... I'll study more... I'll do better... Just don't lock me in there again..."

Maria didn't even spare her a glance as she walked away, hand held by Sierra. The maids seized her arms.

"Let's go, Princess," one sneered.

"Don't worry, we'll leave you some candlelight. Wouldn't want our little genius to go blind, would we?" another laughed.

They dragged her down the corridor. The doors shut with a final, metallic click. And just like that... silence. Inside the cold chamber, Esther sat curled by the window, books scattered before her. The walls were the same. The shadows, the same. Only her heart had grown heavier.

"They must be right," she whispered.

"If I were smarter... they would love me."

She held her aching cheek and forced her shaking hands to turn a page.

The Rise and Fall of the Fifth Dynasty...

But no words entered her mind. Only one thought echoed again and again:

"I must work harder. I must not be a burden."

In the Empress's chambers...

Emperor Oliver sat beneath golden lantern light, reviewing military reports and grain records. His face was drawn, lines etched by war, age, and politics. The door flung open. Maria stormed in, her robe swirling like fire.

"That girl again! I'm sick of dealing with her tantrums."

Oliver looked up with a frown.

"What happened this time?"

Maria sat down heavily on the velvet couch, recounting the incident in an exasperated tone. The cushions softened beneath her, easing the tension in her spine but not her irritation. Oliver slammed the reports on the table.

"Enough. We must marry her off."

His voice was cold. 

"Pick any prince. A border nation, a small state Or whatever. She's no use here. Too dim to manage even a small kingdom. Why do we waste food on her?"

Maria nodded. Her eyes never softened.

In the far wing of the palace...

Behind a locked door, in a cold, unlit room, Esther sat curled beside a pile of opened books. Her throat ached from silent crying. Her tears had dried on her cheeks long ago.

"I'm trying... but why does everything I do fail?"

"I'm useless... even Elder Sister is kind, Suzy is brilliant, and Mother still does so much..."

She glanced at the shadowy corners of her prison-like room.

"I just... want to be with them..."

That night, in the depth of stillness, the sound of careful footsteps echoed down the servant hall. A figure, cloaked in the dark, moved quietly into the kitchen. The hearth had gone cold. Still, the figure packed two full plates of food and crept back upstairs.

Outside the locked door, the figure bent down and slid the plates through the lower gap. Then, three soft knocks. A familiar rhythm. Inside, Esther sat up. Her eyes widened. She crawled forward, reaching the plates. Her thin fingers trembled.

"E-Elder Sister...?"

From the other side, a soft voice responded:

"Yes. Eat, Esther. You must be starving..."

Sierra rested her back against the door. The chill of the floor seeped into her bones.

"I'm sorry. I should've stopped them. I wanted to... but—"

"No," Esther interrupted gently, biting into the bun. "Mother's right. I have to study harder. It's my fault."

Sierra's voice cracked.

"Silly girl... It's not right. This isn't love. Esther... I have a friend in the Western Empire. If you want... I'll help you escape. I'll meet you once in a month."

Esther paused mid-bite. Then she shook her head.

"Why would I run... when my family is here?"

"You don't understand my condition, Elder Sister. I'm fine. They still love me."

Across the door, Sierra clenched her fists. Esther turned toward the mirror by the corner. Her own reflection stared back, pale skin, hollow cheeks, dark circles beneath her eyes. She smiled faintly.

"Mother is right. I'm not good enough. But if I keep trying... maybe they'll stop being disappointed."

"Maybe... they'll be proud."

"Maybe... they'll love me."

Sierra shut her eyes.

"Why, Esther...? Why do you still love them?"

Esther turned her eyes to the small window, where frost gathered on the edges.

"Because they're my family. That's what daughters do, right?"

Sierra stood slowly, her heart heavier than ever.

"Good night, silly girl... I'll come again tomorrow."

Esther didn't answer. She looked again into the mirror, touched the reflection gently, as though it were someone else. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"They will love me."

.

.

.

The days passed, one by one, like dry leaves swept by a cold wind.

The SilverCrest Empire continued to wither beneath the weight of famine and decay. With their own granaries nearly empty, the imperial court scrambled to negotiate trade agreements with neighboring empires. Every day brought new diplomatic letters, harsher terms, and graver warnings.

And yet, deep inside the palace, not all suffered equally.

Esther's world remained unchanged.

Each morning, before the sun had risen, she was woken by the sound of footsteps and cold water on her face. She was expected to study without pause, her only break a small meal in the afternoon. Then came the endless etiquette drills — walking, kneeling, greeting, hosting until her knees ached and her voice hoarsened.

At night, while others dined in warmth, she sat beneath dim candlelight, books open before her, her head lolling forward in exhaustion before sleep claimed her.

The days blurred together. Monotonous. Silent. Suffocating.

One evening, as twilight cloaked the palace in shades of blue and gold, Emperor Oliver and Empress Maria retired to their chamber. The heavy doors closed behind them, muffling the whispers of the court.

They sank into their cushions, their bodies weary but their minds seeking peace.

Suddenly, the door creaked open again.

A burst of soft fragrance drifted into the room, jasmine and peony, light and sweet. A young woman entered with graceful steps, the golden embroidery on her gown glittering under the lantern light.

She smiled brightly, like the world outside hadn't crumbled. Suzy De Geire stood before them radiant, confident, adored.

"Father, Mother," she chimed. "Are you resting well? I've brought your favorite tea."

Maria and Oliver smiled at her. Suzy started pouring tea for them. She placed the cups infront of them and looked at them with sweet smile. The scent of ginseng tea lingered faintly in the background.

"Mom... Dad...I found something," she said softly, as though she were sharing a cherished secret. "A way to help our empire. A real solution."

Maria raised an eyebrow, sipping slowly. Oliver gestured for her to sit beside him, brushing her head affectionately.

"Speak, my child"

"Our Empire seems to be in some sort of curse. I researched few books and came across a solution."

Oliver's hand twitched. He gestured her to speak further. Suzy smiled and started narrating them a solution. She couldn't control her happiness. But her mom and dad were shocked.

Maria said nothing. The tea in her cup had gone cold. A long moment passed before Oliver finally spoke.

"You're sure it will work? It's a dangerous gamble. What if it backfires on us?"

"Don't worry, dad. I studied every account. If we follow the steps exactly, the ritual will succeed. Our lands will heal. The disease will vanish. The droughts will end."

"Besides, we can get rid of big sis. She's a ghost in this palace. A blemish on our reputation. Even if she marries into another royal house, her incompetence will shame us and ruin future alliances. If anything backfires, big sis will be the one who will suffer."

Oliver leaned back, exhaling heavily. A shadow passed through his gaze.

"We can't say anything to elder sis. She won't agree. Let's start the preparation. In three days, our problems will vanish."

Three Days Later~

In the Eastern Wing of Palace, Esther was sleeping on bed. The books and scrolls were scattered all around the bed. Empress Maria and Emperor Oliver walked into Esther's chamber quietly.

"Esther, child," Empress Maria whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's sleeping face. "Wake up and join us for breakfast."

Esther's eyes fluttered open. Her chest tightened, then swelled with surprise. Her parents' faces weren't filled with contempt or irritation but only warmth. For the first time in years. She obeyed immediately, slipping from bed and dressing with shaking hands. Her heart pounded with hope.

Downstairs, the grand dining hall was lit with soft lamps. The warmth of their glow made the silver cutlery shimmer like fallen stardust. Esther sat down hesitantly.

A full breakfast awaited her. Fresh fruit, warm porridge drizzled with honey, pastries laced with almond cream. The maids served her with polite expressions. Her father even offered her a smile.

Sierra watched quietly. Though she said nothing, her heart was filled with uneasiness.

"We are just acknowledging her," Suzy had whispered earlier. "Big sis has been trying hard. We realized our mistake."

Esther's cheeks flushed with happiness. The day passed like a dream.

They toured the garden. Esther fed the koi fish while her mother laughed softly beside her. Her father taught her how to play chess. Suzy complimented her hair, helped her braid it in a regal style. Even Sierra allowed herself to smile when Esther tripped and giggled.

Esther never noticed that she was being watched closely.

As the sun began to bleed into the horizon, Esther was handed a delicate box. Inside it lay a gown: silk white with layers of translucent fabric and moonlight embroidery. The gems sewn into the hem shimmered like captured tears.

"Esther my dear, you need to change in this outfit." Empress smiled gently while stroking her cheeks.

Esther blinked. She looked at her mother in confused glance.

"Mom, this gown is transparent. It's inappropriate for royal princess to wear. I have better gown than this. I-" Sierra spoke.

"Sierra, dear. This gown is for purification ritual. A priest suggested me that. Esther has lot of bad luck on her. And we must purify her. The ritual needs minimal clothing. She can wrap shawl for now."

Before Sierra could protest again, Suzy pulled her outside. Esther hesitated, but obeyed. She covered herself with a thin shawl and stood quietly as Maria blindfolded her.

.

.

.

The back of the castle was cloaked in darkness. Clouds gathered like silent witnesses in the night sky, hiding even the sliver of moon that tried to peek through. the atmosphere looked gloomy and eerie.

A circle had been drawn upon the ground with red ink that looked ominous. It felt alive. The stones around it had been smeared with black ink, symbols of binding and summoning long forbidden. Esther stood within the circle, blindfolded and trembling.

Sierra watched from the edges. A cold wind brushed her cheeks, and with it, a choking sense of dread. Oliver stood across from her, eyes closed in focus. Suzy's lips moved rapidly, whispering an ancient chant. Maria joined them, the syllables falling like frost on stone.

The wind howled. The skies blackened. The summoning circle lit up with a violent crimson. Esther's knees buckled. Her skin felt as if it were burning. She whimpered, reaching out in blind confusion. Her head was getting heavy and vision blurred.

Sierra realized what's happening. She started running towards Esther while shouting to stop them. Oliver blocked her path and quickly captured her. His face was hard to read.

"Sierra, don't do something ridiculous. This is for the sake of our empire." Oliver snapped.

"For empire?? You are sacrificing Esther to devil? Have you thought of consequences? We don't worship devil. What's wrong with you mom and dad? Let Esther go, please, I beg you. Don't do this mistake. She is one of us. She is our family." She glared at them through tears.

Oliver didn't listen to her pleas and picked her up. He went straight inside the palace and locked her in the room.

"Stay here, Sierra, you are too naive. Sometimes we need to make sacrifices for our empire. You will understand my decision soon."

Then, he ordered the guards to guard the room. He quickly rushed to the ritual place.

Meanwhile, Esther felt a sharp pain in her body. Her vision was getting blurry and her throat was getting dry. She needed water. She begged to let her go. Due to the chanting and pain in her body, she didn't hear the conversation between her elder sister and dad. she was confused what's happening.

Her lips cracked. "Water... I-I don't understand... what is happening?"

"It's okay," Maria cooed, kneeling beside her. "It will all be over soon."

Oliver followed. He smiled down at her with a gentleness that made her chest ache. "We love you, Esther. We're doing this for the future. For the people."

Esther opened her mouth to reply but pain shot through her. A blade slid between her ribs. Blood poured from her mouth. Her vision shattered.

Another stab.

Then another.

Her mom, dad, and younger sister stood above her. Their hands stained in her blood, their faces twisted in calm relief. Each holding a knife.

"Sis, for once you were useful. This is all thanks to you, that we will be prosperous again. Don't worry sis, your efforts won't be in vain. I will open orphanage under your name. Isn't it right mom?" Suzy whispered in soft voice.

Maria nodded. Esther collapsed. She was struggling in pain and betrayal. All of her memories from childhood to this very day flashed infront of her eyes. Memories that were sad, painful.

"Wh...y...? What d-did I do... to deserve..."

Her voice cracked. She coughed violently. Her blood soaked the ceremonial gown and the ritual circle. The sky above her opened like a gaping maw, but no light descended. Only shadows danced. The circle started emitting black fog.

Then-

Silence.

Her heart stopped.

A gust of wind exploded outward. Dark fog coiled around Esther's body, twisting like a serpent. Maria and Oliver shielded their eyes. Suzy trembled. When the fog cleared-

Esther was gone.

In her place were towering chests filled with gold, rubies, and diamonds that glowed like cursed fireflies. Piles upon piles. The sweet scent of blood clung to them like perfume.

"It worked," Oliver whispered, breathless.

"Our empire will be prosperous again. The diseases, natural calamities will vanish" Maria said, voice trembling with awe.

Suzy clasped her hands with a proud smirk.

Above them, the clouds began to part. But instead of light, a single black feather drifted down, landing silently atop the circle's ash.