Episode 1

I am Valery Roberson, the youngest daughter of the great General Roberson, from a clan of warriors. The army of the Roberson family is one of the strongest and most prestigious.

We have defended the border for generations.

My mother passed away when I was quite young, only two years old. My father and brothers decided to send me to live with my aunt in the city, so I could be educated as a lady of high society.

Life with my aunt was challenging; she dubbed me the wild Roberson. She focused her attention on my cousin Amelia, and her husband did not want me in their house.

One day, while walking, I saw a boy being beaten up. Without hesitation, I intervened, swinging a stick at them. They turned to laugh at the other boy, saying that I was braver than he was. I was only 6 years old.

That day, I made a great friend. Yes, Tomas became my friend. We would play in the forest every day, which was fun and very funny. I especially liked his blue eyes. One day, as we said goodbye, I gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him,

Valery: "When I grow up, I'll be your wife."

Tomas laughed in response: "I'd be delighted."

Seeing this, my aunt was appalled, and that evening, I was severely beaten - according to her, to correct my misconduct. Her husband, Duke Antony Ferre, decided to send me back to my father at the border. He mentioned in his letter that I was a bad example for his daughter, Amelia.

Upon hearing that I would be returning to the border, my nanny, a short and stout lady, offered to go with me. Nanny Greta was the only one who showed me affection in that household.

As I left, I could only miss my friend Tomas. That day, I failed to appear at our usual forest meeting spot. I vowed to return.

Tomas

I am Tomas Belmonte, 10 years old, the youngest son of King Leonardo Belmonte. I have three older siblings – Leonardo, whom we nickname Leo after my father, my other brother German, and my sister Irene. We are very close. My mother, Queen Merida, is very kind and the most beautiful of all, or so I thought until I met the most gorgeous and brave girl in the kingdom. We became friends, and that's where I learned her name was Valery. She's 6 years old and lives with her aunts. I never knew that Duke Ferre had a niece because he only brings his unbearable daughter Amelia and his wife Dorothy to the castle.

It's been a week since I've seen Valery. It's strange; she's never missed our play dates. I'm really sad, and my sister, who's 14, notices.

Irene: "What's wrong, little brother?"

Tomas: "I haven't seen my friend Valery for a week."

Irene: "Tell me her name and I'll find out."

Tomas: "Thank you. Her name is Valery Roberson, niece of Duke Ferre."

Irene: "Roberson?"

Tomas: "She's the daughter of General Roberson. I'm off to train."

Tea time arrives at the castle, as various distinguished families attend the gathering.

The queen and her daughter enter, starting their afternoon tea with the usual talks among young royals.

Irene: "Duchess Ferre, and your niece Valery?"

Dorothy: "You know my niece?"

Irene: "I met her in town, but haven't seen her for a week."

Dorothy: "She returned to her father at the border."

Irene: "She's so young to be in such a dangerous place."

Dorothy: "My brother misses her."

Merida: "Let's move to the garden; there are lovely new flowers."

Irene excuses herself and goes to find her brother to tell him what she discovered.

Tomas: "The border is dangerous. What if I never see her again?"

His older brothers notice the little one is sad and concerned.

Leo: "Don't worry; the General will take care of her."

German: "Leo is right, plus her brothers Jaiden and Dikson are excellent warriors."

Tomas: "You're right."

A maid interrupts his thoughts, calling him for lessons with his personal tutor.

Meanwhile, Valery arrives at the border where her brothers Jaiden and Dikson are waiting to guide her to her new home. The house isn't large or luxurious, and they only have one cook.

Valery steps down from the carriage while her brothers look on attentively. The twins' eyes widen in surprise upon seeing their beautiful sister.

Jaiden: "Little one, you look just like mom."

Dikson: "Yes, the most beautiful girl."

Valery: "And father?"

Lucas Roberson: "You are grounded. I read the letter your uncle sent, and I am very disappointed, Valery. You will do everything Mrs. Margo tells you."

Having spoken, he turned toward his horse. But an upset and angry Greta strode after him.

Greta: "General Roberson! YOU MAY BE HER FATHER AND A HERO, BUT I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO SPEAK TO MY GIRL THAT WAY. I'VE HELD THAT LITTLE ONE IN MY ARMS SINCE SHE WAS 2, AND SHE NEVER RECEIVED PROPER TREATMENT FROM HER GRANDPARENTS OR AUNTS. SHE LIVED WITH ME EVER SINCE SHE ARRIVED, FAR FROM THE DUKE'S MANSION. SHE KNOWS HOW TO READ AND WRITE BECAUSE I TAUGHT HER, WITHOUT LUXURIES OR TUTORS. I WON'T TOLERATE YOU TREATING HER POORLY JUST BECAUSE THAT SNAKE OF AN UNCLE WROTE TO YOU!!!"

After speaking, the nanny heads back to the house carrying her luggage, leaving a very taken-aback Lucas and his right-hand man and friend Marcos trying to suppress laughter. No one had ever spoken to Lucas like that.

His brothers were quite surprised by what they had heard.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***