Episode 1

Majic gazed out from the only window gracing her forsaken chamber—a room she was compelled to clean herself with found scraps to avoid bug bites; although she was the eldest daughter of King Carpio, the mighty ruler of the Susumira realm, and thus entitled to the crown and future queenship.

The sixteen-year-old princess, slender with wavy, reddish hair—a distinctive feature of the royal Maruzba family of Susumira—had lived in that room for eight years, situated in a dark tower, farthest from the central part of the palace; her skin was exceedingly pale, receiving scant sunlight when allowed a weekly stroll around the tower. During these moments, she cherished the sight of the vast sky overhead, pondering what existed beyond the palace walls and whether she'd ever encounter the grey-eyed boy from her hazy dreams.

Shortly after her mother's death, Majic had been confined to this place, her education ceasing at the age of eight. On this particular day—her sixteenth birthday—there was unusual bustle outside, at least from what little she could discern from the small window. This activity filled her with dread, as it often meant no one would bring her food, leaving her starving for days.

Suddenly, she heard a key enter the lock of her perpetually secured door. She hoped against hope for a meal, which would be a small mercy. However, she was taken aback as several maids entered with a resplendent golden dress, high-heeled shoes, and intricately crafted jewelry.

"What's happening?" the girl inquired.

"His Majesty has commanded that we bathe you, dress you, and make you beautiful," declared the apparent head of the serving girls.

"But why?" Majic asked, fear creeping into her voice.

"It is the king's command, just obey," retorted the maid, indifferent to the fact that the young woman was her sovereign's daughter.

Majic refrained from further questions, wishing to avoid a beating, which was the usual consequence of her inquiries or delayed obedience to the maids who would come bearing what they claimed were orders from King Carpio, her father.

The serving girls bathed the princess with cold water, and despite her shivering, none showed pity; they scrubbed her skin raw to cleanse her from filth that had accumulated from infrequent washes in the tower. The only luxury she had was brushing her teeth with dew collected from the small window early in the morning.

Once bathed, she was clothed in new garments, from undergarments to the glittering dress. The corset required little tightening due to her scant nourishment; she was so thin that it felt torturous to wear so much heavy attire. They then applied makeup and styled her hair to make her appear taller, adorned her with sparkling jewels, and placed a delicate tiara on her head. She put on the shoes, quite a discomfort since she had gone barefoot for eight years.

She was escorted to the central palace and had to wait in the antechamber before the royal throne room to be announced. Majic took the opportunity to glimpse at her reflection in a mirror, unable to recognize the princess she looked like—so divergent from her life of the last eight years in rags, barefoot, and without care.

Soon she was announced, "Princess Majic of the royal Maruzba family of Susumira." The maids instructed her to proceed. She walked gingerly, her shoes causing pain, approaching the king devoid of protocol, offering no formal curtsy nor the deepest of reverences. She merely nodded lightly when near her father.

"Chancellors of the Magical Realms Community of Hurmaya, behold my sweet Majic, the apple of my eye, my most beloved daughter, present as agreed," said the king, feigning immense love that belied his true feelings—a ruse Majic found baffling.

The young girl didn't recognize the people with her father, certainly not from Susumira, given that the elegantly dressed man and woman bore foreign emblems on their attire.

The woman appraised Majic thoroughly, lifting her chin. Majic, versed in silence to avoid punishment, held her breath as the lady touched her waist and hips, causing her to step back alarmingly.

"Chancellor, my daughter is pure; handle her with care—she is precious to me," asserted the king with gravity, further astounding Majic.

"We are the agreement's guarantors, ensuring conditions are met for producing an heir for the King of Fontana, and naturally, that she is wholly untouched," the accompanying stranger stated.

"I have accepted this pact as requested by Hurmaya's monarchs for peace, offering my most beloved child for marriage to Fontana's king. Never would I offer unworthy kin; my daughter has known no man," King Carpio assured.

"The King of Fontana will verify the young princess's purity upon our arrival in his domain, where we shall witness. Should she pass the test, the marriage shall transpire, solidifying the peace treaty," the mysterious lady declared.

The king drew near his daughter, embracing her and whispering, "Enjoy your new life; here you could only return in death." With a melancholic glance and a virtual whisper of apology, he kissed her forehead, concealing his heartfelt emotions.

"Take care of my princess, my greatest treasure," the king stated before turning away, leaving his eldest child, the rightful heir, to withdraw from the palace with the Chancellors.

It dawned on Majic then—her father had bartered her off as mere merchandise to an unknown monarch. Perplexed by what awaited her in this new kingdom, she know protest would only bring harsh discipline. The poor girl silently prayed her future realm would not eclipse the inferno of what was supposed to be her sanctuary.

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