~~ CHAPTER 2 ~~

*present day in Busan*

As the sunlight filtered through the elegant drapes of the royal mansion in Busan, Kim Y/N prepared for another day of her double life. A world-class CEO by necessity, she donned the guise of a relatable professor, hiding her true identity as the Queen of Heaven beneath layers of charm and cold determination.

Today was significant; her daughter, Anya, was about to turn five, and Y/N was determined to make it a memorable day. Anya, with her infectious laughter and boundless energy, was a reflection of her mother’s fierce spirit, yet even more powerful. The little girl possessed abilities that far surpassed Y/N's own at her age, stirring a protective instinct deep within her.

In the tender chaos of the morning, Y/N's friends, Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rose, congregated in the living area, prepping for Anya’s birthday celebration. The buzz of excitement mixed with the scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air.

“Y/N! Anya’s going to wake up any minute!” Lisa exclaimed, twirling a stream of colorful balloons.

“I know, I know! Just let me get a moment,” Y/N replied, trying to calm her fluttering heart. She glanced over at Jisoo, who was strategically placing decorations.

“Remember, we’re supposed to keep it low-key, right? No compromising her safety,” Jisoo chimed in, sage as always.

Y/N's thoughts flickered back to the day she gave birth—a moment of vulnerability that had shifted her entire life. As her friends busied themselves, she reminded herself of the power she held and the love that surrounded her; Anya deserved a joyful childhood, away from the shadows of her mother’s kingdom.

After much hustle and bustle, the moment finally arrived. Anya appeared at the foot of the stairs, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The sight of her daughter brought a smile to Y/N's face.

With a chorus of cheerful voices, her friends beckoned Anya to join them. Delighted, she dashed toward the living room, her laughter ringing like music.

“Happy Birthday, cupcake!” they shouted in unison, as colorful balloons floated and confetti rained down.

Anya's eyes sparkled as she took in the scene. “Wow! You all did this for me?” She beamed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Y/N knelt down, enveloping her daughter in a warm embrace. “Every bit of it, just for you, my love. You are our treasure.”

The day unfolded like a fairytale as they celebrated, sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth of familial bonds. Y/N reveled in the joy, momentarily shoving aside the darker aspects of her life and the responsibilities of ruling her realm.

But as the sun began to set, casting a soft glow over the mansion, the undertone of uncertainty crept back. News had reached her ears of instability in the realm, tensions rising as old rivalries began to resurface.

That night, as the festivities faded into silence, Y/N slipped away into the solitude of her room. With Anya tucked in bed, she allowed the weight of her crown to settle back onto her shoulders. Sitting on her bed, she closed her eyes and reached out with her mind, feeling the elements in the air. She summoned the fire within her, coaxing a small flame to dance delicately in her palm.

But her peace was short-lived as the flame flickered violently, a sign of turmoil looming beyond her realm.

“Not yet,” she whispered to herself, the resolve igniting within her. She had fought battles before, but this one might require more finesse—a balance between her dual identities and the love she held for Anya.

*next day*

The sun peeked through the intricate designs of the royal mansion's windows, casting playful patterns on the floor. Y/N's heart warmed with the lively hum of her friends—distant laughter mingling with the clinking of dishes from the kitchen, where Jisoo expertly whipped up breakfast.

In the living area, excitement buzzed in the air. Anya, Y/N's five-year-old daughter, was a whirlwind of energy even after the rough night. Her rambunctious spirit reflected Y/N's own, a spark of life amidst the towering expectations.

"Momma! Get up!" Anya exclaimed, bouncing up and down on Y/N's still-sleeping back. "You promised we’d go to the park today!"

Y/N chuckled groggily, turning slightly to steal precious moments of sleep, but Anya had other plans. The little girl jumped off her mom and dashed away, leaving Y/N to sigh in mock annoyance, realizing that quiet mornings were a rarity.

"YAA, DON'T RUN!" Y/N called after her, shaking her head and smiling.

The aroma of breakfast wafted through the air as she made her way to the dining room where Rose chimed in, "Sorry we didn’t tell you we went out yesterday."

"It's fine," Y/N replied, still adjusting to the hectic energy that surrounded her. "Just let me know next time, okay?"

The momentary chaos settled into a rhythm as they all gathered for a brief breakfast. Jisoo's voice echoed from the kitchen, reminding everyone that breakfast was ready.

After a filling meal, they shared laughter and stories, preparing for what lay ahead.

“Y/N,” Jennie said, breaking a comfortable silence, “ day after Tomorrow is our first day at university as professor. Remember to get Anya’s bodyguard to bring her home early ? ”

“Of course,” Y/N replied while anxiously biting her lip. “And tell Mrs. Lee we’re coming to Korea, so the mansion so the mansion should be ready for us.”

"Did you told jack ,to ready the jet . "Jisso asked lisa.

"Yup I told " lisa said.

"Okay then let's gather there after getting ready for airport." Jisso said and every one nodded their heads.

Moments later, as they regrouped in the living area after packing bags , the atmosphere shifted with the reminder of their responsibilities.

................

At Korea .

The jet's engines hummed softly as Y/N and her friends disembarked, stepping onto the familiar tarmac of Incheon International Airport. A wave of nostalgia washed over Y/N as she breathed in the crisp air, feeling both exhilarated and anxious about what lay ahead.

**"Welcome back, queens!"** Lisa exclaimed, a triumphant smile on her face as she turned to her friends. **"Ready to conquer the world?"**

Jisoo chuckled, surveying the bustling surroundings. **"We better be ready for whatever awaits us. The moment we set foot here, the energy shifted."**

Y/N glanced at her friends, their spirits high despite her own underlying concern. **"Let’s remember to keep a low profile. We’re not here to draw attention."**

**"Sure, no crowns or capes this time,"** Rose teased, nudging Y/N, lightening the mood.

As they made their way through the airport, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirled within Y/N.

royal mansion.

“It’s almost dark already,” Jisoo remarked, peering out the window. “Get your rest, tomorrow is a big day.”

As evening settled in, the camaraderie was palpable, but within Y/N, a mix of anxiety and anticipation brewed. She recalled the burdens of her past, the power she wielded, and the importance of blending her dual identity as both a mother and a queen.

****************

*next day*

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the mansion, casting a warm glow over the living room where Y/N and her friends had settled after their long journey. Anya, her hair sprawled like a halo around her, lay soundly asleep on the plush sofa, the remnants of a delightful birthday celebration still evident in her rosy-cheeked dreams.

**"Look at her,"** Rose said with a gentle smile, her heart swelling at the sight of the sleeping child. **"She looks like a little angel."**

Jisoo, curled up with a thick blanket, glanced over with a chuckle. **"Can you believe how excited she was yesterday? It was like the whole world revolved around her birthday."**

Y/N smiled, warmth enveloping her like a shield against the uncertainties looming ahead. **"It was the highlight of her year. After everything that's happened, I wanted her to feel special."**

As they watched Anya's small frame rise and fall gently, memories flooded Y/N’s mind of her own childhood. The innocence and laughter reminded her of moments she longed to protect fiercely.

**"Tomorrow, we can take her out to explore the city,"** Lisa suggested, her eyes brightening. **"She deserves to see the wonders of her heritage."**

**"A trip to the park, maybe the palaces, and some street food?"** Jennie added, her excitement mirroring the child’s.

**"That sounds perfect,"** Y/N agreed, savoring the idea of a day filled with smiles and simplicity. Anya's laughter was a balm for her troubled soul, a reminder of all the goodness that still existed in the world.

Just as the atmosphere of warmth enveloped them, the tranquility was pierced by the unmistakable sound of Anya stirring, her small eyes slowly fluttering open.

**"Momma?"** Anya mumbled, rubbing her sleepy eyes. **"Is it morning?"**

Y/N immediately knelt beside her, brushing a hand through Anya’s hair. **"Yes, darling. Good morning! How did you sleep?"**

**"Like a cupcake!"** Anya beamed, her spirit infectious. **"Can we go out today? Please?"** It was as if the events of last night had completely vanished from her mind.

Rose chuckled softly, echoing the sentiment. **"You were so excited yesterday that you wore yourself out! But today, we’ll definitely plan something fun."**

Anya’s eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and enthusiasm. **"Can we get ice cream?"**

**"Ice cream it is!"** Lisa chimed in, lifting Anya up into her arms as she twirled her around, causing giggles to erupt.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile, the sound of Anya's laughter filling her heart with comfort. In the middle of chaos and uncertainty, this moment reminded her of the light that still existed.

**"But first things first,"** Jisoo cut through their laughter, standing up to stretch. **"We need breakfast. Let's make sure our little cupcake has enough energy for her adventures!"**

With the spirit of joy rekindled, the group headed to the kitchen, the vibrations of camaraderie echoing through the mansion. As they prepared breakfast, Y/N took a moment to reflect on the importance of this day.

While the shadows loomed on the horizon, today was for Anya, a celebration of her life and a reminder of the love that fortified Y/N’s resolve. Together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead, but for now, their joy was in the small pleasures of life, happiness shimmering like sunlight through the morning mist. .

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