The Child of Prophecy, Covered in Bruises

The carriage rolled quietly through the dense forest, the sunlight filtered through the trees in golden beams, casting fleeting shadows inside the cabin. The air was still, and the atmosphere tense. No one spoke for a long time.

"How did child of prophecy ended up like this?" He muttered to himself.

"She must've been tormented for her holy powers? How can be someone so cruel?" Giselle looked at her husband. Her long silver-white hair caught a glint of sun, and her blue eyes were filled with sorrow.

It’s not just her wounds… What scares me most is how terrified she is. She didn’t even respond to us. The marks… the burns… even with holy power in her body, they aren’t healing. Why?" Eric blurted in concern.

"You are right. We must find everything related to her. We need to bring justice to her. Crime against a child is a sin. Our empire doesn't tolerate it. I will talk to my brother regarding this."

Louis and Cleo sat quietly. They stared out of the window, their expressions dark. Louis mumbled, "She’s so small... and she looked like she was dying."

Cleo nodded. "She didn’t even move when we found her."

Tristan shifted uncomfortably looking outside the window. His face dropped as he clenched a small pendant in his hand. Giselle noticed how his shoulders stiffened and how his expression grew darker.

"Honey, calm down." she said softly, reaching for his hand.

Tristan didn’t meet her eyes. Instead, he looked down at the pendant again. "

How can I be calm? I wasn't able to find my daughter in the Western Region of Velantris Empire. It's been five years. My daughter... How is she? What is she going through? I'm so worried. Where are you my baby?"

Giselle comforted him.

"We will find her." Giselle assured him.

"I want to meet my baby sis soon." Louis suddenly added.

Tristan gave a faint nod, and silence returned to the carriage.

Few hours later~

A few hours later, after passing through five magical portals, the Ashford family arrived at their duchy. The moment the tall iron gates creaked open, golden light bathed the estate

The mansion itself stood tall and proud, like a crown atop the valley. Its walls were made of smooth ivory stone, trimmed with sapphire-blue rooftops and arched gold-lined windows. Elaborate balconies adorned every level, while a massive cascading fountain welcomed all at the entrance. Curved staircases split left and right from the base, winding upward toward lush gardens and tall hedges. Flowers bloomed in every corner, and divine sunlight painted everything in soft golden hues.

Giselle hurried to the second carriage, where the little girl still sat. The child hadn’t moved, still curled in the same place, trembling in fear.

"Little girl,  don't be scared. Come with us." She said softly. Giselle touched the girl's hand.

At the touch, the little girl flinched violently, her eyes wide with terror. She backed into the corner of the carriage like a trapped animal.

"Go" the girl whispered, her voice barely audible. "Let go."

Giselle’s heart broke. She retracted her hand, nodding slowly. She understood. This child didn’t trust anyone. She was fragile. Wounded.

"Don't bite your lips,  little girl." Tristan said gently as he approached.

The girl froze. She immediately stopped biting her lips. Her thoughts were a mess. Who are these people? Will they hurt her too? Will they take her power? But she didn't wanted it. She just wanted to die. Should she go back to her mother? It was painful there but she only knows that place. But if she goes there now, she will be punished more. The little girl trembled at the thought.

The girl was breathing heavily, her small frame trembling with fear. Giselle and Tristan exchanged worried glances, both were clueless on how to help. Before they could react, the little girl’s eyes rolled back, and she collapsed, falling unconscious onto the floor of the carriage.

"Tristan!" Giselle cried. "Carry her inside! We need the physician!"

Tristan didn’t hesitate. He lifted the unconscious child carefully. She was so light it sent another wave of fury through him. Skin and bone—that’s all she was.

"Flynn, Please bring Royal Physician Rune. Tell him, it's urgent." Giselle commanded.

Flynn bowed and immediately vanished.

Turning to her children, Giselle knelt before them. "Eric, please take your brothers inside. Don’t speak of her to anyone. It’s a secret. And call Ruby and Maria to the second floor."

Eric nodded and assured his mother. . "Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll explain it to Louis and Cleo. Take care of the little girl."

Inside the mansion...

Tristan climbed to the second floor with the girl in his arms. He entered the room closest to the stairs and gently laid her on the bed. His eyes roamed over her bruised body. How can someone be so cruel with this little girl?

The Child of prophecy known as Divine Saintess to everyone, is most respected and loved person. But right now, she is covered in bruises.

Ruby entered the room after a soft knock and a respectful nod from the Grand Duke. At thirty-four, she carried herself with the refined grace of a noblewoman and the silent strength of a seasoned warrior. As one of Giselle’s closest confidantes and longtime lady-in-waiting, she moved with quiet precision, her loyalty unwavering. A flicker of concern crossed her eyes as she bowed deeply before the Duke.

Moments later, another woman stepped in beside the Duchess. Maria, a noble lady of thirty, was a stark contrast to Ruby—gentle-spirited and bright-eyed, with a warmth that softened the air around her. She and Ruby had been inseparable from Giselle since childhood, their bond forged through years of friendship and sealed the day Giselle had saved their lives during a border conflict.

When Giselle became Grand Duchess, both women had requested, no, insisted to serve by her side. Loyal, capable, and trained in combat, they were not mere attendants, but her sworn sisters in both blade and heart.

"Ruby, Maria, this is important and confidential. So, don't speak a word to anyone." Tristan spoke.

They nodded.

"We won't dare say anything to anyone." Ruby spoke.

Tristan nodded. "I brought the little girl hastily in this room. For now, please check this room if it has any issues. Physician Rune will be coming soon. Assist him if needed."

Ruby and Maria started checking the room.

Few minutes later...

Outside, Tristan waited. When he saw the approaching figure of an old man with long white hair and deep-set of hazel-brown eyes, he walked forward.

"Grandpa Rune, thank you for coming on such short notice."

Royal Physician Rune was 115 year old.

"It’s nothing, Grand Duke," the old man said kindly.

Physician Rune had served the Ashford family for nearly a century. Appointed at just twenty-one, he had been close to the former emperor and now served the former emperor's sons: Xavier Ashford, the current emperor and Tristan Ashford, the grand duke

The room was silent. Physician Rune entered and gave a respectful nod to the duchess before approaching the bed. His breath caught when he saw the little girl covered in bruises and burn marks. An uncomfortable tightness gripped his chest. He looked at Giselle.

Giselle sighed and spoke

"That's how we found her. When she opened her eyes, she was terrified, trembling uncontrollably. We tried to speak with her, but she fainted from the shock. I can’t even imagine what she must have suffered through."

Physician Rune took a deep breath, then turned to Ruby. "Ruby, come here to assist me. I need to know how far the injuries go."

"Yes, Royal physician rune."

Ruby stepped forward, drawing the curtain around the bed. Gently, she began to remove the child’s clothes. When her eyes fell upon the little girl’s body, she gasped.

Bruises. Deep. Fresh. Some infected. Others so old they had turned dark purple. Her entire body was a patchwork of suffering

She removed the cloth bound tightly to the girl’s wrist.

And froze.

Her voice shook. "This... This can’t be..."

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