The castle where Stephania had been imprisoned for over 10 years stood tall and imposing, its stone walls a constant reminder of her confinement. The once-grand structure had become a gilded cage, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate furnishings, but devoid of warmth and love.
In front of the castle lay a vast garden, once a marvel of magical horticulture. When Stephania was born, the garden had burst forth with life, showcasing a kaleidoscope of flowers from around the world. Roses, lilies, sunflowers, and orchids had all bloomed together, their beauty and fragrance a testament to the kingdom's magical prowess.
However, as Stephania grew older, the flowers began to wither and die, despite the best efforts of the kingdom's skilled magicians. No amount of magic could revive them, and the garden was left barren and empty. The once-vibrant colors had faded, replaced by the dull gray of stone and the haunting silence of a forgotten dream.
The parallel between the garden's decline and Stephania's own fate was not lost on her. As the flowers had once been a symbol of her father's love and pride, their demise seemed to mirror the waning of his affection for her. The king's love, like the garden's beauty, had withered and died, leaving Stephania to wonder if she would ever find freedom or happiness.
Stephania sat amidst the dusty tomes of her library, her eyes scanning the pages of a worn leather-bound book on governance. Despite being confined within the palace walls, Stephania's mind was free to roam, fueled by her passion for politics, economics, and the welfare of her people.
Stephania had always felt a sense of responsibility towards her citizens. She believed that a ruler's power shouldn't stem from magic alone, but from wisdom, strategy, and a deep understanding of the needs of their people. Stephania's thoughts were consumed by the corruption she had witnessed among the nobility. She knew that many of them exploited their power for personal gain, leaving the common folk to suffer. Her father, the emperor, seemed oblivious to the issue, or perhaps he chose to ignore it to maintain his grip on power.
Stephania closed her book and leaned back in her chair. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. Stephania knew she had to find a way to make her voice heard, but for now, she remained trapped in her gilded cage, waiting for her chance to break free.
Stephania walked down the grand corridors, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As she turned a corner, she encountered Lady Marcella, the woman she despised. Marcella's smirk and condescending tone made Stephania's blood boil.
"Well, well, well, look who's about to leave the palace," Marcella said, her voice dripping with malice. "I hear the convoy from Calonia has arrived. You're really going to make a fine addition to their royal family. I'm sure you'll be just as miserable as you are here."
Stephania's eyes narrowed. "At least I'll be far away from toxic people like you," she replied, her voice laced with venom. "By the way, I heard Father has some exciting news to share with me. Something about Ryker's coronation ceremony? How... fitting. A puppet king, ruling with an iron fist, just like his mother."
Marcella's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, you mean the ceremony that's going to take place as soon as you're gone? Yes, the king is very pleased with Ryker's potential. And I'm sure you'll be thrilled to know that you'll be missed by none."
Stephania's gaze pierced Marcella's. "I'm sure I'll be missed by the people I've come to care about, unlike some people who are only loved for their title and influence." With that, Stephania turned and continued her walk, leaving Marcella to seethe in her wake.
As she entered the king's chambers, Stephania's resolve hardened. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that she would soon be free from the palace's toxic dynamics.