Outside the palace, little Riel lay on a strange-looking branch, staring at the sky with a cold expression.
"You've been hiding for too long. Why don't you come out and play with me?" she declared.
There was a long silence, then the bushes rustled and a huge creature emerged.
It was gigantic and hideous, with an extra third eye on its forehead. Its body was so grotesque it could make anyone shiver in fear. Though it was supposed to be mighty and terrifying, strangely, the moment its gaze met little Riel's, it began trembling uncontrollably.
Riel's jaw dropped as she looked at the creature.
"Damn! Where did this ugly thing come from? Wuuu!" she cried out, bursting into tears.
The creature immediately fell to its knees, bowing deeply.
"I'm sorry, sorry, little Queen! Please pardon me—I didn't mean to disturb your rest!" it pleaded, its voice quivering as if it were about to cry itself.
"Get lost!" Riel snapped angrily, and with just a wave of her small hand, the creature was sent flying several meters away.
"Too ugly. My eyes are aching already," she grumbled, wiping her tears. "Deav…" she murmured softly, looking into the distance.
"Um… you're becoming more and more like me, aren't you?" Deav's low voice echoed from the shadows, and in the next instant, he was beside her. "But I don't cry the way you're crying right now," he added dryly.
"It's because it was too ugly! Look at my eyes—they hurt," she muttered, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder.
Deav sighed. "Your eyes hurt from seeing the ugly beast, and now you want me to check? But you're burying your face in my neck—am I supposed to grow eyes there to see?" he teased, rubbing his forehead lightly.
Riel raised her head and gazed at him pitifully. "My eyes hurt so badly. How about you give me the snow fox? My eyes won't hurt anymore if you do," she coaxed sweetly, blinking up at him with that impossibly cute expression.
Deav was dazed for a moment before chuckling softly. "I know you've been eyeing the snow fox for a while now. You really think I'll fall for your little trick?" he teased, arching a brow.
Riel pouted, her teary eyes shimmering like crystals—an expression that could melt even the coldest heart. Deav was no exception.
"Forget it. It's yours anyway," he murmured at last. "Let's go back. I'll give it to you tomorrow."
"Really?" Riel exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"Mhm."
"Yay!" she squealed happily, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "When I turn eighteen, I'll definitely marry you," she announced proudly.
The moment those words left her lips, a soft glow appeared on her forehead. A crystal bead in the shape of an almond formed between her brows. Her vision blurred, and she fainted right into Deav's arms.
Deav gazed at the glowing crystal, his eyes darkening. "A soul bond… she actually trusts me to that level," he murmured. Looking at his palm, which now glowed softly, he smirked. "What do I do now, my bride? Even if you regret it later and wish for freedom… it's no longer possible."
He chuckled lightly, a rare warmth flickering in his eyes, before vanishing into thin air.
---
Twelve Years Later
"Your Highness, His Majesty is still waiting for you," a familiar voice—Rose's—called from outside.
"Damn it! Hold on, okay? I'm trying to look more beautiful. What if Deav sees me and looks down on me? I don't want that," a sweet, feminine voice replied.
Inside the luxurious chamber stood a stunning young woman. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down almost to the floor. Dressed in a gorgeous princess gown, her beauty was ethereal—no makeup, no enhancements—just natural perfection.
She looked elegant enough to make any man bow at her feet… until she suddenly groaned and collapsed dramatically onto the bed.
"The hell! Why is it so hard to be a lady?!" she shouted in frustration. Of course, this beautiful disaster was none other than Riel.
"Your Highness, let me give you a hand," Rose offered from outside.
"I already have two hands, and they're useless! The hand you want to give me won't help either. Just ask the maid to cook it instead and let me eat," Riel muttered gloomily, staring blankly ahead.
"I didn't mean a real hand, Your Highness—I meant I should help you," Rose sighed.
"Oh. Come in then," Riel replied dully.
Rose entered and froze at the sight of the messy room. "Um… My Queen, please allow me to take care of this place properly," she suggested gently.
Riel stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Dress me up first. I don't want to keep Deav waiting."
"Yes, my Queen," Rose replied respectfully and began dressing her.
"By the way, where's Zamel? I haven't seen him since yesterday," Riel asked while Rose worked.
"He's probably with His Majesty," Rose answered softly.
Riel nodded and sat still, letting Rose finish.
A short while later, everything was done.
"You're too good, Rose. I feel much better in this dress," Riel said with a cheerful chuckle, spinning around gracefully.
Rose smiled. "Let's go meet His Majesty now. We're already late."
"Ah, that's true!" Riel exclaimed—and vanished into thin air.
"My Queen! We're supposed to walk there, not just appear!" Rose shouted, slapping her forehead. "How did Her Majesty even end up like this?" she muttered with a sigh, beginning to tidy the room.
---
Inside the grand palace, the atmosphere was vibrant. The hall was filled with various creatures and people chatting joyfully.
On the throne sat Deav in his usual relaxed position, eyes closed, a faint smile softening his sharp features, making the space feel calm and welcoming.
Beside the throne stood a tall snow fox with nine shimmering tails. Its sharp eyes scanned the hall, clearly searching for someone.
"She's already here," Deav murmured calmly. "No need to be anxious."
The fox's body glowed brightly before transforming into a handsome man with long, flowing silver hair and silver eyes that sparkled with excitement.
"I haven't seen her since yesterday. I missed her so much," he blurted.
Deav opened his eyes and shot him a murderous glare.
The man immediately took a cautious step back, though his excitement was still evident.
Suddenly, the temperature dropped. The entire hall fell silent as a rain of crimson petals descended from above.
And there she appeared—Riel—descending gracefully, dressed in a flowing snow-white gown, her hair styled perfectly for a Queen. She was breathtaking beyond words.
Her gaze locked onto Deav, who was smiling gently at her. Without hesitation, she flew straight into his arms and settled comfortably on his lap.
"Finally, I can see you. I barely slept last night," she murmured, resting her head against his chest.
Deav chuckled softly and patted her cheek. "This king couldn't sleep either," he whispered back.
Riel blushed deeply. "You're marrying me today anyway. I'm so excited," she confessed shyly.
"Riel! You didn't miss me?" came a familiar voice.
Riel turned toward it, her eyes widening. "Zamel! Oh my goodness, I missed you so much!" She was about to leap toward him when Deav pulled her back firmly.
"It'd be fair if I just snap this fox's head off," he muttered darkly, his expression perfectly calm yet dangerously cold.