**The Royal Garden of Tarolinia Palace**
The midday sun cast a gentle glow upon the leaves, and the tall cypress trees painted flickering shadows over the white stone paths and the colorful blossoms of the royal garden. A soft breeze stirred the vibrant geraniums and jasmine flowers, blending their delicate scent with the warm aroma of cinnamon tea. Birds chirped in the distance, their song a soft melody woven into the peaceful scene.
At the heart of this idyllic garden, Princess Diana sat gracefully on a chair carved from ivory and upholstered in sky-blue velvet. Her raven-black hair fell in silky waves over her shoulders, and her emerald-green eyes, serene yet shadowed with a hidden worry, gazed into the surface of her tea. Her flowing gown, the color of the clear sky and embroidered with silver threads, trailed softly over the lush green grass. In her hand, a porcelain cup decorated with white blossoms gleamed in the sunlight, and the gentle steam rising from it carried the sweet scent of cinnamon to the air.
Standing behind her was a young knight. Albert, her personal guard, wore gleaming silver armor that reflected the sunlight in sharp flashes. His green eyes shone like twin emeralds, and strands of golden hair peeked out from beneath his polished helm. His gaze was fixed on the distant horizon, yet his heart and thoughts were entirely with the princess. One hand rested firmly on the hilt of his sword, and his face—half-shadowed by the trees—betrayed a quiet seriousness and concern.
Diana spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it, Albert?"
The mention of his name stirred him. He smiled faintly and answered with respectful warmth:
"Yes, my lady. A beautiful day indeed… but being in your presence is what makes it heavenly for me."
Diana turned her head slightly, a sweet smile playing on her lips.
"You always know how to flatter, Albert."
Albert returned her smile, though his was tinged with a subtle sadness.
"I only speak that way with you, my lady. To the world, I am nothing but a sword."
Diana closed her eyes for a brief moment. Her smile faded, and a shadow of sorrow passed over her face. Albert noticed the change immediately and stepped a little closer.
"If I may, my lady…" he said cautiously, "has something troubled you? Is there anything I can do to help?"
She took a deep breath. With care, she set her cup down on the small ornate table beside her. Her voice trembled slightly:
"Too many things are happening in the kingdom, Albert. Recently… the bodies of over five hundred people have been found across the capital. The blood on the cobblestones has barely dried… Fear and mistrust are taking root in the hearts of the people. And I… I feel powerless. I can only watch."
Albert's heart clenched at her words. He stood silently for a moment, then replied softly:
"The king has ordered that the culprits behind these crimes be swiftly identified and punished, my lady. We are doing everything we can."
Diana shook her head, her gaze fixed on the far horizon.
"They're just puppets. The real ones behind all this… they hide in the shadows. Influential people. People who will devour this kingdom if we don't expose them."
Albert said nothing. For the first time in his life, he felt that his sword and armor might not be enough to protect the one he cherished.
Diana continued, her voice more fragile now:
"I'm afraid, Albert… Not just for the crown, not just for the fate of our people. I'm afraid of losing you."
Those words pierced Albert like a blade. He dropped to one knee, gently took the princess's delicate hand in his armored ones, and with eyes that burned with feeling, he vowed:
"You will never lose me, my lady. I will be by your side until my last breath. Even if the world turns against you."
But Diana averted her eyes. Her gaze did not overflow with tears, but it was brighter than ever, shimmering with unspoken emotion.
With a hushed voice, she said:
"My father… has ordered me to marry the second prince of Draulkin. He is half-human. This alliance could greatly expand our influence over the neighboring kingdoms. My father says it's for the good of us all."
For a moment, everything around Albert fell silent. He could hear only the rapid, heavy thudding of his own heart.
"And… is that what *you* want?" His voice trembled.
Diana looked deep into his eyes, her own filled with a sorrow too vast for words.
"My heart and soul belong to someone else… But I cannot defy my father. Not when the future of the kingdom is at stake. And this conflict… it's tearing me apart inside."
Albert bowed his head. A wave of helplessness surged within him.
"If the only way to protect you is to betray my oath… then I'll betray it. The kingdom, the army, my title… none of it matters if you're not in it."
At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed over the marble gravel. A maid, dressed in the formal royal uniform, approached, bowed, and said formally:
"My lady, the Queen requests your presence in the Royal Library."
Diana rose. Her posture was regal and composed, like a true queen, yet sorrow lingered in her eyes. She glanced at Albert and said:
"Come with me. I don't want to be alone."
Albert bowed respectfully:
"At your service, my lady."
The two of them walked through the garden in heavy silence. The sound of the leaves crunching beneath their feet felt like an unspoken farewell song. Diana's mind was filled with questions. Why had the Queen summoned her? Was it about her marriage? Or something more?
Beside her, Albert walked with a slow, burdened stride. Each step carried the weight of sorrow. Now he knew that his heart was caught between loyalty, love, and an unavoidable tragedy.
The Royal Library was vast and quiet. Tall shelves stretched to the ceiling, casting long shadows on the floor under the dim light of the wall lanterns. The scent of aged paper and polished wood filled the air. Queen Esria sat alone on her heavy wooden chair, her attendants standing respectfully in a corner.
Diana entered quietly, her footsteps echoing through the hall. She bowed her head and asked softly:
"My Queen, you asked to see me?"
Queen Esria—a woman with shining black hair and sharp amber eyes that held years of wisdom and power—closed the book in her hands and turned her gaze to Diana.
"Everyone except the Princess, leave us."
The attendants bowed and exited the room, leaving behind a heavy silence. Albert, hesitant to leave the Princess alone, spoke calmly:
"I will wait outside, my lady."
Diana nodded slightly, then turned to face the Queen.
Though somewhat nervous, Diana tried to remain composed. The Queen spoke with a calm yet serious tone:
"I asked you to come here so we can talk about your arranged marriage."
Diana, with a somber face and gentle tone, replied:
"Father explained it to me."
The Queen's voice turned stern:
"But you haven't heard it from me, have you?"
Diana lowered her head:
"No, my Queen."
The Queen gave a cold smile and continued:
"I know how difficult this is for you. For years, I tried to keep you away from the complexities of politics. But you're still part of the royal family, and you must accept your responsibilities."
Diana understood. Even though she tried to stay cautious and respectful around the Queen—who was also her mother—she could not ignore her emotions.
Diana's tone shifted slightly—serious and somewhat bitter:
"Yes, I understand. No matter how far I run from politics, I'm still a royal, and that means setting aside my feelings to obey your wishes… like a puppet you control however you like."
The Queen, with commanding presence, snapped:
"Enough !.. Watch your tongue, Remember who you're speaking to."
She sighed, then added:
"The kingdom is in a dire state, Internal threats are growing every day. I'm sure you're aware of it. But about your marriage—I can make it so you walk away from all your royal duties."
Diana's eyes widened. Her voice was calm but curious:
"You can delay my marriage? How?"
The Queen gave a faint smile:
"Did you forget I'm the Queen of this kingdom? I decide your fate. I can decide when you marry. But the real question is—what will *you* do in return?"
Diana asked cautiously:
"What do you want from me, my Queen?"
The Queen smiled with satisfaction:
"Renounce your claim to the throne. In return, I'll give you the life you want—free from duty, yet still under my and the King's protection."
Diana was shocked.
"But… I've already declared I don't want anything to do with politics. I've given up my claim. Isn't that enough?"
The Queen's tone sharpened:
"But has it been officially recorded? No, right?"
Diana lowered her head and replied firmly:
"How do I know you won't go back on your word after?"
The Queen nodded slightly, her voice confident:
"I'll make it official. You'll be fully exempt from all royal duties. You'll be free to live your life as you wish—no longer a pawn in political games. How does that sound?"
Diana's voice was cautious:
"I'll think about it."
The Queen laughed coldly:
"I already know your answer. You don't need to think. After all, I was the one who suggested to the King that you should marry."
Diana responded with a sad, serious tone:
"So this was all just to force me to give up my right to the throne?"
The Queen, cold and serious:
"Obviously ! ,You're not made for the world of politics. You're weak. You've always been. Like a lamb ready to be devoured by wolves."
Tears welled in Diana's eyes. She looked at the Queen with sorrow:
"Why do you hate me so much? I'm your Child just like the others. What makes me different?"
The Queen's anger flared, and she barked:
"I don't hate you, I never did, I always wanted you to have the life I never had myself."
Diana froze, staring at the Queen with cold eyes. Without another word, she turned and left the library.
Outside, Albert stood waiting.
Diana exited with teary eyes. Albert rushed toward her, concerned:
"My lady, is something wrong?"
Diana, still crying and walking past him:
"Leave me alone!"
Albert gently grabbed her hand:
"My lady, if something's happened, I'll do anything in my power to help you."
Diana, in tears, collapsed into Albert's arms:
"Just… don't leave me. I'm so tired. Tired of all this politics and their filthy games."
Albert gave her a faint smile and held her close:
"I'll always be by your side, my lady. Until the end of the world—until my final breath."