I woke up at dawn, in the midst of the morning. It was a sudden shower, and the hydrangeas planted in the garden had been drenched. I looked east as the sun rose, as the radiate beam slowly lit up the lavender fields, glimmering the goldfish pond. Rays of light passed through the colored windows, engulfing the darkness present inside. I stepped, and each step I took, a flower sprouted. I kneeled down at the dying, wilted jasmines, and dug my hands underneath it’s soft earth. Silver flowers began to sprout, wilder in each way. They were noble and beautiful. It’s ivory petals glistened in the morning sun, as the curved emerald leaves let out an aromatic scent, perfuming the earth surrounding it. The flower was gentle and kind. It was something unique, something yet to be found.

My name is Erith Victoria Dallarosa, I am 14 years old, an only child of the marquis house, Dallarosa. Our house has been running for 39 generations, since the founding of our great empire 700 years ago, currently ruled by emperor Merriam who rose to the throne 2 years ago at the age of 36. Our family had vowed to serve the empire since the beginning. It was a pledge to the crown, unable to be broken.

The sky was alive, it was vast and beautiful. As it’s light cerulean reflected on the pond, it’s reflection glimmered and glazed. I looked up at the sky, today will be a wonderful day for training. I raised my arms and moved the grape vines. My eyes, I gazed at them from the pond. My light golden eyes, which I’ve been known for, were glowing. The silver ring in it was constantly squirming, shivering.

I turned around and focused my energy on the twisting vines. They threshed and more leaves sprouted. Amaranthine flowers grew, then flaxen, then green. These flowers are belladonnas, or deadly nightshade. It’s poisonous thorns can pierce your skin painfully, causing a slow heal due to their venom. These alluring flowers twisted and turned. They attached onto the spiked gates, onto the Alyvia branches. The leaves on the evergreen tree were still, then suddenly, the ground vibrated, and the tangled vines released itself. I tried wolfsbane next, then grapes, then attached fungi to the trunks of the tree. It shriveled, then died. The Alyvia was powerful. Even when the kudzu vines covered it, blocking it from the sunlight. It burnt the kudzu, flaming it until it shook off.

“Hah, Is there any way to weaken this overpowered plant?” I sighed. I uprooted all the vines present in the flower yard and tied them together, I lifted my arms and ****** it forwards. The vines surrounded the tree. The evergreen tree was now suffocated by the vines, surely, this will work right? Heh, wrong. The tree branches grew, and the vines turned somber. It turned into inky dust, then slowly faded. I stood there, dumbfounded , and glared at the tree.

“My gosh! You, you pain me every single day. How my sickly mother will worry, after I have to rearrange the flower yard!” I exclaimed. The leaves rustled, almost as if it had been snickering at me. I let out a deep sigh, then another. I ran through the yard, touching the damaged roots and reviving them. In no time, roses, delphiniums, sunflowers, daisies and lilacs grew all over the flower yard.

The Alyvia tree burdens me every day. This mystical tree has been an emblem of house Illosia through all 39 generations. It changed a little overtime, but the tree didn't. It’s pale, clear amethyst leaves looked like glass, apparent under the vast sky. At dusk, it glimmered like diamonds, enchanting the flower yard with its majestic beauty. The jeweled-like flowers on it were delicate, as if it were silk.

Though hundreds of years had passed, it’s broad trunk was still standing, undecaying. The patterns had made it much striking, even for such an ancient being. From afar it was a brooch adorned with precious crystals, glistening in the sun. But when approaching, the tree was a giant, a magical beast, standing before me.

I stood back and gazed at the wonderful tree. It has made my everyday life tireful, but full of hope and curiosity. This evergreen tree has never shriveled, through all years of my attack, through all disasters, wars. It may weaken, but never decay. The Alyvia is immortal, lasting for eternity.

A slight smile appeared on my lips. I slumped onto the doorsteps, weary, exhausted. The vines thrusted the entryway open, it pushed me in then slammed the door. My drowsy self lied there, too inactive to move.

“My lady!” A high pitched voice screeched. “You’ve been out in the flower yard since dawn! My lady Erith, why must you tire yourself out like this?”

I turned and saw Lily dashing towards me. Her dress was worn out, as it’s inky silver has faded to musty brown. Her face, covered in cinder, smoke. Pain shot me at the head, driving me into agony. My eyes were heavy, and I drifted off into a deep sleep.

I dreamt about the flower that sprouted from the wilted jasmine, about it’s delightful scent, about it’s fantastic structure, and it’s viridescent leaves and it’s ivory petals. It was beautiful indeed, so dainty yet delicate, so gentle and kind.

Another silver flashed before me. Then appeared a boy. He stood there, with his viridescent jeweled eyes flashing brightly, his silky silver hair, brushing gently, flowing with the wind. In his hand was the small silver flower, glistening and glowing. His body faded, turning into gold leaves.

I was awakened in midafternoon, just as the sun was setting and the moon was rising, and the clouds, they had faded, and the stars peered down from the sky. I glance at Lily, standing beside me.

She cried, “My lady! Your ashen face… why must it be? How the marchioness will react, when she sees this saddening sight!” Lily drooped down, her face full of sorrow.

This was much more pitiful. Lily was right, the thought of mother, lying sick on the bed with her pale expression pains me. What would happen if worrisome me causes her too much trouble?

“My kind, sicky mother, how she can’t bear the sight of me like this. You, Lily, may not tell her. ” I strictly commanded.

Lily nodded, “If so, I will take my leave.” She left the room silently, as each of her footsteps couldn’t be heard.

Father was with the mercenaries, searching far and wide, with hope of finding cure for mother. Aunt Delise was on leave along with Uncle Lewis at their vacation home back in the tropical south. Neither had heard of their mother's deadly disease, as it had been weeks since their departure, and letters were too far to reach. I imagined Aunt Delise’s, with her horrified expression when she hears about mother. News hasn't been made in high society yet, as rumors will grow, spreading like wildfire. The reputation of house Illosia, the Marquis, and even I, will be tainted.

I rolled on the bed cover, crumpled the blanket and stretched the pillow. The anxiety overwhelmed me. Tears streamed down the sides of my face, drenching the wrinkled pillow. I sniffed. Gosh, how troublesome, crying like this will just make mother worry.

For the sake of my mother, I can’t cry. I have to stay strong and happy, durable like the Alyvia.

The window blinds shifted. Oh? I thought it was locked! I silently walked there, hoping it was just some strong wind. How ridiculous, since no wind may pass through sturdy glass. There was the possibility of a vengeful ghost appearing, or a highly skilled assassin sent to eliminate me. My arms reached out, pulling up the curtain. It was dark, but the shadows casting the object were mostly engulfed by the towering lights above. I quickly realized the situation I was in. My body stumbled backwards, losing balance. It made a loud THUMP as the shadow went closer.

“L-Lily, Lily! There's an assassin-”

My mouth was then covered by an uncomfortable thin fleece as I continued struggle. I screamed, but all that came out was unknown muffled sounds. I glanced over at the bouquet of roses. My fingertips moved forward and backwards until it grew into long vines. It’s thorns turned rigid, serrated enough to cut deep into your skin. They reached out, trying to painfully pierce the attacker as he dodged, grabbing tight hold of the vines.

“Hey, keep quiet. The assassins are right outside.”

What assassins? Isn’t he the only one?

I breathed abruptly. My wet face was drenched with floods of tears as I thought about my mother's condition. What if she falls from a stroke when she hears about how I was murdered in my bedroom. What massacre would happen if this assassin not only kills me, but the rest of the servants in the main building.

What if he gets to mother?

“Listen, I-I want to live, so p-please don’t kill me. My mother, she’s terribly ill, I must refrain from worrying her…”

My muffled voice trailed off.

There was a moment of utter silence, then a giggle, followed by a small laugh.

I have a cure for your mother’s disease.” He answered.

I was shocked, as the answer came out abruptly. Though there was little possibility of trusting an intruder, I had hesitated.

“Must you wait to tell me? You despicable human who's come to assault an innocent child.”

“Shut up, you’re not that young.”

I turned back to get a clear look at this mischievous figure, but was left with utter shock. The messy white ivory covered his forehead along with it’s silver out-of-place bangs. His eyes were viridescent green, as they glistened in the dark. His pale skin was forecasted with a shadow, but I assure, it is smooth. He was quite a beauty, as I gazed as his nobleness, fangirling over him.

I suddenly flinched as his threatening glare glowered at me, forcing me to turn away.

“About the cure, are you… telling the truth?” I hesitated. I knew I mustn't interfere, but my mouth was speaking, babbling on it’s own.

“Of course.” He replied sternly. “Lying is unforgivable, as liars are unworthy of forgiving.”

The towel covering my mouth slowly loosened, and I scrambled away from him, cautious, scared and afraid.

There was a sound of eruption then the odor of fierce fire. A hand brought me down, ducking me under the sturdy table. I was flooded with terror, fear. My body froze, not moving an inch as I heard the door creak open. Oh gosh, another intruder, I’m really going to die.

“If you’re scared of heights, please bear with this for quite a while.”

The floor under the table hollowed. I bit my lips to stop screaming while falling into the empty shadows surrounding the walls beside me. I quivered, frightened and terrified. How will I decide my fate?