Episode 1 : The Betrayal

The woman stood before dozens of soldiers surrounding her, fearless. The sword in her grasp had become a spear of conviction, her burning spirit streaked with the dried crimson of battle.

Her eyes roamed like a predator, scanning for any potential threat, making anyone who dared step forward think twice—they knew she was not to be underestimated.

Her face was stern, unwavering as she faced her opponents, yet her charm remained, even with dust and dirt smudging her features.

Then, she raised her sword high, as if giving a command. She let out a loud battle cry, and the fight began.

What had led to this?

It all started with a decision she had made six months ago…

...Beauty On The Battlefield...

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That morning, Serah walked alone down the corridor leading to the palace garden. It was still very early, yet she had already prepared herself to greet the day with a bright face and a gentle smile.

However, as she passed Louis’s work place room—the man she loved and was engaged to—Serah heard something that immediately made her feels uneasy.

A soft moan slipped through the walls, stirring a strange anxiety and curious in her heart.

Why is there a woman’s voice coming from Louis’s workplace room? She whispered to herself.

Guided by instinct, Serah stopped her steps toward the garden and quietly moved closer to the study door.

The sound grew louder, more distinct, and she could hear the deep breathing of a man from within.

"Helena, are you teasing me on purpose?"

Serah froze. She recognized the voice—it was Louis.

"No…, this can’t be...," she muttered, covering her mouth with one hand.

Slowly, she bent down to the level of the keyhole, peeking inside to confirm what she feared.

"Louis, how long must we play this game with Serah? I’m tired of always giving in," Helena purred, her voice teasing, almost intoxicating.

"Patience, Helena," Louis replied, pinching her chin affectionately. "Once I control her kingdom, I will announce to the world that you are to be the Queen!"

Serah’s heart sank. So all along, Louis had only used her. She had never been meant to be the Queen—just a pawn in his plan.

"Really?" Helena’s eyes sparkled, and she pressed closer to Louis’s chest, a smile stretching across her face.

"Of course. You will be the only Queen of this kingdom," Louis said, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it.

"Ah, you!" Helena blushed, her face turning red. "But what about Serah? You can’t claim her kingdom without marrying her, right?"

"Don’t worry," Louis said, embracing Helena. "I will marry her only because it’s required, but she will be nothing more than a consort. The title of Queen belongs to you."

Helena tightened her embrace. "You’re the best. I love you even more."

Meanwhile, Serah listened from outside, her hands clenched into fists, teeth grinding, shoulders tense. She longed to burst in and strike them both, yet she held herself back.

Do you think your plan will succeed, Louis? I will not let Regina fall into your hands, she swore in her heart. From that moment, she vowed never to rely on a man for protection again.

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Afterward, Serah continued her stroll in the garden, breathing in the fresh morning air and gazing at the open sky. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for Regina.

"Good morning, Your Highness Serah," greeted a young knight passing through the garden, a place beloved for its morning beauty, full of blooming flowers.

"Good morning, Glen," Serah replied with a bright smile, though her heart still ached from what she had just witnessed before.

The young knight froze, astonished that the princess knew his name. His cheeks flushed in the sunlight that bathed the garden.

"You…, you know my name?" He asked, his gaze immediately shifting to the red flowers swaying gently in the morning breeze below him.

"Of course," Serah said with a small, teasing smile. "You pass here every day, and people greet you. How could I not know your name?"

Glen’s embarrassment deepened, but a small warmth blossomed in his chest. He absentmindedly plucked a few leaves from nearby.

"I feel so foolish," he chuckled, scratching his head as leaves fell from his hands.

Serah laughed softly at his awkward charm. For a brief moment, the morning felt lighter, almost serene.

They are talked quietly for a while, sharing thoughts about the palace and their favorite places in the palace to hanging out around.

But the peaceful atmosphere shattered when a booming voice echoed through the garden.

"Serah, what are you doing there?!"

The man strode confidently, his presence commanding as he made his way out toward the garden.

Everyone immediately bowed in respect as he passed, including Glen, the young knight, who followed suit.

He moved along the winding garden path, flanked by rows of crimson roses swaying gently in the morning breeze. When he reached the center, a decorative fountain came into view, crowned with a statue of a celestial maiden. Around its base, asters danced softly with the wind, their delicate petals glowing under the soft sunlight, adding a serene contrast to the commanding presence of the man.

"We were enjoying the morning and the beauty of the garden. Care to join us, Your Highness?" Serah replied calmly, a faint edge of irony in her voice.

"Nonsense," Louis snorted. "Come inside. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Serah did not reply, bowing slightly instead. "If you don’t mind, I will have breakfast in my room today."

Louis froze mid-step, then turned back, noticing something different in her. Her dark eyes shone with a sense of freedom he had never seen before.

"Very well, as you wish," he said, trying to mask his surprise.

The man tried to act as if nothing had happened, maintaining a composed expression, even though Serah’s request was the first time anyone had ever refused to have breakfast with the king.

After Louis retreated into the palace, Serah waited a few steps, then followed him discreetly.

I will not be trapped in your political games, Louis. I will prove that not everything can be controlled or orchestrated by you!

Serah stared sharply at his back. Her hands clenched into fists again as she recalled the man’s words, his intention to seize control of her small kingdom.

She would protect her kingdom, her people, and herself. But first, she had to leave the palace.

Leaving would not be simple. It could risk lives if attempted carelessly.

She couldn’t just leave the palace and return to Regina without a clear and reasonable excuse. The only plan that came to her mind at that moment was to make Louis himself drive her out of the palace. Serah intended to annoy and frustrate him every single day until he grew tired of her—and in the end, he would send her back to Regina. Only then would she immediately end their engagement.

Would her plan succeed?

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To be continued…

A/N : Um hi, hope you guys enjoying the story, English is not my main, i hope i am doing best here.

Thank you for read ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

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