Chapter 2 - The Beginning Within the Castle Walls

After hours of riding beneath the blazing sun, Rowan finally slowed the exhausted horse near the top of a grassy hill. The cold evening breeze brushed against her face as she climbed down, legs trembling from the endless journey.

Before her stood a castle.

Tall silver towers pierced the clouds, golden lights glowed warmly from the windows. Rowan stared silently, breath caught in her throat.

"So, this is the United Kingdom..." she murmured softly.

Her stomach twisted with hunger, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders. She had traveled for days with little food and barely any rest, yet she forced herself forward.

Then

A voice.

Soft singing drifted through the garden nearby.

Rowan froze.

The melody was gentle, almost magical, floating through the night air like a lullaby. Curious, she stepped closer through the hedges, careful not to make a sound.

But a branch snapped beneath her boot.

The singing stopped instantly.

"Who's there?" a girl's voice called out.

"Come out. I heard you."

Rowan stiffened.

Slowly, she stepped from behind the bushes.

Under the moonlight stood a young woman dressed in elegant white and crimson robes. Her long red hair shimmered like fire beneath the stars, and ruby colored eyes watched Rowan with calm curiosity rather than fear.

For a moment, Rowan forgot how to breathe.

"I..." Rowan cleared her throat, lowering her voice to sound more masculine.

"I came here to work as a knight."

"A knight?" the girl repeated, tilting her head slightly.

Rowan nodded firmly.

The girl studied her for a moment before smiling faintly.

"Very well." She turned toward the guards nearby.

"Knights, bring him to the great hall."

"Understood, Your Highness," the knights answered.

Rowan's eyes widened instantly.

Your highness?

Oh no! She's royalty!

Embarrassment burned across her face as she quickly lowered herself into a respectful bow.

"Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness."

The girl let out a soft laugh.

"You may rise," she said kindly.

"I am Zevana Artois, Princess of the United Kingdom."

Princess Zevana smiled warmly, though there was elegance in her posture that reminded Rowan she stood before someone far above her station.

Rowan straightened carefully.

"Arthur," she replied.

"That is my name, Your Highness."

The princess's crimson hair glowed beneath the moonlight like living flames. She was breathtakingly beautiful, yet there was also gentleness in her eyes, a kindness Rowan had rarely seen before.

For the first time in years, someone looked at her without hatred.

And somehow, that frightened her more than cruelty ever did.

Rowan followed the knights through the grand castle gates, trying to ignore the nervous pounding in her chest.

From that day onward, her life began to change.

Weeks passed quickly within the castle walls. Rowan trained tirelessly with the royal knights every morning until sunset. Swordsmanship, horseback combat, discipline, she forced herself to improve no matter how exhausted she became.

Her hands blistered, her muscles ached,

but she never complained. Every bruise reminded her why she came here.

To prove herself.

The other knights began to notice Arthur's determination. Though quiet and reserved, she learned quickly and fought with unusual persistence. And sometimes, from the palace balcony above, Princess Zevana would quietly watch the training grounds.

Days turned into months.

Then finally, a grand celebration arrived.

The royal ballroom glittered with golden chandeliers and silk decorations as nobles from across the kingdom gathered inside.

The Queen herself stood proudly at the center of the hall.

"Today," the Queen announced with a graceful smile,

"We celebrate the birthday of my beloved daughter, Princess Zevana Artois."

The crowd erupted into applause. Music filled the hall as nobles cheered and raised their glasses. Standing among the royal knights near the wall, Rowan watched silently. Princess Zevana stood beneath the shining lights like a star itself. And without realizing it.

Rowan smiled.

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