Prince of The Ruined Kingdom

The private jet carrying the Einzvil family gently descended onto the royal landing strip in the Kingdom of Evernoir. The runway lights shimmered in the night darkness, illuminating the plane as it came to a graceful halt. As the door opened, a cold breeze welcomed the Einzvil family, preparing to disembark. Below, Queen Grace Evernoir awaited them, adorned in her regal long cloak, accompanied by her daughter, Ellora. Behind them stood royal guards, lined up neatly and ready to assist at a moment's notice.

"Welcome to Evernoir," Grace said with a gracious smile painted across her face as Eliphas and Seraphine stepped off the plane, followed by their children. Her voice was soft yet firm, embodying the authority of a queen who had long led her kingdom.

Eliphas bowed politely, followed by Seraphine, who also offered a respectful nod. "Thank you for your warm welcome, Your Majesty. It is a great honor for us to return to Evernoir," Eliphas said, his tone filled with reverence. "We are very excited to attend this royal gala."

"Of course," Grace replied with a friendly nod. "The Einzvil family is always our esteemed guest here. We are delighted to welcome you back."

Meanwhile, Ellora, standing beside her mother, gazed at the Einzvil family with a warm smile. "It's so wonderful to see you all again," she said, stepping forward to greet Lilith and Ophelia, who eagerly ran towards her.

"Ellora!" Ophelia exclaimed with excitement. "How have you been? Is Lily at the castle? We can't wait to see her!"

Ellora chuckled softly, running her fingers through Ophelia's hair. "Lily has been waiting at the castle. She's so excited to hear you're coming. She said she has plenty of new stories and games prepared for you."

Lilith, standing beside Ophelia, chimed in, "I can't wait to see Lily again! She must be so much bigger now!"

Ellora laughed lightly and nodded. "That's true, Lily has grown up a lot. You'll be surprised at how fast she's developed. But she's just as cheerful as before."

As the conversation continued, Abigail remained quiet, standing a bit behind her family. Her face still displayed a bored expression, just like when they were on the plane. She stole a glance at Ellora and then shifted her gaze toward the castle in the distance, illuminated by the starlight in the night sky. Ellora caught a brief glance from Abigail but said nothing, only offering a friendly smile before returning her focus to the conversation with Abigail's younger sisters.

After a bit of small talk, Grace gestured to the guards to escort the Einzvil family to the royal car that had been prepared. "We should head to the castle soon," Grace said. "The party is about to begin, and Lily is waiting there."

The royal guards promptly guided the Einzvil family into the luxurious vehicles. Eliphas, Seraphine, and their children entered one car with Ellora, while Grace got into another. The journey to the main castle of the Evernoir Kingdom began, and the atmosphere inside the car felt quite relaxed, although Abigail maintained her indifferent demeanor.

Inside the car, Ophelia and Lilith quickly engaged Ellora in conversation. "Ellora, have you learned any new magic?" Ophelia asked, her curiosity piqued. "Last time, you showed us that amazing fire trick!"

Ellora smiled warmly, looking at the two little girls with affection. "I've learned many new things since we last met. Magic isn't easy, but if you practice hard, you can become skilled one day."

With sparkling eyes, Lilith asked, "Can I learn magic like that too?"

Ellora chuckled. "Of course, Lilith. You just need to be patient and practice. Maybe one day, I can teach you some simple tricks."

Ophelia clapped her hands with enthusiasm. "I want to see the new magic you've learned! Will you show it at the party?"

"Maybe," Ellora replied with a smile. "It depends on the mood there. But I'm sure there will be plenty of exciting things at this party."

While this conversation unfolded, Abigail remained silent, staring blankly out the car window. In her heart, she felt that nothing about this gathering was particularly interesting. All the chatter about Lily, Ellora, and magic felt tedious to her. She had heard the same stories too many times every time they visited Evernoir.

Ellora glanced at Abigail, sensing the boredom radiating from the girl. Without saying a word, Ellora simply smiled gently, as if understanding Abigail's feelings. However, she decided not to intrude.

In the front of the car, Eliphas and Seraphine were engaged in a more serious conversation. "This party is sure to be a grand affair," Seraphine said with hope. "The Evernoir family always hosts spectacular events. And of course, this is an important moment for Lily and Ellora."

Eliphas nodded in agreement. "Yes, especially for Ellora. Ornbeth has begun to introduce her to the kingdom's political circles. She has exceptional talent, and I'm confident she will become a great leader one day."

Seraphine smiled with pride. "Absolutely. Ellora has proven herself to be an excellent successor. She possesses wisdom beyond her years, which is not easy to find."

Grace, seated in another car, followed their conversation through a small communication device installed in the vehicles. "Ellora has indeed shown the qualities of a leader since she was young," she said proudly. "She is a great hope for our kingdom."

Eliphas smiled upon hearing that praise. "Of course. We are also very impressed with Ellora's development. She represents the Evernoir family magnificently."

Meanwhile, in the same car, Lilith and Ophelia continued their chatter without pause, asking about the various things they would encounter at the castle later. "Is the castle decorated for the party?" Ophelia asked eagerly. "I remember last year's decorations were incredible!"

Ellora nodded. "Yes, this time the decorations are even more magnificent. You will surely love it. The castle is always prepared splendidly for grand celebrations like this."

Ophelia and Lilith exchanged excited glances, while Abigail remained silent. Her heart felt empty, and nothing discussed in the car could capture her interest.

As they approached the main castle of Evernoir, the majestic view of the palace came into sight. The sparkling lights from the large windows added to the sense of luxury emanating from the grand building. Lilith and Ophelia eagerly gazed at the castle getting closer, while Ellora smiled, pleased to see their enthusiasm.

However, Abigail only let out a quiet sigh, still lost in her own thoughts.

The Einzvil family arrived at the main castle of Evernoir, greeted warmly and respectfully. As they entered the grand main hall of the party, their eyes were immediately drawn to the sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft glow throughout the room. The polished white marble floor reflected the silhouettes of the guests, all dressed in their finest attire, while golden decorations adorned the walls and towering pillars surrounding the space. Nobles and invited guests from various kingdoms mingled gracefully, enjoying drinks and delicacies served by nimble attendants.

"It's spectacular, as always," Eliphas murmured, casting an appreciative glance at his wife, Seraphine. "The parties in Evernoir are always a sight to behold."

Seraphine nodded, her eyes scanning the beautifully adorned hall. "Grace knows how to make her guests feel special. It's no wonder that every royal party here becomes the talk of the nobility."

Near the entrance, Queen Grace Evernoir welcomed the arriving guests, engaging them with friendly smiles and graceful gestures, exuding the authority and charisma of royalty that commanded admiration. After exchanging greetings with Grace, the Einzvil family mingled with other nobles. Lilith and Ophelia, filled with excitement, quickly made their way to the newly arrived Princess Lily, who had just appeared alongside King Ornbeth and Queen Grace. They rushed toward Lily, enveloping her in joyous hugs.

Abigail observed them from a distance, her expression flat and clearly uninterested in the commotion. She stood near the food table, nibbling on light snacks, occasionally glancing around the festive atmosphere. Her eyes swept over the room filled with formal conversations and polite laughter, as if searching for something that could capture her attention, but nothing seemed to pique her interest.

Meanwhile, Eliphas and Seraphine politely greeted King Ornbeth and Queen Grace, engaging in deep discussions about royal politics, the future of diplomacy, and the friendship between the two families. Abigail overheard bits of their conversation, but she was entirely disengaged. Topics like those felt distant from the world she wanted to understand.

From across the room, Abigail spotted Ellora walking gracefully, introducing herself to noble members from various regions. Her steps were elegant, her speech polite, and her smile ever-present, even though it was clear she carried a weight of responsibility. Some nobles even seemed to introduce their children to Ellora, hoping to catch the attention of the crown princess. Abigail watched with a tinge of admiration, though she couldn't shake the creeping boredom.

"How does she manage to do this all night?" Abigail wondered, astonished by how Ellora maintained her perfect demeanor without ever seeming fatigued or losing her composure.

Feeling that standing around in this formal party was pointless, Abigail decided to step outside for some fresh air. After a few minutes of staring blankly, she quietly slipped through a side door that led to an open balcony, away from the ruckus inside.

The chilly night air welcomed her as she stepped outside. A gentle breeze brushed against her face, providing a bit of tranquility away from the pretense of the party. Abigail pulled out her holographic device from her pocket, starting to play with it to distract herself from the encroaching boredom.

However, a few moments later, Abigail heard footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Ellora appearing at the balcony door, walking closer with a friendly smile on her face. "I thought I'd find you here," Ellora said softly.

Abigail was slightly surprised by Ellora's presence, but she didn't overreact. "Ellora? What are you doing here? Aren't you busy greeting the nobles?" she asked in a flat tone, though she felt a hint of curiosity inside.

Ellora approached Abigail and leaned against the balcony railing. "I needed a break from all the formalities," she replied, gazing at the beautiful night view. "Sometimes, it can feel very draining. I just wanted to breathe for a moment."

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "You look like you never get tired, even with all those nobles vying for your attention."

Ellora chuckled at the remark. "Maybe that's what it seems from the outside. But trust me, it takes a lot of energy. Every word I say has to be measured, every smile has to be maintained, and I have to remember the names of everyone I meet."

Abigail nodded slightly, feeling a bit of sympathy even though she wasn't particularly fond of the noble world. "Sounds like a pretty boring job," she murmured. "I couldn't handle something like that."

Ellora smiled again. "Maybe, but it's part of my responsibility as crown princess. There's no other option. And I think each of us has our own burdens, don't you?"

Abigail fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking a question that crossed her mind. "By the way, I've never met your brother, Archemidas. Is he here tonight?"

The question surprised Ellora slightly. Her eyes widened a bit before she smiled softly. "Arche? Yes, he's in the castle, but like usual, he won't show up at parties like this."

Abigail frowned. "Why not? Isn't he part of the royal family too?"

Ellora gazed at Abigail with a gentle yet mysterious expression. "Arche has always preferred solitude. He doesn't feel comfortable in crowds, especially at royal parties like this. But… he's my brother, and I love him dearly."

Then, with a lighter and teasing tone, Ellora added, "And I won't let anyone get close to him. He's mine alone."

Abigail looked at Ellora with a confused expression, surprised by the crown princess's words. "What do you mean? I'm not interested in taking Arche away from you," she replied, feeling somewhat annoyed by the strange statement.

Ellora chuckled softly, realizing Abigail's confusion. "I was just joking. Arche is indeed a very reserved person, but he has a warm side if you get to know him better."

Abigail said nothing but felt a stir of curiosity about Prince Archemidas, a figure she had only heard about by name until now. However, before she could ask further, Ellora gently patted Abigail's shoulder and said, "Okay, I have to head back inside. There are many people waiting for me. I hope you can enjoy the rest of the party, even though I know you might prefer somewhere quieter."

Abigail nodded as Ellora smiled gently at her before turning and stepping back into the hall. Abigail watched Ellora's retreating figure, reflecting on their conversation. Despite appearing perfect on the outside, Ellora, too, bore her own vulnerabilities and weariness that she could not show to others.

Abigail, feeling bored and restless after her conversation with Ellora on the balcony, decided to take a stroll around the Evernoir Royal Castle. The bustling, formal atmosphere of the party was not her idea of comfort. Each step she took drew her further away from the party's glamour and closer to the quieter corners of the castle. She wandered through hallways adorned with luxurious decorations, gold-leafed walls, and paintings that depicted the kingdom's history. However, something more sacred and profound caught her attention.

She arrived at a building that looked different from the rest of the castle. Its exterior was embellished with religious ornaments, symbols dedicated to the goddess Oriana, the deity of justice and purity worshiped in many kingdoms, including Evernoir. Curiosity nudged Abigail to enter the building, her footsteps softly echoing on the cool, pristine marble floor.

Inside the quiet, sacred space, her eyes were immediately drawn to a magnificent statue of Goddess Oriana standing at the center of an altar. The soft glow from candles placed around the statue cast an aura of grandeur. Yet, what captured Abigail's attention more was a young boy kneeling before the statue, praying in silence.

The boy seemed absorbed in his prayers, a book lying beside him. Intrigued by the sight, Abigail approached cautiously. However, the sound of her footsteps breaking the silence caused the boy to pause his prayer. He turned slowly to look at Abigail, curiosity shining in his eyes.

Feeling a bit awkward for interrupting, Abigail started the conversation with a stiff voice. "Umm… I didn't mean to disturb you. I just… got lost." She managed a small, stiff smile, feeling foolish.

The boy nodded calmly and rose from his kneeling position. "If you're lost, I can help you find your way back to the party," he offered politely, his tone gentle.

Abigail shook her head slightly. "Not lost in the literal sense. I just felt bored at the party. I wanted to find a quieter place… like this."

He smiled faintly, his gaze understanding. "I also enjoy quiet places like this. Parties are always too crowded for me."

Abigail felt a sense of relief in finding someone who shared her view on the pretentiousness of parties. She extended her hand. "My name is Abigail. Abigail Einzvil. And you?"

He glanced at her hand for a moment before extending his own. "Archemidas Evernoir," he replied calmly, as if his name carried no weight.

Abigail's eyes widened in surprise. She looked at the boy before her with slightly widened eyes. "Wait… you're Prince Archemidas? The prince known as the introvert?"

Arche, usually composed, seemed slightly annoyed at the title. "I'm not the introverted prince," he replied, his tone a touch sharper. "Just because I don't like crowds doesn't mean I'm introverted."

Abigail chuckled at his reaction, delighted to see an expression rarely seen at the party. "Alright, alright. I apologize. I've just heard so many stories about you. But it seems I'm lucky enough to meet the 'not-so-introverted' prince."

Arche huffed softly, clearly still bothered by the label. "You don't have to listen to what everyone says. People just like to label things they don't understand."

Abigail looked closely at Arche now, intrigued by his demeanor, which set him apart from most young nobles she had encountered. "You don't like attending royal parties?" she asked.

He shook his head. "No, I've never liked them. My sister, Ellora, always tells me not to participate because those parties just bring nobles who want to introduce their daughters to me. She says it's boring and pointless."

Hearing this reminded Abigail of her conversation with Ellora on the balcony earlier. She smiled slightly and said teasingly, "So, Ellora is quite protective of you, huh? She even told me she wouldn't introduce me to you."

Archemidas's eyes widened slightly in disbelief. "What? She said that to you?" His expression showed surprise.

Abigail nodded, her smile broadening. "Yes, although she said it jokingly. But from the way she spoke, I felt she was quite serious about it."

Archemidas sighed heavily, lifting a hand to rub his face. "Sometimes, I don't know what goes through my sister's mind. She can be so protective, perhaps more than she should be."

Abigail chuckled lightly. "You're actually quite lucky. Many people would kill for that kind of attention from a princess like Ellora."

Archemidas couldn't help but smile slightly, even as he tried to hide it. "I'm not sure if that's 'lucky.' Sometimes, it feels more like a soft cage."

Hearing the joking tone in his words made Abigail feel even more comfortable talking to Archemidas. "I can see that. But at least you have someone who always looks out for you."

Arche smiled faintly, his earlier annoyance fading as their conversation flowed. "Maybe someday I'll understand that feeling of being lucky. But for now, quiet places like this are my escape."

Abigail felt an increasing connection with Arche. Despite just meeting, there was something about him that made her feel at ease. "I also enjoy places like this. The party always feels so full of pretense and pressure. Here, it feels more real, more peaceful."

Arche nodded in agreement. "Sometimes, the only place where we can truly be ourselves is in a quiet space. Here, no one judges, and no one demands anything from you."

Abigail paused, reflecting on Arche's words. In that silence, she felt as if she had found an ally in him. Someone who, despite living in a world of pretentious nobles, also yearned for simplicity and tranquility.

"I didn't expect to find someone like you here," Abigail finally said. "I thought everyone in this palace would be like… Ellora or others who are always busy maintaining their image."

Arche chuckled softly, his laughter warm and sincere. "Not everyone in the palace is like that. Although… I admit, Ellora is very good at keeping up appearances."

Abigail laughed along with him, relieved to have found someone who could speak honestly amid the lies surrounding the party. "You know? I'm starting to think I'm quite interested in you, Arche."

At this, Arche showed a hint of annoyance again, although this time there was a touch of shyness in his eyes. "I'm not an introverted prince, and I don't want to be the object of your interest, Abigail," he replied, though his tone was lighter than before.

Abigail laughed again, this time more freely. "Don't worry, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just… interested in your different personality. That's all."

They continued to chat, finding comfort in their light, honest conversation. In that quiet place, Abigail and Archemidas realized that even though they came from completely different worlds, there was a connection between them that couldn't be ignored.

***