Throne of stolen stars

Chapter 2

Sometimes, your own home can become a double-edged weapon.

As I turned around, I couldn't see anyone in my room, so I carefully searched every corner, fearing that something, any detail, might indicate that I was in danger, unnoticed.

However, there was nothing, nothing there...

And once again, loneliness and the feeling of being watched flooded the room with a wave of unease.

In case my space was invaded by an intruder, I knew I shouldn't let them know that I was expecting them. So I continued with my usual nighttime routine, showering to remove the makeup that adorned my face, braiding my long brown hair, and finally getting into bed.

And while I shouldn't let the entity lurking in the darkness know that I'm waiting, I won't allow it to take advantage of my guard being down. So once in bed, I checked the hologram on my nightstand to see how much time was left until dawn...

8 hours... it's not much. I could stay awake and immerse myself in the evening bustle, feeling embraced by the crowd and resting, knowing that, in the end, I still don't bear the weight of the throne on my shoulders. I could enjoy my last day as a resting princess.

In theory, all of this sounds beautiful, so in an attempt to fight off sleep, I grabbed my favorite novel and prepared to read. It's simply fantastic, depicting a universe where a girl can control the power of the sun and another person can control the power of darkness. That fantastic tale of love, deceit, and adventure was my safe haven from anything, no matter how small, that made me feel like an adult. It was my true escape from reality, from my responsibilities, from my bloodline.

But by Ball, if only life were as simple as pausing, taking a breath, and resuming... I wouldn't need so much preparation to bear the weight of a village on my back at 20 years old.

Just the thought of it brought a slight heaviness to my sleep... growing... along with that... What is it?... a smell of... vanilla? blue fruit?... I don't know... but it brings... a kind of... calmness...

Suddenly, it felt as if my bed and blanket were made of cream, so soft and light.

I began to feel the need to immerse myself eternally in that soft and complete peace, wanting a bit more relief from the bitter noise of reality.

In the distance, I spotted a bush and with joy, as if flying, I decided to approach it... and right inside, I found an orange berry... a splendid color. As I picked it, it turned blue, and when I tasted it, it became pink. I had never seen anything like it; they should bring these bushes to the palace. Their fruits were so delicious...

That berry was crunchy and sweet... sweet? No, it tasted like iron, so I didn't hesitate to spit it out, but its flavor continued to fill my mouth, accompanied by a suffocating sensation. Suddenly, I felt terror as an irrational coldness crept up my spine, choking me...

Until I opened my eyes.

Immediately, I understood what was happening. As I ran my hand over my chest, where I felt a cold pressure penetrating my bones, I noticed it: a black thorn, the size of a dagger, embedded in my chest.

With eyes overflowing with the deepest terror I could ever feel, I started ringing the servant bell next to my bed. I didn't care what time it was or whether my maids were nearby or only the cleaning staff. I needed, wanted someone to help me.

And by the heavens, it happened. Finally, someone crossed my threshold just as I began to lose consciousness again... but before my eyelids surrendered, I caught a glimpse of a dark figure with deep blue eyes reflecting honey, staring at me intensely before leaping...