smitten ੈ✩‧₊ childe

i.

THEY say that the universe has plans for those residing in teyvat, the stars are aligned according to the universe's will.

every single shooting star that tore through the sky of teyvat, every heartbreak, every breath intake, each and everyone in your blood line, your ancestors - they were all calculated according to the universe's wishes. in other words, bound by the strings of fate.

however, there is a strange pair who defies whatever fate has installed for them. afterall, even if their meeting was never planned they would have found their way into each other's arms at the end of the day. one would overcome death just to be with the other. they best the universe in ways unimaginable, it was almost incomprehensible. even having no knowledge on what would befall upon both parties, it never stops them from loving one another. in contrary, it only strengthens their unbreakable bond.

for he loves her and she loves him, that's all they could possibly ask of each other.

━━━━━━━━━━━

the little girl's pearly white silk dress fell below her knees as she carefully got out of her bed after being called by one of the palace's maids. the pristine white walls of her bedroom was sickening in the young girl's eyes, what is it that her mother wants now huh?

"coming," the young girl languidly responded, dragging her soft toy with her as she hauled herselt to the door of her room. cracking it open slightly, she peeked her head out, surveying the corridor. the floor of the palace was carpeted with expensive fine silk. the left of the corridor led to the grand dining room, the ballroom, the kitchen and a bunch of other doors leading to multiple guest rooms.

however, at the end of the right hall stood a grandiose entrance to the cryo archon's throne room. where her majesty usually resided in - keeping herself busy with her grand plans to overthrow celestial. her majesty was always occupied with her duties, hence she unintentionally neglected her kin.

thus, the little girl wanted to find ways to get the validation she craved from her mother. she would do whatever it takes even resorting to going extreme lengths for a little praise from her mother or simply just a nod of approval.

unfortunately, being the only daughter of the cryo archon only meant that she would be the heir to the throne. the little girl was only 10, yet she trained tirelessly, preparing for the time where she would have to take on the role as the next cryo archon. ascending to godhood. thus, her childhood, was gone, just like that.

the little girl who was otherwise known as (name) was completely aware that her childhood differs from many other kids of similar age group. unfortunately, not in a good way either. she was envious of the other kids who could live such a carefree life at their age. she wished that one day, she too would be able to play like the other kids.

however, she knew better than to dwell on trivial matters, afterall what's lost is lost, what's gone is gone. it's just like what mommy always says right?

"don't waste your precious tears
over spilled milk,"

it was gut-wrenching, really. all (name) really wanted was a mom in her life. one that wasn't just physically present, but actually there to listen to her, to laugh with her. (name) wanted a friend to play with her and keep her company too, she could only hope that she wasn't asking for too much.

after much contemplation, (name) decided that it was probably wiser to greet her mother in a less formal way to ease the mood instead of using fancy terms to impress her said mother.

with this thought in mind, (name) made her way to the entrance of the throne room and pushed the door open. the moment she entered the throne room, she subconsciously hugged herself. the drastic drop in temperature as compared to outside the throne room could make anyone freeze to death if they stayed in the throne room for more than an hour without any appropriate attire.

(name) gazed admiringly at her mother, the tsaritsa who was sitting elegantly on her throne, one leg thrown over the other as her left hand was placed against the side of her seat. a soft smile plastered on her face when she caught sight of (name). her usual sharp hardened gaze immediately softened into one of adoration albeit it only lasted for a fleeting moment before the tsarita cleared her throat and straightened her posture, adjusting herself on the throne.

"mother! you called for me?" (name)'s soft eyes twinkled excitedly at the sight of her mother. maybe this time her mother would call her in to spend some quality time with her to make up for all the times she neglected (name) for her duties as an archon.

"indeed my little snowflake, there is something the fatui requires your assistance with. no one is more capable for this assignment compared to you my dear. you might even gain a friend if the mission succeeds. you know the organisation i work in is of importance for you in the future right? therefore-"

oh.

"anything for you mother." (name) responded albeit devoid of any hint of excitement she expressed earlier. this didn't go unnoticed by the tsarita, narrowing her eyes slightly she decided to just shower her daughter with affection. it always works like a charm.

"that's my little snowflake, i knew you wouldn't disappoint me my dear." the tsaritsa clasped her hand in delectation before continuing. "information on your task will be handed to you tomorrow. for now you should get some rest alright?"

"..mhm," (name) nodded in understanding before bidding adieu to the cryo archon and taking her leave. but before her hands could pull the door open a gentle voice called out to her.

"oh and (name)? don't forget that mommy loves you a lot okay?"

that sentence alone lit (name) up, giving (name) the motivation to fulfil the task the tsaritsa assigned her to the best of her abilities. the little girl peeked through her shoulder slightly and gave her mom a firm nod, determination written all over her face.

"okay!"

━━━━━━━━━━━

the pages of the past were successfully engraved. the cycle of dread and manipulation will never cease. what lies beyond will only be for them to unravel.

but are they really bound to stick together even till the very end?

considering their capabilities. they will find a way to be by each other's side, for fate is theirs to reweave.