Universally, Princess

Chapter 1: The Trip

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Hello and welcome!

Thank you for giving this story a try. The story and characters are my idea. I do not allow translations nor copying my story. Let me know your thoughts as you read along. Don't forget to vote, it helps!

Without further ado,

Have fun and happy reading!

-ZappyKite

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Rain trickled down the cold windows of a corner house.

Tucked away behind enormous bountiful trees, a humble home stood overshadowed by the lively nature around it.

There lived Kazia along with her aunt Lily, who had taken her in after Kazia's parents left her. Lily was her only family.

In a way, Kazia felt like her aunt's house. Tucked away in the background, no one really noticed her. But she didn't mind, she was shy, so being a wallflower wasn't so bad.

Occasionally, Esla would visit. Kazia and Esla had been best friends since they were 2 years old. But strangely, Kazia felt like she didn't actually know much about Esla. She'd never met her family or seen where she lived, she couldn't even remember much of their friendship when they were kids.

Kazia believed Esla came from a rich family. Perhaps she did not want to dwell on her family issues, which is why she never talked about them, Kazia knew that feeling, very well. But at times, she felt like Esla pitied her, in a way.

However, today was like no other day. Kazia's life seemed to change suddenly, and it was not just because Lily, who had been very protective of Kazia, encouraged her to go with Esla on a road trip.

Before heading on their trip, Lily hugged Kazia tightly and reminded her to take care, she did not let go before promising to see her again.

Kazia's POV:

I sat in the passenger seat of the car as Esla drove to our destination. She was so excited to go visit this hotel. We were staying at an old castle. As a lover of museums and architecture, I, too, got excited, but something bothered me.

"Do you think Lily was acting weird?" I asked.

"Not really, she seemed fine. Maybe she's just worried because you're going away."

"It's only a few days, not forever. She worries too much about everything." I sighed.

Esla made a small smile.

She's strange today, just like Lily. Or is it just me? Am I the one that is overthinking?

"Here," she handed me a book that looked a bit old. "I know you like to read so I borrowed this book from my family collection for you to read. I have a feeling that you will really like it. I hope."

"Oh, thanks. I better not drain my phone's battery before we get there." I thanked her as I trailed my fingers on the corners of the book, they seemed to be coated in gold, it was an enchantingly beautiful book.

A yawn escaped my mouth, I feel exhausted. "Actually, I think I might have to take a quick power nap first."

She replied, "Sure, go ahead. If you feel sick or anything, let me know."

I quietly nodded in response as the sound of the rain against the car window lulled me to sleep.

~

I felt as I floated and a cool breeze swirled around me. I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by darkness. A big flower began to twirl around me as it emitted a blue glow. But once I touched it, I began to rapidly fall.

~

I jolted awake as I heard birds chirp in the distance.

Did we arrive?

Where am I?

I looked at the tall ceiling and the hanging chandelier above me as my eyes adjusted to the light.

"Kazia, you're awake! It looks like you were really tired, so I got some help to bring you here. I was so worried." She paused, "Let me get you some food, stay here, okay? This place is huge." She talked fast.

I nodded slowly, in confusion as I sat up from the large bed. How did I sleep through that?

"Okay, I'll be back quickly. Stay right there in bed, resting." Esla left.

Why do I feel so dizzy?

Gathering all my energy, I got up and approached a window. As I moved the curtains to the side, more questions clouded my mind.

I saw a never-ending forest covered in snow. There is nowhere close by us that has snow.

Where are we? What happened?

I ran to get my phone from my backpack, but it had no signal. It is still the same day, only a few hours had passed.

How?!

Quickly leaving the room, I speed walked in hopes of finding someone that could help me. I continued until I found a woman.

"Excuse me, hello, could you tell me where we are?"

She looked surprised before bowing her head, "I did not know you were awake! Welcome back, I hope you are finding everything to your liking."

"Yes...? This place is nice, but where exactly are we?"

"Well, it seems your studies abroad have been for far too long. You have forgotten about your home." She chuckled.

"My home?" Can she just answer my question. Is this one of those hotels that come with a whole experience where they treat you like royalty?

"Oh dear, have you actually forgotten? Well... you were very young when you left." She paused as she inspected my face in pity, "You are in Frostarya, Princess Kazia." She smiled.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Right." I awkwardly smiled as I looked around for an exit or someone else to talk to. "Well, thank you. Have a nice day."

Once I began to speed-walk my way out of there, the woman called some guards to chase me.

Huh? What is wrong with this place?!

The adrenaline in my body made me run like I had never ran before as I felt the chills running through me.

After some time, it appeared like I had lost them, but I could not stop running.

I need to get out of here! This place is creeping me out and I still don't know where I am.

When I approached a grand staircase, I began to jump to skip some steps, but slipped on the last few steps.

In an attempt to regain balance, I turned my body to try and hold on to the large railing with both of my arms, but still fell.

My legs were propelled on the last few steps as my back rested on the cold marble floor.

"Ouch." I closed my eyes as I grunted in pain.