THE WILLOW AND THE DEVILS HEART | E.JAEGER

CHAPTER NINE

TW: VIOLENCE,  SELF SACRIFICE, SH, DEATH

Legends say it all started around 2000 years ago on a guarded island just outside the coast....

It was described as a paradise with a vast, beautiful land and Magic. Within this island were three walls that sectioned off four seasonal landscapes: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each with their own people that held different magical abilities.

But there was one child that was far more powerful than anyone that had been born in the gardens. Rumors that had been passed down from family to family stated that when this child took their first breath they were set beneath the willow tree: A beacon of power for the island. Some said that the leaves lit up brightly as she cried out into the dead of night.

Born into the world as an orphan she was taken in by the royal family at the time as one of their own. She trained beside the best soldiers, practicing her craft which cause her to become the most beloved figure of the Spring Garden—And although incredibly powerful due to her efforts she was gravely naive.

When she was eighteen years old she took a trip past the Winter line as her curiosity for those outside the island grew far stronger. Taking shelter in a small cottage just along the city she learned all about the Devils culture and practices. Choosing to spend many years in that cottage despite the royal family's warnings she used her abilities to aid those around her—Soon enough she became the talk of the town.

Some were convinced she was a god, while others were weary of her powers—Believing that it was the work of a benevolent creature. The history between those in the Gardens and the Marleyans was a complicated tale. A lot of back and forth wars took place, leading to the current animosity built on both ends. It was another reason the royal family of the gardens disapproved of Ymir's travels—Feeling as though it was a dangerous journey simply because of the budding rivalry. Unfortunately, the young girl didn't realize just how right they were.

When news soon spread to the King and Queen of the Marylean nation they called for her appearance at the castle. Ymir went without argument, choosing to remain a proper guest in their presence. Upon meeting the royal family she was quite taken with the Prince, Karl Fritz. He was a man most strongly characterized by his limitless hunger for power and control.

Despite those rumors, many claimed that the young man showered her with compliments the first time they met—Believing that he was amazed at her raw talents and abilities. It made those close to him take a step back in shock. Not once in his life had he ever showed such emotions towards another.

Soon after the two teens began meeting under the guise of creating an alliance between both lands. And although that was the end goal, it wasn't the only reason they would seek each other out.

It wasn't long before Ymir fell pregnant with triplets. The news of their relations spread far and wide—Catching the attention of the island. Both sides fell into silent chaos over the matter. Those past the coast believed Ymir was sent to bewitch the young prince in order to secure a position within their affairs, while those in the garden suspected that the rumors of the vicious prince were true—That Fritz wanted the young woman's powers for selfish gain—And through children those abilities would be accessible to him.

The island reached out to the young girl with concern—Stating that she needed to be wary of the devils actions. She quickly stepped up in the prince's defense, swiftly brushing off the warnings that her people delivered. Feeling as though they weren't getting through to her lovesick mind, they retreated back to the gardens in hope that the young girl would come to her senses and return home in time.

The growing tension between both sides collided when Ymir finally gave birth to her three daughters. Similar to when the young girl was born the tree shined just as bright, causing a pit to fall in the Island king's stomach—Believing that Marley's royal family would only use Ymir and her children as a weapon for their side. Given his concerns, he ordered a large group of soldiers to invade the outside lands. Their only objective was to kill the royal family to ensure that Ymir's abilities would not reach their hands.