𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫, 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 ➤ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 & 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞

𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬

(Chapter Zero.)

"backgrounds"

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The king and queen had spent countless nights praying for a child to call their own. Their hearts ached with longing, yearning for the pitter-patter of little feet to fill the halls of the palace. However, as time passed, it seemed that their dream of parenthood would forever remain unfulfilled. The weight of their unspoken sorrow hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their once joyous palace. It was a difficult realization to come to terms with, the possibility that they may never experience the joy of raising a child.

Then, one fateful day, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. News of a young girl, abandoned and alone, reached the ears of the king and queen. She was a mystery, a seven-year-old child with no name and no voice. Her silence spoke volumes, revealing the pain and trauma she had endured in her short life. Despite her struggles, the couple felt a deep connection to her plight. They saw beyond her barriers and recognized the vulnerable soul that lay beneath the surface. The king and queen knew in their hearts that this girl was meant to be a part of their family.

With unwavering determination, the king and queen welcomed the young girl into their home with open arms. They showered her with love and affection, creating a safe haven where she could flourish and grow. George, the king, found solace in the girl's silent strength, seeing a reflection of his own resilience in her eyes. Charlotte, the queen, saw a kindred spirit in the girl's gentle nature, recognizing the beauty that lay within her wounded heart. Together, they embraced her as their own, proving that family is not defined by blood, but by the unconditional love that binds them together.

When they made the decision to bring the young girl into their lives, they were fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead. Her past had left scars that were not easily healed, and the road to a brighter future seemed daunting. Despite the difficulties, they were determined to provide her with the love and support she needed to thrive. The first few months after the adoption were filled with moments of uncertainty and fear, as they struggled to understand her triggers and how to best help her through her struggles.

The young girl's trauma manifested in various ways, often leading to episodes of panic and anxiety that left everyone feeling helpless. It was heartbreaking to see her flinch away from physical touch, a stark reminder of the pain she had endured in the past. However, with patience and unwavering dedication, they slowly began to see progress. She started to open up to a select few individuals, allowing herself to feel safe and loved in their presence. Charlotte and George, along with Lady Danbury and Grimsly, became her pillars of strength and comfort during the darkest moments.

As time went on, the bond between the young girl and her new family grew stronger. She found solace in the arms of those who had shown her unwavering kindness and understanding. Charlotte and George became her protectors, guiding her through the ups and downs of life with patience and compassion. Lady Danbury and Grimbsly, with their gentle presence and unwavering support, became her extended family, offering her a sense of belonging and security.

The news of the Queen and King adopting a girl had been kept a secret from the people for a whole year. They wanted to give her time to adjust to her new life before making any announcements. When Princess Andromeda Lenora Charlotte was finally introduced to the public, the people were taken aback by the sudden revelation. They were eager to catch a glimpse of the new Princess, but she was shielded from the public eye due to her fears.

Throughout that year, the Queen and King had dedicated themselves to educating the young Princess in various subjects. She excelled in writing, reading, and proper etiquette, but struggled with speaking. Her words would often get jumbled up, causing her to stutter. Despite feeling discouraged, with patience and support, she slowly improved. However, even to this day, she still faces challenges with her speech.

Her true essence began to reveal itself gradually, but only in the presence of those she held dear. Among the high society, she remained quiet and reserved, putting on a facade to fit in. However, when surrounded by her family, she transformed into a lively and joyful soul. Her laughter echoed through the palace corridors as she danced around, bringing life to the once solemn halls. Like a radiant beam of sunlight, she illuminated the hearts of those around her, spreading warmth and joy wherever she went. Her genuine nature captivated everyone she encountered, but it was her parents who cherished her the most.

Her mother and father devoted all their spare moments to the young girl, creating cherished memories together. George shared his love for astronomy with her, guiding her through the observatory to gaze at the stars, immersing her in the wonders of the universe. He also imparted his knowledge through books in the library, secretly teaching her the art of fencing. Meanwhile, Charlotte nurtured her daughter's talents, strolling through the gardens hand in hand, teaching her the melodies of the piano, introducing her to the wildlife in the estate, and instilling in her the grace and poise of a princess. Their bond was unbreakable, a testament to the deep love and affection they held for their beloved daughter.

In just a year, Andromeda had transformed her life completely. Gone was the timid girl who was rejected by everyone around her. Now, she stood tall as Princess Andromeda Lenora Charlotte, representing the prestigious Great Britain and Ireland. She had seamlessly integrated into her new role, adopting the mannerisms, speech, and behavior befitting a princess. Despite the outward appearance of contentment, deep down, she still carried the weight of fear and anxiety. The darkness within her mind continued to haunt her, reminding her that she might not be deserving of the life she now possessed. Every day, she questioned herself, wondering what she had done to earn such a fortunate existence. Determined to prove her worth, she made a solemn vow to remain strong and unbreakable, determined to show the world that she was more than just okay - she was resilient.

However, as time went on, the darkness within her mind began to consume her slowly. It gnawed at her confidence, whispering doubts and insecurities into her ears. Despite her best efforts to maintain a facade of strength, the weight of her fears grew heavier with each passing year. The once bright spark within her began to dim, overshadowed by the ever-present darkness. It seemed as though the more she tried to convince herself and others that she was fine, the more the darkness clawed at her soul. Andromeda felt trapped, suffocated by the constant battle between her external persona and the turmoil raging within her. The sadness and emotional burden she carried became her constant companions, a reminder that even in the midst of a seemingly perfect life, darkness could still find a way to seep through the cracks.