Everything for the throne

Marina

The night sky was dark, much like Alice's eyes, as she stood on the balcony, gazing at the moon.

The cool breeze made her long, beautiful black hair, as dark as coal, flutter.
Her eyes, fixed on the full moon, were as beautiful as the celestial body itself, with unique rainbow-colored irises that shone like priceless gems in the darkness, refracting the light.

Her flawless, delicate face bore no emotion. Her red lips, as crimson as blood, sipped wine intermittently.

The hand that had once wielded a sword on the battlefield now held a glass of wine, stirring it gently.

Alice: The moon looks beautiful from here, but when examined closely, masses of black spots can be located. The beautiful moon is also stained, like me.

With the glass now empty, Alice threw herself onto the bed, placing the glass on the table. She closed her eyes before uttering,
Alice: How did I end up here again?

Her mind drifted back to a memory:
The light blue sky was reflected on the river water like a mirror, appearing as magnificent glass that could shatter at any moment.

At the bank of the river stood a six-year-old girl, her gaze fixed on the still water, lost in thought.

A boy, around nine or ten years old, came running towards the girl, as if the ground behind him was collapsing.

He bent down, holding his knees, trying to catch his breath. The girl remained silent, continuing to stare at the river.

Max: What are you doing here? A carriage is at the door; some nobles are looking for you

The boy said, panting. The girl didn't ask any questions and started walking away with the same blank expression.

Max: Wait for me, Marina
He shouted, trying to match her pace.

Max: Why can't you answer me? Your blank face often makes me worry about you

Marina suddenly stopped, confusing the boy.
Marina: You said nobles. Why would they come here?

Max: Um... I'm not sure. A carriage arrived here a while ago. Father asked me to bring you.

Marina resumed walking.
As they reached the small cottage in the middle of the woods, she quick glance at the carriage parked outside.

A sudden thought flashed through her mind, sending a chill down her spine.
A young girl, around seven or eight years old, dressed like a rich noble, stepped out of the cottage with an expression of disgust. However, as she looked at Marina at the entrance, a pretty smile spread across her face.
She ran towards Marina, excitement evident in her movements.

Holding Marina's hands, she squeezed them and said,
Lady Sia: Look, I came to take you home with me.

Max and Marina looked at each other, confusion etched on their faces. What was going on?

Max: You know this noble lady!?

Lady Sia: Yes, we have been friends for a long time. Isn't it, Marina?

Max: My sister never had any friends, and certainly not any nobles.

Max said, stunned. His little sister, who rarely spoke to him, had a friend from a noble family. It was an unbelievable mystery to him.