Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 2: The Princess and The Portal

Princess Asa sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in the ornate mirror. Her long, dark hair was meticulously braided, and her royal attire was resplendent with jewels. Yet, despite her regal appearance, her eyes were filled with profound sadness. The palace walls felt like a prison, confining her to a life she had never chosen.

The day had been long and grueling, filled with endless lessons on etiquette, diplomacy, and the expectations of a future queen. Her parents, the King and Queen of their small yet influential kingdom, had high hopes for her. They saw her as the perfect candidate to marry Prince Jihoon, solidifying a political alliance that would secure their kingdom's future.

But Asa had other dreams. She longed for freedom, adventure, and a life where she could be herself, unbound by royal duties and expectations. She had no love for Prince Jihoon, a man she barely knew and had no desire to marry. The thought of spending her life in a loveless union filled her with dread.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow through the palace windows, Asa made her way to the dining hall for the evening meal. Her parents were already seated, their expressions stern and regal.

"Good evening, Asa," her mother said, her tone cool and formal. "I trust your lessons went well today."

"Yes, Mother," Asa replied, taking her seat. She picked at her food, her appetite nonexistent.

Her father cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "We have received word from Prince Jihoon's family. They will be visiting next month to discuss the engagement. It is time you start preparing yourself for your future role."

Asa's heart sank. "Father, I do not wish to marry Prince Jihoon. There must be another way."

Her father's expression darkened. "This is not up for discussion, Asa. Our kingdom's future depends on this alliance."

Asa's frustration boiled over. "But what about my future? My happiness?"

Her mother sighed, her patience wearing thin. "You are a princess, Asa. Your duty is to your kingdom, not to yourself."

Unable to bear it any longer, Asa stood abruptly. "Excuse me," she muttered, leaving the table before her parents could protest.

She fled to the one place where she could find solace-the attic. It was a forgotten part of the palace, filled with dusty relics and memories of a bygone era. She climbed the narrow staircase, her heart pounding with anger and despair. The attic was dimly lit, the only light coming from a small window high above.

Asa collapsed onto an old, moth-eaten sofa, burying her face in her hands. Tears flowed freely, the weight of her burdens overwhelming her. She had never felt so trapped, so helpless.

After what felt like hours, Asa's sobs subsided, leaving her feeling drained and hollow. She wiped her tears and looked around the attic, her eyes settling on a large, ornate chest in the corner. She had never noticed it before, hidden among the other forgotten items.

Curiosity piqued, Asa approached the chest and lifted the heavy lid. Inside, she found an array of objects: old books, scrolls, and trinkets. At the bottom, something glinted in the dim light. She reached in and pulled out a strange, glowing orb. It pulsated with a soft, otherworldly light, unlike anything she had ever seen.

Asa held the orb in her hands, mesmerized by its beauty. As she stared into its depths, a sudden blinding light engulfed her. She felt herself being pulled, her surroundings dissolving into a blur. Panic gripped her, but before she could react, the light faded, and she found herself in a strange new world.

The air was different, filled with unfamiliar sounds and scents. Asa opened her eyes and found herself lying in a soft, modern bed. The room around her was sleek and minimalistic, with clean lines and modern furniture. A large window let in the light, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floors.

She sat up, her heart racing. Where was she? How had she ended up here?

Asa slowly stood, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The room was silent except for the distant hum of traffic. She cautiously approached the window and looked outside, marveling at the strange vehicles and people walking along the streets below.

A sense of wonder and fear washed over her. She had longed for freedom, and now she had it-but in a way she could never have imagined. This new world was a mystery, a challenge she had to face alone. As Asa took her first tentative steps into the unknown, she felt a spark of hope. Perhaps this was her chance to find the life she had always dreamed of, a life free from the constraints of royalty. Little did she know, this journey would lead her to a destiny intertwined with another, a destiny that would change her forever.