The Land of Phaleno: The Princess's Rebirth (Book I)

Chapter One: "The Enigmatic Revival"

In the year of our Lord 1920, amidst the burgeoning advancements of the modern era, several nations still uphold the enduring tradition of monarchical rule. Among these stands the Kingdom of Phaleno, a realm steeped in history, where the lineage of kings and queens has graced the throne since the year 729 AD. Since its inception, Phaleno has proudly embraced the principles of a hereditary monarchy, a testament to its unwavering commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

Geographically, Phaleno is occupies the southernmost reaches of the world map. Spanning a vast expanse of 18,023,563 square kilometers, Phaleno commands an impressive 12% of the world's total landmass. Yet, within its eastern borders lies a secluded territory inhabited by a mere thousand souls.

This remote enclave, once a bustling diamond mining hub, bears the scars of its illustrious past. A gaping chasm, plunging to a depth of over 535 meters, marks the site of one of the world's first and largest excavation projects. Discovered in the year 1800 by a pioneering geologist, the mine's construction commenced in 1830, a testament to the unwavering determination of those who dared to conquer the earth's depths.

In the aftermath of the Great War, the once-thriving diamond mine fell silent under the decree of King Cananga. The Kingdom, in a bid to safeguard its sovereignty and protect the indigenous inhabitants, made the difficult decision to isolate the region, erasing it from the world map. This drastic measure served as a shield against potential exploitation and foreign intrusion.

Despite the isolation, a lifeline remained open. Farmers were granted permission to venture into the city center, their carts laden with bountiful harvests, a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
On a sun-kissed Sunday, as the farmers diligently prepared their produce for the bustling city markets, a heavy tread echoed through the otherwise tranquil settlement. Clad in sturdy boots, a figure strode with unwavering purpose towards a dimly lit chamber. Sunlight dared to peek through the crevices of tightly shut wooden windows, casting dancing shadows upon the room's interior.

Within the confines of this humble abode lay a woman, her form enveloped in an extended slumber. As the approaching footsteps drew closer, a flicker of life stirred. Her index finger twitched rhythmically, a delicate dance against the backdrop of stillness. Her eyelids fluttered, betraying the awakening of a soul long dormant.

Slowly, her eyes peeled open, revealing a glimpse of the world she had been estranged from for what seemed like an eternity. Her vision, still blurred by the passage of time and the dim light, gradually sharpened. She surveyed her surroundings, her gaze sweeping across the stark simplicity of the room, her body draped in a pristine white sheet, a symbol of purity amidst the muted hues.

With unwavering determination, the woman attempted to rise from her slumber, but her weakened body betrayed her valiant efforts. She managed to sit upon the edge of the bed, her legs refusing to obey her commands. Meanwhile, outside the confines of her chamber, the rhythmic thud of boots against the wooden floor signaled the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

As the door creaked open, the figure's startled gasp echoed through the room, followed by the shattering sound of porcelain as a plate slipped from their grasp. The fragments lay scattered upon the floor, a stark contrast to the prevailing silence.

"Your Highness, you have awakened!" exclaimed the figure, their eyes wide with astonishment. With a deep bow, they offered their utmost respect to the woman who had once again graced the realm with her presence.

A look of bewilderment clouded the woman's features as she gazed upon the figure before her. Her voice trembled as she inquired, "Who are you?"

"I am Hela, a humble healer," the figure replied, their voice laced with reverence as they pressed their palms together in a gesture of deference.

"A healer..." the woman whispered, her mind struggling to comprehend the events that had transpired. With a grimace of pain, she reached for her right leg. "This leg of mine... It throbs with an unrelenting agony! I cannot even move it," she lamented, her voice laced with despair.

"Your fibula suffered a severe fracture. I have performed the necessary surgical procedures, but the healing process may take longer than anticipated," Hela the Healer explained.

"Why has this befallen me? What has transpired?" the woman inquired, her voice laced with confusion and distress.

Hela, the healer, gazed upon the woman with a puzzled expression. "Do you not recall, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"No!" the woman exclaimed, her voice rising in a surge of panic. "Why do you persist in addressing me as 'Your Highness'?"

Hela clamped her hand over her mouth, her voice trembling as she muttered to herself, "It seems she has lost her memory! The impact she endured must have been severe." With a voice filled with apprehension, she inquired, "What year is it?"

The woman strained her mind, desperately attempting to grasp the elusive fragments of her past. "It is the year..." she trailed off, her voice faltering.

"The year 1917?" Hela ventured, her tone laced with uncertainty.

"Yes, it is the year 1917!" the woman replied, her voice echoing with bewilderment.

"But that was three years ago!" Hela exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment.

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" the woman retorted, her voice laced with disbelief.

"You have lost your memory," Hela affirmed, her voice heavy with regret.

"No, I am perfectly fine!" the woman cried out, vehemently denying the shocking revelation. With a surge of determination, she attempted to rise, summoning the remnants of her strength. However, her legs betrayed her, and she collapsed to the floor, her body unable to support its own weight.

Hela helped her to stand. "Don't force it! You shouldn't move yet."

The woman groaned in pain. "You're a healer! Do something!"

With quick steps, Hela walked towards a cabinet filled with various medicines. "I have a very strong type of painkiller that works directly on the central nervous system. The effect is felt within about an hour after consumption, but only lasts for three to seven hours. However, it should be noted that the side effects can be very drowsy, even to the point of unconsciousness," she explained while taking a glass bottle containing powder from the cabinet, then suddenly stopped moving when she felt a stabbing sensation in her neck.

The woman turned out to be pointing a broken plate right behind Hela's neck. "Don't try to move! Or I'll rip your throat out!" she said in a threatening tone.

"With all my might, I tried to save your life!" Hela said with confusion filling her voice.

"Save me from what?" the woman asked, snatching the bottle from Hela's grasp.

"Someone is trying to kill you!" she replied in a firm tone.

The woman whispered into her ear, "You are nothing but a liar! Stay here with your lies!" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. Then, she took the key from Hela's dress pocket and locked the door from the outside.

"Let it be remembered that lying is a sin that weighs heavily upon the soul! And it is utterly impossible for me to fall into such a great sin!" Hela said in a voice full of wisdom.

From behind the door, Hela cried out, "He will find you! And no one can stop him! You could be killed by his hand! That is all the warning I can give, Princess!"

The woman ignored Hela's warning and chose to flee, only cloaking herself in a piece of wool. A thick woolen blanket was draped over the woman's body, covering every curve with warmth and comfort. The rough yet cozy texture of the wool provided a soothing contrast against her skin, shielding her from the chill in the air. The blanket fell elegantly along her figure, giving her a simple yet dignified appearance.

With difficulty, she walked with the help of a stick she had picked up, relying only on her left leg while her right leg dragged behind her. She trod the deserted path, leaving footprints in the damp earth that lay before her. Although she did not know her exact destination, she continued on her journey. The unfamiliar forest filled her with a creeping fear, especially when the howl of wolves echoed in the distance, making her feel vulnerable and isolated.