Reborn as the only princess of Cene Kingdom

Chapter 8: The Whisper of the Sacred Tree

The grand hall was abuzz with the final remnants of celebration as the guests began to depart. Duke Luther's return had been met with the pomp and splendor befitting his stature, and the echoes of laughter and music still lingered in the air. Princess Stella Luna, however, found herself preoccupied with thoughts that extended beyond the festivities of the evening.

As she prepared for bed that night, the remnants of the dance replayed in her mind. Luther's presence had been both compelling and disconcerting, stirring emotions she had not fully anticipated. The way his gaze lingered on her, and the intensity of his blue eyes, left her with a sense of unease she couldn't quite place. As she drifted into sleep, her dreams were filled with enigmatic images and sensations she could scarcely comprehend.

In her dream, Stella found herself in a vast, misty forest. The trees were ancient and towering, their leaves shimmering with a mystical light. A gentle, haunting melody seemed to echo through the forest, its source unseen but deeply familiar. As she wandered through the ethereal landscape, she came upon a clearing where a magnificent tree stood. Its branches were adorned with blossoms that glowed with an otherworldly light, reminiscent of the golden hue of her own hair.

The tree seemed to beckon her, and as she approached, she felt a powerful surge of mana emanating from it. The dream was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and connection, as if she were part of something far greater than herself. The melody continued to play, and she began to sing along, her voice blending with the song of the tree.

When Stella awoke, she was disoriented, her heart still racing from the intensity of the dream. The sensation of the tree's mana and the haunting melody lingered in her mind, leaving her with a sense of longing and curiosity. She knew she needed to explore these feelings further, but for now, she was bound by her duties and the expectations of her role as a princess.

The following morning, Stella decided to visit the Grand Duchess's garden. The garden was a tranquil haven, its lush greenery and vibrant flowers providing a stark contrast to the grandeur of the palace. She made her way to the sacred tree, the one she had revived with her mana, feeling a deep connection to it.

As she approached the tree, the soft rustling of the leaves and the gentle breeze created a serene atmosphere. Stella closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel the flow of mana through the tree, the connection between them palpable. Her long, golden curls danced in the wind, and her gown fluttered gracefully as she stood there.

Inspired by the dream, Stella began to sing a lullaby. The song was in a language she had learned from the goddess Cenia, a gift from her past life that resonated with the essence of her being. The lullaby was both haunting and beautiful, its melody weaving a spell of tranquility over the garden. The notes seemed to blend with the wind and the rustling leaves, creating a harmonious symphony that filled the space with a sense of enchantment.

As she sang, Stella lost herself in the moment, her worries and the constraints of her royal duties fading away. The melody was a bridge to her past life, a reminder of her connection to the divine and the power she held within her. The tree, once more, began to bloom with a light golden hue, its flowers mirroring the color of her hair and the warmth of her mana.

Suddenly, she heard a faint noise nearby. Startled, she opened her eyes and saw Duke Luther standing a few paces away, his expression one of disbelief and awe. The sight of him standing there, observing her with such intensity, caused a jolt of anxiety to race through her.

"Greetings to the Princess," Duke Luther said, his voice carrying a mix of formality and genuine wonder.

Stella quickly composed herself and returned the greeting with a polite nod. "Greetings, Duke Luther."