In the 1880s, a young tsarevna named Crystal, daughter of the Russian Tsar, was known throughout the court for her kind and cheerful nature. Despite her royal duties, she always found time for her younger sister Eliza, twelve years her junior, and her brother, the tsarevich Oliver, who was closer in age. Though she often needed to present herself as mature and responsible, Crystal had a tendency to be playful and at times, immature—a trait not befitting her noble stature, according to her father.
Her kindness, however, was also her weakness. Crystal's gentle soul left her vulnerable to the cruel games of courtiers and noble children alike. Among her tormentors were Leo, Angel, Sasha, Lydia, and Evelina, who took pleasure in mocking the tsarevna for her perceived naivety. Leo's two loyal companions Satoshi and Takeshi only added to her troubles. Being shy and unsure of how to stand up for herself, Crystal endured their cruelty in silence.
Thankfully, she had two dear friends—Eira and Iris, daughters of powerful Russian noble families. They were always by her side, ready with quick-witted remarks and fierce loyalty. Eira, sharp and elegant, and Iris, tall and strong, defended Crystal with biting remarks.
"If ignorance is bliss, you must live in paradise," Eira would sneer at Leo.
"Why, you're as useful as a broken cartwheel," Iris would add, their laughter echoing across the palace halls.
Despite their efforts, the bullying took its toll, and Crystal’s spirit remained burdened. Her childishness only seemed to grow under the weight of constant ridicule. The Russian Tsar, her father, grew concerned over her immaturity, often reminding her that no man of high rank would want an immature bride.
One afternoon, as Crystal strolled the palace corridors, she overheard her parents discussing a potential marriage alliance. Pausing outside the door, she leaned in closer to hear.
"The British king has sent an offer. They suggest a match between him and one of our daughters," her mother, the Tsarina, said.
"For the strength of our empire, it would be wise to accept," her father replied, his voice firm. "We should invite him to the grand ball tonight."
Crystal blinked in surprise. The British king? That would be Zaphyr, a man known across Europe for his stern demeanor and sharp tongue. Unsure of what to feel, she shrugged and muttered to herself, "It couldn't be that bad, could it?"
That evening, the grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers, casting light across the assembled nobles. Crystal, dressed in a striking gown of deep midnight blue, entered the room with grace. The gown, adorned with delicate silver embroidery, shimmered with each movement. Her hair, styled in intricate braids, was pinned elegantly atop her head. She looked every inch the royal princess.
As she made her way through the crowd, she was greeted by Eira and Iris, both resplendent in their own gowns.
"You look magnificent tonight, Crystal!" Eira exclaimed.
"Yes, you truly outshine everyone here," Iris added with a warm smile.
"Of course, I do," Crystal replied with a playful grin. "But don’t we all?"
The three friends laughed together, a rare moment of levity amidst the evening’s formalities. As they spoke, Crystal leaned in, her voice low. "I have news. My parents are thinking of marrying me off to the British king."
Eira’s eyes widened. "No, really? The British king? The one with the cold reputation?"
Iris frowned. "You know, they say he’s quite a womanizer. He’ll likely break your heart."
Crystal shrugged, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Perhaps... but I’ve always had a taste for red flags."
Eira sighed, clearly concerned. "Crys, you’re playing with fire."
"Well, we’ll see what happens," Crystal said, trying to sound nonchalant, though her heart fluttered with uncertainty.
Not long after, the doors of the ballroom opened, and King Zaphyr of Britain entered, his presence commanding attention. He was tall and carried himself with the air of a man who knew his power. His gaze swept over the room before landing on the Tsar and Tsarina.
"Good evening," he said smoothly, though a slight smirk played on his lips. "Where is… uh, Charlotte?"
The Tsar looked momentarily confused. "You mean Crystal, my daughter?"
"Yes, yes, Crystal," Zaphyr corrected himself, chuckling awkwardly.
The Tsar motioned for his daughter to come forward. Crystal, her gown trailing behind her, approached the group with grace. She curtsied deeply, her gaze steady on the British king. Zaphyr, caught off guard by her beauty and poise, felt his heart race for a brief moment, though he quickly masked his reaction with a confident smile.
"Your Majesty," Crystal said, her voice soft but clear.
"Ah, Princess Crystal," Zaphyr replied, trying to maintain his usual air of indifference. "It’s a pleasure."
The Tsar spoke then, his tone more formal. "Crystal, King Zaphyr may soon be your husband, should this alliance be finalized."
Crystal glanced between the two men, unsure how to feel about the prospect of such a marriage. She had only just met Zaphyr, and yet, political duty seemed to dictate her future.
As the ball continued, she found herself contemplating her fate. Could she find happiness with someone like Zaphyr, or would her friends’ warnings come true?
Seven months passed, and Crystal's life had changed drastically. She was now in Britain, away from the familiar halls of the Russian palace. Her sister Eliza, her brother Oliver, and her best friends Eira and Iris were far away, leaving her feeling isolated in this foreign land. Zaphyr, true to his reputation, was often distant, his attention focused more on affairs of state than on his young bride.
