The King's Charm

Chapter one

"A long time ago, in a far-off kingdom, a just and wise king ruled. His reign was marked by prosperity and peace, filling each day with vibrant colors.

One day, a curse fell upon the kingdom, leading it to ruin. The plants stopped bearing fruit and withered away, the animals went mad and threw themselves into the ocean.

Evil took the form of a lamia, who, though calm, was filled with hatred, and appeared before the king.

"Your family owes me something," her voice echoed throughout the castle. "A thousand years have passed, and you still haven't paid for what I did for you."

"We owe you nothing!" the king shouted desperately. "Guards! Bring the elves, quickly!"

The lamia was beginning to lose patience. "Listen carefully, mere human! The more you try to avoid me, the higher the price you'll pay! This kingdom belongs to me, so give me what I'm owed!"

The elves arrived quickly and used their magic to corner the creature. "We owe you nothing! Leave now!"

The elves used their magic to deliver fatal blows, leaving the beast nearly unconscious. "I curse you, Harold Houttens Palovsta!" her voice was ragged. "With your hatred of monsters, your lineage will be bound to them, and you won't be able to do anything about it! Your worst nightmare will come true!"

"Kill her!"

The magic worked, and the demon was sealed inside a silver hand mirror. This mirror was hidden deep within the castle, protected by enchantments and surrounded by mysteries, where no one could find it.

Centuries later, the curse was activated in the last descendant of King Harold. Princess Maelis, a brave and kind young woman, discovered the ancient mirror."

I watched from the doorway as my mother, Queen Label, told the story to my twin brothers, Tyrus and Lorien. The eleven-year-olds listened intently, their eyes wide with attention.

The queen finished the story with her soft, melodic voice. "And so, the lamia was trapped inside the silver mirror, hidden deep within the castle, waiting for the moment someone would find it." She leaned toward the twins, smiling tenderly. "Now, my little ones, what do you think you can learn from this story?"

Tyrus was the first to respond, raising his hand as if he were in class. "That we shouldn't make lamias angry! They're really dangerous and can cast terrible curses."

Lorien quickly chimed in, not wanting to be left out. "And that magic is really important, Mom. If the elves hadn't used their magic, the lamia would've done much worse things."

My mother laughed softly, stroking the boys' heads. "Yes, you're both right. But there's another important lesson, too. Sometimes, things that seem lost or hidden can have a big impact on our lives. And we should never underestimate the power of love and courage to face challenges."

Tyrus and Lorien nodded solemnly, though I knew they'd probably still be thinking about the lamia and the elves when they went to bed.

I still remember being their age, when my biggest worries were avoiding eating sheep stomach and learning how to multiply. But as I grew older, as the princess and future queen of Ostalis, my responsibilities grew, and my father became more and more obsessed with finding the perfect match for me.

But no one was ever good enough, or so he thought. They were all too old, corrupt, or crazed sorcerers looking to seize control of everything. None of them were suitable, and the years went by. It was hard to get bored, though; as a princess, there was always something I had to do.

My days were a vibrant mix of activities that reflected my curiosity and courage. My passion for magic led me to spend hours in the castle library, studying ancient grimoires and experimenting with spells in the magical laboratory I had helped design. My knowledge allowed me to develop innovative techniques and play an active role in the kingdom's magical academy.

Alongside my studies, I dedicated myself to swordsmanship with great enthusiasm. Every morning, I trained in the castle's practice yard, honing my technique with swords and participating in friendly duels with the knights. My skill and prowess in combat had earned me the respect of the most seasoned warriors and the admiration of my peers, as every princess had to be perfect in all aspects of life.

In addition to my studies and training, I helped found a charitable organization called "Guardians of Hope." This foundation was dedicated to helping those attacked by monsters, providing medical care, emotional support, and assistance in rebuilding their lives. The foundation had become a vital pillar for the community, and I spent time organizing events and raising funds to support our cause.

One day, while the royal family gathered in the grand throne room of the castle, a messenger arrived in a hurry. The room, decorated with tapestries depicting the feats of our ancestors, filled with an air of anticipation.

The messenger, visibly shaken, bowed before us and began to speak urgently.

"Your royal highnesses, I bring important news. A man has defeated the monsters that plagued the region and declared himself king. Now he seeks a wife and has sent emissaries to all the nearby kingdoms with proposals."

I listened carefully, surprised by the news. The room, usually a place of calm reflection, buzzed with whispers and curiosity. As we debated the situation, I wondered how this new king would affect the balance of the kingdom and how my own life might change with this unexpected proclamation. My father would certainly waste no time in making a proposal for my hand.

Ostalis, blessed with an abundance of mana, had become a beacon of magical power, but that same abundance attracted the greed of dark creatures and beings. Monsters, drawn to the rich source of mana that flowed from our lands, began to attack, seeking to steal that magical energy for themselves. Their desire for more power was the reason for the constant invasions and attacks we faced.

That night, during dinner, the atmosphere in the dining hall was tense. As the royal family shared the meal, King Harold, with his stern expression and firm voice, finally addressed me.

"Maelis," he began, drawing the attention of everyone present, "after considering today's news and the implications for our kingdom, I've made an important decision. You must go and meet this new king and marry him."

My mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what was being asked of me. King Harold continued, "This marriage is crucial to securing an alliance that will protect our kingdom and help us face the threat of the monsters that still plague our lands."

The dinner table buzzed with murmurs and speculation as I processed the news. Though my heart was filled with uncertainty, I knew this was an opportunity to secure the stability of our kingdom.