The Five Kingdoms*

chapter 1

As I stood in my chambers, I double-checked my preparations for the journey ahead. My bags were packed, my documents were in order, and my thoughts were clear. A knock at the door broke the silence.

"Milady, are you finished getting ready?" Rin, my assigned knight, asked from the other side of the door.

I grabbed my bags and approached the large ivory door, pulling it open slowly. Rin stood before me, resplendent in her armor, her helmet tucked under her left arm. Her soft cedar-colored hair framed her heart-shaped face, and her amber eyes with copper hues sparkled in the morning light. The scar above her left eyebrow and the long, curved scar down her chin and neck told stories of her bravery during the war.

For a moment, I was lost in admiration of her beauty, but Rin cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality.

"Huh, yes, I'm ready. Shall we go?" I asked, trying to sound composed.

Rin nodded, and together we made our way to my father's throne room. We passed by portraits of my ancestors – my grandfather, his father, and generations before them – their stern faces watching over us.

After a twenty-minute walk, we arrived at the grand black, gold, and ivory doors. Rin pushed them open, revealing my father, King Mercury Blackwood, seated on his throne, surrounded by papers and documents. He looked up, his stoic face softening into a warm smile.

Rin kneeled about thirty feet from the first step, bowing her head. "Your Majesty, everything for Lady Lizbeth's excursion is in order. All that's needed is for you to see her off."

My father's gaze shifted to Rin, his eyes filled with trust and affection. "Rise, dear sister. I trust no one else on this particular mission than my best knight and most trusted and dearest friend. I know you'll take great care of her and keep her out of trouble."

He stood up, his tall, imposing figure commanding attention. His wolf-like features, a testament to his Beastkin heritage, seemed to radiate warmth and kindness.

Rin rose, and my father embraced us both, his strong arms enveloping us. "Right, off you both go," he said, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination.

We hugged him back, the weight of our mission settling upon us. As princess of the United Realms, I was about to embark on a diplomatic journey to visit all five kingdoms in the world of Engrazia, ensuring their progress and adherence to the Treaty of the Realms.

With one last look, we left the throne room and made our way to the stables. The caravan carriage awaited us, adorned with the symbols of our realm. Rin helped me aboard, and we set off toward the first kingdom – the Human Kingdom.

As we rode, the castle's grandeur faded into the distance, replaced by rolling hills and lush forests. I felt a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation. This journey would test my skills, my courage, and my heart.

Rin sat beside me, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Your Majesty, are you comfortable?" she asked, her voice low and soothing.

"I'm fine, Rin. Just lost in thought," I replied, smiling at her.

The silence between us was comfortable, a testament to our years of friendship and trust. Rin had been by my side since childhood, a constant presence in my life.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the landscape, I realized that this journey was not just about diplomacy – it was about discovery. Discovery of the realms, of myself, and of the bonds that tied us all together.

With Rin by my side, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that together, we would navigate the complexities of the realms and forge a brighter future for all.As night fell, we arrived at the outskirts of the Human Kingdom. The castle's silhouette rose above the trees, its stone walls glowing softly in the moonlight. Rin guided the carriage through the gates, and we were greeted by the kingdom's guards.

"Welcome, Princess Lizbeth and Knight Rin," one of the guards said, bowing. "King Hibiki awaits your arrival."

We followed the guards to the castle, where King Hibiki received us in the grand hall. His rugged features and piercing blue eyes seemed stern, but his smile put me at ease.

"Lizbeth, it's an honor to finally meet you," he said, taking my hand. "Your father speaks highly of you."

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "The pleasure is mine, King Hibiki. I come bearing greetings from my father and the United Realms."

The evening passed in a blur of feasts and discussions. Rin remained by my side, her presence a comforting reminder of home. King Hibiki's advisors and nobles asked pointed questions about the Treaty of the Realms, and I answered with confidence, drawing from my studies and my father's guidance.

As the night wore on, the conversations turned to more lighthearted topics. King Hibiki shared stories of his kingdom's achievements, and I spoke of our realm's advancements in magic and trade.

The next morning, Rin and I set out to inspect the kingdom's progress. We visited the bustling marketplaces, marveling at the diverse goods on display. The humans' ingenuity and craftsmanship impressed me.

However, amidst the prosperity, I sensed underlying tensions. Whispers of discontent and fears about the Treaty's constraints reached my ears. I made mental notes to address these concerns with King Hibiki.

As we prepared to leave, King Hibiki approached me, his expression serious. "Lizbeth, I must confide in you. There are those who oppose our alliance with the United Realms. They fear our autonomy will be lost."

I nodded, understanding. "I expected as much. But I assure you, our goal is cooperation, not domination. The Treaty benefits all realms."

King Hibiki nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I believe you, Lizbeth. But convincing others won't be easy."

With a newfound sense of determination, I left the Human Kingdom, aware that my journey was not just about diplomacy, but about building trust and understanding among the realms.

Rin and I set off toward the next kingdom, the Elven Realm. The road ahead would be long and challenging, but I was ready. For my family, for my realm, and for the future of Engrazia.

"Rin, what lies ahead?" I asked, gazing into the horizon.

Rin's expression turned thoughtful. "The Elven Realm is known for its beauty and magic. But also, its pride and secrecy."

I nodded, steeling myself. "Then we'll need to tread carefully."

Together, we rode into the unknown, our bond stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.