The Graylord Kingdom: First Steps

The dawn was just beginning to light the grand city of Greylord, casting its pale rays over the mighty walls of the kingdom. From the top of the castle, one could see the endless fields stretching into the horizon. Kirma Yunotoshi Graylord stood by the window of his modest chamber, a room far less ornate than the one his twin brother, Ethor, occupied. Kirma's blue eyes reflected the sky's brilliance, a sharp contrast to the fiery red gaze of his brother.Kirma was not meant for the throne, and he had accepted that. While Ethor was groomed to rule, Kirma was left to explore the world on his own terms. He preferred it that way, though his brother's resentment often boiled into open hostility. Ethor saw him as a failure, a shadow beneath his own blazing star.One day, while wandering through the kingdom's bustling market, Kirma overheard a desperate man haggling with a merchant. "I'll sell her to you for a handful of coins," the man said, pushing forward a young girl with dirt-streaked cheeks. Her eyes, though downcast, held a flicker of hope.Kirma's heart twisted. He approached the man and asked, "How much for the girl?"The man's eyes gleamed at the sight of the royal insignia on Kirma's chest. "Ten silver coins," he replied.Kirma handed the money over without hesitation. The girl, bewildered by the exchange, looked up at him. "What will you do with me?" she asked, her voice trembling."You'll be safe with me," Kirma assured her. "You're no longer a slave."The girl, whom he would come to know as Lily, became his loyal companion and personal servant from that day onward.Lily followed Kirma silently as they made their way back to the castle. Her steps were timid, unsure of the world she had just entered. Kirma noticed her hesitance and spoke gently, "You don't have to be afraid anymore. No one will harm you here."As they walked through the grand gates, passing guards who bowed respectfully at Kirma's presence, Lily's eyes widened at the sheer size of the castle. It was a world completely alien to her, with its towering walls and polished stone floors. She kept her gaze low, still not used to the idea of freedom.Kirma led her to his chambers, where he gestured for her to sit. "You'll stay here with me. I don't need much, and you'll have your own space to rest." He smiled kindly, trying to ease her tension.

Lily sat down cautiously, glancing up at Kirma. "Thank you... for saving me," she whispered, her voice soft and filled with gratitude.Kirma waved a hand dismissively. "You don't owe me anything. Just live your life freely."Days turned into weeks, and gradually, Lily became more comfortable in Kirma's presence. She served him with quiet devotion, though Kirma often encouraged her to live her life beyond her duties. However, there was an unspoken bond between them that grew with each passing day, a connection that neither fully acknowledged, but both felt.Ethor, however, noticed the changes in Kirma's life. His red eyes burned with suspicion and jealousy, as he saw his brother's growing happiness as a slight against him. Ethor couldn't understand why Kirma was so content with a life of simplicity when he, the future king, was burdened with expectations. The rift between them only deepened.One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the castle, Ethor stormed into Kirma's chambers. His fiery red eyes locked onto Lily, who was quietly tidying Kirma's room. "Is this what you've been doing? Playing house with a servant girl?" Ethor spat, his voice dripping with disdain.Kirma stood from his seat, his blue eyes calm but firm. "What I do with my life is none of your concern, Ethor."Ethor sneered, stepping closer to his brother. "You should be ashamed. While I'm preparing to rule this kingdom, you're wasting your days on a pathetic girl and living in the shadows." He glanced at Lily, who had frozen in fear. "She's beneath us, Kirma."Kirma's hand clenched at his side, but he didn't raise his voice. "Lily is under my protection. She has as much worth as anyone in this kingdom. Maybe more."Ethor's lip curled, but before he could retort, the door to the chamber opened, revealing a royal messenger. "Prince Kirma, a letter has arrived for you," the man announced, handing over a sealed parchment.

Kirma took the letter and dismissed the messenger with a nod. As Ethor watched, his anger still simmering, Kirma broke the seal and unfolded the letter. His eyes scanned the page, his expression hardening as he read."It's from the RedBloody Kingdom," Kirma said, his voice low. Ethor's interest piqued, his rage momentarily forgotten. "They're proposing a marriage between me and one of their daughters—Leila RedBloody."Ethor laughed, the sound bitter and mocking. "A marriage? To a girl of RedBloody? I didn't think you had it in you, brother."Kirma ignored him, his mind already racing with what this meant. Leila RedBloody, known for her beauty and her family's infamous cruelty. Why had they chosen him?Kirma sat quietly for a moment, the weight of the letter heavy in his hands. Lily, sensing the tension in the room, stepped forward cautiously. "What will you do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Kirma looked up, his blue eyes meeting hers. "I don't know yet," he admitted. "The RedBloody family isn't one I would want to be tied to. But rejecting them could create a problem for our kingdom. Father may expect me to accept this proposal for the sake of peace."Ethor smirked, leaning against the doorframe. "Oh, I'd love to see you fail miserably at this. Marrying a RedBloody daughter will be your undoing. They'll eat you alive with those cursed eyes of theirs."