The Labyrinth of Negrastir

Empire of Hargelad

This place, nestled far from home and everything familiar, enveloped me in a warm embrace.

A gentle stream of sunlight cast a soft glow over my surroundings and created a soothing ambience.

The gentle rustle of leaves in the whistling breeze whispered tranquillity and the blooming flowers infused the air with a delicate fragrance.

The Empire of Hargelad was a warrior nation and had been so for thousands of years.

Hargelad was also the last surviving empire on Earth before the Demon God breached their robust defences and wiped them out.

I had no mother or siblings here, only a single father who'd move mountains and pluck the stars from the sky if I so wanted.

Mr Gabriel, the elderly man in our service, said that my mother lost her life to a rampant disease when I was still a young child.

Instead of remarrying, he decided to employ Mr Gabriel and his wife, Mrs Catherine, to look after me during his extended absences.

His name was Calus. Of noble descent and an esteemed member of the aristocracy, my father worked for the Emperor, Aether, who inherited the throne after his late father in the war against the Realm of Eignum.

The people of Eignum were the forefathers of the first humans who attained immortality and ascended to the Four Heavenly Kingdoms.

Both of my parents were born and raised there before they attained immortality.

Although we shared a resemblance, Hera and I were as different as night and day.

She was brought up with the refinement and elegance befitting a proper lady and exuded a regal air with her head held high.

I, on the other hand, grew up wielding a sword and cast spells to keep my people safe from the wicked demons since the day I was brought into this world.

My maidservant, Lara, the only child and daughter of Mr Gabriel hand his wife, said Hera gained an ill repute as a spoon-fed brat due to her habit of laying off servants for the smallest mistakes.

Then again, living such a sumptuous life, with servants at her beck and call, it would be impossible not to become accustomed to such opulence.

Those who were close to Hera treated me with kindness and honour. I could tell that they genuinely liked and thought well of her, despite her pampered nature and over-the-top demands.

And even though I should be over the moon and pleased about this, I couldn't shake off the persistent feeling of being an imposter. I wasn't the Hera they thought I was.

The constant act of pretending wore me down, which caused my mental state to suffer.

I waited in a state of perpetual fear, desperately hoping for a sign from the Goddess of Knowledge. But my prayers went unanswered.

It felt like an ethereal curtain descended and rendered me incapable of hearing her soothing voice.

The thought of not knowing what steps to take or how much time remained before this curse consumed me and put me on the rack scared me.

It was during one of these trying musings, when despair engulfed my heart and soul, that an unforeseen event took place.

Lara was the one to break the news.

Her nasal voice was laced with urgency. I was smoothing out the chequered bedsheet when she entered my bedroom without notice.

She clasped both of my hands in hers and beamed so wide that I could literally see her gums. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"The Emperor has sent word, miss! It's finally happening!"

"What do you mean? What's happening?"

Struggling to catch her breath, she paused, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Malachi's back from the border, Hera! He wishes to marry you as soon as possible!"

"Malachi—?"

"Oh, for crying out loud, miss! The Crown Prince and your betrothed!"

"Ah, the one who cheated on Hera—on me with that sly fox you talked about?"

"That's right, my lady!"

"But why does he suddenly want to marry me? You said he loved another."

Lara released my hands with a sigh, her radiant smile faded into a look of concern.

"Miss, of course, he should! After what he made you go through! You've liked him since you were both young and then- then that sneaky fox got between you two!"

"Well, I don't plan to marry someone who likes another person."

"But, miss, this is what you've always wanted!"

"This is what I always wanted?" I said, mumbling under my breath so she couldn't hear it. "What a joke."

"Yes, it is! You've loved the Crown Prince since forever – even before he became crowned! Your father and The Emperor gave their word to let you two marry when you both turned nineteen."

"I don't think getting married is the right thing to do. Stop staring at me like I'm nuts, Lara!

"Can you imagine yourself living with someone you don't love just because of some promise made ages ago? This isn't fair for neither the Crown Prince nor me. See, you can't!"

"Even if both you and Malachi want to call things off, my lady, The Emperor won't allow it. His Highness is very fond of you."

"He's fond of me? Well, I've just gotta find a way to convince him, then."

"And what about your father? He's been dying to see you marry the love of your life. What are you gonna tell him?"

I let my eyes lock onto the partially open window, seizing the moment to gather my thoughts and deliberate on the best course of action.

"He'll understand once I explain why this marriage cannot be."

"The envoy's arriving tomorrow with the sunrise, Hera, to bring you to the palace. Think things over before you make up your mind, okay? I don't want you to regret this."

"Even if I end up regretting it, isn't this kind of regret better than being a bitter wife who's constantly cheated on?"

Lara conjured a feeble smile and gave me a tight hug.

I could tell by the tender look in her eyes and caved-in expression that I had managed to convince her with flying colours.

"You really never cease to impress me, Hera. " As if she wasn't quite sure how to place her words, she took a short pause before adding. "I hope that clever fox can make the Crown Prince happy now that things have ended up like this.

"I watched as your love for each other bloomed and flourished over the years. The Crown Prince I know is a righteous and fair man. I wouldn't want either of you to regret this."

"Despite what you say he cheated on me, didn't he? I guess he sees me only as a younger sister and not his lover. Don't worry, I'm sure neither of us will look back on this with regret."

As Lara returned to her own chamber, I caught a glimpse of my weary reflection in the gilt-framed mirror and let out a heavy sigh.

Although there may have been a striking resemblance between us, Hera and I were different from one another in all aspects.

I refused to be the kind of person who clung to an adulterer under the guise of love.

Only weak-minded people would stoop to that level. Hera was better off without the Crown Prince.

Should I leave this body and she return one day, she'd thank me for saving her from a miserable life as a bitter spouse.