Surprisingly Royal

👸chapter one: Prologue

Mary's POV

I get summoned to the palace by the King of Ember.
No warning, no explanation. Just... summoned. I have no idea why he wants to see me, especially so suddenly.

I used to work at the palace a while back, as one of Queen Rose's attendants. Honestly, I loved it there. It felt like a second home. The Queen never treated me like a servant, not even once. If anything, she treated me like the big sister she never had. So when I told her I was leaving, she wasn't happy. Not at all. But she understood. She knew it was something I had to do.

It happened around the time I lost my mum.

I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Hearing about her passing just... broke me. Completely. I felt guilty for leaving her behind in the first place always chasing a "better life" somewhere else. Maybe if I'd stayed, she'd have lived a little longer. Maybe I could've helped in ways money couldn't.

So I packed up and went back to my hometown, Angellos.
It felt like the only place that could bring me even a little closer to her memory.

I'm an only child. My dad passed away when I was just two, so it's mostly old photographs that reminds me he was ever around. when I look at those pictures ,the three of us smiling , I feel this quiet warmth. Like we were once a happy little family. And that somehow, I was deeply loved.

Now here I am, on a train heading back to Ember. After all this time.

It's been years. And now I'm being called back like this? Out of the blue?
My stomach's been in knots the whole ride. I don't know what to expect... but I hope it's nothing bad.

The journey feels like forever, but after four long hours, I finally arrive.
And waiting for me like something straight out of a fairytale is a royal carriage, elegant and spotless.

The moment I step into Ember again, it all rushes back.
This place is nothing like Angellos. It's breathtaking ,glowing lights, grand buildings, and that magical air that always makes it feel like a dream. No wonder people call it the City of Lights.

I arrive at the palace and i'm asked to wait for the King in the Great Hall.

So I walk in, heart thudding, nerves on edge.

When he finally enters, he looks... tired. Worried. And then he drops it, the reason I'm here.

I just stare at him, wide-eyed and speechless.

He wants me to take care of a baby.

Not just any baby... a Princess. His daughter.

At first, I say no. I mean me? Raise a royal child? I've never even had a baby of my own. What do I know about parenting, let alone protecting a royal baby?

But he keeps asking. there's something in his eyes... something desperate.

Then I notice his gaze shifting behind me, so I turn and there she is.
Queen Rose. Beautiful as ever, but there's something missing. That glow she always had. That vibrant smile. It's just... gone.

In her arms is a tiny baby wrapped in soft blankets.

As she gets closer, I see the child's eyes , big shiny and black as night. And the moment I look at her... I melt. Completely. Something inside me shifts and I know right then and there that I have to protect this child.

They tell me her name is Ciara.
A name as gentle and lovely as she is.

I ask why they're sending her away. Why now? Why me?

And then they tell me everything.

Someone's trying to kill her.
Because of some ancient prophecy or hidden truth that hasn't even been proven... people are trying to silence her before it ever comes to light. It's terrifying. These faceless enemies ,whoever they are , think that eliminating her is the only way to stop what's to come.

She has to leave Ember.
Disappear until the danger passes. And they trust me to keep her safe.

I keep wondering... why me of all people? They have friends, family, trusted guards — why pick a commoner?

That night, I'm told we'll leave at dawn. Quietly. No goodbyes, no attention. Just slip away before anyone catches on. And before I go, I'm made to swear no one can ever know who she really is. Not even Ciara herself.

The Queen has me stay with her that night.
She says it's so she can help me prepare and give me a crash course in raising a child but I know it's also her way of holding on to her daughter for just a little longer.

We talk. We cry.
She tells me why she chose me. She says it's because she trusts me more than anyone. That our bond means something to her and that she believes I'll love Ciara like she would.

She also tells me that Ciara will return home when she turns sixteen ,when she's old enough to stand on her own and strong enough to face her truth.

The next morning is one of the hardest things I've ever lived through.

We say our goodbyes, and just like that ,we're gone.

Off to Angellos.

From that day on, my life completely changes.

Ciara grows up beautifully , graceful, kind, and full of light Just like her mother.

She's always been different from the other kids. There's a quiet strength in her, something deep and unshakable. Watching her grow has been the most rewarding and bittersweet experience of my life.

Time flies. And now, with her sixteenth birthday creeping closer, the thought of sending her back... it's almost unbearable.

I've raised her like she's mine.
Loved her with everything in me.
And all these years, I've kept the secret. Not a single soul suspects a thing.

⸻

♡♡♡♡♡

This chapter gives you a glimpse into how and why Ciara ended up in Angellos, living with Mary, completely unaware of who she really is.

The real story kicks off in the next chapter — and I promise, things are just getting started!

If you're enjoying the journey so far, please don't forget to vote and comment.
Can't wait to hear what you think!

Love always,
Beryl❤️😊