ᴏɴᴇɪʀᴀᴛᴀxɪᴀ ✘ ᴛxᴛ ✘ ᴛᴏᴍᴏʀʀᴏᴡ x ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ✘ fᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀᴜ

O N E

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And finally, their sad smiles cracked
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The sound of glistening flares snapping echoed in one's ears, illuminating it's surroundings from two meters away as leaves began to fall, the fire slowly spreading with a black smoke evaporating from it.

It was getting difficult to breathe. Yet she was just fine with it. The sight in front of her reflected in her glistening eyes, heartbeat increasing as her surroundings became a blur, slowly fading to black.

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Lee Areum fluttered her eyes open to the sound of the birds chirping, a tear rolling down her porcelain-like skin. She stood up from her bed to look out through the window, watching the people of the kingdom happily go on about their day.

She let a small sigh fall from inbetween her lips, awaiting for her daily routine to begin.

A knock was heard from the door, however the young lady did not turn around. She straightened her back before clearing her throat, "Come in," she said, being sure not to raise her voice too much.

"Good morning Ms. Lee. Your parents have asked to seek your presence," The maiden spoke as she entered the room, bowing slightly.

Her family was of noble blood. Although she had wished it to be otherwise. She was the most beautiful icon of the kingdom, their pride and joy. But it only put more weight onto the girl's shoulders.

Ah, yes. Welcome to the Kingdom of Arcadia. Where peace and contentment was promised.

'An unspoiled paradise', they call it.

"Why yes, of course. I shall meet them in the meeting room in a minute,"

"Actually, ma'am, they have requested to meet you in the dining room. They have also sent maids to ready you," the maiden avoided her gaze as she nervously fiddled with her uniform.

"Oh? How come? Do we have guests??" Areum asked, confusion written all over her face, even so she did a perfect job in keeping her composure.

"Yes, yes. Guests. Some very important guests. Oh would you look at that? The maids have just arrived. I'll see you in a bit, Ms. Lee," she scurried out as three other maids walked in.

One had a couple of dresses in hand, the other two had makeup and hair styling products.

"Ms. Lee, please have a seat. We will only be quick,"

"Thank you, my maidens," She smiled gracefully as she took a seat as they did their job.

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Once she had finished dressing up, she made her way downstairs, the loud sound of her heels against the marble floor could be heard as the guards opened the doors to the dining room, bowing slightly as she entered.

She saw the silhouettes of her parents, along with their guests, who turned to smile at her as she made her way towards them.

She carefully pitched her dress, lifting it ever so slightly as she crossed her legs and bowed. "Good morning mother. Good morning father," she greeted them as her parents smiled at her.