Chapter 11: I promise
Nestled far beyond the borders of the kingdom of Gaelen lies the illustrious kingdom of Corbin, a realm renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture.
This kingdom stands apart from others in the cosmos of Aislinn, often regarded as a pinnacle of excellence and influence.
Corbin is powerful kingdom ruled by the benevolent duo, Queen Aroha Catori and King Arik Catori.
Queen Aroha, with her gentle demeanor and innate kindness, embodies the spirit of her people. Her innocent nature and unwavering dedication often inspire those around her, delivering hope in times of struggle. Yet, her compassionate heart can sometimes lead her into challenging situations, where the weight of her decisions burdens her. Standing steadfast by her side is King Arik, a wise and reliable leader whose strength complements the queen's gentle essence.
He is the unwavering pillar of support, guiding Aroha through difficulties with a steady hand and insightful counsel. Together, their partnership has forged a kingdom that thrives on prosperity and unity, making Corbin not only wealthy but also a beacon of harmony and resilience in the cosmos of Aislinn.
————————————————————
In the enchanting forest of Kingdom Corbin, a striking young lady roamed gracefully, her royal gown flowing elegantly around her. Adorning her head was a magnificent crown, glimmering with the finest rubies and twinkling stones that caught the sunlight, casting a colorful shimmer all around her. She held a sweet ten-year-old girl, whose laughter filled the air like the sweetest melody.
The little girl was captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering nearby, their delicate wings displaying a breathtaking blend of orange and black. With a white flower tiara perched atop her head, she looked every bit like a fairy princess. Excitement sparkling in her eyes, she exclaimed, "Mother, look at these butterflies! They're so beautiful!" As she chased the bright creatures, her small hands reached out eagerly, but just as she thought she could make contact, the butterflies danced away into the warm breeze. Frustration crept into her expression as she turned to her mother, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"Why are these beautiful creatures fluttering away? Is it because they don't like me?" girl asked, her voice tinged with confusion. Her mother gently stroked her daughter's cheeks, her touch tender and warm. "Sometimes, my dear, warm hands can unintentionally hurt the most fragile of beings," she explained softly. "Both of us have hands that are too warm, which makes it difficult for delicate creatures to feel safe. That's why they're flying away. They truly adore you, which is why they flock around you, drawn to your light. They will always carry a fondness for you, but they may not choose to stay close, my sweet girl. Remember, it's important to appreciate the beauty around you, but it's best to admire it from a distance. Can you promise me that?"
The girl sat cross-legged on the soft grass, her eyes wide with curiosity as she listened to her mother's soothing voice. Though she couldn't fully understand the depth of her mother's words, one message resonated deeply in her heart: the importance of appreciating the beauty that life offers. Inspired, she beamed up at her mother and declared, "I promise, Mother, I will always cherish the pretty things." Her mother returned the smile, her heart swelling with pride, as she observed her daughter's joyful laughter while she twirled among a patch of vibrant flowers, their petals glistening in the warm sunlight.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow, the mother and daughter shared a delightful moment of laughter, their spirits light and carefree. Once inside the luxurious royal chariot, adorned with rich fabrics and intricate designs, they settled into plush seats, their hearts filled with joy as they began their journey home, the gentle sounds of the evening wrapping around them like a soft embrace. Hand in hand, they strolled toward the grand palace, its towering spires silhouetted against the vibrant evening sky.
As they approached the grand entrance of the palace, chaos erupted around them. The air was thick with tension as a large tigress roared ferociously, her powerful voice echoing off the marble walls. To their horror, they saw the majestic creature looming over the Queen's youngest five-year-old daughter, whose small form was ensnared beneath the tigress's colossal paws. The sight was utterly terrifying, leaving the Queen speechless, overwhelmed by the vision of her beloved child in such peril. Emotions swirled within her—a blend of fear, disbelief, and desperation—as she struggled to grasp the reality of the situation.
The guards rushed forward, determination etched on their faces as they attempted to save the young princess. However, their efforts were hampered by the tigress, who gripped the innocent child tightly in her powerful jaws, her amber eyes flashing with a primal fierceness. King Arik, his heart pounding with urgency, swung his mighty sword in an effort to protect his daughter, but each strike only provoked the tigress further, igniting her instincts and making her more defensive and wild. The air was thick with tension, as the once peaceful scene turned into a desperate struggle for the princess's safety.
Even with deep wounds from her fierce battle with the king, the tigress clung to the little girl, her fierce determination shining through the pain. The girl's small, fragile form nestled against the powerful creature, who seemed resolute in her defense, unwilling to release her grasp despite the struggle she had endured.
The scene unfolding before the Queen and her ten-year-old daughter was filled with turmoil and despair, causing tears to stream down the Queen's cheeks. Her heart ached as she took in the chaos around them. Yet, her daughter stood apart, caught in a different kind of struggle. With wide eyes filled with curiosity and determination, she stepped forward, leaving her mother's sobs behind.
As she approached the colossal creature, its fearful roars echoed through the air, a mixture of power and rage as it engaged in a fierce battle with King Arik. The air crackled with tension, and the ground trembled underfoot, but the girl seemed undeterred. Driven by an instinct she could neither ignore nor fully understand, she moved closer, drawn into the heart of the conflict, wanting to uncover the truth behind the chaos.
————————————————————
"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison."
- By Fyodor Dostoevsky