บท 2: The Unseen Enemy

Alita's POV

The Kingdom of Perest was a land of beauty and magic mounted between the towering Silver Mountains and the Emerald Forest. It was a place where the land was filled with enchantment and magic. The kingdom's capital was a sight to behold, flowers were in full bloom and spread along the roads.

"I don't want to go to the square and be paraded like a beautiful trophy," Princess Alita bellowed as she stood before her father in his study. Her voice, usually calm had a defiant edge. She was a stunning figure dressed in a golden long gown that cascaded to the ground in shimmering waves. Her pink curls, a trait of her fairy lineage, were wrapped around her head like a halo, and her striking blue eyes glared at her father with fierce determination.

"You will go because I demand it, child. Your presence is needed more at the main square. Besides, what do you do in the castle?" The king's voice was stern but tinged with exasperation. He was a middle-aged man with the same pink hair as his daughter and striking green eyes that bespoke his fairy heritage. He was the ruler of Perest, a kingdom dominated by the grace and beauty of the fairy race.

Alita breathed in sharply, her father's words hitting a sensitive spot. As a princess, what did he expect her to do in the castle apart from sleeping and looking pretty? The palace was overflowing with servants and guards. There was practically nothing for her to do. Even when she had picked up archery, her father had forbidden her to continue, deeming it unfit for a princess. And now he was mocking her, questioning her role. It wasn't as if the entire kingdom hadn't seen her before. Ever since she could walk, her life had been a public spectacle.

"I could be exposed to danger and killed," Alita said slowly, trying to keep her voice steady.

The king snorted, his wings moving along with the movements. "There are over a thousand guards positioned at the square to protect you. You will be fine."

Alita wanted to protest, but her father with an impenetrable face seemed to stifle her voice.

The king waved his hand dismissively and said, "This isn't a request, Alita, it is an order."

It wasn't rare for Alita and the king not to see eye to eye. Their disagreements were frequent and their arguments were always intense, but this time, Alita felt the sting of her father's command more deeply than usual.

"I know you are the king," Alita began, her voice trembling slightly, "but you are also my father. Shouldn't you be worried about me?" She pouted, hoping to soften his stance with a display of childish charm.

The king narrowed his eyes at her, his expression stern. "That will not work on me, Alita. Besides, you are not a child anymore. One day, you will take over the kingdom. You need to be prepared."

Alita rolled her eyes, her frustration evident.

"Stop it!" The king's voice was sharp, his patience wearing thin. "You are going to the square in two days, so get yourself ready."

With a huff of indignation, Alita stomped out of the king's study. Even in her anger, she had to maintain an air of calmness. She wanted to shout, to let out her fury, but she couldn't. She was a princess, and a princess had to maintain decorum at all times.

As she walked through the long corridors of the castle, her mind raced with thoughts of rebellion and escape. The walls of her home felt like the bars of a prison.

Alita made her way to her chambers, it was a lavish suite adorned with rich tapestries and delicate furnishings. The room was filled with treasures from all over the kingdom. She collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ornate canopy overhead, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. She hated feeling so powerless, so trapped.

Her maid, Nadir, entered the room. With her flaming red hair and striking green eyes, she was a vision of the standard beauty in Perest kingdom. A full fairy, Nadir's delicate wings shimmered in the soft light, casting iridescent reflections on the walls. She had what I was denied because of my half-human heritage, wings.

'If only I had wings like the rest of them'

Nadir's eyes were full of concern. "Princess, is everything all right?" she asked softly.

Alita wiped away her tears quickly and sat up. "No, Nadir, everything is not all right. My father is forcing me to go to the main square in two days, and I don't want to. I feel like I'm being paraded around like a prized horse."

Nadir sat beside her, taking her hand gently. "Your father loves you, Princess. He just wants what is best for the kingdom."

"I know," Alita sighed, "but it feels like he doesn't care about what I want. I'm always being told what to do, how to act, and where to go. I have no freedom."

"Being a princess comes with its own set of challenges," Nadir said softly. "But remember, you have the strength to overcome them. You are destined for greatness, Alita. You just have to find your way to it."

Alita looked at Nadir, finding comfort in her words but I knew deep down that my visit to the square will be more embarrassing than the last visit.

The next two days passed in a blur of preparations. I was fitted for new riding garments, my hair styled elaborately, and I was briefed on the happenings of the event at the square. Each moment felt like a step deeper into a world I didn't belong to, a life that wasn't mine.

I moved through the meetings with a detached mind, my thoughts constantly drifting to escape and freedom. While everyone around me buzzed with excitement for the upcoming event, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in a gilded cage. No matter how exquisite the dress or grand the occasion, it couldn't mask the emptiness inside.

The morning of the event arrived, and I stood before the grand mirror in my chambers, dressed in a black vested jacket and riding shorts, a small hat clasped on my head.

The ropes tied under my chin felt like shackles, binding me to a life I didn't choose. As I stared at my reflection, I wondered if anyone could see the turmoil beneath the facade of royal elegance.

When I emerged, Maya was waiting with her saddle. I smiled as I drew closer to her, taking in her sweet smell, her wings wrapped around me as if to hug me too. She was her father's gift to me when I turned eighteen. I reached out to caress her, feeling a rush of warmth as she leaned into my touch.

Maya's presence was a bittersweet comfort, As she nuzzled my hand, seeking a treat, I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. I produced a carrot from my pocket, watching as her eyes lit up with delight. For a moment, it was just the two of us.

With a sigh, I mounted Maya, feeling the surge of freedom as we set off toward the square. The forced smile on my face felt like a mask, hiding the turmoil within. As I waved to the crowds gathered to witness my royal entrance, I couldn't help but wonder—were they cheering for me, or the facade I represented?

Beneath the surface, I longed for something more—a life of my choosing. As Maya carried me forward, I couldn't help but dream of the day when I could ride towards the horizon, leaving everything behind.

Nobody caught my interest as I made my way through the crowd. They had besotted glances on their faces, their adoration palpable in the air. But beneath the surface, I could sense a myriad of emotions—some genuine, some tainted with disdain. It was a gift I inherited from my father's side of the family, a subtle ability to perceive the feelings of those around me.

My father once spoke of his great-grandmother, who could discern lies with a mere glance. While my powers weren't as powerful as hers, they still granted me a unique insight into the hearts of others. As I passed by the sea of faces, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider in my kingdom.

Despite the adulation directed towards me, I couldn't shake the feeling of isolation. It seemed that no matter how many smiles were thrown my way, they were all tinged with a hint of falsehood. But I was accustomed to wearing a mask, to feigning happiness in indifference.

I plastered a smile on my face, playing my part in this charade. It was something I had perfected over the years and was used to.

As I moved through the crowd, I couldn't help but wonder if anyone truly saw me beneath the facade.

Then, a small child caught my eye—a true innocence amidst people filled with pretense. She approached my horse, a single purple-blue flower clutched in her tiny hands. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, her toothy grin infectious. I looked closely, it was a Purplesbane, our kingdom's official flower.

I stopped my horse and dismounted, eager to receive the gift she held out to me. But to my surprise, she shook her head, refusing to part with the flower. Embarrassment flooded through me as I realized my mistake—I had assumed she wanted to give it to me.

Turning to retreat to my horse, I felt a small hand grasp mine, halting my movements. I turned back to face the child, confusion etched on my features. With a determined expression, she stretched out the flower towards me once more, her eyes locked on mine.

I felt an emotion, it was full of hate but I brushed it aside, 'It can't be coming from such an adorable child as cute as this one!"

I smiled, captivated by the innocence radiating from the girl's face. She had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she held onto the flower in her other hand.

I extended my hand towards her but before I could react, she flung the flower aside with force, stomping on it with a ferocity that startled me. Then, without a second glance, she dashed away, disappearing into the throng of people.

What she was trying to tell me was that I was not welcome even though she did not speak to me.

As I stood there, bewildered by her sudden rejection, a pang of regret washed over me. If only I had been more attuned to her emotions, perhaps I could have anticipated her reaction and avoided this humiliation. But I had let my guard down, allowing myself to be swayed by her charm, only to be met with disdain in return. She was just like the rest of them, I thought bitterly.

I felt the eyes of the surrounding guards on me, no doubt eager to pursue the girl and deliver retribution for her insolence. But I stayed their advance with a raised hand, suppressing the urge to lash out in anger. She was just a child, after all, and punishing her would only serve to tarnish my reputation further. Yet, beneath her innocent facade, I could sense a simmering resentment, a seed of hatred that had taken root within her young heart.

With a heavy sigh, I pushed aside my wounded pride and turned to leave, my thoughts consumed by the encounter. There was no use dwelling on the past, I reasoned, as I made my way towards where my horse awaited me. But as I reached out to mount my steed, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught my attention.

A palpable aura surrounded me, dark and commanding, suffused with a raw intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, an unseen force that seemed to pulse as if it were reaching out to engulf me in its grasp. Intrigued yet unnerved, I scanned the crowd for any sign of its origin, but all I found was the familiar chaos of the square.

Frowning, I shook off the sensation and mounted my horse, eager to leave the unsettling atmosphere behind me. But as I spurred my steed into motion, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched.