Love Is True

In a distant realm, amidst a tapestry of wonder, resided Princess Lara—a beacon of grace and allure. Her ethereal beauty bewitched the hearts of men, leaving them yearning for her affection. Suitors, both married and unwed, dreamt of tasting her lips, captivated by their tender allure. The charm of her roseate embrace enticed the young and old alike, stirring desires that whispered in every corner of the kingdom.

Yet, in her youth and splendor, Lara found herself devoid of true love’s touch. Her maidens longed for a stolen moment with their beloved princess, while even her stalwart guards harbored secret fantasies. Even her own father, King Arthur, dared not leave her unattended, fearing his own vulnerability to the temptation of claiming her hand in marriage. Feeling the weight of unwelcome desires that surrounded her, Lara sought refuge within the confines of the castle dungeon, clutching the keys tightly, lest she fall victim to the unspeakable acts of her protectors or companions.

In the depths of the dungeon, she weeps night after night, burdened by the inexplicable curse of her extraordinary beauty. This curse has robbed her of companionship and a life of freedom, leaving her isolated and desolate. Zara, her mother and the esteemed Queen of Sky City, is tormented by the sight of her beloved daughter, Lara, shedding tears. Zara cannot help but shed her own tears, pondering why she was cursed with such overwhelming beauty, a gift bestowed upon her by Lucy, King Arthur’s former lover.

Every evening, Zara faithfully visits Lara in the confines of the dungeon, sitting beside the cold iron gates, and listening to the melancholic sound of her daughter’s weeping. Although Lara senses her mother’s presence, she remains unaware of why her remarkable beauty seems to have no effect on Zara. Trapped within the castle walls, unable to explore the world beyond her home, Lara finds solace only in her tears, which eventually lull her into a restless sleep.

As Lara slumbers, Zara watches over her, her eyes brimming with unspoken concern. She yearns for answers as to why her daughter’s beauty grows with each passing year, fearing the impending chaos that might ensue when Lara reaches her twentieth birthday, which looms just nine months away. Zara dreads the unknown depths of her daughter’s beauty, fearing that it may cause the kingdom and its cities to crumble under its weight.

Driven by her desperation for answers, Zara sets off to find King Arthur, who is already seated upon his majestic throne, attending to the suitors who have caught a glimpse or heard rumors of Lara’s ethereal beauty from the towering watchtowers overlooking the realm. With determination in her eyes, Zara marches toward Arthur, whispering to herself, “King Arthur must reveal the reasons behind Lucy’s actions.”

King Arthur, upon spotting Zara in his presence, discreetly motioned for the suitors to excuse them. They obediently stepped away, their interests predominantly fixated on the princess. Arthur, acknowledging Zara’s unexpected arrival, spoke up.

“Thank you for interrupting me like this,” Arthur expressed.

Zara, slightly taken aback, responded, “Wait, aren’t you bothered by my actions? I am aware of the law that forbids interference during your meetings.”

“In this instance, the law holds no weight. I am weary of these men who are solely captivated by our daughter’s physical appearance. Not a single one of them truly loves her,” Arthur lamented.

“Very well, then. That means you are going to explain to me why Lucy cast an unbreakable spell on our daughter,” Zara asserted.