Synopsis Translation in English She's a Princess... She has everything a girl could ever dream of: Beauty Wisdom Wealth Kindness In short, her life is perfect... But there's one thing she could never have-something more precious than jewels: Freedom. Presenting Yriana Winzyll, the "Princess of Orientalis" from the Kingdom of Hyemenaius. ~~ On the other hand, there is a Prince: Handsome Intelligent Wealthy The only thing he desires is to rule his kingdom and fulfill his destiny as heir to his family's throne. Everything changes when their families decide to arrange their marriage. Will this union end in failure or success? ~~ The story begins with Yriana, caught between her responsibilities and her longing for freedom. Will this marriage bring her closer to her dreams, or will it further bind her in chains? Meanwhile, Kyzer's determination to rule is tested as his heart begins to soften in ways he never expected. Two royals, two dreams, one fate-how will their worlds collide?
Chapter 1
Yriana's POV
"That's because you'll be getting married next month-" My father's words made me choke on air! Everyone looked at me in shock.
"Yriana? Are you okay?" my older brother Yoran asked worriedly. I nodded, but my mind couldn't process what I had just heard.
"That's because you'll be getting married next month-"
"That's because you'll be getting married next month-"
The words echoed in my mind. I turned to my father in disbelief.
'A suitor one day, a husband the next? And at only twenty-four, I'm supposed to settle down into married life already?'
"Pa, you're joking, right?!" I forced a sarcastic smile, but my father simply laughed.
"Of course not! Hahaha! I'm serious," he said, his tone suddenly firm. I gripped the knife I was using to cut the meat even tighter.
"I don't agree with this," I said, standing abruptly. My tone was serious and barely contained my anger. My father's expression mirrored mine, growing stern as the room fell silent.
"You'll get married whether you like it or not," he said firmly. "Your mother and I have already decided. Show some respect-we're doing this for you-"
"For me? Whether I like it or not? Since when do you decide my fate?"
"Yriana!" my mother scolded, rising to her feet. I ignored her.
"Why do you always force things on me that I don't want? Even the person I'm going to marry-you get to decide!" I shouted, unable to hold back my frustration.
"Respect my decision, daughter! You're embarrassing us in front of our guests. You know our tradition!" my father bellowed, standing as well.
"F*** that tradition," I muttered under my breath. "You care more about that damn tradition than you care about me? My whole life!" My voice grew louder as I pointed to myself. "I'm suffocated by all your orders! It's always about what you want! Did you ever stop to think about how I feel?" Tears streamed down my face.
"Yriana," my older brother Willsen said worriedly, but I simply glared at him.
"Daughter, you'll be happy someday. I'm doing this for you and for the kingdom!" my father declared passionately. I responded with a sarcastic smile.
"No, Pa. You're doing this for yourself!" I snapped, not caring if I sounded disrespectful. Without another word, I stormed out, ignoring the concerned looks from the palace staff. I nodded absentmindedly when asked if I was okay.
I eventually found myself in the archery room.
"Your Highness, what are you doing here?" the guard asked, puzzled. "And why are your eyes swollen?"
"I'm here to train," I said flatly. "Don't mind this." I wiped my tears hastily and ordered the servant who had followed me to prepare my archery equipment.
"But Your Highness, your father specifically ordered-"
"I don't care," I interrupted. His mind isn't mine to control, anyway.
"Very well, Your Highness," the guard said formally, bowing as I entered the room. My equipment was already prepared, and I quickly changed into my training attire.
Once I was ready, I entered the archery room. Thankfully, it was empty. At least here, I could vent my anger. I stood before the archery target and began shooting. With every release of the arrow, I felt my frustration pour out, accompanied by tears.
"He wants me to marry for the kingdom? And for myself? Tss. Does everything I want have to go against what he wants?"
"Doesn't he realize I have dreams? Just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I have everything I want."
"Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. He probably thinks he owns everything just because he rules the kingdom."
I tried holding back my tears, but when my arrow hit the bullseye, I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
"But I have to do something. I can't just let this happen."
Suddenly, I heard a rustling sound.
"Who's there?" I called out, looking around. No one answered until...
"You're quite skilled at archery," a voice said from behind me.
I turned sharply to find Prince Kyzer standing there.
"Prince Kyzer?" I exclaimed, lowering my bow.
It was indeed him-the prince I was supposed to marry. He stood before the target I had been practicing on.
"Yes, it's me, Princess," he said formally but with a teasing smirk. I glared at him, raising my bow again and aiming it at him, narrowing my eyes.
"Woah, you're scary!" he said, feigning fear.
"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly. "Are you following me?" I moved the bow closer to him. He smirked.
"Forget what I said about him being serious. Tss."
"What if I said yes?" he replied, grinning. "By the way, why did you storm out earlier?" he asked curiously.
"You heard everything, didn't you? You have ears, don't you?" I released an arrow, which grazed the side of his face and hit the target dead center. I grabbed another arrow from my quiver.
"My father wants me to marry someone I don't even know," I said bitterly, releasing another arrow that hit the bullseye. "Someone I don't even love."
I turned to look at him, and for the first time, his expression turned serious.
---
Kyzer's POV:
I am Prince Kyzer Andrix Alvarez, better known as Kyzer Andrix of Sycernus. (This all happened before the earlier events, just so you know, haha.)
"Mom, where are we going?" I asked curiously as they prepared the carriage.
"I'll tell you later," she said with a smile, causing me to frown.
'Why not now? Tsk.'
I didn't press the matter and climbed into my carriage. My parents were in the one ahead of mine. After some time, the carriages stopped in a kingdom unfamiliar to me.
The attendant opened the door, and I stepped out, marveling at the kingdom's beauty.
"This kingdom is stunning," I thought, impressed.
My parents disembarked as well.
"Your Majesty, welcome to the Kingdom of Hymenaius," the emperor's right hand greeted warmly.
"What business do we have in such a beautiful kingdom?"
"Son, you're going to meet your future betrothed here," my father said, grinning.
"What? As in, someone I'll marry?"
"Dad, seriously?" I asked. "Why are you choosing for me when I can find someone myself?" I said, annoyed. They only laughed.
"Don't worry, you'll meet her soon," my mother said, chuckling. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Honestly, I wasn't entirely opposed-it was just shocking. Besides, they had a point. This arrangement might save me from women chasing me for my wealth.
"I just hope she's not a spoiled brat."
"Is this for real? Am I really seeing this?"
"Of course, you're seeing it," they replied.
"Is that Princess Yriana?" I asked, surprised, pointing to the group training nearby.
"Yes, Your Highness," they answered, which left me in awe.
What the heck?
"In my entire life, this is the first time I've seen a princess who knows how to wield a weapon," I exclaimed in disbelief.
"Even her father and the entire kingdom couldn't believe it when she decided to train with a sword," they said with a smile. I kept watching her, amazed by her skill.
I think I'm starting to take an interest in her.
What am I even saying?
"The Emperor was against her training with swords," they continued. "But because of Princess Yriana's determination to fight and defend the kingdom, she convinced her father to let her."
I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. A clever princess.
"Tell me more," I said absentmindedly.
"About what, Your Highness?" they asked, puzzled.
"Everything about the Princess. After all, we're set to be engaged," I said with a smirk, though my tone was serious. They stared at me for a moment before continuing to walk.
"Many have come here before you, Your Highness," they began. "Because of Princess Yriana's beauty and the wealth of her kingdom, suitors arrived daily-three or more at a time. But the Princess rejected every one of them, which led to her disagreements with the Emperor."
They added, "She's not like other princesses. Instead of putting on makeup and charming princes, she's out here training with her sword. Thanks to her two mentors, she's become incredibly skilled. I once asked her if she was afraid of arguing with her father, and do you know what she said? 'Tss. Is he a three-headed dragon that spits fire when he's angry? Ridiculous.' I didn't know whether to laugh or stay silent. Hahaha!"
Their laughter was contagious, and I chuckled as well.
Sir (out of respect, haha) was naturally talkative, so he shared even more stories about the Princess. We passed by her quarters and other parts of the palace.
"That's all for now, Your Highness. Apologies for my chatter," they said. I smiled, patting their shoulder.
"It's fine. Your chatter turned out to be quite helpful," I said with a grin, making them laugh. As we approached the dining hall, they added, "You're quite the joker, Your Highness. You should head in; the Emperor might be looking for you."
When we arrived, I saw my mother already there, but the Princess was still absent.
What's taking her so long? How many hours does she train?
"You're here, my son. Did you enjoy touring the palace?" my mother asked with a smile as I took my seat.
"With a palace this beautiful, how could I not? It's like paradise," I replied with a polite smile, making them laugh.
"You're such a charmer," Lady Yvina said with a chuckle, and I smiled at her.
"Father, isn't Yriana here yet?" asked her brother, Prince Yoran, I assumed.
"Not yet. That child's training takes forever-it's been over two hours now," the Emperor said, rubbing his face in frustration.
What? Two hours? And she's still not tired? When I watched her train, she didn't even seem worn out.
"Training? For what?" my father asked, curious.
"In swordsmanship, Your Majesty," Prince Willsen replied respectfully, shocking my parents.
"She trains with a sword? How remarkable!" my father exclaimed in surprise, while my mother looked equally astonished.
"Yes, but I don't approve of it. She's too young to wield weapons," the Emperor said with concern.
So that's why.
As the conversation continued, the Emperor's advisor announced that Princess Yriana was on her way. When she descended the grand staircase, she looked as dazzling as a diamond, her beauty enhanced by her attire.
Yriana Wynzill of Orientalis.
I couldn't help but stare at her. The Emperor brought up our engagement, and an argument broke out between him and the Princess. I couldn't believe how boldly she defied her father. It was clear she didn't want to marry me.
She's the kind of princess who doesn't need a prince to protect her.
"Ah, that stubborn child. Please forgive her for her rudeness," the Emperor said, exasperated.
"It's fine. We understand," my father replied with a smile.
An idea crossed my mind. I stood up and walked toward the path the Princess had taken.
"My son, where are you going?" my mother asked, startled.
"I'm going to follow the Princess," I replied formally, hastening my steps.
"What-?" I didn't hear the rest of her words as I had already walked far.
I don't know why, but I feel like I'm starting to admire her.
To Be Continued...
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