White land

The throne room looked empty, his majesty, not finding the queen, snapped his teeth, one of the knights in the room reported that the queen had left a few seconds ago without knowing her exact direction.

His majesty asked the knight about the subject that was discussed in Sir Lion's audience with the queen, the knight denied his question without knowing what to answer, his majesty silently left the room, he could not stop thinking about the reason why that Sir Lion wanted an audience with his wife, the simple fact that the queen did not inform his majesty on that matter caused him concern, those days due to the decisions taken long ago in silence, they directly affected his present.

The queen had forgiven the majesty of him before, he himself had been relieved of it and had sworn that he would not make the same mistake, those words he had to have said with care. Agnus's words were true, trust is the hardest thing to repair when you've already been hurt.

- My Queen -

His majesty's voice was very low as soon as she could utter those words without her voice breaking, the relationship that she had cared for all those years, could disappear overnight.

- Agnus - his majesty called his shadow who appeared at his side when he finished pronouncing his name, those crimson eyes did not raise his gaze until they heard his majesty's voice - you were right - his majesty said in a cutting tone, Agnus raised slightly his gaze upon hearing the words of who he considered not only his master but also his friend -

-His majesty of him… -Agnus is one of the few people who knows exactly her majesty, her fears, ambitions and dreams. Since he was young, Agnus' duty had always been to be in the shadows protecting his majesty, seeing that his majesty accepted his mistakes reassured Agnus - he always knows what to do, his majesty will make a good decision - he exclaimed Agnus staring at him.

His majesty gave a slight smile at Agnus's words as he lightly nodded at his words.

-My queen must surely be disappointed, I must amend it and regarding the subject of magicians and my mother, I will take care of myself while the queen and princess are in the kingdom of Khardia - exclaimed his majesty seriously.

- Your majesty of him is sure of this decision? - Agnus asked.

-If not doing so, the position of the princess and the queen will be in danger, I will take advantage of the invitation of the kingdom of Khardia, so that both can get away from the internal problems of the kingdom and I will take care of it myself - said his majesty -

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Both kings had made a decision, on the one hand, the queen who decided to seek a solution outside the kingdom and her majesty who still believes she has the power to have her orders followed without being reputed.

The course of the days continued their course, time after all does not wait for anyone.

That morning was very busy the palace servants hurried carrying the luggage to the carriage and helping to prepare his queen and princess, Asher for his part gave a last check to the carriage, while Mary carefully observed Stella's luggage waiting for the little girl to carry everything necessary, upon hearing that their majesties were present, they went to their places greeting their majesties.

- Mary! - Stella who was wearing a navy blue dress ran to Mary with a smile - she is cute! It matches my mother's dress - Stella looked very happy to be able to wear that dress. Mary knew it just by seeing that smile, Mary could only agree to Stella's words, lightly placing her hand on her head.

- This beautiful my princess - Mary gave a small smile to Stella, Stella's gaze fell on Mary, she looked worried, not only for Stella but also for the queen, Stella clung slightly to Mary when she felt that concern.

- Stella! Stella's small amber eyes gleamed when she saw Norma's silhouette on one side of the palace.

-Norma ... -she said in a low voice separating from Mary, Norma approached Stella with a small box in her hands - you came ... -Norma nodded to her words as she looked at her and took her hands.

- I told you that I would not break my promise right? - Norma smiled as Stella nodded to her words -It's true ... I also brought you this - Norma gave that gift to Stella who opened the gift -

-This ... -see that necklace of the same color as her eyes surprised her and at the same time made her quite happy - how beautiful-Norma seeing her happy with her could not help but feel ashamed.

- When I went to town the last time I saw it, it's the same color of your eyes, I thought you'd like it, that's why I bought it - Stella took out the necklace that Norma had given her and tried to put it on her own - wait Stella ... let me help you - Norma said as she helped her put the necklace on - ready ... - Stella did not take her eyes off the necklace while she went with her parents, Norma did not take her gaze from Stella.

- When you bought that necklace you looked very anxious, I never imagined that you would give it to the princess - Norma upon hearing her father's voice behind him, that fixed gaze of her father rested on Norma who did not say a word - You said your emotions they would not be linked to your decision to serve the princess, Norma, are you sure you can repeat those words again? -

Norma had remained silent after the interrogation of her father, certainly in the beginning for Stella it had only attracted her attention because of her different way of looking at the world.

Father ... I think you are having the wrong idea of me and the princess ... -replied Norma, while her father did not take his eyes off the child.

- I understand, I may have been confused ... - said the Duke as he took light steps towards their majesties - then, you will have no opposition for the union of Princess Stella with the Prince of Khardia - Norma raised her gaze to her father after hearing those words.

- Father ... what ... -

-Duke of Tyson is unexpected to see you here today - spoke her majesty, while she looked at the newcomers, her gaze fell on Norma who looked pale - young Tyson, are you alright? - His majesty tried to get closer to Norma, the duke when seeing such action spoke.

-My son is still a bit shocked by the departure of the princess, he is the only friend of him after all - replied the duke.

-Yes, I understand - replied his majesty - I thank the duke for the present to my daughter - the duke followed the conversation to his majesty.

Stella had been talking with her mother about the gift given by Norma very happy, her gaze fell on Norma who was with her father and the duke, seeing him without saying a word worried Stella, a few minutes ago he had been happy talking with her, suddenly her attitude changed, her gaze fell on the Duke of Tyson who was at her side, slightly frowning as she approached him.

- Princess? - Mary and the queen watched as Stella went to Norma and she took him by her arm, surprising him, the queen only smiled at the act of her daughter while she looked at her.

- Norma! Let's go! - Stella said with a smile looking at him, Norma when she saw her turned her gaze from her to the duke who paid her full attention to Stella - mmm ... what's wrong? - Stella looked at the duke who approached both children, Norma attracted Stella to her side, preventing her father from approaching her - Norma? - Stella watched as those green eyes stared at the duke.

- Stella it's time to go! - claimed the queen.

- Yes! - Stella took Norma by her arm, giving a quick bow, she said goodbye to the duke and went with her mother taking Norma with her.

Apparently the princess is very insightful, her majesty is not true - the duke turned his gaze to his majesty who was next to him frowning - will he send my head cut short? -

-It's a good idea Duke - answered her cutting majesty -

- I'm sorry if I offended his majesty with my attitude, I wanted to check the reason why that child is so interested in the princess, seeing the attitude of the princess I understand the reason - said the Duke of Tyson while his majesty still did not say a word some - my only heir suddenly decides to serve the princess that the whole kingdom put aside, he did not understand the reason at that time, but now ... - those amber eyes came to his mind that looked at him with coldness and decision at the same time - I understand ... why he chose her ... - that little act had hinted why Norma chose Stella, even when she was younger than her son, Stella did not hesitate to go to her side and protect him in her own way.

His majesty, upon hearing the words of the Duke, calmed his anger, placed his gaze on Stella and his wife while giving a slight smile, since Stella was born his majesty and the queen always believed that their daughter would be a great monarch, after what happened. With the ritual, the majority of the kingdom did not believe in it, seeking allies his majesty no longer believed in it fearing a betrayal in the future, after the words of the Duke of Tyson that hope returned slightly, if more people knew Stella how her would be thought about her.

- Norma, take care ... - Stella looked at Norma with a small smile, those amber eyes were crystal clear, Norma silently approached Stella and hugged her.

- Be careful, send me a letter when you get to the kingdom of Khardia, remember everything you learned these days, okay? - Stella nodded to Norma's words as he pulled away from her.

-Norma ... -the queen took Stella's hand as she got her into the carriage, Stella's gaze never left Norma's, she felt a slight sting in her chest.

-My queen please take care - Mary said to Layla who nodded to her words, her gaze fell on Asher and Mary.

-Remember my orders while I'm gone, I'll entrust them to you ... -They both nodded to the queen's words, Asher and Mary separated from the queen when they saw her majesty approaching - her majesty ... Perhaps? Did you forget to give me an indication regarding the trip? - Her majesty denied as she took the queen's hand and placed a kiss on the palm of her hand.

-I will be waiting for the return of my queen - said her majesty while her gaze, Layla returned a sad look to her majesty - Layla ... -the queen carefully removed her hand from her majesty .

- Then I say goodbye your majesty - he said with a broken voice as he got into the carriage with Stella without saying more words - we can leave - when giving the order the guard in charge began to move next to his carriage, everyone's gazes remained in that carriage that left and was lost on the horizon.

I'm counting on you Agnus ... -said her majesty staring at the place where the carriage had gone, a current of wind ran through his body.

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// Duchy of Tyson //

- Where is the duke? - Asked the Duchess, having not been able to find her husband, one of the people in charge of the care of the house spoke with the lady, informing that the Duke had gone to the palace just after Norma left, the Duchess frowned, I well knew that the duke was plotting something to follow his first-born with such care - when the duke returns inform me immediately - the servants of the house agreed to his words as they returned to their duties -

Although the relationship between the duke and her son had never been so close, the duchess knew that the duke loved Norma in her own way, especially since Norma's decision to support the princess's faction. The duke changed his attitude, Norma for her part reported everything she did to her grandfather and mother, although the duchess later reported to the duke, he was unfazed, or that was what she believed, the duke days ago had a slight attention In Norma, upon hearing that he went to the palace after receiving a letter from the princess, that attention gradually grew more the day before when she heard that Norma wanted a gift for the princess, she put her full attention on every move she would make, the trip. to the city even the place where he bought the present the duke knew exactly.

The Duchess had not intervened for the good of both her son and her husband, as any mother believed that the Duke followed Norma for her protection, but what if that was not the reason.

- My Sir…. - The duchess said in supplication mode as she looked at the landscape through her window.

The Duke of Tyson with Norma traveled back to the duchy without speaking, Norma stared at the glass of her window, the Duke all the way on the other hand gave a continuous light blow with his cane to the carriage.

-You're wrong ... - Norma said, calling the duke's attention.

- Suddenly you take the floor and say absurd things, why do you say I was wrong? - Asked the duke, staring at him.

- Stella, I do not know what the duke is thinking, but, he is wrong if he wants to use Stella as a tool for his benefit, neither you nor anyone else will be able to use her that way - those emerald green eyes stared at the duke without hesitation.

The duke was speechless when he heard his firstborn speak in that way, no, those were not simple words rather they were a warning, the duke could not help giving a light laugh, Norma however did not lower his gaze until he heard the answer his father's.

- It seems we must change our faction completely, right? - Norma upon hearing her father's acceptance completely, gave a sigh of relief as she collapsed in her seat - but, what I said before is true - her voice turned serious towards Norma - you must bear in mind that this invitation to the kingdom of Khardia It is surely to ask for the hand of Princess Stella.

-Yes, I know - Norma said calmly as she smiled a little.

- I thought you would object - said the duke

-He trusted the queen and Stella - the duke seeing the calm complexion of his son after saying those words smiled slightly - I already spoke with the queen after all.

- What did you do what ?! - said the duke puzzled - what did you ask the queen? - Norma shrugged slightly refusing to tell her father - you !! Little boy!! -

- It's a secret - Norma said with a laugh.

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The carriage began to continue on its way to the kingdom of Khardia, it had been a few hours of travel, for Stella this was the first time that she left the kingdom, she was very attentive as they advanced, the further they went from the kingdom you could see how the panorama It changed, the trees were increasingly scarce, that caught Stella's attention, the land looked more arid, that landscape caused Stella sadness, it was totally different from the landscape that she saw from her room every day.

-She's crying… ”Stella said softly.

The queen, upon hearing her words, cast her gaze on the place that Stella could see.

- Stella ... perhaps you ... - the neighing of the horses caught the attention of the queen, the carriage had stopped - what's wrong? - I ask the coachman.

- My queen, we are near the limit of the kingdom - answered one of the knights, next to the carriage - do we continue advancing? -

- No, that the knights take care of the guard in the front and rear, the servants who do not separate from the main carriage, until the limit is passed - the queen said in a serious voice.

The knight nodded to her words while she gave the order to the others, Stella watched in silence as her mother stood up and took a cloak in her hands, she did not understand why her mother had said those words.

- Mother? - Stella asked as the queen opened the carriage door.

- Agnus - the queen said calmly, a light breeze of wind enveloped her, in the blink of an eye Agnus appeared.

- My queen ... - Said the albino in front of the queen.

Stella upon hearing the voice of Agnus looked for him immediately with her gaze, upon seeing him in front of the carriage her eyes lit up, since they had left the kingdom of Nakahud Agnus had hidden his presence, Stella felt very comfortable with the presence of Agnus, although that was not accepted by all, the hostile gaze of the guards was very obvious towards Agnus.

-Protect Stella - the queen put the cape over her as she got out of the carriage - at all costs ... - she said would be her closing the carriage door.

- Mother? Mother wait ?! Where are you going? - Stella stood up trying to get out of the carriage after her, Agnus stopped her walk wrapping her in her arms and returning her to her seat-I must go with mom !! - Stella tried to get away from Agnus while she watched as her mother got on one of the palace guard horses and spoke with them - that ... - her mother's gaze was fixed on the knights while they listened attentively - Mom ... - I watch as his mother came forward with the knights.

-Princess, quiet the queen will return soon, she should only wait here - Agnus released her hold on Stella, she just hugged herself silently.

- Where we are? Why does mom act like that - asked Stella.

- It is her first time outside the kingdom, surely everything is very strange for the princess- Stella agreed to Agnus's words - but for everyone else it is not, the princess must know of the limits that surround the kingdom of Nakahud, that The boy who is always by his side surely told him - Stella doubted what to answer at that moment.

Agnus at that time realized that it was likely that Stella's information had been restricted due to her magic deficiency, their majesties before did not believe it possible for Stella to travel to the different kingdoms, they themselves had closed borders for it, more The letter of the kingdom of Khardia broke the barrier that their majesties had set, Stella still had much to learn not only from the kingdom of Nakahud but from the entire continent of Lativia.

The carriage began to move at a slow pace, as they advanced it was heard how the horses were scared and did not want to advance, the coachman tried to calm the animals so that they could continue on the road, a darkness enveloped everything around him, Agnus al Noticing that darkness, he stood next to the princess, those crimson eyes shone in that darkness.

Stella instinctively clung to Agnus who did not separate her from his side.

- What's this?! - The little girl's voice was trembling, Stella kept her eyes closed, Agnus, seeing some people outside the carriage who looked worried, stood in front of Stella while he covered her with her cloak-Agnus? - The albino did not respond, suddenly some screams were heard outside the carriage, Stella's body began to tremble when she heard them.

- Damn ... - Agnus snapped his teeth as he covered Stella's ears with his hands and stared at the servants who followed the carriage, when they saw those crimson eyes in the carriage they drowned out their screams as they continued on the way - princess just focus on me voice ... - he said in a soft tone as he looked at Stella, the little girl nodded at Agnus' words.

For a few minutes everything was kept in darkness, a slight light was seen in the distance, as they advanced it became stronger starting to cover the carriage little by little, Agnus seeing that they had left that darkness separated his hands from Stella who still clung to him and refused to open his eyes.

- Princess, we are going out, you can open your eyes - Agnus said to Stella who denied flatly, a slight smile formed on Agnus' face for a moment when he saw Stella like that - it is his decision, princess, but he will miss a beautiful scenery if you don't open your eyes now.

Said these words Stella slowly opened her eyes even with fear, her amber eyes shone when she saw that landscape completely covered in white.

Snow ... - Stella said happily while Agnus nodded.

- The kingdom of Khardia is the only one where the snow season lasts longer, unlike the other kingdoms, the temperature is also lower than the other kingdoms due to its location, that's why princess should ... - upon hearing Stella's sneeze , Agnus sighed - cover herself more, she's not used to this temperature.

Stella nodded to Agnus's words as she covered herself with Agnus's cloak, the carriage continued on its way reaching the slopes of a snowy mountain, the rays of the sun as it advanced further to the mountain diminished, the sun was about to set, both servants and knights began to set up a small camp for the night.

Agnus had had a little conversation with Stella while the others prepared the provisional camp for that night, the little girl was very curious about Agnus, although he answered some questions, others avoided them, his life had not been easy after all, besides that He did not see fit to tell that to his a princess, who was still very innocent unlike him who had taken lives with his own hands, his stories had been simple, what survival methods to use in places equal to the climate they were passing for example , Stella was captivated by it, in the palace after all they took great care of Stella, the stories would have continued for longer, the more the queen's voice was heard outside the carriage.

-Those stories are not suitable for Stella - said the queen.

-Mother-Stella ran towards her mother, leaving aside the cloak that covered her.

- I'm sorry I left you alone. Were you scared, Stella? - The queen caressed her little girl's head, comforting her, feeling that her body was trembling, she frowned at her.

- Queen ... - The queen stared at Agnus without letting Stella hug, Agnus just kept silent.

-Her majesty of her said that your skills were unmatched, but you could not fully fulfill the order that was entrusted to you, Agnus - said the queen -

-I'm sorry I didn't complete her order - Agnus replied without complaint.

- Withdraw - Agnus nodded to the words of the queen as he left, being completely alone the queen spoke - Stella we only crossed the limit, that is something very normal when traveling to other kingdoms, not only with the kingdom of Khardia but with The other kingdoms, animals sometimes get nervous about the sudden change, but it's nothing more ... no need to fear, okay? -

-Yes ... -Stella answered looking up from her- then why were there screams? -

- Screams? - Stella nodded as she explained what happened to her mother, she looked at the guards and servants who accompanied them - mm ... -

Agnus was silently sitting under a tree without ceasing to watch the carriage, hearing some murmurs from the servants he looked at them sideways, when his gaze crossed with theirs, they quickly dodged it with fear, Agnus seeing such The action of the servants tried to cover her face, remembering that her cloak had been given to the princess, she simply lowered her gaze as she stood up to separate those servants.

-Why doesn't he help? - Said a servant.

-I haven't seen him the whole trip, is he one of us sure? - spoke another.

- Better not bother him, I saw him get out of the queen's carriage - upon hearing that they quickly walked away from Agnus.

The queen from the carriage had observed that scene, she could not help turning her gaze to Stella who was sleeping peacefully on her lap.

"Their resemblance is impressive, I still can't help feeling this uncertainty, Stella feels comfortable next to her so I can't act rashly" those thoughts came to the queen's mind, placing a tender kiss on her little girl, she smiled slightly.

- Goodnight, my princess -