Blushing at her suggestion, Orion averted his gaze, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as he fumbled for a response. Though hesitant, Sterlla knew that beneath his bashful exterior lay a heart brimming with untold affection, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself.

CHAPTER SIX
AN UNEXPECTED EVENT (02)

As Simore appeared, he wrapped his arm around Orion's shoulders from behind, squeezing him in a friendly gesture. Orion chuckled at his playfulness, attempting to break free from Simore's grasp as laughter bubbled up between them. "Orion, dear sister is the precious friend and not me? Is that how it is?" Simore teased, his tone light-hearted.

Orion smirked in response, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he playfully nudged Simore. "Of course not, dear brother," he retorted, his voice filled with mock indignation. "You are equally precious, in your own way."

Their banter was interrupted by the arrival of Lionella, her playful skip matching the rhythm of her laughter as she joined the group. Adena and Linone followed close behind, their own laughter blending with the others as they shared in the camaraderie of the moment.

Meanwhile, in a nearby corridor, Sigel observed the scene from a distance, her fists clenched in frustration. The warm glow of the sunlight streaming through the window bathed Sterlla in an ethereal light, illuminating her beauty and innocence as she laughed and joked with the others.

Sigel's heart twisted with envy as she watched the group, her mind swirling with resentment. "Why is everything dangling around you? What is so special about you?" she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Sigel stormed off to her room, her steps heavy with frustration and disappointment. Alone in the solitude of her chambers, she grappled with the feelings of inadequacy that gnawed at her, longing for the sense of belonging that seemed to elude her grasp.

***

Year 374
October 19th
Xiones Castle

As Sterlla's personal maids meticulously tended to her, her lips parted in soulful humming, a melody that seemed to dance through the air like a delicate breeze. Her fingers brushed over the soft fabric of her beautiful pink floral gown, each movement deliberate and graceful. Adena, seated casually on Sterlla's bedchamber, couldn't help but join in, her own whistling blending seamlessly with Sterlla's melodious tune.

Turning her head to glance at Adena, Sterlla tapped her hair gently, her expression playful yet warm. "What do you say, Lady Adena?" she asked, her tone lighthearted.

Adena met Sterlla's gaze with a gentle smile, her demeanor relaxed and at ease. "Speak informally, my Princess," Sterlla insisted, her grin infectious.

"I'd propose the same," Adena replied, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Despite their differences in status, there was a camaraderie between them that transcended formalities.

Sterlla beamed happily at Adena's response, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You have a way with words, don't you?" she remarked, her admiration evident.

Adena nodded, a proud gleam in her eyes as she acknowledged Sterlla's compliment. For her, finding common ground with Sterlla had always been easy, a testament to the genuine bond they shared.

As the final touches were added to Sterlla's ensemble, she emerged from her room, the epitome of breathtaking beauty. Her presence commanded attention, drawing the gaze of those who crossed her path. Though many of them had known her since childhood, Sterlla's charm never failed to captivate, weaving a spell that left all who encountered her entranced.

As she walked along the corridor, Sterlla's radiance seemed to illuminate the space around her, casting a warm glow that enveloped all who basked in her presence. Like busy bees drawn to the nectar of a flower, people gravitated towards Sterlla, their admiration evident in the way they buzzed around her, eager to be near such a shining beacon of grace and elegance.

As the carriage drew closer to the castle gates, Sterlla was already being led to the gardens by the maidens of the house and Simore himself, her anticipation palpable in the air. From her room's wide-open window, Sigel watched the scene unfold, her gaze fixed on the gleaming figures below. Despite being three floors high, she could clearly discern the glowing smiles that adorned everyone's faces.

Chewing on her lips sorely, Sigel felt a pang of longing tug at her heart. She wished to be included in the merry moment as well, to bask in the warmth of companionship and laughter that seemed to permeate the gardens below. Determination flickering in her eyes, she darted out of her room and hurried down the stairs, her steps quick and purposeful.

Huffing her way to the gardens, Sigel leaped over steps and bounded through corridors, her determination driving her forward. Finally reaching her destination, she spotted Simore amidst the crowd and rushed towards him, her breath coming in short gasps.

Simore, taken aback by her sudden appearance, instinctively reached out to steady her. "Sigel, what is wrong?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice.

"I wish to accompany Sister too, Brother Simore," Sigel replied, her words rushed yet resolute.

Simore hesitated, his brow furrowing in uncertainty. "You do? I mean—"

Before he could finish his sentence, a voice interjected, granting Sigel permission to join the gathering. Simore sighed in defeat, a small smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at the figure approaching them.

Sigel spun around, her eyes widening in surprise as she bowed in a hurried curtsy. "Prince Orion of the Feifer Kingdom," she greeted, her tone respectful yet eager. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, my Crown Prince."

Orion, ever the picture of grace and kindness, lifted her up by her shoulders gently, his touch imbued with a sense of brotherly affection. "All this looks good in the palace, my lady," he remarked, his voice warm with sincerity. "But in here, I expect you to treat me like a friend. I shall do the same."

As the carriage rumbled along the winding path, Sigel found herself seated between Orion and Sterlla, the air filled with the excited chatter of her companions. Sterlla, ever the picture of warmth and enthusiasm, regaled Sigel with tales of the monuments they passed, her voice tinged with excitement as she pointed out her favorite landmarks along the way. With each passing moment, Sterlla's infectious energy seemed to fill the carriage, enveloping Sigel in a whirlwind of gleaming words and cheerful anecdotes.

Yet, beneath her outward facade of congeniality, Sigel seethed with resentment, her thoughts consumed by a deep-seated bitterness that simmered just below the surface. As Sterlla spoke animatedly about the tea cakes she had specially packed for their outing, Sigel forced herself to smile, her expression a mask of bashful innocence that belied the storm raging within.

"Your demise will be the day I smile in peace and no facade, Sterlla Xiones," Sigel thought to herself, her words laced with venomous intent. "You might have forgotten all about me, Citra Vengelhoff, but as a Vengelhoff, I can never forget what you did to me, you fake princess. Just wait till I take everything from you, and you sit there crying, regretting what you did to me."

Lost in her thoughts, Sigel paid little mind to Sterlla's cheerful words, her focus consumed by the burning desire for revenge that smoldered within her. With each passing mile, the distance between them narrowed, bringing Sigel one step closer to the fulfillment of her dark vendetta.

***

Therasus west picnic park
Year 374
October 19th

The vibrant hues of the pink checkered sheet contrasted beautifully against the lush green grass as Sterlla carefully laid it out, a makeshift throne for their picnic adventure. With practiced ease, she placed the woven light yellow basket atop the fabric, a veritable treasure trove of delectable delights awaiting their indulgence. With a gleam of excitement in her eyes, Sterlla settled onto the sheet, her anticipation palpable as she looked up at Orion and Sigel, inviting them to join her in the tranquil setting.

Eager to partake in the festivities, Orion and Sigel followed Sterlla's lead, settling down opposite her on the soft grass. With a flourish, Sterlla unlocked the basket, revealing its contents with a flourish. Tea cakes adorned with delicate icing, sandwiches filled with savory delights, and donut-shaped sweets glistened enticingly in the sunlight, promising a feast fit for royalty.

As the aroma of the food wafted through the air, it was accompanied by the sweet melodies of Therasus's famous singing birds, their angelic voices filling the surroundings with a sense of serenity. Sterlla, lost in the moment, swayed to the music, her movements graceful and fluid as she immersed herself in the tranquility of the scene.

With laughter and chatter filling the air, they indulged in the delicious treats, savoring each bite with delight. Sterlla, in particular, seemed to revel in the experience, her eyes alight with joy as she lifted a porcelain cup filled with fragrant Rose tea. As she took a sip, her expression transformed, her features illuminated with the sheer bliss of the moment.

With a contented sigh, Sterlla leaned back, her body sinking into the soft grass as she succumbed to a state of blissful relaxation. Soon, the rhythmic sound of her breathing filled the air, a testament to the peace that enveloped her in slumber. Orion, ever the attentive companion, brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes, a tender smile playing on his lips as he watched over her.

Meanwhile, Sigel's gaze drifted upward, her eyes fixated on the expanse of the sky above. Lost in her own thoughts, she remained silent, a lone figure amidst the tranquil scene below, her presence a silent testament to the quiet introspection that filled her mind.

As the golden rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the grassy meadow, Orion's gentle voice broke the peaceful silence. "Sterlla. Wake up, dear princess. It's time to head home," he urged, his eyes darting anxiously between the sleeping form of Sterlla and the darkening horizon.

With a sense of urgency, Orion turned to Sigel, his voice tinged with urgency. "Lady Sigel, pack up our things," he instructed, his brow furrowed with concern. Sigel nodded silently, her movements swift and efficient as she hurriedly gathered their belongings into the woven basket, her heart pounding in her chest as she glanced back at Orion, who was struggling to rouse the slumbering princess.

Joining Orion at Sterlla's side, Sigel began shaking her gently, her voice tinged with desperation. "Dear older sister, we must head home now," she implored, her words falling on deaf ears as Sterlla remained unresponsive.

Orion, his patience wearing thin, attempted to lift Sterlla himself, only to be met with a chilling discovery. As his fingers brushed against her lips, a dark stain marred the delicate skin, spreading like ink across a canvas. Desperate to awaken her, Orion shook her with increasing urgency, his heart pounding in his chest as fear gripped him tightly.

With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Orion realized that something was terribly wrong. As white foam bubbled from Sterlla's lips, his hands trembled with shock, his mind racing to comprehend the severity of the situation.

In a panic, he released Sterlla's head gently and grasped her cold hands in his own, his voice trembling as he called out to Sigel for help. "Lady S-Sigel, call upon a physician. NOW!!" he exclaimed, his words echoing through the stillness of the meadow, a chilling reminder of the grave danger that now threatened their beloved princess.