PROLOGUE
* * * * Five years ago * * * * * *
Five years ago, a terrible curse was laid upon the triplet alpha kings of Goldcrest after their wicked generals slaughtered an entire village of innocent rouges.
It is said that the kings had raided the rouge village in pursuit of the mysterious crown of king of alpha kings. They left their generals to decide the fate of the rouges after retrieving the crown.
The Generals ordered the ruthless slaughter of the rouge village, but not before the eldest of the rouges laid a terrible curse upon the kings and the stolen crown.
"May our blood, that has been spilled by thy hands, herald the downfall of thy kings. May our blood curse the light of day against thee. May this spell grow stronger with each new moon. May thy authority vanish like dust in the wind." they chanted in unison.
From then on, the great alpha kings of Goldcrest were plagued by a terrible curse, one that would not allow them to step out in the light of day or wear the crown of king of alpha kings.
FIVE YEARS LATER
ELLA'S POV
"How amazing is fate?
Like a river, it twists and turns,
plunging the top to the bottom,
and the bottom to the top.
Your tomorrow is just but a delusion,
even the kings are in the dark about it.
Its like a secret in a bag,
or a secretive enemy in your house.
Trend carefully in your past
for in the future you might meet your past.
And it swallows you alive."
I diligently sing the soothing melody to my beautiful mistress, Princess Hellen, as the luxurious carriage glides down the dusty road that leads to the great palace of Goldcrest kingdom, the land famously known for it's great wealth and mighty alpha kings.
"I dislike that song, human. Sing another one." The princess suddenly demands.
"Which one would you like me to sing, your highness?" I respectfully ask as I hastily search my head for a different tune that will appease her. My singing ability is the only reason I was hired as one of her servants. Since I failed to phase on my eighteenth birthday I was deemed unfit to work for anyone. Fortunately, my adoptive mother knew someone who worked for Princess Hellen and managed to secure me an opportunity to showcase my talent. Although the princess has numerous servants, I accompany her everywhere she goes with my harp. She believes that music helps calm her genius mind.
I finally find one and start singing again, but get interrupted by Asher, our mistress's favorite servant.
"Your highness!" she gasps pointing a trembling finger. "Look ahead, we have arrived!"
We all follow her line of sight.
The imposing palace of Goldcrest looms ahead, its magnificent spires and gleaming domes surpassing anything I have ever seen. One can see the wide windows and deluxe curtains above the grand walls that surround the palace.
"Move!" Princess Helen snaps, pushing me out of the way to get a better look.
"It's so much better than your father's palace." Julia, our mistress's second favourite servant breathes, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes, it's even more magnificent than I imagined." Princess Hellen whispers, her voice filled with awe. "I must successfully lift that curse and win over the hearts of the great kings." She adds.
Three days ago a messager arrived in our small pack, Silverdale, with news that the Alpha Kings of Goldcrest are offering a grand prize to anyone that can lift their curse. Which means that the stories that have been circulating for years about them being cursed are actually true.
According to the rumors, there once existed a powerful crown destined for the king of all Alpha kings. It's the only crown that chose it's wearer. And it was first worn by the first king of Goldcrest. But he died in a battle and the crown was lost for many years.
Later it was unearthed by a peasant rouge, it's second chosen wearer. But the newly crowned alpha kings of Goldcrest, Alaric, Regan and Kian were not inclined to allow a lowly peasant to reign over them. They raided the rouge village in pursuit of the crown. Their generals slew the peasant and his people. But the village elders in their dying moments, laid a curse on both the kings and the stolen crown.
Princess Hellen has good knowledge of spells and herbs. Which is why her father convinced her not to pass such a golden opportunity.
No one knows the exact sum the alpha kings are offering, but they are the wealthiest rulers in all the realms. Whatever they offer, it must be a grand reward, befitting their stature.
"I can't believe we're going to be inside that magnificent palace ," Asher muses in a dreamy tone just as the carriage slows to a stop at the glad entrance and our coachman engages in a hushed conversation with the guards.
"I have Princess Hellen of Silverdale. She expects an audience with the Alpha Kings." He says.
The guards exchange a quick, knowing look before nodding in acknowledgment. The coachman straightens up and the carriage lurches forward once more, passing through the gates and into the heart of the palace grounds. My heart races with anticipation as I eagerly take in the majestic surroundings.
There are nobles and courtiers strolling through the lush gardens, their elegant attires a flutter of vibrant colors against the backdrop of lush greenery.
As the carriage comes to a halt in front of the grand entrance of the palace, our beautiful mistress begins to panic.
"What if I cannot break the curse and my beauty fails to appease the alpha kings?" she asks, her eyes wide with sudden desperation.
Hellen does believe in the allure of her own beauty, she believes even the god's would bow to her, but I doubt that any of the Alpha Kings would be concerned with her appearance if she can't find a way to break their curse.
Asher immediately leans in with a sweet smile and reassures her, "You're the prettiest of all royal women. I am sure the alpha kings will be awed by your bewitching face, my lady."
Julia quickly chimes in, "The alpha kings will not only feel honored that you have graced their palace with beauty but also your talent and brains, your highness."
I keep my mouth shut, knowing I'm her least favorite servant. I only speak to her when she has asked me to.
"Do you not have any thoughts, human?" Asher snaps at me.
Feeling the weight of their stares, I hesitantly offerer, "You're beautiful like the moon... and stars combined, my lady."
Asher and Julia immediately bursts out laughing at my awkward attempt to praise our mistress. I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment as their laughter fills the carriage. Princess Hellen looks at me with mild annoyance. Thankfully, the coachman steps down to open the door for the princess, diverting their attention away from me.
She takes a deep breath, gathering her composure before stepping out onto the marble steps.
As Julia and I straighten her beautiful gown, the massive palace doors ahead swing open and a well dressed middle aged man strides forward to greet us, accompanied by three young servants in elegant uniforms.
"Welcome, Princess Hellen of Silverdale," the man greets with a respectful bow. "I am Sir William, the assistant Alpha Kings. We have been eagerly anticipating your arrival."
Princess Hellen's face light up with excitement. "I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity I have been granted, sir. You have my word that my work will not disappoint the great kings," she assures the man and he nods.
"I will show you to your guest room so that you can rest from the journey and prepare to meet the kings tomorrow," Sir William says.
Princess Hellen's smile fades.
"Tomorrow? Can't I meet them now?" she inquires eagerly. Sir William pauses for a moment before responding.
"Only two of the kings are currently present. Alpha Aleric had some matters to attend to on the northern border, but he is expected back tomorrow."
Hellen nods trying not to show her disappointment.
She had ordered a dozen dresses and chose to wear the most exquisite of them for the journey today expecting that it's the alpha kings who will welcome her.
Sir William motions for his servants to assist us with our luggage. "Show the guest quarters to our esteemed visitor," he commands before turning to address Hellen directly. "Please, follow them, your highness."
As we step through the palace's grand entrance, I am awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the interior. Ornate tapestries adores the walls, and golden fixtures gleams in the soft light. Every step we take through the opulent halls speaks of wealth, luxury and privilege.
The servants lead us up a sweeping staircase to a vast hallway lined with doors on either side.
"This is her Highness's quarters," one of the servants announces, opening one ornate door on the left row.
Princess Hellen goes on in first and her soiled mood lights up again. We carefully carry her belongings into the room, which is nothing short of a small paradise. A queen size bed, the most exquisite golden furnishings, and every amenity fit for a princess await inside.
"The next room will serve as your servants' quarters." The palace servant informs, gesturing to the next room with her hand.
"Do not to hesitate to ask for anything you need. Our kings will be happy to provide," another servant informs before they gracefully depart.
Princess Hellen paces around the room, her eyes lingering on each expensive item. "Look at all this! The jewels, the silks... this is what I've always dreamed of." She says excitedly.
"If I can completely lift the curse of the kings they will be pleased enough to grant me whatever I ask. I can even demand that they make me their queen" She mutters in a dreamy voice.
Her favourite servants nod in great approval.
"You, human, find the palace library and bring me the book of spells!" She orders, her cold gaze on me.
I hesitate, about to explain that I don't know my way around this palace as we have just arrived, but I reconsider. She of course wouldn't be concerned if I got lost. "Yes, your Highness," I reply, bowing before swiftly making my way out of the room to fulfill her request.
