Chapter 1:
The sun had barely risen over the quiet forest of the Gold Kingdom, casting golden light through the trees as Mariela wandered among the foliage. Her fingers brushed against the smooth petals of a rare flower she had discovered in the early morning hours. The scent of roses filled the air, and she marvelled at the variety of plants that thrived beneath the trees. It was in this natural world, far from the confines of her noble home, that Mariela felt most at peace.
She carefully plucked a delicate rose, its petals glowing with a soft blue hue—an early bloom, so rare that many believed it to be a legend.
"Just a little longer," Mariela whispered to herself, her heart light with excitement. She had found it—the elusive blue rose. A prize beyond value.
From behind, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "Mariela, your father will probably be worried if we don't return for your training."
It was the maiden who had been assigned to Mariela, always cautious and protective, and a little too overbearing. Mariela rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless.
"Just one more minute," she called back. "I'll be done in no time."
The maiden sighed. "But if you hurt yourself again, my lady, your father will be furious with me too. I beg you, have mercy on us."
Mariela chuckled softly, the memory of past falls and tumbles still fresh in her mind. "That was when I was little," she replied, "I don't fall anymore. We have ten more minutes—just relax."
The maiden frowned. "But my lady, you fell last week. That was not too long ago."
Mariela found the rose she had been searching for and held it up triumphantly. "Found it! Look at this beauty! The blue rose that only blooms this early. Let's go, Lazar will be thrilled when he sees this!"
"Yes, my lady," the maiden replied, though her voice carried an unmistakable note of worry.
As they made their way back to the mansion, the sound of hurried footsteps met Mariela's ears. Turning around, she saw the nobleman's wife standing at the door, her face set in an impatient frown.
"There you are, Mariela," the noblewoman said sharply, though her tone softened when she saw her stepdaughter's face. "My lady, I mean mother." Mariela curtsied, a habit she had long been taught but never truly embraced.
The noblewoman's lips twisted into a frown as she gazed at Mariela. "How many times have I told you not to wander the forest like an animal? I asked for a child, not a monkey. What have I done to deserve this?"
"I'm sorry, Mother," Mariela said softly, lowering her gaze. "But I found this rare flower. It only blooms at dawn—"
"I have no interest in your nonsense, Mariela," the noblewoman interrupted, her voice cold. "Now, get that dirt off your face and hurry to your dance class. And you, maid, do not let this become a habit!"
"Yes, my lady," the maid responded, her eyes downcast.
Mariela sighed inwardly as she turned away, heading toward the mansion. Yep, that's my mother, well, my stepmother for you, she thought bitterly. She wanted a daughter she could show off, but instead, she got me. A girl who loves flowers more than silk gowns.
The day went on as usual: dance lessons, music training, and even the fine art of eating at a noble's table. Mariela moved through her classes with an ease she had grown used to over the years. Her father, despite his status, had always been kind to her, offering her a life of luxury—yet it never truly felt like home.
When the lessons were done, Mariela slipped outside into the garden, seeking a moment of quiet.
As she sat by a blooming tree, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"When I look for you, this is the only place I know you will be."
Mariela turned to see her father, the nobleman, standing there, his expression unreadable. "Father, what business brings you here?" she asked her voice a mix of curiosity and warmth.
"Just checking on things," he replied, his gaze flickering over her. "How are you? I heard today's class was intense."
Mariela gave a small smile. "It was, but I'm used to it now. I see they've upgraded the lessons, though."
"Seems that way," he said. Then, his tone shifted slightly. "I heard you were out in the forest again this morning."
Mariela felt a twinge of guilt. "Not for long, and I wasn't far from the house, I promise."
Her father studied her carefully, his expression softening. "I see. So, what have you found today?"
Mariela's eyes lit up. "A lot of things, but my biggest discovery was the blue rose. Have you ever seen one before?"
The nobleman shook his head. "No, I haven't."
Mariela beamed with excitement. "It's a rare plant, and its beauty is beyond this world. They say its petals help with digestion if you eat them."
"Is that so?" he asked, intrigued.
Mariela nodded a playful glint in her eyes. "Yes, do you want to try some? I ate a few earlier, and I feel amazing right now."
The nobleman chuckled, his eyes warm. "I can see that."
"Father," Mariela began, her voice more earnest, "do you think I could visit the Gold Kingdom's capital one day? I heard there's a great library and a variety of flowers there." Her excitement was palpable.
Her father's expression shifted again, thoughtful. "What about next week? I'm going there to meet with the king about a business deal. You could come along if you want."
Mariela's heart skipped a beat. "Really? You would let me come?"
"Of course," he replied. "You've never been outside the house much. It will be a good experience for you."
Mariela grinned from ear to ear. "Yes! I would love to go!"
"Good," he said, his tone suddenly more serious. "Now, go rest. Finish your studies and don't worry your mother too much, alright?"
"Yes, sire," she said, bowing slightly, the excitement bubbling inside her.
As Mariela turned to leave, her father called after her, "Gideon, guard her well."
Gideon, the trusted family guard, stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Yes, sir."
"Did you hear that, Gideon?" Mariela said, her voice bright with anticipation. "I'm going to the capital next week! I can't wait!"
Gideon smiled faintly, his eyes warm but guarded. "You must be thrilled, my lady. But remember, study hard. The master expects much of you."
"I'll make him proud," Mariela said confidently. "And Mother will praise me after this week."
Gideon nodded. "Let's return to your room, Miss. It's getting late."
Mariela nodded, though her mind was still racing. One week, and she would finally leave the confines of the mansion. She couldn't wait to see the world beyond.
The Next Morning
The next day, the nobleman prepared to leave for the capital. As Mariela packed her things, her stepmother's voice echoed through the halls.
"I don't know why you spoil that girl so, Peter," Mariane grumbled as she helped her husband prepare for his trip. "You're going for business. Why take a child with you?"
Peter, the nobleman, sighed. "She's never seen the world, Mariane. Let her experience it once."
Mariane's expression softened for a moment, but she said nothing further. "Fine, go. Have a safe journey."
"Goodbye, Mother. I'll bring back souvenirs," Mariela said with a smile, feeling a sense of freedom she had longed for.
"Do as you wish, but don't embarrass Peter while you're there," Mariane muttered as she turned away.
Gideon's voice came from behind her. "Ready, Miss?"
Mariela turned a wide grin on her face. "Ready. A new adventure awaits."
As the carriage began its long journey to the capital, Mariela soon fell asleep, her dreams filled with the promise of the new world she was about to discover.