The Devil's Cursed Witch

Morning on the day of mourning…

After Draven left for the Netherfields, Ember remained standing by the window of her chamber for some time. Though she was smiling in front of Draven, that smile on her face disappeared as soon as he was gone.

The event from the previous night was occupying her mind.

'The Kingdom of Valor…the Valor Royal Family…the only daughter of the King…'

All her expectations shattered after Draven took her to Valor. At this point, she was torn about her real identity.

An abandoned princess.

How her family abandoned her, in fact that was still somewhat acceptable to her. But what thoroughly crushed her heart was when she learned they wanted to kill her. They branded her as bad—no, cursed even— when she had done nothing bad in her entire life.

'Why did they think I'm a cursed child? Why did they let people think I'm an evil witch? Why…me?'

Before she knew it, the corners of her eyes moistened, and a small sniffle escaped her mouth. She wanted to  question why this happened to her.

Why was she forced to live such a pathetic life in hiding, a life worse than animals, when she was the only daughter of the most powerful family of the kingdom?

Even the daughters of the most ordinary villagers lived a better life than hers. At least, they did not have a need to fear that their parents would want them dead…

Clio and Reya could no longer watch their master looking lost and miserable like this. She barely even had a bite of her morning meal, and even though Reya attempted to strike conversation with her, Ember would only nod at most before going back into a distracted state.

After a lot of consideration, Clio finally managed to say, "Miss, would you like to take a stroll in the garden? The weather is fairly good today. The fresh air will be a nice change instead of the stuffy air here in your chamber."

Ember didn't seem to hear her as she continued to look out of the window in a daze.

Clio looked at Reya, who nodded and talked to Ember, "Miss, I heard from the gardeners that new flowers have bloomed in the garden. Would you like to see them? I am sure there will also be many butterflies to admire in the garden." She then glanced at the lovely white bird sitting on the swing of her cage. "Even Ray would like to go out and play in the garden, don't you, Ray?"

The little bird, as if sensing the situation, immediately let out a musical chirp.

"Play! Ray, going out! Garden! Play!" she continued to repeat in a singsong manner.

Finally, Ember's expression softened as she looked at her pet. "Alright, let's go out."

Not only the little bird, but also her servants cheered at her words. Their group soon went towards the garden.

As soon as she stepped out onto the paved path leading outside, bright sunlight shone on her face. The temperature was neither too hot nor too cold, just perfect for a walk.

Ember felt the warmth of the morning sun against her skin and she heard Ray let out a happy chirp as the bird danced around the nearby trees, but all that did was make Ember let out a tired sigh. Even the beauty of the scenery could not lift her spirits.

Seeing Ember's mood remain unchanged, her servants could only continue worrying about her.

As they sat in one of the pavilions within the garden, Reya looked at the sky as she spoke, "Around this time, everyone must have started paying respects to the graves in the Netherfields."

Ember had a blank look on her face, prompting Clio to explain, "Miss, around this time of the day, all the residents of Agartha would have gathered in the Netherfields. Once the people have settled, the prayer ceremony will begin with the people paying respect to the deceased altogether."

"Why  didn't you go?" Ember asked. "I don't mind being by myself."

"We are your servants. Staying with you is more important, Miss, and besides, those of us staying here in the palace today already visited the graves of our loved ones yesterday. Going to the Netherfields is ceremonial anyways. As long as we are sincere, we can just pay our respect from here."

As she said that, Clio closed her eyes, and Reya followed suit. They silently prayed for the souls of their dead family and friends.

'As long as we are sincere, you say…'

Ember also closed her eyes, saying a small prayer in the deepest part of her heart. She might be a human being, part of the race that caused the tragic massacre in Agartha, but she was no ordinary human—she was Ember Aramis, mate of the King of Agartha. She considered the supernatural beings of this kingdom her family. It was only proper she prayed for her own people.

Instead of praying for the dead, she prayed for those who were left behind.

'For all the good people still grieving for the deaths of their beloved, may they find joy in living. I pray that their future will be filled with peace and happiness.

'I pray for Draven, for Morpheus, Elder Leeora, Lady Cornelia, Reya, Clio, Erlos, Lady Helia…'

She started listing down all the good people she became acquainted with in Agartha, sincerely wishing that they find peace in their grief, that they may eventually get over the pain of loss.

Once she was done, she found that Reya and Clio were already finished praying as well.

They walked along the stone path within the flower garden, spending time peacefully as they admired the full blossoms. Reya gladly introduced the new flowers to Ember, bragging about how the Wood Elves nurtured them and how the fairies blessed these flowers to bloom.

However, their peaceful stroll was short-lived.

"Oh, so you all are here?"

A familiar but unwelcomed voice caused them to turn around. Young Lady Isa was standing in front of them with a sugary sweet smile on her pretty face