Princess of the Underworld

Prologue Livana: "It was just like any other day, carrying out my royal duties and preparing for my future role as queen. My father and mother always kept me secluded behind the palace walls, hidden from the outside world. They believed that outside distractions and dangers could pose a threat to me. From a very young age, I started learning the ways of royalty and was shown various aspects of the kingdom. My parents always assured me that this world would someday be mine; I'll tell you a story about how it all began." ------------------------------------------------------------- You see, Livana had a habit of getting curious about the outside world. Without any guards or family members following her around, she would attempt to escape several times. Each time she tried, she failed and was caught. Livana would either be picked up or dragged back to her room and was repeatedly told that the outside world was 'dangerous,' and every time she heard those words, Livana would sigh, pout, and mumble back whenever she got lectured about the outside world. Over the years, Livana devoted her time to fulfilling her royal duties and delving into her family's history through countless books. To everyone else, it seemed as if she had turned her back on the outside world. Little did they know that in her free moments, away from royal obligations, Livana would escape to a scheduled spot in the grand library to indulge in her favourite book. It opened Livana's eyes to a world where people were free to do as they pleased: have fun, travel, and enjoy life. It all sounded so much more appealing than being confined within the palace for eternity. After finishing the book, Livana placed it back in its spot. She quickly climbed out of her little hideaway area and walked out of the library to return to her room as it was getting late. As Livana walked, she saw everyone putting up decorations and preparing a grand feast for tomorrow, Livana's nineteenth birthday. On that day, her appearance will stay like that of a nineteen-year-old forever, even as she ages. Tomorrow, Livana's parents are hosting a grand ball with many royal male vampires in attendance along with their wealthy families, all hoping to win her affection. However, Livana has no interest in any of them. She has planned to escape during the busy event and experience the outside world. If plan A fails, she has a plan B ready. Livana smiled to herself while thinking about the plans she had. She would have to go disguised for plan A so no one would recognize her. After considering how to disguise herself, she realised that she had a hooded, long, dark cloak that she could wear. Of course, Livana would also leave her crown in her room, as it would give her away if she wore her dark hooded cloak. If plan A doesn't work, she'll proceed to plan B, convincing her parents to let her go. "Ah, Livana, there you are," Livana was interrupted by her thoughts, but knew exactly who it was, so she turned around and was greeted by her father, who was standing close by. "Father," she said in respect. Zadimus said, "Last night of being eighteen and hopefully of being single, as you know what tomorrow also is..." Livana interrupted him by sighing, looking down at the dark marble floor, "Yes, I do - to find a good suitor to help rule the underworld." Livana wasn't the least bit happy or interested in the whole 'suiting' thing. Then she felt her father's hand on top of her head as his voice changed, saying, "Livana, you know it is for the best for the underworld and for the people of it." Livana looked up with a small smile and replied, "I know, Father." Her father said one last thing, using his left hand to move her hair away from her face, before placing both hands on Livana's cheeks, "It's for the best," with that, they bid each other good night. Livana watched her father, Zadimus, walk down the long, dark hall before opening the door to her room and stepping inside, closing it behind her. Livana took a breath and slid slowly down the door to the ground, feeling defeated. Livana sat in the dark for a few minutes until she saw a bright light outside her window. Livana got up slowly and walked toward the window, opening the curtains. As the curtains were opened, she saw fireworks exploding in different colours into the air—blues, greens, and many other colours. Looking down, Livana also spotted the people of the underworld having fun: running around, chatting, and having a few laughs while drinking. Livana longed to be part of that, to have fun and not think of any responsibilities. Livana then closed her curtains and went to lay on her queen-sized bed. She reminded herself, 'Remember, Livana, tomorrow night is the night you can explore the outside world and experience it all.' Livana closed her eyes and fell deep into the darkness.