: ̗̀➛Realm Warriors: ̗̀➛

Chapter 1: Pretty Princess

"You're beautiful, your highness."

Turning the young royal around, the female caretaker fiddled with the ribbon of her graceful dress. It was a cute high low off shoulder dress that was sky blue in colour. The dress was so long it reached the ground, making it hard to move. Yet... elegant, her father says. It was for the ball that evening. 

The young princess pulled on her opera gloves stiffly as she grunted slightly, flinching as she felt the tight gloves tighten around her hands.

"Let me help," said the older female as she noticed the princess's discomfort. The young girl did nothing to object as she watched her friend help. Friend, that's right.

To everyone else in the castle, Paige was a mere caretaker, her rank was one of the lowest in the country, no one would imagine a royal interacting with a servant or caretaker unless they were ordering them around. Paige was her only friend, her only friend in the castle. She was the one helping her around, the one spending time with her.

Paige was a woman that was in her 30's, for her age, she still looked pretty young. She had auburn hair that was always in a neat bun, and kind hazel eyes that always watched over Celestia like a loving mother. 

She had a mole under her left eye, Celestia remembered that she used to use this feature of Paige's the recognise her when she was younger. She could never differentshade the staff of the castle, since they all have the exact same formal look.

"All done." breathed Paige as she stood up from her kneeling position, brushing off her uniform slightly as she did, "You look gorgeous, Celestia!" 

Celestia... that was her name: Celestia Asellio. The name was given to her by her late mother, Aurelia Asellio. Her first name was the only thing she ever took pride in. Her father, William Asellio, was the ruler of the kingdom. He was a cold king, never showed much emotion, and when he does, it was often anger or frustration.

Celestia twirled around, the dress trailing after her gracefully. She was indeed beautiful for her age. The young princess had luscious blonde locks that reached only her earlobe, her hair was styled into a classy looking ponytail for the ball. Celestia had dazzling bluebell eyes that matched her dress. Paige often said they were her most prominent features. 

The brunette caretaker sighed dreamily, a warm smile blossoming on her face, her hands intertwined in front of her chest. It was then when she noticed the young princess had no smile on her face, her smile faltered.

She kneeled down to the princess's height, looking into her dull eyes. The spark was gone, she looked defeated, almost depressed. Paige took her hand, it was limp and cold, "S' matter?"

The young princess looked at Paige, she felt tears prick her eyes, as her legs gave way. Startled by the sudden break down, Paige panicked. 

"Did I do something? Oh, whatever happened?" 

Paige reached out and pulled the young royal into her embrace, Celestia had gave in to her tears, they were now rolling down her pale face freely. Paige caressed her gently, telling her it was alright as her thoughts wandered.

Why did Celestia break down all of a sudden? Was it something I said? Come to think of it, she'd been like this since His Majesty wanted to see her, was it something he said? Or was she just tired? Possibly, I'll get her to tell me when she calms down.

Moments later, the older female was dabbing Celestia's bloodshot eyes with a cloth, still hugging her. Celestia's room was so silent, only her occasional sniffles could be heard.

"Now, are you comfortable with telling me what happened?" asked Paige gently.

Celestia nodded tentatively. "Father —" She paused, Paige waited for her answer patiently. Celestia gulped, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, "Father wants me to meet my fiance tonight." The young girl looked down miserably. Paige's mouth fell agape in utter shock when she was sure she heard what she heard.

At such an age? Meet her fiance? Without knowing even the surface of marriage? Did His Majesty know how this would effect her mental health and childhood? Has he gone mental?

She couldn't believe it, she refused to. There was a burning sensation from inside her, she felt her eyes go glossy as her hold on the young princess tightened.

"Paige?" came Celestia's soft voice.

The older female was snapped out of her thoughts, she looked at the young girl in her arms, after taking care off her ever since she was a child, she couldn't believe she would ever see the normally enthusiastic Celestia look so... broken. She'd already been neglected by her father ever since her mother passed, then she was forced to take hard lessons on education, forced to study harder than any other normal child at her age should have to, making her the genuis that she is. And she was raised to understand and adapt to how a proper lady should act. Then she was banned from participating in 'boyish' activities such as duelling, fighting, horseback-riding, and others. She was forced to take dancing classes too, to help when there's a ball. She was made to never wear any 'unfeminine' clothing, such as pants. And now, at the age of mere 13, being taken the chance to ever love, was too much. Paige could go as far to say it was a***e.

"Paige, are you still there?" 

"Yes. I'm sorry, but I can't be there at the ball tonight, you'll have to manage on your own," responded Paige painfully, "Will you be alright?"

The princess nodded firmly, "I'll be okay, you need to take care of yourself too, Paige. You have dark circles under your eyes." The caretaker's hand subconciously went to her eyes, "Do I?" The young royal nodded again. The corners of Paige's lip curled up, "Alright then, I'll rest. Try you best to enjoy the ball?" It sounded more like a question then an encouragement. Celestia giggled lightly, "Okay."

Paige walked Celestia out of her room, down the deserted hallways, through the empty portraits room, and into another hallway, where they heard people chattering rather loudly. Celestia gave Paige a longing look. The older female only responded with a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, the princess went in.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

To her surprise, it wasn't all that hard enjoying herself in the party. There was plenty food that she'd never tasted, probably new recipes stirred up by the royal chef. As she popped another tart into her mouth, she glanced around.

At the end of the ballroom, sat her father on his golden throne, looking utterly bored, his head resting on his hand. He was waiting for Celestia's supposedly future husband to arrive, apparently the young prince was late.

Beside him was his court adviser, Sir Magnus. The court adviser was a skinny, elderly man, but he had the odd job of holding her father's unusally heavy orb and scepter since the person with the job before was supposedly fired. Poor Sir Magnus looked as if he could take his last breath any second.

At the very corner of the ballroom, were three odd looking duchesses, gossiping. They were throwing flirty glances at Prince Cassius, her older brother who was next in line for the throne. 

He was everything she wasn't, smart, obedient, stragetic, caring, always smiling, all in all, perfect. No wonder father is always proud of him... thought Celestia miserably.

There was a loud, painful hearing creak as the two huge doors of the ballroom swang open. Celestia's attention was directed to the source: two snooty looking royals, one male and female, they were presumably partners, and a depressed looking prince trailing behind them.

Her father stood up from his throne, looking pleased. Celestia's mind raced as she subconciously stood up, is this my fiace? If so he doesn't look happy, does he feel the same as me?

"Ahem! May I have your attention, please!" squeaked the court adviser with much difficulty.

The chatters of the ballroom died down; the three nosy duchess shut up; Prince Cassius looked up at his father with a smile; and the three new arrivals bowed to the king.

"Ah, Duke Rhodes and Duchess Rhodes, what a pleasure to meet you again." said her father, taking his scepter from Sir Magnus, who heaved out a sigh of relief. He stepped down from his throne and shook Duke Rhodes's hand rather stiffly, as the other did the same. "Likewise, your highness," nodded the duke, he had a deep voice, "As I've heard, and where is that young princess of yours?" He scanned the crowd, hoping to see a child that stood out. Celestia tried to blend in, but with no avail. 

"Celestia!" roared her father.

She swore she felt the ballroom shake just from his voice. Sighing, the young princess timidly made her way to where the three adults were. She noticed the young noble looked at her curiously.

"That's the princess?" asked a shrilly voice, it belonged to duchess. Her father nodded grimly. The duchess grimaced at Celestia, groaning, "She's fat." 

"I will check to that, Duchess Rhodes." responded her father, he glared at Celestia sternly. She knew it meant, eat less. You're fat, the duke's son wouldn't want to marry you then. "Off you go, we have things to talk about." shooed the duke.

Both young royals were harshly pushed out the ballroom and into the portraits room, where they were told to stay put and quiet. With a loud slam of the wooden doors, the two were left alone, unable to process what just happened.

After a moment of silence, the duke's son was the one who spoke, "Alright there, princess?" the blonde nodded reluctantly. She turned to face the taller male, and was able to look at him properly, he had slicked back brown hair, and the same eye colour as her. He was noticeably taller than her, but she wasn't surprised, she'd always been shorter than most people.

"Allow me to introduce myself, princess," said the brunette stiffly, he bowed, "my name is Chase Rhodes, son of Duke Rhodes and Duchess Rhodes. As far as I know, we are to be married in 5 months. I hope you can find a way to be comfortable around me as soon as possible!"

There was a moments pause, before Celestia answered him. 

"Was that rehearsed, Rhodes?"

The young nobel's face went red at the blunt question, though it sounded more like a statement. "W-what d'you mean, princess?" Celestia titled her head curiously at the red-faced male. 

"That was rehearsed." she said confidently, "You didn't seem comfortable." Rhodes cursed at himself, great! What a great impression! I may not want to marry her, but it's shameful for her to see through me so easily! And at first glance!

He sighed, defeated as he straightened himself, looking the shorter female in the eyes, "Yes, it was rehearsed. May I know the smart princess's name, please?"

A smile crawled its way to Celestia's face. "I'm Celestia Asellio! Pleasure!" she exclaimed, reaching her hand to shake the nobel's. Rhodes went red again, he retracted his hand at lightning speed. "I'm sorry! I can't! My parents forbid me from ever shaking hands with a royal, it's disrespectful!" said the brunette quickly, "I should only bow, I'm sorry princess!" Ah, so that's why he was so professional... it's because of his parents, thought the blonde female upon realizing. 

"My apologies, Rhodes," she smiled slightly.

Soon, Celestia managed to make Rhodes abandon his morals and chat with her, since he wouldn't even sit on the same chair as her ("I can't! God forbid!"). It wasn't long before he relaxed, and the duo were caught up in a cheerful chat.

"Y'know," said the nobel suddenly, "I'm glad you aren't as bad as I imagined." Celestia was laughing at something he said before, but stopped abruptly when those words left his lips. 

Upon seeing her reaction, Rhodes apologised instantly, "Ah — I'm sorry, that was too straightforward! I didnt mean any harm!" To his surprise, Celestia grinned, "It's alright, I feel the same." The male paused in surprise, as if he was frozen. "I'm sorry, what?" he reacted a moment later.

"I was devastated when Father said I was going to meet you," explained the blonde, "I felt like the chance of me ever falling in love, the only option I have left free to explore, was taken away." The male's expression softened at her words. 

"Now, I won't even know what it feels like, to be in love." 

It hurt Rhodes to see her in pain, he only knew her for a day, but she was everything he never would've expected: caring, kind, accepting, rebellious, funny, beautiful and selfless. He still didn't want to marry her, which was a relief when she didn't want to either.

Unsure of what to do, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her an awkward hug.

 Celestia noticed, "What... are you doing?" He gulped, not moving, "Giving you a hug, you looked like you needed one." The young royal felt a grin spread on her face, as warm feeling swirled in her. She reached over and returned the hug, shocking the male.

"Thank you, Rhodes."

A wriggly smile blossomed on Rhodes's face, so this is what happiness feels like...

*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Exhaling impatently, Paige raised her hand and finally knocked on her mistress's door. To her utmost surprise, she heard a 'thump', 'crash' and 'bang', before Celestia's guilty face came poking out of her door.

"Hello, Paige," said the blonde nervously, "D'you need something?" Paige was glaring her down like a hawk. "What happened in there?" demanded the older female.

Celestia sighed, knowing she couldn't cover it up. She opened the door wider, but not wide enough the see what was inside, and ushered Paige inside. 

The sight that greeted her had her mouth agape: expensive glass chess pieces, shattered on the floor, looking beyond compare. Celestia shut the door quietly. 

"What — what happened —" hissed Paige angrily, glaring into the young royal's terrified eyes. "I — I was playing with them on my bed..." muttered Celestia, her hand on her neck, "I think I was too close to the edge, because when you knocked, I may or may not have knocked them off my bed..." 

The older female sighed exasperately as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. The princess fiddled with her fingers anxiously. "We'll tidy it up, a'right?" said the female brunette, making Celestia light up, "Just be more careful next time." 

"Yes, captain!" saluted Celestia jokingly as Paige shook her head at the younger female's respond, but there was an obvious smile on her face. 

It has been 7 months since then, and Celestia had became more cheerful, to which Paige was relieved about. She and Rhodes were supposed to get married last month, but he wasn't feeling well, and the marriage was postponed. And it was followed by a series of troubling events that caused the delay of the marriage. The two youngsters were delighted, they then decided to remain friends, even after marriage.

Paige was confused as to why the princess's personality changed completely out of the blue. Little did she know, Celestia has been sneaking out. Merely 5 months changed the princess, she became rebellious, sassy and cocky, all because she felt as if her father has been defied.

Humming a merry tune as she sweeped the glass remains of the chess up, Celestia glanced at the window in her room. She saw the sun already setting, signalling the coming of night. Then, she felt an uneasy feeling swirling in her insides, she'd suddenly remembered a dream she had from last night. 

She covered her mouth iin horror as the memories came flooding back to her, she could hear voices, unfamiliar voices...

'Hey, princess~'

'AHHHHHH!!! HELP ME, CELEST!!!'

'You're all so childish.'

Celestia clutched her head, I feel dizzy... She shook it off forcefully, calm down, it's just a nightmare.  Paige had already finished sweeping, and the younger quickly followed suit.

But... that can't be right, remembered the young royal as more memories came rushing back, 'RUN — ' 'They're coming! Get behind me!' 'Quick! Don't waste time — !'

... ...

There was a scream, a bloodcurdling scream... it was terrifying, enough to freeze one's bloode completely. And that was the exact effect it had on the 13-year-old blonde. She paused, why does that scream sound familiar in a way...?

As Paige got ready to leave, Celestia called out to her, "Paige!" The servant paused, looking over at the blonde female that had been like her daughter all her life. "Yes?" she answered. Celestia hesitated, it was a confusing nightmare alright, more like a vision, for it was so real... but she wasn't sure if it was true, however, if she was right, then this was going to be the last time she'll be able to talk to Paige.

Looking up at her expectant caretaker, Celestia told her, "Give me a bit. I've something to give you." Paige, confused by the sudden change in the princess's behaviour, and curious for what she had to say, sat down on her bed, and waited.

The blonde female had gotten up and made her way to her desk, taking up a quill and dipping it in ink, she wrote out what she had saw in her dream as quickly as she could on a piece of parchment paper.

The scratching sounds the quill emitted from writing so fast was enough to pique Paige's curiousity even further. Just what was troubling her? Her smile's gone, and she looks so focused... must be important, thought Paige as a frown crept up on her face.

Finally, Celestia placed her quill down on the side, as she looked at what she wrote on the paper, satisfied. She folded it up, and placed it into an envelope neatly before sealing it up with melted wax. 

After it froze over, the younger female wrote another line of words on the back of the envelope, and handed Paige the sealed gift. 

"Here," she said, sitting down with Paige, "This is really important, don't lose it. It's something I think will happen tonight, read the back. It may not make sense to you now, but when the time comes, it will. If what I think will happen happens, open it, without anyone looking."

Celestia thought she could see question marks resting on top of her caretaker's head. She giggled. Paige shot her a teasing look, not taking what she'd wrote seriously. "Alright then, I'll keep it. I wonder what you're up to..." the brunette stuffed the envelope in her pocket, then turning to Celestia, she smiled, "G'night, Celestia." Then the young princess gave the shocked servant a warm bear hug, burrying her head into Paige's neck.

Unable to react for a spilt second, the older female patted the royal's head, ruffling her now shouler-length blonde hair. "S' matter with you, today?" asked a concerned Paige. 

"I love you, Paige." the woman who didn't expect the sudden affection was taken-aback for the third time that day. She loves me...? Why? I'm not her mother, nor a close relative. So, why? S' because she knows about me being kicked out of my house? No... that's not it...

"I love you," repeated Celestia, "You've been like a mother to me ever since I was a child. I've no idea what my mother was like, but I've you, so I didn't mind. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for taking care of me for the past 13 years."

The brunette instantly felt her eyes grow hot. Ah... I'm tearing up... thought Paige as she clutched onto the royal's shirt, "I haven't the slightest idea why you're like this today... " 

The edges of Celestia's lips curled up. After a sweet moment, they pulled apart, only to have the princess's eyes meet with the puffy ones of her caretaker. They're red... from crying... realized Celestia. 

Paige smiled fondly at Celestia, the eyes of a mother... Celestia returned the smile, if what I saw will happen tonight, I want to at least have you know I love you, and I'll miss you.

"Alright now," said Paige, "Time to sleep, no more quirky actions." The caretaker waved a finger at Celestia, the young blonde chuckled in response.

With that, the caretaker got up and left, waving to Celestia as she closed the door. The young royal waved back, her hand clenched when her mother-figure disappeared from view. Holding her hand into a fist, she felt her own tears flood out her eyes, no, I mustn't cry, I've to prepare. Now.

Wasting no time at all, she locked her door with the key, upon hearing the 'click', she ran around the room, gathering all sorts of stuff, including clothes, a compass, the dagger that she kept secret from her father and others. She stuffed them all in a bulky bag she had, as quickly as she could. Time ticked away slowly as she changed out of her lilac nightgown and into a black oversized jacket that she'd gotten from her brother, underneath it, she wore a simple white T-shirt. She leaped toward the window in her room as she pulled up a pair of long black pants, which she'd also gotten from her brother. As Celestia picked up her bag and push open her window, she glanced at the watch she'd tied around her wrist, I saw it right about... now.

She squinted her eyes, looking into the horizon. And there it was: a red flaring firework shooting up in the distance. Upon seeing that signal, she glanced down from her window, her room was about 15 feet off the ground, she gulped, am I doing the right decision...?

BANG!!!

Shocked, the princess whipped her head to where the noise came from, the castle gates. Her heart dropped, a whole group of unknown creatures were banging down the castle gates with a battering ram. 

Before long, there were aggressive banging on her locked door. Horror-struck, she turned back to where she was about to jump to, oh, I'm definitely making the right decision. 

That being her last thought, she leaped down from the window without second thoughts.

As if on cue, the door to her bedroom was forcefully banged open. The terrifying creatures tore down her bedroom whilst looking for her.

"Where'd de princess go?" mumbled one.

"Dunno, dun see her ere'..." gurgled another.

"We better find 'er, can't ave' de boss findin' out..." answered the third.

The other two nodded, they looked around, carelessly throwing down multiple furniture and ripping clothes. In the end, they were unsuccessful. Grumbling disappointingly, they left, muttering about how they were going to be punished.

The rest of the castle was engulfed in complete and utter chaos. Screams of agony and shouts of fear rang out as the monsters invaded the building, all the castle staff were terrorized so bad some were shaking, some hurt terribly, others more unfortunate. Their perished bodies laid in the empty hallways, the disgusting smell of blood filled the castle. King Asellio was still trying to fight back this unknown force attacking his castle, ordering troups and troups of horrified soldiers out into battle, only to have none returning.

Hiding in the secret room only her and Celestia knew about, Paige was completely shaken, how did things become like this...? How did this happen...? 

~A few minutes earlier~

As she closed the door of Celestia's room, the older female sighed, placing her palms on her chest as she recalled what had just happened, I love you too, Celestia... Oh, right! The back of the envelope...

Paige pulled it out of her pocket, glancing around cautiously to see if anyone was around, she flipped it around, there she saw the words: 'When you see red fireworks from afar, hide in our hideout. Don't tell anyone, no matter what. You can't save them.'

Hide in our hideout? Don't tell anyone? You can't save them? What does this all mean?

Puzzled, the brunette went to her room to gather some clothes and important belongings. The princess's request may be weird, but something in Paige made her want to believe the young blonde.

She packed in some necessities, and went to the kitchen for food and water. She passed her colleague, Lisa, who had a hanful of clothes, on her way there. "And where're you headed?" asked Lisa teasingly when she caught sight of the bulky bag of Paige's. "Ah, just the kitchen." answered Paige without missing a beat, "I've got more than a few things to take, need a bag." Lisa's mouth formed an 'oh' in understanding. She then made her way off to the laundry.

The older brunette sweatdropped, that was close. I was lucky I didn't bump into Millie, she's so much more nosy.

Getting what she wanted at the kitchen, she decided to head back to her room, to wait for the 'red fireworks' Celestia mentioned. However, before she even made it to her room, she paused in front of a window in the hallways. The female smiled fondly at a memory, she and Celestia had always watched the sunset from this window, for it has the best view of everything. 

A faint whistle from outside interrupted the sweet moment the caretaker had to herself, she peered out the window, and to her surprise, saw the red fireworks Celestia told her about.

Bang!

Startled, she snapped her head to the castle gates. 

Bang!

Paige wanted to tell Lisa, she wanted to tell her that something bad was probably happen. 'Don't tell anyone, no matter what. You can't save them.' Celestia's words came to her, causing her to stop in her tracks. Blinking back tears, Paige made a run for the hideout. 

Her shoes clicked against the polished floor as screams could be heard. She blocked out the noise forcefully, trying to focus and not run into someone. She had just turned the corner when the gates were fully knocked down, she heard Lisa's scream. 

Her heart almost stopped, she wanted to go back... go back and save her... whatever is happening right now... but her legs wouldn't change direction, she was still headed to the hideout.

The hideout she and Celestia knew about, was a small secret door hidden in the library. It was hard to find, and you can only see it if you pull back the four books stack horizontally on top of each other each named: Trollish Activities, a children's book; The Witching Hour, a fantasy book; Fashion Pixies, a fashion/fantasy book, and Magic Potions, a book for mages.

Trembling, Paige pulled back the books, wrung open the door open and crawled in. It was quite a tight space, only enough for about 3 children, but in her case, 1 adult and 1 child. She dragged her bag in and closed the door fearfully. 

Panting heavily, she hoped everything would be alright, for she came to the conclusion that the castle is under attack.

~Back to the present~

There was a moment of silence as Paige's mind raced, how did Celestia know this was going to happen? Is she alright? And she said I have the open the envelope when this happens, do I open it now? Is Lisa alright? What is the king doing? Oh, my mind hurts...

The sound of the library door opening snapped her out of her thoughts, her hand flew to her mouth in hopes to keep quiet.

"D'ya think she'll be ere'?" a raspy voice.

"Dunno. We'll look." answered another.

Panic filled the brunette caretaker, who were these people? Are they the enemies? And who is 'she'? S' it Celestia? Are they looking for her?!

"Yeh look there, I'll look ere'."

"Righ'."

The female felt her breath hitched when she heard one of them walk towards where she was hiding. She could already imagine the stranger riping open the door and pulling her out.

"Oi." interrupted the first voice from before.

"Yeh?" responded the other.

Paige breathed a sigh of relief when the stranger that came her way went away.

"Boss called, we needa go." 

"Oh a'right. Dun the princess would be ere' anyway."

As if her heart had been pierced, the brunette gulped, her throat was dry. I was right... they were looking for Celestia! But why? And is she safe?! She knew, so she should be... right?

Please be safe... 

*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Panting heavily, Celestia ran into the woods behind the castle. The woods led up to a mountain where no one went, she though there would be the safest to hide for the meantime.

I hope Paige gets the message and does as I say — if not who knows what will happen — Celestia gulped, my throat is so dry... oh yeah... I forgot to bring water... great...

The young blonde leaped over a bush, not wanting to cause noise. However, that action led to her energy running out. Exhaling heavily, she held onto a low branch of a tree to calm down.

"Why hello there, pretty princess~" hissed a raspy voice, "And what're you doing out here?"

... crap.

~To Be Continued~