The Only Princess of Ember World

34

After composing herself, Princess Erysthea quickly went to the library of the palace. She looked at every book on the shelf, finding a book that could answer her questions in mind. But specifically, she doesn't know what kind of book she needs. She couldn't ask her guardian because, for sure, her guardian would ask her why. But if she looked one by one, she would spend the whole day just finding a book. The library has almost two thousand books, arranged from newest to oldest.

The princess wants to know about the Tree of Unity and if there's such a tree that exists. It's a big question for her why Guardian Chase didn't mention the tree. She already knew about the history of the Ember World but none of it mentioned the said tree.

She doesn't want to believe what she dreamt about last night. But it bothers her that she can't forget about it.

"What book are you looking for?"

The princess was startled by the sudden voice of her guardian. She let out a heavy sigh before facing Guardian Chase.

"You startled me," she said in an annoying voice.

Guardian Chase slightly smiled and walked towards the princess. "You're so busy that you didn't hear me coming. So tell me, what book are you looking for so I can help you."

Princess Erysthea doesn't know what to answer because she also doesn't know which book she's searching for. It's like she's finding a needle in a full haystack.

"I don't know," she answered in a low tone.

"Maybe you were looking for another romance book," Guardian Chase said.

"Actually, I was finding some books about our history," she admitted.

Her guardian looked at her. "Why? I have already taught you the whole history of our world."

"I know. But what if other things were removed from our history?" she asked.

"Like what?"

Princess Erysthea looked back at the shelves. "Like magical things, animals or trees?" she answered, not sure if her guardian understood what she was trying to say.

"Wait. What makes you think that some things were not written in our history?"

Princess Erysthea didn't know what to answer. She can't say that she dreamt about the Tree of Unity. She's afraid of what her guardian might think if there is really that kind of tree.

"Princess, did your dream last night bother you? You can tell me what it is," Guardian Chase seriously said.

Princess Erysthea let out a heavy sigh. "I don't remember my dream last night," she lied. "I just want to make sure that I know the whole history of our world. Because honestly, I feel my knowledge was still incomplete."

"Well, it's true. We didn't teach you all about history," the Guardian said.

The princess faced her guardian. "What? But why?" she asked in disbelief.

"Because it is not the right time to know it all. History is an ongoing story of our world. And you can't learn it all in a short period. It's a long process, Princess Erysthea," Guardian Chase answered.

So there's a higher chance that there is a Tree of Unity, and she still doesn't know about it because it was not yet taught by her guardian. Because of this, her curiosity got bigger. She was now curious why she would dream of a thing that she didn't know. Why would she dream about the four princes and the mysterious tree?

"Can you tell me what are the other things that I still don't know? You don't need to teach me. Just give me books about those things," the princess said, full of determination.

Guardian Chase looked straight at the princess. The princess was now curious about their world. He can say that the princess was a grown-up lady. She was no longer the childish girl that begged for the attention of her parents.

"Alright. I see that you are a mature woman now. And I am proud of your improvements, Princess Erysthea."

Guardian Chase went to the corner of the library while the princess followed him. There, they saw a very old bookshelf. And the books there are also old.

Guardian Chase slowly took all five books on that shelf. He gave it to Princess Erysthea. "Just be careful. These books are one of the oldest books here in the library. Just make sure that after you read those, put them back here. Am I clear?"

"Yes. Thank you so much."

Princess Erysthea happily went to her room. It was a mixed happiness, excitement, and nervousness she was feeling right now. Even though the books were filled with dust, she doesn't care anymore. She slowly put all five books on her table and started to read all the titles.

What caught her attention was the book entitled "All About Royals". She took the book and sat on her bed.

Royals are the most fundamental people of the Ember World. They are the ones who maintain unity and peace within the four kingdoms. This, they have more duties and responsibilities compared to the normal people of the world. They have more rules to follow and if they break the rules, a punishment will follow.

No one can prove if a royal disobeys a rule. But there is one thing that can tell if a royal breaks a rule. The Tree of Unity.

Princess Erysthea let out a heavy sigh. Her heart beat fast when she read the words "Tree of Unity". She can't explain what she's feeling right now. But still, she wants to continue reading the book.

The Tree of Unity symbolizes the faithfulness and loyalty of a royal. If a royal doesn't disobey any rule, she can touch the tree at any time she wants. But if a royal breaks a rule, she will feel electrified when she tries to touch the tree.

The Tree of Unity is a magical tree that only shows to Royals thrice in their life. Most of the time, the magical tree visits a royal through its dreams.

Princess Erysthea's hands were shaking. The Tree of Unity showed her through her dream, and when she tried to touch it, she felt electrified. The magical tree knew all she did. She's a rule breaker and she knows it. But she was surprised that there was such a tree that could say what she had done. And at this time, she doesn't know what to think. Her mind is full of thoughts and full of what-ifs.