As the sun rose and the day began, the moon and stars faded into the coming night. Everyone awoke and began their daily tasks and routines. However, Cierra's instincts warned her that bloodshed was coming, and that many innocent people would be sacrificed. Varenka simply believed it was a normal day, unaware that Cierra's instincts had sensed danger beyond their reach.
Byanka was already in the throne room, dealing with affairs of the kingdom and completing her duties. Meanwhile, Varenka wondered whether she would one day become the Queen of the Icelands or the Firelands.
As Varenka strolled through the palace, she noticed a little boy crying alone. She approached him and gently tried to comfort him.
"Hey, don't cry. Your handsomeness will fade if you cry too much."
The boy continued sobbing before eventually calming down. Varenka then noticed his clothing.
"You're wearing a commoner's clothes. How did you get inside the palace?"
The boy remained silent. Without saying another word, he suddenly ran away.
Varenka forced a smile and returned to the palace. However, when she saw her mother, she immediately noticed the terror and shock written across Byanka's face.
"Mother, what's wrong?" she asked.
Byanka remained speechless.
Before she could answer, an injured scout suddenly rushed into the throne room and loudly reported,
"Your Majesty! Groan The borders are being attacked! Groan It... it's the Ancient Army!"
Both Varenka and Byanka's eyes widened in shock.
Byanka immediately issued her orders.
"Send an envoy to request assistance from the Firelands. Then, send half of the Ice Army to the borders. The remaining quarter shall protect our people. Save as many of our citizens as possible. If you sacrifice your lives protecting this kingdom, you shall be honored."
Varenka immediately stepped forward.
"Mother! I want to be the envoy! I will ask Father for help!"
Byanka closed her eyes, hesitating for a moment before answering.
"The Princess shall be the envoy. However, she will have no protection. Our forces are already in critical condition."
Varenka hurried outside the Ice Palace and mounted her white horse, Winter. With time running short, she urged Winter forward, and the horse galloped toward the Firelands.
Behind her, Byanka prepared to face the coming battle. Her final order echoed through the palace.
"I will not simply sit here and wait for my death or the fall of the Icelands. I, Byanka, Queen of the Icelands, will fight alongside the Ice Army and protect my beloved home. If I am ever forced to sacrifice my life, my daughter, the Princess, shall ascend to the throne and become the next Queen."
Meanwhile, the Ancient Army continued its assault. They killed and destroyed without mercy, bringing chaos to the Icelands and splattering blood across the land that had once been majestic and peaceful.
Varenka eventually reached the Firelands. She was welcomed with respect, but she paid no attention to the formalities. She immediately urged Winter forward and hurried toward the Fire Palace.
Before she could reach it, however, a powerful Fire Noble blocked her path.
Varenka gritted her teeth. With no time to spare, she unleashed twenty-five percent of her power and hurled the Fire Noble backward. She then continued toward the palace without hesitation.
At the Holy Flame Gate, Varenka dismounted from Winter and rushed inside. She ran straight toward the throne room, where Aamon was occupied with the affairs of the kingdom and making important decisions.
Without hesitation, Varenka forcefully opened the throne room doors and fell to her knees.
Aamon immediately stood up, while everyone in the room stared at Varenka in shock and confusion.
Varenka hurriedly delivered her report.
"Father, Your Majesty, please help me! My beloved home is being attacked by the Ancient Army! My mother is holding back the siege, but I don't know how long she can endure. I beg you, Your Majesty! Please help the Icelands on behalf of my people and my mother!"
Aamon immediately gave his command.
"Prepare half of the Fire Army and the Fire Noble Elites! Half of the Fire Army shall march to protect the Icelands. The other half will remain here to defend our kingdom in case this is a hidden attack. This is an order!"
Everyone bowed, accepting the royal command.
The forces of the Firelands quickly prepared for battle. As they remembered the tragedies of the past, an unsettling feeling settled over them.
History was repeating itself.
But this time, the Princess herself was fighting to protect the people she loved and the home she cherished.