SOULBOUND: THE ETERNAL WARDEN

The soft cries of a newborn echoed through the Azure Sky Manor where the Second Prince resided. A sound that was both tender and full of promise. Princess Nastra, barely a week days old, lay swaddled in silk blankets, her tiny hands reaching into the air as if grasping for the magic that swirled invisibly around her.

Her birth had been met with great joy throughout the empire. Yet within the walls of the royal palace, that joy was tinged with sorrow, for her mother, Aurelia, had passed away in childbirth, leaving behind only memories of her gentle touch and kind smile.

The Second Prince, Edric, sat beside the cradle, his gaze locked on his daughter, a soft smile playing on his lips despite the heavy burden of loss that weighed on his heart. His fingers brushed lightly over Nastra’s small hand, the warmth of her skin a reminder of the love he had shared with Aurelia.

"My sweet Nastra," he whispered, "you have your mother’s eyes, you know?" His voice was tender, full of longing, as though speaking the words would bring Aurelia back, if only for a moment.

"She would have been so proud," came a deeper voice from the doorway.

Edric turned, his smile faint but genuine as he saw his father, King Gerald, step into the room. The old king’s presence was commanding, yet there was a softness in his eyes reserved only for his family. He approached the cradle, looking down at his granddaughter with a mixture of love and sorrow.

"She’s a beauty, Edric. Just like her mother."

Edric nodded, his eyes glistening. "Aurelia would have loved her more than anything. I just wish—"

"We all wish for things that cannot be," Gerald said gently, resting a hand on his son’s shoulder. "But Nastra is a gift. She will carry Aurelia’s spirit with her."

—

Four Years Later

Valtheris City had changed little in the years since young Princess Nastra’s birth, but the palace halls were now filled with the sound of her laughter, a bright and innocent melody that brought joy to all who heard it.

The young princess had grown into a curious, adventurous child, her wide eyes always searching for something new to discover. She was the heart of the royal household, adored by her father and doted on by her grandfather.

In the royal garden, Nastra ran barefoot through the soft grass, her hands outstretched as butterflies danced around her, their wings catching the light in flashes of color. Behind her, Edric watched with a smile, leaning against a tree, while the royal guard Gareth stood silently nearby, ever vigilant but allowing the princess her freedom.

"Papa, look! They’re flying just for me!" Nastra exclaimed, spinning in a circle as the butterflies swirled around her.

Edric chuckled, his eyes crinkling with affection. "They know a special princess when they see one, my love."

Nastra paused in her play and ran to her father, wrapping her small arms around his legs. "Can I be a butterfly one day, Papa? I want to fly high, all the way up to the stars!"

Edric knelt down to her level, brushing a stray curl away from her face. "You’re already more magical than any butterfly, my sweet. One day, you’ll do things far greater than flying."

"But I want to fly now!" Nastra pouted, her lips forming an exaggerated frown.

Prince Edric laughed softly. "Patience, my little butterfly. There’s a time for everything. Right now, it’s time for you to explore all that’s around you. Your adventures will come soon enough."

As they spoke, King Gerald approached, his robes flowing behind him like a river of silk. Despite his regal appearance, his face lit up the moment he saw Nastra. "Is my little star causing trouble again?"

Nastra beamed at the sight of her grandfather, running to him without hesitation. "Grandpapa! I was playing with the butterflies, and I told Papa I want to fly to the stars!"

King Gerald chuckled, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. "The stars, you say? Why, you’re already a star yourself, Nastra. Don’t you know you light up the whole palace with your smile?"

Nastra giggled, her hands reaching for his crown, which he deftly avoided with practiced ease. "But Grandpapa, I want to fly like real stars. Can’t you teach me magic?"

King Gerald exchanged a look with Prince Edric, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Ah, magic. The greatest mystery of all. But you’re still a bit too young to learn, my dear. Magic requires discipline, and you’ve yet to master sitting still."

Nastra huffed dramatically, crossing her arms. "I can sit still! Watch me!"

She scrunched up her face, forcing herself to sit in Gerald’s arms, her body rigid with determination. The two men laughed, their hearts lightened by her innocence.

"You have your grandfather’s spirit," Gareth remarked, stepping forward with a small smile. "One day, you’ll do wonders with magic, Princess."

"See, even Gareth thinks I’ll be amazing!" Nastra grinned, her pride evident.

"Indeed, you will," Edric agreed, ruffling her hair. "But for now, enjoy being a child, Nastra. Magic will come, but not before you’ve had your share of butterflies and dreams."

---

In the Shadows of the Palace

Yet while the royal garden bloomed with laughter, the rest of the royal family cast dark glances toward the young princess. Nastra’s uncles, especially First Prince Damien, viewed the growing love and attention she received from the king with thinly veiled jealousy. In the halls where the light did not reach, whispers of rivalry stirred like a foul wind.

"It’s only a matter of time," Damien murmured, his sharp eyes glinting as he watched his father and brother dote on Nastra from a distance. His hands tightened around the edges of his robe. "She’ll be a threat one day, mark my words."

Beside him stood his mother, the queen, her expression cold and calculating. "We must tread carefully, Damien. The old king favors her, but his love is not eternal. If we play our cards right, we can ensure the throne remains within our hands."

Damien nodded, his jaw tight with ambition. "The second prince may think he’s safe, but we will not be out done."

---

Back in the gardens, Nastra leaned against her grandfather’s shoulder, her eyelids growing heavy as the day wore on. The weight of her tiny body in Gerald’s arms was a comforting warmth, a reminder of the delicate balance of love that still held the royal family together.

"I love you, Grandpapa," Nastra murmured, her voice drowsy with sleep.

"And I love you too, my little star," Gerald replied softly, his heart swelling with affection.

As the sun set over the city of Valtheris, casting a golden glow across the empire, no one yet knew the dangers that lay ahead. For now, all was peace. But the shadows were growing, and soon, Nastra's innocent world would be forever changed.