Bestall

Odessa. It's described as a great country where sadness has no place. Green fields stretch to the horizon, a clear blue sky, birds singing incessantly. A forest with a long river flowing, its water crystal clear as glass. When darkness descends on the streets, stars appear in the sky like bright lanterns. This is what they say about the country of Celestia.

Celestia lived his entire life as if he were walking on thin ice, as if he were walking on a knife edge. He was punished harshly for every mistake. Celestia had three older brothers, all of whom loved each other and the prince, but only in public. Inside the palace, a terrible war raged; the brothers had already poisoned each other more than once, but so far no one had died. Although his father knew about this, he did nothing, believing they should fight for the throne; he was completely unconcerned by the fact that his son could and would die.

Celestia was only remembered during celebrations. Every day, he received letters of marriage proposals, but he declined them all. His parents didn't like this, and not because they were afraid Celestia would be left alone. They wanted Celestia to marry some rich duke or baron and leave. There was no love in his family, no tenderness, no worries, nothing; everyone was worried about themselves. His father and mother didn't love each other; they each had a lover, and no one seemed bothered.

The parents had arranged a special reception for Bestall. Once again, they were a loving family; the lies were repulsive. There was no room for true sincerity in high society. Aristocrats were like poisonous snakes; they needed to know everything, to see everything.

Bestall, a man whose name sent shivers down everyone's spine. A man who had killed tens of thousands of enemies, he had spent years on the battlefield.

Celestia desperately wanted to see him. Bestall seemed unusual, legendary. Bestall entered the hall, like a tiger locked in a cage with rabbits. His icy eyes swept over everyone and lingered on Celestia, making long eye contact. That evening, their wedding was announced.