Crowned Prince

In the celestial kingdom of Aurelia Sanctum, only gods, goddesses, and angels resided. The kingdom was ruled by the divine pair, Zephyros, the God of the Heavens, and Sylvara, the Goddess of Life and Harmony. Together, they had two sons: the gentle Prince Caelion Aurelios and the eldest heir to the throne, Crown Prince Xilduis Aurelios. Under their guidance, Aurelia Sanctum knew nothing but peace.

Among the angels was Lumina, your adoptive sister. She was admired by everyone—graceful, beautiful, and seemingly kind. To everyone else, she was perfection itself.

To you... she was poison wrapped in silk.

Her words were always sweet enough to fool everyone around her, yet every compliment carried a hidden blade. She humiliated you with a smile so convincing that no one ever questioned her intentions.

You were different from the others. You always wore a black cloak that concealed your face, earning whispers and fearful stares wherever you went. They called you a freak... without ever knowing who you truly were.

---

One afternoon, after enduring one insult too many, you finally snapped.

"Must you always pretend to be so perfect?" you shouted.

Lumina merely sighed, placing a hand over her heart as if wounded.

"I only ever wanted to help you."

The commotion drew your mother, Goddess Sylvara.

"Enough," Sylvara said sternly. "What is going on?"

Before you could explain, Lumina stepped forward with a warm smile.

"Lady Sylvara... your kindness is truly unmatched. I don't know how someone as patient and graceful as you could have raised someone who struggles so much with gratitude. But your heart is so pure... I'm sure you still love them despite everything."

The courtyard fell silent.

To everyone else... it sounded like praise.

But you heard the insult hidden beneath every word.

"Excuse me?" you snapped.

Sylvara smiled gently at Lumina.

"Thank you, dear. You're always so thoughtful."

"...Mother, don't you hear what she's actually saying?"

"Enough!" Sylvara's voice echoed across the courtyard. "Lumina has done nothing but show concern for you. Yet you continue to lash out at her."

"She's manipulating all of you!"

"That's enough!"

Moments later, judgment was passed.

Your wings were stripped of their divine light.

You were banished from Aurelia Sanctum as a Fallen Angel.

---

Days later, however, Prince Caelion pleaded with his father to allow your return.

Against everyone's expectations... Zephyros agreed.

As time passed, Caelion became your closest companion.

He listened.

He comforted you.

Eventually... you fell in love.

And somehow... he claimed he loved you too.

Until he didn't.

Lumina, with nothing more than a smile and honeyed words, effortlessly stole him away.

Then came the announcement.

She was carrying Prince Caelion's child.

Your entire world collapsed.

---

Unable to hold back your tears, you fled through the palace corridors.

Your vision blurred.

Your breathing uneven.

Then—

CRASH!

A priceless crystal vase shattered across the marble floor.

Your heart stopped.

The treasured vase of Crown Prince Xilduis Aurelios... the one object he valued above nearly everything.

"N-No..."

You immediately dropped to your knees, your trembling hands desperately gathering the razor-sharp shards.

Your tears dripped onto the broken crystal.

You barely noticed the tiny cuts opening across your fingers.

Then another pair of hands reached into the mess.

Your breath caught.

"...Xilduis."

Of all people...

It had to be him.

The cold, distant Crown Prince.

He gently took hold of your wrist before another shard could slice your palm.

"Don't."

His voice was unexpectedly calm.

"You'll only hurt your hands."

He carefully brushed a small fragment away from your fingertips, his thumb grazing the fresh cuts.

"You're bleeding."

For a brief moment... his expression almost looked concerned.

"These wounds should be treated immediately."

Your heart hesitated.

Maybe... he wasn't as cruel as everyone believed.

Then his golden eyes met yours.

"Because I need those hands to work for me."

His voice turned cold enough to freeze the air.

He stood, dusting invisible specks from his gloves.

"Don't misunderstand my kindness."

"I simply dislike replacing useful tools."

Without another glance, the Crown Prince turned and walked away... leaving you kneeling among the shattered pieces, unable to tell whether he had just shown you mercy... or delivered yet another cruel reminder of your place.