Chapter 1 - In the Deep End from the Beginning

As the sun set over the small Kingdom of Folgersia, a woman with Raven Black Hair that cascaded down her back in silky waves, Ocean Blue Eyes which sparkled like jewels that hid a depth and clarity that drew you in and captured your attention, and a piercing gaze stood under the Blood Red sky.

Her features were delicate and refined. Her nose and jawline elegantly sculpted. Her lips were full and soft, with just a hint of a natural rose tint. Her skin was smooth and flawless, with a hint of natural color that suggested a life spent outdoors in the sunshine.

She carried herself with exquisite grace and poise. Her every gesture a study in effortless beauty. She seemed to radiate a quiet confidence and inner strength, and those who knew her well could sense a deep intelligence and wisdom lurking just beneath the surface.

Her beauty wasn't entirely skin deep either.

She was considered by many opponents in University to be a shrewd negotiator and someone who never went went back on a deal.

This was Princess Katherine who stood atop the tallest tower of the palace, surveying the land below.

Now however, her beautiful face was marred by the sight of a delicate frown, even this seeming stunning under the growing full moon.

"Sigh, why did it have to be me?" She muttered silently to no one, regretting the fact that right before King Gustav died, he had declared that whichever of his children was closest to his quarters would be the heir.

As if fate had it out for her, Katherine just happened to be walking by.

The fields bellow her were barren, and the people were starving.

Once-great cities like Crùüshe, Sierwere, and Fronmia now lay in ruins, their peoples scattered to the four directions.

Her father, the Former King Gustav the Bewildered, had ruled with incompetence and corruption. This resulted in a state that was near total collapse, and now it was somehow up to Katherine to pick up the pieces and rebuild what was left of their once prosperous Kingdom of Folgersia.

Katherine knew that it wouldn't be easy. Far from it in fact. Some, if not most, even may say it was impossible since she was so young, inexperienced, and had never ruled a kingdom before.

She wouldn't even doubt if some of the members of other Noble Houses will actively work in concert to achieve the downfall of the House Folger, Rightful Rulers of Folgersia for the last 1200 years.

However, Katherine refused to accept defeat before the first battle is even joined.

No matter what it took, With the help of her closest friends from University, loyal subjects, her younger brother Heinrichs Brilliant Military Mind, and her other siblings as well, she prayed it would be enough to stem the tides of chaos and restore order and prosperity to the land.

The journey ahead would be long and treacherous. It would be filled with challenges, obstacles and betrayals that would test Katherine's strength and resolve. But she was not afraid. She knew that the fate of her people rested on her shoulders, and she was ready to do whatever it takes to ensure everyone's survival.

As the night descended, Katherine came down from the high tower and made her way to the throne room.

With a deep breath, she took her place on the throne, a Glorious piece of furniture, covered in intricate carvings, massive Gems set in Gold fittings, and came with a luxurious cushion made of the finest Purple Velvet, worth more than its weight in gold.

She was ready to begin the long and arduous journey of rebuilding the Folgersia kingdom.

As Katherine settled onto her throne, her military advisor rushed in with urgent news - the neighboring Cetea Empire, ruled by her own cousin, Maxmilian, had launched a surprise invasion.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" The older general, one of the few kept from her father's time as king, came rushing into the throne room looking like he was being chased by a phantom.

"Calm down! Breathe and then speak!" Katherine expressed when she saw the man nearly double over from panic.

"Phew....Your Highness, I am afraid I have more bad news on this already so unfortunate of days." General Arnholf Von Reichter stated solemnly with a slight bow of deferrence to the young but powerful woman before him after stabilizing his figure.

Katherine put her forehead in her left palm before waving her other hand in a lazy fashion, as if her emotions were already beyond the point of caring.

Her desperate desire for it to be something trivial, such as, the Royal Gardener had accidentally planted white roses instead of red, was unfortunately not meant to be.

With a deep expression, General Von Reichter relayed Hehe report that he wished more than anything he didn't have to give.

"Your Cousin, His Royal Highness Maxmilian Augusta Von Cetea, Emperor of the Cetea Empire has personally led an army of 25,000 in an attempt to claim the Kingdom during the our time of instability." He stated while keeping his eyes slightly lowered.

Katherine's heart sank when she heard the words General Von Reichter had spoken as she realized the enormity of the situation.

Her kingdom was currently in a weakened and vulnerable condition. The invaders were a well-equipped and battle-hardened force after years of fighting the Northern Barbarian Tribes. She knew that this would be the first and greatest challenge of her fledgling reign.

If she failed here, that would be it. Game Over.

"Bring my Brother, Heinrich, as quickly as possible." She said after a moment of contemplation.

Heinrich Ulysses Von Folger was still young. Even younger than than his 21 year old sister Katherine.

However, despite only being 15, he had proven himself to be a stellar tactician with a penchant for bolt, elaborate plans while attending the military academy as a Junior Officer.

"Right away, Your Majesty." Said a Royal Guard whom was stationed in a nearby corner as he gave a curt bow before running of the retrieve the First Prince.

Shortly after the same guard returned with a handsome young man in toe wearing full regalia including several medals given for valor, and who appeared to have a striking resemblance to the young woman on the throne, stopped roughly 10 feet away.

"May I presume that since you are here, you already have an idea on how best to welcome our dearest cousin Maxmilian?" Katherine asked the regal and handsome teenager.

"But of course." The young Prince replied with utmost confidence, "Have I ever let you down Dear Sister?" he said with a wide smile.