Distance

- Do not separate from the queen - said his majesty to Mary who nodded silently as he withdrew from the hall, his majesty called one of his personal guards and in a serious tone he spoke - do not let even one of those magicians get close to the queen or the princess - the guard with dark clothes nodded as he disappeared in the shadows, his majesty felt impotent not to have intervened in the ritual of his daughter, if he had given the order at that very moment Sir Lion's head would have rolled in the hall, however that would be very risky, not only the court of magicians would have turned against his majesty, the aristocrats would also intervene and a rebellion would break out in the kingdom - that decree, it should disappear - said his majesty as he withdrew.

- Mommy... - at the sound of Stella's voice the queen looked up and gave a slight smile as Stella wiped her mother's tears - Why are you crying? - With a smile the queen remained silent as she continued on her way, Stella not having received any answer from her mother slightly tightened her grip, all the way Stella had remained silent clinging to her mother's body - Stella? - said the queen calling the attention of her little girl who was hiding in her arms, carefully the queen took Stella out of her arms and put her on her bed - what's wrong? - caressing the little girl's head she insisted to know why Stella was so quiet, little amber eyes looked at the queen who only smiled waiting for Stella to speak - mommy... they... hate me? - said Stella without looking at her mother, who upon hearing her denied categorically to the words Stella had said - why do you say that, Stella you... - upon seeing the little tears running down her little girl's face she was speechless as she hugged her to stop crying - I don't like this! I hate it! why mommy was crying?! - cried Stella in tears - I did something wrong?! why don't they like me then? why do they hate me?! And they hurt mommy too! - the queen couldn't hold back her tears when she heard her daughter's claims, even though Stella was still a child her sense of understanding was beyond those of her age, knowing that Stella was crying for not being accepted was very painful for her mother to see - maybe... is it because I don't look like mom and dad? - Those words broke the silence of the room, the queen looked silently at her daughter who was looking at herself and her mother. Her parents' hair was certainly very different from hers, golden hair and eyes of the same was the lineage of the monarchs of the kingdom of Nakahud, even when Stella was little she had realized that great difference with her parents, her hair was dark as the night sky, and her eyes a light amber color like honey, realizing this created doubts in her little five year old mind, who was afraid of countless events that went through her little head - I.... I am the guilty one . . right - The queen took Stella by the shoulders and stared at her - don't ever say that again Stella! Never! - cried the queen with concern while she calmed Stella a little, seeing that the little one was calmer the queen spoke calmly while she sat down next to her - Stella, for me you are my greatest wish - a beautiful smile was drawn on the queen while she caressed her little one - your existence, is my light that's why, you are not a mistake - the queen joined her forehead with Stella's - Stella, don't say something like that again, mom will be very sad, ok? - Stella nodded as her mother kissed her on the forehead - so, nobody hates Stella? - the queen nodded to her little girl's words as she hugged her - who could hate a girl as cute as my little girl is - Stella smiled at her mother's words as she clung to her little girl "How in your little head can you think such things, even though I want to protect you more than anything in the world, I can't take you away from the reality in which we live, that's why, it's better that little by little you know it" those thoughts went through the queen's head while her little girl laughed in her arms, pressing her lips slightly she spoke -

Stella... Do you know the name of our kingdom? - Stella denied silently, the queen gave a slight smile as she hugged her.

I, I'll tell you a story.... - the queen clung to her little girl while with simple words she spoke of an ancient place that was only darkness, no living being could dwell in that place because of the energy that had accumulated in those lands for decades, that energy had corrupted the balance of nature, But one day a man appeared in those uninhabitable lands, that man sealed that energy, what no one had been able to do for many decades, after sealing that energy, little by little the plants grew again, that arid soil was covered with a beautiful grass as well as the animals began to inhabit those lands - it is impressive! Who was that man? - Stella said curious to the story of her mother who smiled and looked at her - no one knows his real name, he was a very reserved person according to the legend, but he earned a title by which everyone called him and that was the millennial magician - answered the queen, while Stella's eyes sparkled as she listened to the story - I will tell you a secret - said the queen in a whisper as she approached her little girl - many say that the millennial wizard had hair as black as the night and eyes of the same color - Stella when she heard those words looked at herself and smiled with joy - he looks just like me! - The queen smiled as she watched how her little girl's mood had improved after that story. The queen continued with the story until she observed how Stella began to fall asleep, she carefully took her daughter's hand while she caressed her daughter's hair "I would like you to understand that story... not as a simple tale but the past of our kingdom and with it what it means to be a Romanius" thought the queen as she left her daughter's room.

The queen looked at Mary who was waiting outside the room - Mary, where did Stella hear about being a mistake - she said in a serious tone towards Mary, who denied not knowing what to answer to her mistress, the queen crossed her arms - apparently there are certain rumors in the palace, invest them Mary - the named one nodded as the queen was about to leave - my queen - hearing Mary's voice the queen looked at her - about the millenary wizard, nobody knew his appearance then? what he told the princess - the queen smiled as she looked at her - keep that little secret Mary, I don't want my little one to be so sad because of some simple words of some strangers - Mary nodded as the queen left, as she was going to her quarters she looked out the palace windows at the kingdom - it won't be long now... - she said in a whisper as she continued her way.

- My queen - her majesty upon seeing her queen enter the room just hugged her silently - don't worry your majesty, our little one is calmer now - she said with a smile while her majesty looked at her sadly - and you?

And you? - the queen looked down at her majesty's question while he frowned - I refuse to put you in danger Layla - The queen put her hand on her majesty's face - I'll be fine Cedric - she said while she gave a little kiss to her husband who didn't stop feeling uneasy - remember I said it, I will protect our daughter - she said with a little smile, her majesty's look was serious towards the queen - Cedric? -

Listen carefully my queen, a report came to me recently, the lands of the kingdom are altered, the energy flow is very strange, for that reason it is necessary to perform the purification ritual much earlier than we had planned - The queen nodded at his words - and I decided that this time I will perform it alone - said with a firm voice his majesty to his wife.

Your majesty! You cannot take this decision so lightly! I refuse! - The queen's face looked annoyed at the decision she had taken from her majesty.

Layla! - shouted her majesty angrily while looking at her - you gave your word to the magicians to give another heir, with that they will no longer have Stella in their sights, did you forget it! - The queen lowered her gaze to the words of her majesty, certainly the time was running against the clock without giving them time, the queen felt impotent and frustrated, why? Just now it seemed that all the problems were coming together.

No, I will do it - she said determined as her majesty looked at her - I know very well the word I gave to the wizards and I will not break it, but you must also remember that I am your queen and the traditions that have been given after generations for the ritual, for that reason your majesty, please let me accompany you... - said the queen as she clasped her hands, her majesty averted her eyes without answering the queen - Cedric we talked about this before, that we both shared each other's burden! - At the queen's insistence her majesty nodded slightly, certainly her majesty could refuse before anyone, but less with a person and that was his wife.

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The next day, little amber eyes started to wake up - mommy? - a little sleepy Stella looked at her room, seeing no one she rubbed her eyes a little to wake up completely - story... wizard... - a smile came to her face as she remembered the story her mother had told her - I didn't hear... the end of the story... - she said a little sad - but, mommy will surely finish telling me today! - the doors of her room opened and Stella could see Mary who with a smile greeted the little girl - Mary!

- Good morning princess - Stella rushed into Mary's arms as soon as she had approached her bed - princess, you must be careful, you could hurt yourself, do you understand? - Stella heard Mary's complaint and ducked her head - but, I'm also glad to see the princess - she said caressing Stella's head who smiled - she is going to be more careful? - Stella nodded as Mary helped her get dressed.

- Mary, do you know what my mommy told me? - Mary shook her head as Stella was excited to tell her the story her mother had told her - my hair looks just like the millennial wizard!!! - she said proudly as Mary nodded at the little girl's words - me, will I be able to use magic? - Mary didn't know how to answer that question, after the evaluation of the wizards, they concluded that Stella didn't have any power, but that Mary wasn't willing to say for now - surely the princess will have magic just like her parents - said Mary with a smile while Stella smiled "it must be a mistake, the wizards must have made a mistake, Princess Stella will surely awaken her powers in the future" thought Mary while looking at her, after finishing her meal Stella stared at Mary - what's wrong princess? - Mary asked.

- Me, I want to see my parents - said shyly Stella towards Mary who gave her a small smile.

- As you wish princess - Mary escorted Stella towards the central part of the palace - we have come to see their majesties - the guards escorting the door of the main hall looked at each other for a few seconds and then turned to Mary - Their majesties cannot attend anyone at this moment, that includes the princess - they said in a curt way, Mary was surprised by the guards' answer, while that news saddened Stella a little.

- let's go back princess - Stella nodded silently to Mary's words as they withdrew - surely they must be busy princess, remember they are the monarchs of our kingdom -

- I know

Mary looked with concern at such a short response from Stella, seeing Stella stop suddenly surprised her.

- Mary, they're just busy aren't they? Just... that's it... right?

- Princess...

Mary understood that question, Stella felt uneasy, since the visit of the magicians to the palace, Stella showed a lot of dependence towards her parents, placing her hands on the shoulders of the youngest Mary spoke:

- Calm down princess, I'm sure you will soon be able to see their majesties.

Mary with a smile calmed little Stella while they returned to their rooms, drinking tea, playing in the courtyard and even reading books was Stella's hobby in that huge palace and who always accompanied her, was the person who was by her side since she was just a baby.

At nightfall Stella was waiting for her mother to go to her room but that did not happen, that puzzled Stella a little bit because her mother always went to her room every night - the queen will not come today my princess - said Mary while she tucked Stella in to rest - do you want me to bring you something? - Stella shook her head - I'll stay by her side until she falls asleep you can rest assured - Mary.

- Mary... can I hold your hand while I sleep? - Mary was a little surprised by the sudden request of the princess - of course princess - taking Stella's hand, Mary watched as the little girl smiled - thank you... Mary... - slowly Stella started to fall asleep.

The next day, Stella set out to go to her parents so she could see her mother, the palace guards responded with the same words of the previous day over and over again, the days passed and the visit of their majesties in Stella's room never happened, when Stella asked for her parents to Mary, she always answered that they were busy and therefore she had to be patient until they could see her, Little by little Stella spent more time in her room, without her parents the little girl did not feel like going out, after all she had been raised within those four walls, the limitations she had grown up with were still present, a week went by in the blink of an eye, day after day Stella's uncertainty grew, every day a question flooded her mind, will she come today? Her gaze was fixed towards the door of the room waiting for it to open, but that did not happen even though she wanted it more than anything, the first month without her parents Stella slept with tears in her eyes while clinging to her pillow, little by little that little act had become part of her routine, every night she clung to her pillow and closed her eyes hoping that tomorrow would come as soon as possible, with the thought that they would come, as another month passed Stella had made a decision, if her parents would not come to her then she would, Stella insisted on going to see her parents, she even devised ways to escape from the room without Mary noticing and enter the palace, but she was always discovered by her or by one of the guards that were guarding her room, For Mary to see Stella devising numerous strategies to escape was somehow fun to watch and at the same time worrying, she was afraid that in some of her ideas she would get hurt, seeing Stella's insistence to see her majesties Mary thought of a way to help the little princess.

The second of May arrived, that day Mary had been very attentive to the time and the servants in the palace, like any other day she attended the princess and was at her side, when the midday bells rang Mary was ready to start her plan.

- Princess, what do you think if we go to see their majesties - Stella upon hearing Mary's words stood up quickly, those little eyes looked full of life, upon hearing Mary's idea, Stella nodded excited to see her parents while Mary placed her hands on her shoulders - surely their majesties will be upset with me, if they find out, but to see the little princess happy is the only thing I want - Mary smiled at Stella - I will enlist her princess.

- Are we going to the palace? - Mary shook her head slightly as she chose a change of clothes for Stella and put them on, Mary silently put on a small cloak, which slightly covered Stella's face.

- But, before leaving - Mary stared at Stella - Listen to me carefully, princess, at all times you must obey me, okay? - Stella a little confused by Mary's words nodded slightly as they left the room, Stella was walking very happy just thinking about her parents - my little princess must have felt very lonely without her parents these months, right? - Stella nodded silently as Mary looked at her - that's why..... I want to take you to that place - Stella observed how Mary was very cautious with the path they were choosing and was careful not to run into the palace guards or the servants, after walking through a huge corridor they had come out to a side part of the castle - soon we will arrive - one by one they climbed the steps of that tower that seemed abandoned, that place was a little dark which made Stella a little uncomfortable and she clung to Mary - don't be afraid princess - after saying those words, they had arrived to a huge door, separating for a moment from Stella, Mary opened the door of the tower, the breeze suddenly hit against the door, the sunlight began to cover the tower - come princess.... - said Mary from the small balcony that was in that place, Stella was a little afraid, it was the first time she was in such a high place, seeing Mary's smile at the edge of the balcony she felt more security, taking small steps she approached Mary holding her hand without opening her eyes - princess... look.... - Mary observed how at her words Stella slowly opened her eyes and they looked surprised to see that beautiful landscape in front of her, from Stella's room she could admire part of the kingdom, although that view pleased Stella it could not be compared with the one she was seeing right now, from that tower she could see it from another perspective.

How beautiful! - Stella said excited Stella while Mary nodded, Stella for a moment was lost in that beautiful landscape, when she heard the sound of the trumpets, her gaze fell on the lower part of the tower - that... is... - a crowd could be seen from the tower, they were all gathered in the square of the kingdom, although it could not be seen clearly because of the distance, she could clearly hear the cheers of the people as well as their joy, that surprised Stella, that was the first time she saw so many people gathered in one place, Stella even though she was a princess unlike others, she did not have meetings with nobles and aristocrats much, their majesties did everything possible so that it did not happen even when the insistence of the nobles and magicians was present, for that reason Stella felt joy to see so many people, although she did not know the reason for it, Mary approached the princess and said - princess look closely.... - Mary pointed to the center of the crowd, Stella's eyes widened in surprise and joy.

- Dad! Mom! - she shouted excitedly while she approached closer to the balcony to be able to see them better, even when they were far from them they could see how both of them wore elegant snow white robes, the beauty of both monarchs was amazing before the sight of everyone, the attires they wore for the ceremony made it seem that both were gods fallen from the sky, the aura they gave off to the crowd was very reassuring, at every greeting they both gave, the people cheered them, Stella had never seen that side of her parents so she was fascinated and surprised to see them- mom.... - Stella lightly squeezed her hands as she separated from Mary and ran towards the stairs, Mary seeing Stella's action rushed towards her and stopped her surprising her, Mary grabbed Stella's arm - I want to go with my parents! ! Mary! -

- Princess... have you forgotten the words I said to you? - claimed Mary frowning slightly, although Mary wasn't shouting her words were very serious towards Stella - the princess promised that she would obey my words, didn't she? - Stella ducked her gaze realizing that she had broken the promise she had made to Mary, Stella stopped struggling to Mary's grip remaining silent, Mary released her grip, sighing she got the size of the princess and said - you can't go to that place, it's dangerous - taking Stella's hand she smiled slightly - this ritual is very important for the kingdom my princess.

Ritual? - Mary nodded at Stella's words -

Their majesties were preparing for this ritual these months, that's why they didn't spend time with the princess - with a small smile she tried to make Stella understand the reason why her parents hadn't gone with her - for this they need both her body and soul to be clean - she observed how their majesties began to perform the ritual joining their hands, a current of wind began to envelop them little by little while they recited that incantation - with this.... the land is kept purified and the kingdom safe - I looked at Stella - now you understand princess, for that reason you can't go to that place.

-Then... why all those people can? - that question surprised Mary - why can they and I can't? - Mary didn't think Stella would ask such a question, yet she smiled as she answered.

The princess is still very young and the energy used in the ritual could make the princess sick, their majesties know that, that's why they protect her in this way, do you understand? - The shouts of joy of the people called the attention of Stella and Mary, the ritual had been completed, a wave of golden energy spread throughout the kingdom, leaving behind them some small lights of a golden color, which remained in the air and little by little fell to the ground to disappear completely - the light of life ... it is very beautiful, don't you think so princess - Stella nodded - with this the kingdom will be protected, we thank the millenary magician... - Stella observed attentively as Mary joined her hands and thanked for the ritual that had been performed.

"Millennial wizard? Why are they thanking him? My parents were the ones who performed the ritual, that wizard is dead" Stella thought while staring at those small golden lights that were around - Light... of life? - Stella opened her hand so that the small light could rest on her, when she touched the light she quickly withdrew her hand as she felt a slight prick in the palm of her hand, surprised she looked at her hand and at the light she had tried to catch, which disappeared.

- It is a pity that they do not last forever, calm princess, it is normal that... - Stella's palm was covered with a light crimson red, Mary noticing it approached worried - princess! are you okay?! - Stella looked attentively at the wound on her palm without answering Mary, Mary not hearing Stella's answer took her in her arms - we'll be right back! - Stella in Mary's arms saw the center of the square, her eyes were surprised to see her mother looking in her direction.

- Mom... - She said with tears in her eyes, Stella did not know if her mother was really looking at her or it was just a coincidence, clinging to Mary she closed her eyes for a moment, when she opened them again, she saw the queen and the sad smile she was giving her - !!!mom!!!!! - she cried out as Mary came down from the tower and led her to her chambers.

- princess, let me check your wound please - after bringing some cloths and bandages she began to heal the wound, even though the wound was small, Mary treated it with great care - I'm glad, apparently there won't be a mark - she sighed relieved - don't worry princess, with this you will be fine - Mary said while she bandaged her hand, the princess had been silent without saying a word - princess? does it hurt anywhere else? - Stella tried to talk about what happened with Mary, in her little head she thought that Mary would not believe that her mother saw her when they were in the tower, she also thought that if she talked about it Mary would get in trouble, that visit to the tower was a secret, first of all, Stella just kept what happened in her little heart and spoke.

Mary... I don't like those lights... - she said with her voice cracking, holding back her desire to cry, Mary didn't know how to respond to it, those lights purified the earth and had never hurt people, but then why had they hurt the princess.

Don't think about it princess, it's ok now, ok? - she caressed Stella's head - ah it's true, now that their majesties finished with the ritual they will surely come to see her soon - she said with a smile while she changed the conversation, Stella smiled while looking at her <<if they find out what happened, the wizards will have another excuse to go against the princess, I can't let that happen, it's better not to report it>> thought Mary - princess, do you want me to call the doctor to check her? - Stella flatly refused to such an idea - all right, it will be our secret - Yes!

-Yes, it will be a secret between Mary and me! - she said excitedly -

But the visit of their majesties to Stella did not come, no matter how long she waited, Mary asked for their majesties from time to time, the palace guards remained silent, even when Mary asked for them, no one gave her reason for them, some ignored her questions by the simple fact that she was a servant of the palace, two months passed and with it Stella was changing little by little.

- Princess, we should go see their majesties, don't you think?

Mary looked at Stella who was sitting near the window of her room, raising her eyes slightly Stella spoke:

- No need, Mary, I'm fine - A sad smile formed on her lips as she continued to look out her window.

- Then how about a walk? It's a beautiful day - Stella silently refused.

Before that answer, Mary felt uneasy about the change of the princess as her majesties did not see Stella, the little one was more and more closed towards people, the insistence that Stella had at the beginning, was gone, Mary knew very well that her majesties were busy with the purification ritual, but she did not understand why they still did not go to see the princess or even call her, if the ritual had been done successfully months ago, Mary even though she was a simple servant questioned that behavior towards the princess.

- Princess, I will retire for a moment

Stella nodded as Mary left her chambers, Mary observed one of the guards that guarded the princess' room, he informed her that he would be absent for a few minutes, that guard understood Mary's words and stayed guarding the door while Mary went to the palace, after arriving at the door of the main hall Mary frowned slightly, she did not know how their majesties would take her presence without having been called, even so Mary was willing to take that risk if it was the princess, taking a deep breath she spoke:

- I want to speak with her majesty