The sound of metal going against each other. Those were the only sounds coming from the great hall.

Inside, was a 7 year old Celena sparring with a guard. Every day at 4pm Celena always challenges one of the castle guards to a one-on-one duel. And just like every other day, she would come out victorious.

Clang

The sound of a fallen sword could be heard through the entire castle. And everyone knew what it meant. Even the King himself knew and supported it.

He had always wanted for his daughter to excel at everything. He wanted her to rule with an iron fist. He wanted her to despise losing as much as he did. He wanted her to be perfect.

Celena stood above the castle guard and gave him the brightest smile she had, "Thank you for sparring with me!"

The guard smiled back at her, bowed then left the room. As Celena wiped the sweat off her brow, she could hear the patting of footsteps coming towards her.

She turned her little head and saw her beloved father coming towards her, "Father! Good Afternoon!"

She ran as fast as her feet could carry her and gave her father the biggest hug she could muster.

"Why do you keep sparring with these people? You are clearly better than any of them. I could have the best swordsmen come here to teach you yet you still choose these bafoons?"

Celena sighed, she knew where the conversation was going. After all, they had this conversation every single time after her sparring lessons, "I do not need the best swordsmen, father. I only need experience and this is fine for me"

Her father sighed, "I am aware that you think-"

"Now, now. Do not argue," A woman's voice spoke out. It was smooth as silk and gentle. A melodious tone that soothed everybody's heart and mind.

"We shouldn't dwindle over this petty little thing. You two should listen to each other. Hear one another's thoughts"

This is Celena's mother, the only woman who is able to thaw The Kings' frozen heart, and the woman who could rival Celena's passion.

She walked closer, every step clicked against the glass floor as she put her hand against her husband's shoulder, and smiled dearly.

She continued with whispering something into The King's ear. Celena felt curious, what were they talking about? Why won't they share it with her?

With that, Celena's father looked straight at her and pierced her gaze then walked away. Celena tilted her head and glanced at her mother with big curious orbs. Her mother simply chuckled and said,

"Bear with him, Celena. Somewhere, in that cold, hard exterior, he has a heart of gold. He just has difficulty in expressing it."

She looked down at Celena's little frame, then they glanced at her father's retreating figure.

"I know Mom, I know"

And those were the last words Celena has ever said to her darling mother.

Author's Note :
Hey guys! thankyou so much for reading this story, more chapters are along the way. so be ready for that!