This story isn't about family violence, nor is it a fantasy legend filled with mythical worlds.
This time, I want to tell a tale with the best flow I can create—
about a teenage girl named Ambara, whose life may seem perfect from the outside... but deep down, it's a mess.
Not because of fighting parents or trauma.
Then what made her life fall apart?
---
In a land called Lucifer, a beautiful baby girl was born.
She was the only daughter of the famous King Xelo and Queen Zelia.
Ambara grew up in a grand, luxurious castle.
Everyone said she was lucky.
---
06:00 AM
A girl lay comfortably in her soft, fluffy bed.
She had completely forgotten about school today.
Oddly enough, her mother didn't wake her up or rush her like she usually did.
Time passed, and the sun rose higher.
Eventually, the girl everyone had been talking about woke up.
Ambara rubbed her eyes and was startled to see sunlight flooding into her room.
She quickly got out of bed, ready to leave her room, but stopped in her tracks.
A woman in her 30s gently grabbed her arm.
"Where are you going, sweetheart?"
Ambara looked at her mother, confused.
"It's Tuesday, Mom. I have school. I don't want to be late."
Queen Zelia gave her a meaningful smile.
"You don't need to go to school anymore, my dear."
"Huh?! What? Why?!"
Queen Zelia softly stroked her daughter's head.
"It's for your own good. Now stop asking so many questions. Go get ready for breakfast. I have things to take care of in the castle."
As her mother began to leave, Ambara grabbed her hand.
"Wait, Mom!"
Her mother turned back to her.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"What if people call me an uneducated princess? I'd be so embarrassed…"
Ambara's voice trembled slightly.
"No one would dare insult the only princess of the Kingdom of Lucifer."
Ambara sighed.
"Don't worry, dear."
With that, her mother left, and Ambara started getting ready.
---
Soon after, a knock came at the door.
*Knock knock*
"Who is it?" Ambara asked, approaching the door.
"It's me, Princess. One of the royal guards. His Majesty has summoned you for breakfast."
Ambara opened the door and headed to the royal dining room.
King and Queen were already seated, enjoying their meal.
Ambara sat in her chair, which had her name carved on it, and began eating quickly without saying a word.
King Xelo chuckled.
"Ambara, slow down, sweetheart."
Embarrassed, she slowed her pace.
Her parents just shook their heads fondly.
"I'm truly grateful to have such a sweet and obedient daughter like you, Ambara," her mother said gently. "I love you."
"I agree," her father nodded. "She's kind, beautiful, obedient… and very lucky."
Ambara paused.
"Lucky? Why do you say that?"
"In many kingdoms," her father explained, "it's very rare for kings and queens to have daughters. They almost always have sons."
"So? What's wrong with that?" Ambara asked. "Isn't a child still a child, no matter the gender?"
"The thing is," her father replied, "boys grow up to be warriors. They go off to war and rarely stay home with their mothers to learn things like cooking or dancing."
Ambara nodded.
"Then why don't those families keep trying until they have a daughter?"
"Because most royal families believe having only one child is best. If they have more than one, there'll be conflict over the throne."
"So in the end… I'm just lucky to be born as a girl," Ambara concluded.
Her mother smiled.
"Exactly."
Suddenly, a royal guard entered the room.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty…"
"What is it?" the King asked.
"The king and queen from the neighboring kingdom have arrived. They request an audience."
"Tell them we'll be there shortly," King Xelo replied.
"You're going too, Mom?" Ambara asked.
"Of course, sweetheart. I need to accompany your father."
"Then who's going to eat with me?" Ambara asked softly.
"You'll be fine, honey. This is important for the throne."
With that, her parents left. Ambara sighed and finished her meal.
"Maybe I'll go to the garden…"
---
Ambara walked to the palace garden where she usually played.
She picked some flowers, then sat on the soft green grass.
From a distance, she saw village children heading to school.
"Princess Ambara, you're back from school early?" one friend called out.
"Did you finish the horseback assignment yesterday?" asked another.
Ambara shook her head.
"I'm not going to school anymore," she said quietly.
Her friends didn't press further. They simply smiled and waved goodbye.
Ambara felt lonely. She was constantly guarded, overly protected.
She wasn't allowed to sword fight, ride horses, or practice archery.
She was only allowed to stay in the palace and read books.
Even though her parents spoiled her with toys, accessories, and even built her a private playground,
it still felt… empty.
She gazed at the village kids laughing and playing freely.
"I want a more exciting life, God..." she whispered to herself.
Soon, her parents returned.
"Ambara, my daughter…"
"Yes, Dad? Mom?"
"Stay in the castle this evening, okay? Take care of yourself."
"Why?"
"Tomorrow, there will be a grand royal gathering. Families from different kingdoms will attend. You'll be joining us."
Ambara nodded, still unsure.
Suddenly, a group of soldiers approached King Xelo with full preparation
"Your Majesty," one said, "who will be invited to the royal contest?"
"Every kingdom with a single male heir," King Xelo said firmly.
"And what will entice them to join?"
The king smiled.
"Bring them the finest portrait of Ambara. Tell them she is the only daughter of the Kingdom of Lucifer—the most advanced realm in all lands!"
The soldiers bowed and left.
Ambara stared at her parents, confused.
"Dad… what is this contest for?!"
"It's a royal match. I'm arranging your marriage," the King replied directly.
"What?! Why?!" Ambara's voice cracked in disbelief.
"It's all for your future, sweetheart."
Anger welled in her eyes. She stormed off to her room without another word.
The King and Queen looked at each other.
"Let her go," Queen Zelia sighed. "She'll get over it."
"I know," King Xelo agreed. "She's our only daughter. A marriage between kingdoms will bring great fortune."
"It'll make our kingdom more powerful, and wealth will continue flowing in…"
The King nodded firmly.
"This marriage must happen—no matter what."
...