Hello everyone! How're you all?! After a long time in "Kingdom", huh? Did you miss this fic? So did I, people. Feeling so good to write it again. Yay, Kingdom returns! *Jumps*

At first, a very very happy 2k21 to all of you. Hope this year passes with much happiness, safety and joy for all of us so that we can forget how depressing, horrible the last year was. As a new year gift, Kingdom had to return, so it has :D

Thanks so much to Emerald Vivienne Ramira Mayvin, Cutetyhil, Seafoam Green under Twilight, ILoveMySweetIndia, Sohana Sarkar, Elena Dranzer, Black Witch of autumn, sakurasato56, stark02, rock the road and Shadow for reviewing the last chapter.

Shadow: Hi buddy, nice to meet you. Yes, you've guessed right about the epics. Here's the next chapter, enjoy! Thank you so much for reviewing.

So guys, this chapter is a bit different because it isn't dealing with our regular heroes. Rather, it describes the life of some other heroes which was kept in darkness. Their heroines are here too.

Dedicated to: Emerald Vivienne Ramira Mayvin. :D

So...enjoy! :D

Very slowly, the sun was rising in the east, trying to enlighten the dark, cryptic and dense forest of Germany. It was feeling very lazy to wake up just like the human beings snuggling under their blankets in a random winter morning. When it yawned, the faint crimson glow scattered across the blue which had washed the ink tainting it through the last night just then. Yet, the light couldn't pour in the woods due to the huddling leafy branches of the towering trees standing in rows. Birds yawned and squinted from their nests, witnessing the slowburn sunrise in Germany. The brown stems of the trees started coming to visibility. Still, a light, transparent sheet of fogs quoted the woodland.

Behind the forest, there was a rivulet-like a silver ribbon, it was flowing. The water was crystal-clear, making the colorful pebbles under it visible. Just facing it, the purple-haired German prince was standing, keeping his eyes at the sky and the rising sun. The river breeze blew around him, in two or three whirls, taking away the dry leaves falling at his toes. It felt soothing on his face; the feeling was comfortable at least; something which he had never got when he'd used to live in his royal castle. Even watching the brown rabbits and squirrels gather there for quenching their thirst also made his heart leap up in joy.

He smiled nostalgically. Once upon a time, he'd used to stay in touch with nature and animals a lot-when his parents had been alive. Despite being the king and the queen, they'd loved countryside more than the four majestic walls of their castle. Often, they'd used to come there to enjoy the fresh air of their kingdom with their son. His childhood had been lovely, enjoyable, free from all tensions and griefs; he had been a joyous kid, having no trouble. The pigeon of happiness had flown away forever from the balcony of his life along with the demise of his parents.

Then, he'd never been allowed to leave the castle. His uncle succeeded the throne, promising his father that he would make Robert the next king of Germany. For it, he would do everything. Were torturing, not letting him eat properly, making him work like a slave from dawn to dusk included in his lessons to be a worthy emperor? Robert didn't know but he knew that whatever had been being done to him was injustice. He wasn't a man who would tolerate it. So, gathering all his courage, one day, he protested boldly and wanted his rights as a prince. That resulted in his banishment from his own family, castle and kingdom.

He was happy in the forest. He never wanted to go back to that castle and own the throne though it was his right. But he felt sorry for Silvia. She was his childhood sweetheart and they were in deep love with each other since their adolescence. Whenever Robert would dream to be the emperor, he would imagine the silver-haired girl sitting by his side, wearing the tiara of the empress. But ironically, that dream was never going to come true. It was gaseous, impossible to capture in fists. Today, he was empty, penniless, stranded, alone-stuck in a jungle which wasn't suitable for a human being to live. Yet, he dwelled, he breathed.

"Robert?" He turned back, hearing the voice of his best friend, "What are you doing here? The sun hasn't risen yet!"

"Nothing, Johnny," Robert replied, "Just my sleep broke and it didn't come back. That's why, I decided to have a walk along the riverside."

"Woah…prince Robert Jurgens woke up before the sun?" Johnny rolled his eyes, "Why isn't it still rising from the west?"

"Hehe…you know what, Johnny, my life isn't like before how it was once upon a time," The purplette gave a faint smile, "It has changed, so have I, so have you."

Johnny sighed. Robert wasn't lying at all. Before a few months, his parents had been killed and he'd been ousted from Scotland too. The empire was ruled by Blackman himself now. The Scottish had tried his best to defeat him but for an unknown reason, Blackman was invincible. A lot of murder attempts had taken place on him but he was still alive, unknowingly. Blackman had been the best friend of his parents and a loving uncle, a faithful guardian to him but putting trust on him, Johnny had committed a great mistake. Still, he couldn't stop loving his younger daughter. She was still cheerful, bubbly like her childhood. Often, she would visit him secretly in the forest.

"Has Oliver regained his sense?" Robert asked, changing to topic.

"Not yet," Johnny sadly murmured, "Enrique is with him now."

"How unfortunate the boy is!" The guardian of the purple Griffin exclaimed with sorrow, "He only wanted to marry the princess whom he loved the most. But that bastard Blackman didn't let it happen; moreover, kidnapping the girl."

"To be frank, I feel sorrier for the princess," Johnny sighed but showed hope too, "Thankfully, Oliver's life is saved by Zomb and he's safe with us, in this forest. Soon, he'll be okay."

"He'll physically be alright, I believe," The German queried, "But what about his mental wounds which he received, unable to marry princess Ramira?"

"Robert, I cannot understand one thing," Johnny was churning, "Why the hell on the earth aren't we able to kill your freaking greedy uncle? You, I, Oliver, Enrique-everybody has tried but only got misery in return, with no profit! Besides, he's separated us from the persons whom we love the most in this world. They…they all are imprisoned in that castle-some in golden shackles and some in iron-whatever, and we're sitting here without any action? What kind of men are we, Robert, what kind?!"

"Calm down, Johnny."

"No, I won't!" The redhead fumed, "It's impossible for me to see Gold in miseries. She's a princess, why should she deserve these…from her own father? And don't you feel the same of princess Silvia? What kind of lover are you?"

"Enough, Johnny!" Robert couldn't control his temper anymore, grabbing the shoulders of the younger, "What do you think? Didn't I try to save the princesses from their father and defeat him? I tried, again and again-but in the end, these things don't even matter! Because…"

Leaving his confused friend, he revealed the cause, "Because uncle Blackman has received a boon by worshipping our four sacred spirits that he'll never be killed when he'll be out of a battlefield or a duel. Moreover, in a battle or a duel, he won't be killed if his opponent attacks him while facing him. In a sense, he's immortal, Johnny! In front of him, we all are weak! Do you really think that he is powerful enough to kidnap the regal noblewomen from Italy and Netherland? No, Johnny, this has only been possible due to his boon which is completely being misused by him! We cannot do anything against him, accept this truth!"

"Hmm…." In realization, Johnny bent his head down. Tears were stinging his eyes but he never cried in his life. Even in the forest, even in these hardships and cruelties of fate, he didn't do any exception. Robert calmly patted his back and sighed. What else could they do?

"Robert! Johnny!" Suddenly, a blonde came there, running and panting, "Come with me!"

"What happened, Enrique?" Johnny frowned, "Is Oliver okay?"

"Oliver has regained his consciousness," The Italian informed, "Seems like he's had any dream. Please, come with me and let's have a talk with him."

"Okay," Nodding, Robert faced the Scot, "Johnny, let's go."

"You go first, Robert," Johnny said, "I'm coming later."

"Hm." The purple-haired guy felt skeptical but he didn't interrogate the redhead much. As soon as the Italian and German disappeared, from the bushes, a female blonde came out. Shorter and slimmer than he, she had greyish-silver orbs and cream complexion. She came there, wearing ordinary cloths of a lower-class woman of her kingdom and floral accessories but Johnny didn't fail to recognize her even in her odd attires. Smirking, he remarked, "Huh! Late as always!"

"Sorry Johnny…." The girl held her ears, "I was so busy in finding a way to get out of the castle. You know how strict father is."

"Whatever," Johnny shrugged, "How are others?"

"Fine, I guess," Goldenia sighed, "But sister's mental state is breaking day by day. I'm trying my best to console her but looks like she isn't ready to accept her fate."

"Understandable," He commented, "Which girl on the earth would want to be the wife of that creepy bastard? Why doesn't your father understand this thing?"

"Because he only cares for power, not his children," The blonde seethed, "If he understood, he would never kick out brother Robert of the palace. What else can you expect from him?"

"But we cannot let it happen, Gold," The Scot didn't agree with her easily, "If this injustice happens to Silvia once, it will happen to you too. Then, like Robert, my love…will also never be fulfilled."

"If father were an ordinary human being, I could elope with you, so could sister Silvia with brother Robert," She mumbled, "But he is informed about almost each and every move of us. Eloping with you rather increase your danger. Johnny, I cannot let you get harmed. You should stay alive, safe and protected."

"Gold, don't worry about me," Johnny cupped her face in his palms, "I'll be okay, I promise."

"I love you so much, Johnny." The blonde gently leaned her head on his chest and enfolded him between her arms; his palms were on her waist and head. Above their head, the sun fully rose and its reflection fell on the clear water surface, not forgetting to taking their images along with it too. They didn't know how many moments flowed away but eventually they broke the hug, feeling someone's presence and footsteps behind them.

"Oh!" Robert sarcastically commented, "That's why you didn't want to come to see Oliver, right?"

"Brother Robert!" Goldenia was excited to see her cousin after a long time, bowing to him, "Greetings. How're you?"

"Fine, Gold," The purple-haired man answered, "But why are you so crazy? Who told you to come here alone in this jungle at this hour of dawn? What if something happened to you?"

"Don't worry, brother Robert, I'll be fine," The girl assured, "I just came to see how you were doing."

"Let it be, no need to trouble your tongue by lying," The German prince said, "It's been very late, I think you should go from here. If uncle wakes up and fails to find you in the palace, you'll be doomed."

"Okay okay, I'm leaving," Goldenia joined her hands, "Anyways, any message for sister Silvia?"

"Hmm…." Robert's face darkened, "Tell her not to worry, I'll come to rescue her soon."

"For a single month, you've been telling her the same thing," Gold pouted, "But I cannot see any sign of progression here, brother. When will you come? She's breaking down day by day."

Robert sighed. He himself knew it far well that it was impossible for him to defeat Blackman and regain the throne of Germany at that time. But he had to do it at any cost. Silvia also had to stay strong only for his sake. His eyelids became heavy with tears, he somehow gave an inaudible sniff and said, "What to do, Gold? I'm helpless, penniless here. Let me be solvent a bit at first, then I'll surely come. Just tell her to wait for me."

"Be quick, brother," Goldenia sighed, "Otherwise, father will marry her off to that Boris Balkov which we never want."

"She doesn't have to," Robert tried to assure his cousin, "Now go. Have a safe journey."

"Sure," Goldenia nodded, "If anything is needed, don't forget to call me. I'll try my best to help you. See you, Johnny."

"See you too, Goldenia." The face of the Scot became gloomy. Giving him a sympathetic smile, the blonde disappeared behind the bushes. Looking at him, Robert said, "Let's visit Oliver, Johnny."

"Yeah," Johnny agreed with him, "Let's go."

They quietly strode to their straw-cabins. The greenette was fine, painting something on the white canvas attached to the wooden stand, sitting on a tool as he was still having difficulties to stand up and walk without any support. Still, white bandages were wrapped around his forehead, right ankle and left wrist. Signs of tiredness were obvious beneath his eyes and all over his joyful, vibrant face. Seeing Johnny and Robert, his face beamed, he totally forgot what happened to him, "Johnny, Robert! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Hi, nice to meet you after a long time, kiddo," Robert patted his back, "How're you feeling now?"

"Fine." Oliver replied.

"Fine?!" Johnny almost held his collars, "How can you still be fine? Cannot you remember that Blackman abducted your fiancée in front of your eyes and wounded you gravely? You could have lost your life, Oliver! Isn't your blood boiling in vengeance? Don't you want to take revenge?"

The green-haired guy's soft facial expression hardened, he clenched his teeth and grabbed the painting brush tightly. His blood bubbled viciously; he glared at Johnny. Remembering the unfortunate things which had happened to him and his lover, he couldn't keep sitting there idly but like his friends, he also knew that he couldn't beat Blackman. Robert and Johnny saw his bloodshot violet eyes as the former gawked at the latter murderously for putting troubles on him.

"Hey, relax, Oliver," Enrique put a hand on his shoulder, "I know what is going through you at this moment but I'm sure that we'll be able to rescue all the girls somehow."

"And I believe it," The green-haired guy said, "Not only that, I know it that it will happen, very soon."

Robert, Johnny and Enrique exchanged confused stares among one another, not understanding what he wanted to say. Oliver continued, "In my dream, I saw a mysterious warrior. He was saying to me that he himself would come to rescue us and our partners from this situation. Not only that, Robert, but he also said that he would give you the throne of Germany which you deserve."

"What…" Robert was still puzzled, "He said it to you?"

"Yes," Oliver nodded, "Don't you know that the dreams dreamt in the beginning of the dawn always come true? That's why, I believe that the person will surely come to us to help us."

"Oliver," Enrique asked, "Can you tell us how that person looked?"

"Who in this world could describe looks by words, Enrique?" The French prince sneered after a long time, "Only art is needed to understand that. That's why, I was painting him on my canvas."

"Let's see!" Robert, Enrique and Johnny peeped at the portrait which was made by the patron of art, the guardian of the white unicorn of the earth. The man on the picture was around the age of the German prince, tall and having a well-toned, admirable physique. Fair-skinned, amethyst-eyed, he possessed dual-colored hair just like two shades of sky; cloudy and clear nightly. Wearing regal outfits, he had a golden circlet surrounding his forehead, studded with an aventurine. The white scarf hanging round his neck was swaying. His back held a long bow and quiver, packed with arrows. Scarlet feathers of a phoenix were blowing around him. His face held a determined, hard look which was enough to give heart-attacks to hundreds of Blackmans. Having his glimpse, the four European princes felt relieved, unknowingly.

"He also told me that he would come with the best warriors of the world to rescue us from this situation," Oliver depicted, "But he advised us to stay strong and have patience. I know that this situation is tough for all of us. But if we are restless, we will never be able to find a solution to this problem. That's why, we have to be patient and coolheaded. Slow and steady win the race, don't they?"

"You're right, Oliver," Robert nodded, "There's no alternative to patience. We will keep our cool and make the next plans calmly; along with waiting for our survivor."

"That's the spirit!" Enrique managed to smile, "When we four are with each other, no Blackman will be able to cause any harm to us ever!"

"But…" The German prince concluded, "Who'll come here to save us? Who's the guy painted by Oliver? Will his dreams come true…..or not?"

"Leave me!" The feminine screech echoed throughout the dark lobby, "What the hell do you want from me?!"

A raven-haired girl, having medium-light complexion and dark-brown eyes, were being dragged by some demonesses across the half-lit passages of the castle. Wrists and ankles were chained in shackles, hair was unbound and messy, splashing on her waist and shoulders. Dark-brown eyes glimmered like lights, maybe trying to fulfill the absence of light in the alleys. Her muffled screams were colliding with the ruthless walls of the routes and returned to her own ears but her oppressors didn't feel a tad pity on her. The heartless women soldiers simply hauled her to a confined chamber and threw her there on the floor, taking off the manacles.

"It's your destiny!" One of the women put her index finger at her, "You' were born to be one of the entertainers of Boris Balkov as well as a dowry object in the marriage of princess Jurgens! Now stay here until you meet your fate!"

When the big door of the room was pulled back with a great thud, the raven raised her eyes and glanced around herself. She was in a chamber, having high black walls with golden borders and marble floor. Leaning against them, copper lamp-stands were standing, holding white candles. It had three single beds with black bedsheets, pillows and blankets. The thick curtains on the windows weren't letting the sunshine in. On the ground, there were two more women around her age, wearing pallid cloths and propping their heads against the pillars, wrapping their palms around their knees. One had blonde hair with emerald green eyes and another possessed dark-orange tresses with brown pupils. Receiving the sound of her falling, they became alert and looked at her.

"Hey…a new roommate…" The elder girl stood up, "Looks like the rest of the days here won't be so bad as we're thinking, Rose."

"I see…" The orangette approached the raven and helped her stand up, "You're new here, right?"

"What…what the hell is happening around me?" She confusedly looked around, "Why have they brought me here? And…what were the ladies saying?"

"This is the room reserved for the girls who will be sent with princess Silvia Jurgens to her in-laws' home as her maids as well as the entertainers of her husband," Bianca replied with no expression on her face, "Boris Balkov, the emperor of Doomland and the future husband of princess Slivia, has demanded a lot of things and beautiful women as the dowry."

"Dowry?" The Dutch princess frowned, "As far as I knew, it's forbidden in most of the kingdoms in the world. Besides, who wants persons as dowry?"

"To Boris Balkov, the forbidden and sinful things are the most auspicious ones," Rosetta retorted, "And when on the earth has he treated women as persons?"

Ramira again slumped down on the floor, breaking. Only before a few hours, she'd been in her own castle, prepared for stepping in a new phase of her life. Through a groom-choosing ceremony, she'd chosen her future soulmate but then a destruction had happened there, devastating her dreams and life like shattering precious utensils all of a sudden. What about them? What about her dreams? Covering her face, she sobbed.

"Oww…" Bianca squeezed her shoulders, kneeling down beside her, "Don't cry, dear. This is our fate. We cannot avoid it, no matter how much we try."

"Why?" She sniffed, "Why should it have happened to me? I-I was supposed to get married to my love and spend the rest of my life happily along with him. Why did that monster ruin my life? Why?!"

"Whom did you love?" Rosetta curiously asked.

Lifting her face and wiping her tears, she looked at the ladies. Then, clearing her throat, she started narrating her backstory.

(Ramira's P.O.V):

I'm Ramira De Persie, the princess of Holland. As only daughter of my parents, I was reared with much affection, care and love. Though I'm a princess, I am a hobbyist poetess and an artist too, praised by my subjects for my poetry and painting skills. As a creative lady, I also wanted someone creative as my life-partner. All the princesses and noblewomen across the world want greatest, mightiest warriors as their grooms but it is always my firm belief that only aestheticism, art and peace can change this world, not wars and battles. Unfortunately, there were hardly any man who could agree with me on this point.

But I was proven wrong. Before a few days, my groom-choosing ceremony took place. From different kingdoms across the world, mighty kings, princes and warriors came. In the battle arena, they were showing off their warfare skills. Some were talented archers, some were great swordsmen, some proved themselves as strong and furious gladiators, others were brawlers or spear-fighters. They all were brilliant, vigorous and proud-but to be honest, I didn't like anyone of them. I sighed, thinking that I might never meet the man of my dream in this life. Right then, I saw another man-much different from the warriors. He was painting on a canvas with his brushes, under a tree. There was a sword attached to his belt but he was enjoying using the brushes more than it.

I went to him and tried to see what he was drawing. Holy lord, the painting being created on the empty space by his hands didn't belong to this world, believe me! The unicorn was white but glowing like a rainbow. I felt as if it'd been really standing in front of my eyes, I could touch it if I wanted! Never had I seen any outstanding and divine piece of art in my life. The painter didn't look at me because he was too absorbed in his work to notice me. But from a corner, when I saw his face, I lost my total heart to him. Skin tone was like a ripe apple, thick green locks were touching his neck. Twin amethysts were glimmering with enthusiasm; he was enjoying his activity a lot.

Who was he? A human being? Or lord Apollo himself?

"Excuse me, my lady," I didn't know for how long I was staring at the picture. My meditation broke hearing his voice, "What do you need from me?"

His voice was so polite unlike the gruff and bold tone of other candidates. Now, I couldn't feel whether I was on earth or in heaven. Somehow, I spoke, "No no, I don't need anything from you."

"May I know why you're here?" He asked again.

"Actually," I could feel the heat growing in my cheeks, "I love to paint a lot. You know, people of Holland know me as their best painter."

"Nice to meet another artist," He bowed, "If I am not wrong, you must be princess Ramira, right?"

"Um…yes," I queried him, "Never mind, may I know your identity?"

"I'm Oliver Polanski, the prince of France," He introduced himself, "I've heard the praises of your art and poetry. That's why, I couldn't resist myself from meeting you once."

"So nice of you," I was feeling flattered, "But what about you, prince Polanski? Do you love paintings?"

"I myself am a painter, princess," He replied, "Why shouldn't I love paintings?"

"You're a painter?" Wait, what the hell I was saying at that time! He was painting a unicorn before me; he must be a painter then. Actually, I was so bewildered that I wasn't understanding what to say and what not. Perhaps, he realized that I was surprised. Smiling, he told me, "I think you didn't expect this reply from me, princess."

"No no, not like that," I shook my head, "Actually, men aren't interested in painting and art these days, my parents told me that. That's why…"

"Why, princess?" He gently protested, "On all the sectors of education, there are the equal rights of both a man and a woman. A woman can move a sword in a battlefield and a man can move a brush on the canvas. Skills don't know the gender of their holder."

When I heard him, in my heart, he made a permanent place forever. In respect, my head wanted to bow before him once again. My heart told me that my hopes hadn't died yet. They were still alive. Our thoughts perfectly matched as if we'd been made for each other. When I looked at him, I saw the pink tints across his cheeks too. My God! Was he blushing? Was he feeling the same which I was? He was exceptional; he was a pearl in the world of diamonds, having his own unique beauty and glow. I couldn't wait there much as my friends were calling me to get ready. Somehow bidding him goodbye, I returned to my room.

When my friends and attendants were dressing me up for the ceremony, looking at the mirror, I was thinking only about him. They adorned me with white column gown having red linings and golden jewelries studded with rubies. They were saying that I was looking more beautiful than a Goddess but they only entered my ears, not my brain. On the mirror, instead of mine, his reflection was emerging in front of my eyes. When I was walking across the lobbies to enter the hall and everyone was showering flowers on me, he was there, smiling at me. I couldn't help blushing as our eyes met again.

Oliver, Oliver, Oliver. What lay in those six letters? What?

Now, it was my turn to choose the groom. I stood up from my sit and placed my question before the candidates, "The prince who'll be able to explain the term-'Pen is greater than sword' will be my fiancé."

Half of the princes left the room because they didn't believe this term. They thought that sword is greater than pen. The remaining candidates exchanged confused stares. Some stood up and tried to say something but their explanation didn't really touch my heart. When my eyes fell on prince Polanski, he smiled and stood up.

"A sword, or any weapon, is powerful," He interpreted, "Because they can take millions of lives. However, words are more powerful because they can enable hundreds of men to take swords and come out from their houses on the way to battlefield. Besides, it is considered that literature, which is written with pens, is the mirror of a kingdom or a race. A sword only can start wars but a pen can do both of them. That's why, a pen is mightier than a sword."

Again, he amazed me and left me speechless. I kept gazing at him without blinking. The priests and royal mentors must have been praising him and cheering him by his name but they didn't reach my ears. He lowered his head in respect, so did my eyes bend down. One of my friends handed me a cornet made of gold and amethysts like the unicorn horn. Taking it, with slow and steady footsteps, I walked towards him. My feet felt heavy, I felt numb but I continued going to him. After all, I met a person who could understand me and my thoughts. We shared the same mottos and beliefs. That's why, we are soulmates.

But…no sooner had I placed the crown on his head than crushing the walls of the palace, some warriors tumbled in. Everyone stood up and shrieked. Not paying any heed, they started creating a rampage there, slaughtering everyone without any reason or word. The present warriors tried to defend but they also had to lose their lives. Prince Polanski wasn't only a talented artist, but also a great swordsman too. He fought bravely and killed many but their leader who was wearing a mask…any attack of prince Polanski could do nothing to him. Rather, he thrashed…he thrashed prince Polanski mercilessly. As a result, he fell down on the ground, fainting.

"Prince Polanski!" I rushed to his side for his aid. Holding his head, I placed it on my lap but all of a sudden, I felt a sharp pain in my head as someone hit there. I collapsed, not remembering anything after it. When I opened my eyes, I discovered myself here, in chains, being dragged by the female soldiers. They didn't even let me take care of him! I…I wonder….what happened to prince Polanski? Will…will he be okay?

P.O.V ends:

Finishing her story, princess Ramira again buried her face in her palms and started weeping. Rosetta and Bianca patted her back, trying to console her.

"Don't worry, Ramira," Bianca was positive, "I'm sure that prince Polanski will be alright. I personally know him, he's one of the best friends of my husband, Enrique Giancarlo, the prince of Italy."

"Our husband." Rosetta nudged her from a side.

"Yeah yeah, I won't forget," The blonde grouched, "Anyways, prince Polanski is really one of the bravest and most skillful warriors of Europe. Don't worry, he'll come here soon to rescue you."

"I hope so," Ramira wiped her eyes, "By the way, I haven't known your names yet."

"I'm Bianca," The blonde said, "And she's Rosetta, my co-wife."

"Nice to meet you, lady Bianca and Rosetta," The Dutch princess somehow managed to smile, "Thank you so much to you both. If you weren't there, I don't know how I would survive here."

"No no dear, no need to thank us," The orangette spoke, "What to do, dear? After all, we all are helpless despite being noblewomen of different kingdoms. We can only hope and pray so that our husbands or partners come here somehow and rescue us."

"Thud!"

The door of the room went open as the three women stood up, horrified, thinking the intruder to be any soldier. But no, unlike their prediction, a silver-haired girl entered there, having big, round golden orbs and long eyelashes. From her attires and jewelries, it could easily be said that she wasn't any maid. Rosetta and Bianca bowed before her. Ramira also followed the women.

"You don't need to bow before me," The princess smiled, "I'm a princess, so are you all."

"We were princesses when we used to be free," Bianca sighed, "But at present, we're your maids, princess Silvia."

"Yeah, why to avoid the truth?" The orangette added, "We're the dowries of your wedding."

Tears almost came to Silvia's eyes. Suppressing them, she somehow pleaded, "Please, don't misunderstand me, girls. Trust me, I'm really not interested to marry Boris Balkov. Nor am I liking the fact of dowry; specially when your lives are involved in it. But…"

Sniffing, she knelt down, "Like you all, I'm also helpless! My father wants to get me married to Boris Balkov forcefully! I cannot even escape from the castle because I tried it before too and each time, got caught by father! Please, forgive me!"

"No, princess Silvia," Ramira rushed to her side and embraced her shoulders, "You don't need to apologize to us at all. I can understand how you are feeling. Trust me, you have no fault at what happened to us. Now, we can only hope to get free."

Then, Silvia shared her love story with the captive women, knowing that Ramira was the fiancée of prince Oliver. Goldenia also joined there; they all got to know that their husbands or lovers were the closest friends of one another. Unfortunately, all the five ladies were stranded there in the castle of Blackman. Through the younger daughter of Blackman, they all got to know about the miseries of the mighty princes of Europe. Their hearts broke knowing their hardships and misfortune but they thanked the deities because the men whom they loved the most were physically alright at least. Turning to the only open window through which a ray of sunshine poured in, Ramira whispered, 'Won't there be someone who will come to protect us all along with our lovers? I hope there will be…'

*Sighs* Let's pray so that Oliver's dream and Ramira's prayer come true.

So guys, how was it? Good or bad? Lol, I think I've forgotten to maintain the real force of Kingdom in this chapter. Obvious it is because I took a long break from it. But it will be updated regularly from now on, I guess.

Besides, did anyone ever think that the rich, aristocratic Majestics would be homeless, penniless in their previous life? xD

I'll try to write more medievals in this year. Maybe from February, I'll start another medieval epic of me "The chosen one"; featuring Kai Hiwatari and Tyson Granger as the main characters. Simy gave me the plot (Thank you so much for the plot again, Sims!). It will hold many pairings along with a KaiOC. People, tell me which OC I should choose for Kai. A random OC or Aylin, who was used in Hammer? :P

Anyways, do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care and stay safe. Once again, a very very happy new year to everyone!

-Misty ^_^ ^_^