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📺Click ReelShort site link to watch 🔖https://www.reelshort.com/full-episodes/the-ugly-daughter-returns-as-queen-6ae43a1d7553be5f0b0f03dd
📢Notice: Alpha-Plot is an officially authorized publisher of ReelShort content.
power read on The Ugly Daughter Returns as Queen, and everything in this kingdom runs on one currency.
Looks. Not gold, not bloodline, not merit. Lina's parents are called beauty-obsessed, which sounds like vanity until you notice it is economics. A daughter who cannot be traded in a marriage market is a liability, so she is written off.
That is why the enchanted stream matters more than it should. It does not make her better. It makes her legible — it converts her into something the system can price.
And it is why Verei is a real opponent. She is the betrothed one. Lina is not fighting a person, she is fighting the exchange rate.
✨ What worked for me:
- The stream fixes her surface, not her standing.
- Verei never has to be cruel. She is already on the list.
✨ Bottom line: the throne decides who the court can read.
What actually buys power there?
— AP, plotting your next binge 🐺
#UglyDaughter, #PowerDynamics, #Ranking, #ReelShort, #ShortDrama
📺Click ReelShort site link to watch 🔖https://www.reelshort.com/full-episodes/the-ugly-daughter-returns-as-queen-6ae43a1d7553be5f0b0f03dd
📢Notice: Alpha-Plot is an officially authorized publisher of ReelShort content.
power read on The Ugly Daughter Returns as Queen, and everything in this kingdom runs on one currency.
Looks. Not gold, not bloodline, not merit. Lina's parents are called beauty-obsessed, which sounds like vanity until you notice it is economics. A daughter who cannot be traded in a marriage market is a liability, so she is written off.
That is why the enchanted stream matters more than it should. It does not make her better. It makes her legible — it converts her into something the system can price.
And it is why Verei is a real opponent. She is the betrothed one. Lina is not fighting a person, she is fighting the exchange rate.
✨ What worked for me:
- The stream fixes her surface, not her standing.
- Verei never has to be cruel. She is already on the list.
✨ Bottom line: the throne decides who the court can read.
What actually buys power there?
— AP, plotting your next binge 🐺
#UglyDaughter, #PowerDynamics, #Ranking, #ReelShort, #ShortDrama
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Your Highness?
00:00:01Slowly, I turned toward Lark, watching his expression darken.
00:00:05Was the man I loved not a royal guard, but an actual prince?
00:00:08When Lark remained silent, the captain continued.
00:00:11Your Highness, your match for the royal engagement has been decided.
00:00:14His Majesty demands your immediate return to meet your future bride.
00:00:17My heart shattered.
00:00:19Future bride?
00:00:20I stumbled backward, staring at Lark in disbelief.
00:00:35You're a prince?
00:00:36His expression twisted painfully.
00:00:39Lina, please.
00:00:40I wanted you to love me for who I am, not my title.
00:00:43And your engagement?
00:00:45In the elven kingdom of Riviera, beauty was everything,
00:00:48and no one was more beautiful, wealthy, or admired than my parents,
00:00:52Lord Eric and Lady Inepha.
00:00:54When Mother became pregnant, the entire kingdom celebrated,
00:00:58certain their firstborn daughter would inherit their legendary beauty.
00:01:04However, when I was born, their dreams became a nightmare.
00:01:07When I arrived, I had twisted limbs and skin that resembled rough tree bark.
00:01:11My hair was tangled with sharp, thorn-covered vines that sliced anything they touched.
00:01:15Get that disgusting creature away from me!
00:01:17My mother shrieked as the midwife attempted to place me in her arms.
00:01:21My father stared at me with undisguised horror.
00:01:24That monster can't possibly be my daughter!
00:01:31Perhaps a healer could help her, my lord.
00:01:34They may be able to-
00:01:35Silence!
00:01:36Take that thing to the Forbidden Forest.
00:01:38Leave her where no one will ever find her!
00:01:40The midwife suggested.
00:01:41My father snapped.
00:01:43And just like that, my own parents sentenced me to death.
00:01:46Late that very night, a servant carried me deep into the Forbidden Forest,
00:01:50placing me beneath an ancient tree before fleeing.
00:01:55The following morning, my parents announced that their beloved daughter had tragically
00:01:59died during childbirth.
00:02:01The kingdom mourned a child whose parents never wanted her alive.
00:02:04But fate had other plans.
00:02:07An elderly witch named Eden heard my desperate cries from her cottage deep in the forest and
00:02:11discovered me wrapped in a filthy blanket.
00:02:16Oh, you poor little thing.
00:02:18Who could abandon such a precious child?
00:02:20She whispered, gathering me into her arms.
00:02:23My tiny fingers clutched hers tightly.
00:02:25For the first time in my life, someone held me with love instead of disgust.
00:02:28Eden carried me to her cottage, determined to raise me as her own and never set foot back
00:02:33in that kingdom ever again.
00:02:37Twenty years had passed since my parents abandoned me in the Forbidden Forest.
00:02:42Sometimes I wondered what life was like beyond the trees.
00:02:46But Eden had raised me with more love than my parents ever.
00:02:50Her healing magic had straightened my twisted limbs,
00:02:53but my bark-like skin and thorn-covered hair remained unchanged.
00:02:58Remember, Lena.
00:03:00True beauty comes from the heart, not the face.
00:03:02She also taught me magic, which came surprisingly naturally.
00:03:07Flowers bloomed beneath my fingertips.
00:03:10Wounded animals trusted me, and even the ancient trees seemed to understand me.
00:03:15Still, I desperately wished I looked normal.
00:03:19Especially whenever Lark visited.
00:03:21With his dark hair, silver-gray eyes, and charming smile,
00:03:26Lark was the most handsome soldier I'd ever seen.
00:03:30We'd been friends for years, ever since he started sneaking into the forest to escape his duties,
00:03:35patrolling Riviera's bustling streets.
00:03:37But lately, I'd begun wanting something more.
00:03:40One afternoon, sitting beside a stream, I finally asked him something.
00:03:44Lark,
00:03:45why do you keep visiting someone as hideous as me?
00:03:49His smile vanished instantly.
00:03:51Don't ever call yourself that, Lena.
00:03:53I mean it.
00:03:55I blinked in surprise, my cheeks burning with humiliation.
00:04:00He took my hands in his, squeezing them tightly.
00:04:04The truth is, I've fallen in love with you.
00:04:07My jaw dropped.
00:04:09Surely you're joking!
00:04:11A firm look on his face.
00:04:13Never.
00:04:14Your kindness, courage, and beautiful heart mean more to me than appearances ever could.
00:04:19Tears filled my eyes as he pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me.
00:04:23He whispered in my ear.
00:04:24One day, I'll marry you, Lena.
00:04:27I promise.
00:04:28For the first time, I imagined a happy future.
00:04:33One where I didn't have to worry about.
00:04:37When I got home later that night and told Eden, she looked troubled.
00:04:45The world outside this forest is cruel, child.
00:04:48What if his family refuses to accept you?
00:04:51My happiness quickly turned to dread.
00:04:53What if loving me meant Lark would lose everything?
00:04:58That night, I couldn't stop thinking about Lark's promise to marry me.
00:05:02He claimed my hideous appearance didn't bother him.
00:05:04But would his family feel the same?
00:05:06Would they allow someone so handsome to marry a monster like me?
00:05:09I whispered to the moon outside my window.
00:05:12If only I could be beautiful.
00:05:15Unable to sleep, I wandered into the forbidden forest.
00:05:18The ancient trees blocked the moonlight, leaving me stumbling through darkness.
00:05:22Before long, I realized I was lost.
00:05:24After what felt like hours, a clearing emerged.
00:05:27Before me lay a hidden stream, its crystal clear waters shimmering beneath the moonlight.
00:05:31I'd never seen anything so beautiful in my whole life.
00:05:34As I approached the edge, the water began glowing.
00:05:37I gasped.
00:05:39What kind of magic is this?
00:05:40When I reached to touch the moving surface, something rustled loudly behind me.
00:05:44Terrified, I spun around to see where it was coming from, but my foot slipped on the muddy bank.
00:05:49Before I could catch myself, I plunged into the stream.
00:05:52The water was much deeper than I'd expected.
00:05:54I thrashed, desperately, struggling to reach the surface.
00:05:57Suddenly, searing pain shot through my veins, burning my entire body.
00:06:01I screamed, but the water swallowed my cries.
00:06:04By the time I finally broke through the surface, my skin felt like it was melting.
00:06:08I scrambled onto the bank and coughing violently.
00:06:13When the pain subsided, I wiped water from my eyes and froze.
00:06:17The rough bark covering my hands was peeling away, revealing flawless ivory skin underneath.
00:06:23My trembling fingers flew to my hair, where thorn-covered vines were dissolving.
00:06:27Heart pounding, I crawled toward the stream and stared at my reflection,
00:06:31and saw flowing crimson hair had replaced thorn-covered vines,
00:06:34and bark-like skin was replaced with perfectly smooth skin.
00:06:37The woman staring back was breathtakingly beautiful.
00:06:43I touched my face in disbelief.
00:06:46What the-
00:06:47Tears streamed down my face as I continued to touch my face.
00:06:51Somehow, the stream had changed me.
00:06:54Overwhelmed with joy, I raced home.
00:06:56I burst into her bedroom, startling her awake.
00:07:00Eden!
00:07:01She sat up in fear, her palms glowing as she called forth magic to defend herself
00:07:06against the woman she didn't recognize standing in front of her.
00:07:09Who are you?
00:07:10Eden!
00:07:11It's me!
00:07:12I twirled excitedly.
00:07:14Look!
00:07:14Her jaw dropped when she finally recognized my voice.
00:07:18Lena?
00:07:18I found this stream in the forest with glowing water.
00:07:21I accidentally fell in and it changed me!
00:07:23I'm finally beautiful!
00:07:25To my surprise, her expression darkened.
00:07:27Lena, what have you done?
00:07:28My smile vanished.
00:07:30You don't think I'm beautiful?
00:07:32Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes.
00:07:35All my life, I wanted to not look like a hideous monster.
00:07:38Eden had tried her best to raise me without caring about my appearance, but every time
00:07:42I looked in the mirror, that's all I could ever see.
00:07:45Every flaw reminded me of why my parents left me in the forest to die.
00:07:48For twenty years, I dreamed of being beautiful, and now that my dream had finally come true,
00:07:53Eden wasn't happy at all.
00:07:54She sighed and shifted out of bed.
00:07:57She came closer and wrapped her arms tightly around me.
00:08:00Oh, sweetheart, of course you're beautiful.
00:08:03You always were.
00:08:04Then what's wrong?
00:08:06I tilted my chin to look at her.
00:08:08She simply sighed again.
00:08:11Beauty attracts the wrong kind of attention, child.
00:08:14Promise me you'll be careful.
00:08:16Something about her sorrowful expression suggested she knew that from experience.
00:08:20I didn't know much about Eden's past before she exiled herself to the forest,
00:08:24but every so often, I would catch glimpses of why she did.
00:08:27Maybe this was one of them.
00:08:28I promise.
00:08:30She squeezed me again.
00:08:31Good.
00:08:35Despite my promise to Eden, all I could think about was showing Lark my transformation.
00:08:40The following afternoon, I waited beneath a tree.
00:08:43My hood pulled low over my face.
00:08:45When Lark finally appeared, his familiar smile made my heart flutter.
00:08:50Playing games today, Lina?
00:08:51I tried to smile, but my nerves were overwhelming.
00:08:54What if he hated my new appearance?
00:08:56Or worse, what if he loved it more?
00:08:58Would that confirm I'd never been beautiful enough for him like I always feared?
00:09:02Lina.
00:09:03His smile faded when I said nothing.
00:09:05Something wrong?
00:09:06No.
00:09:07There's something I need to show you.
00:09:09Taking a shaky breath, I slowly lowered my hood.
00:09:14Suddenly, steel flashed before my eyes as he unsheathed his sword and pointed it at me.
00:09:19Who the hell are you?
00:09:20Lark demanded.
00:09:21I stumbled backward, raising my hands.
00:09:24It's me.
00:09:24Lark.
00:09:25It's Lina.
00:09:26His silver-gray eyes widened.
00:09:28Lina.
00:09:29Is that really you?
00:09:31I nodded frantically, my stomach twisting as his gaze swept over my unfamiliar features.
00:09:36What happened?
00:09:37He asked, slowly lowering his sword.
00:09:40I fell into this magical stream, deep in the forest, and it changed me.
00:09:46My voice trembled.
00:09:47I know I look different, but I'm still me.
00:09:50I promise.
00:09:52I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.
00:09:54I just hope you still love me.
00:09:57For a moment, he said nothing.
00:09:58Then, to my relief, his expression softened.
00:10:02Sheathing his sword, he stepped forward and pulled me into his arms.
00:10:06Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.
00:10:09Tears filled my eyes.
00:10:11You really mean that?
00:10:15Of course I do.
00:10:16He gently brushed my crimson hair away from my face.
00:10:19I loved you, before any of this.
00:10:22Though I must admit, I think I might miss getting pricked by your hair.
00:10:29Laughing through my tears, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him.
00:10:38Moments ago, I'd been terrified of Lark's reaction.
00:10:41Now, as he kissed me passionately, nearly sweeping me off my feet,
00:10:45every insecurity melted away.
00:10:47When we finally parted, he gently cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek.
00:10:51Let's run away together.
00:10:52My eyes widened.
00:10:54What?
00:10:55But what about your duties to the kingdom?
00:10:58Won't the guards think you've defected?
00:11:01I don't care.
00:11:02His smile widened.
00:11:03I love you, Lena.
00:11:05I want you to be my wife.
00:11:08Tears instantly filled my eyes.
00:11:10How had I gotten so lucky?
00:11:12I still remember the day we met.
00:11:15Years ago, Lark had stumbled upon Eden's cottage,
00:11:18bruised and bloodied after battling a wild beast.
00:11:21I'd spent hours tending his wounds, terrified of what would happen when he awoke.
00:11:25I knew the moment he saw my monstrous appearance, he'd scream and flee.
00:11:29But he hadn't.
00:11:30Instead, he'd smiled and thanked me.
00:11:34Somehow, that simple kindness had blossomed into the greatest love I'd ever known.
00:11:40Yes, I whispered tearfully.
00:11:42Yes, I'll marry you.
00:11:43His face lit up instantly.
00:11:45But before he could respond,
00:11:47the thunder of approaching hooves shattered our peaceful moment
00:11:50as several armored elven guards emerged from the trees.
00:11:54Panic seized me.
00:11:55Had they overheard Lark's plans to abandon his duties?
00:11:58I quickly ducked behind him, clutching his arm.
00:12:01But instead of arresting him, the guards immediately dismounted.
00:12:04Then, to my utter astonishment, they knelt before us.
00:12:08Their captain stepped forward, pressing a fist against his chest.
00:12:13Your Highness, the king has summoned you to the palace immediately.
00:12:20Your Highness?
00:12:22Slowly, I turned toward Lark, watching his expression darken.
00:12:25Was the man I loved not a royal guard, but an actual prince?
00:12:29When Lark remained silent, the captain continued.
00:12:31Your Highness, your match for the royal engagement has been decided.
00:12:34His Majesty demands your immediate return to meet your future bride.
00:12:38My heart shattered.
00:12:39Future bride?
00:12:41I stumbled backward, staring at Lark in disbelief.
00:12:55You're a prince?
00:12:57His expression twisted painfully.
00:13:00Lina, please.
00:13:01I wanted you to love me for who I am, not my title.
00:13:04And your engagement?
00:13:05I demanded, tears filling my eyes.
00:13:10Was everything you just said a lie?
00:13:12How could he?
00:13:13Moments ago, he'd promised to abandon his life in Riviera and run off to marry me.
00:13:17Had he been playing with my feelings this entire time?
00:13:20Had I foolishly mistaken his pity for love?
00:13:22Perhaps he'd simply enjoyed pretending to love the hideous creature who once saved his life,
00:13:27now that she was a beautiful woman.
00:13:28No!
00:13:29Lark rushed forward, desperately reaching for my hands.
00:13:32Lina, I love you.
00:13:34Only you.
00:13:35I shoved him away.
00:13:36Don't touch me.
00:13:38Please, just listen to me.
00:13:39You're a liar!
00:13:40I screamed, tears spilling down my cheeks.
00:13:42How could you do this to me?
00:13:44He flinched as though I'd struck him.
00:13:46For a moment, neither of us spoke.
00:13:48Then his hands curled into fists.
00:13:50Give me time to straighten this out.
00:13:51He pleaded.
00:13:53I'll convince my father to cancel the engagement.
00:13:55I promise I'll come back for you.
00:13:56I shook my head, unable to believe another word.
00:13:59Lina, I swear it.
00:14:00Before I could respond, he turned and mounted one of the horses.
00:14:04Huh.
00:14:07Within moments, he disappeared toward Riviera, the guards following close behind.
00:14:12I stood frozen in place, watching the man I'd just agreed to marry vanish into the distance.
00:14:18I was still sobbing in my room when Eden returned from foraging.
00:14:23She rushed to my side, wrapping me up in her arms.
00:14:29What happened, my child?
00:14:32Lark.
00:14:34My voice cracked as I spoke.
00:14:38He's getting married.
00:14:40To someone else.
00:14:42Her eyes widened before softening with sympathy.
00:14:45Oh, my sweet child.
00:14:47I'm so sorry.
00:14:49Still, imprisoning the crown prince seems excessive.
00:14:54The second guard mused.
00:14:57Not when the Nevaris demanded punishment.
00:15:00Apparently their daughter was humiliated.
00:15:03Beyond forgiveness.
00:15:05I pressed a trembling hand against my mouth.
00:15:08Lark hadn't abandoned me like I thought.
00:15:10He'd been imprisoned for refusing to marry someone else like he promised.
00:15:15Wait a second.
00:15:16Did he just say, Nevaris?
00:15:18I'd be lucky if wandering around didn't get me caught and thrown out onto the streets.
00:15:22Still, I couldn't leave him here.
00:15:24I had to try.
00:15:26Taking a shaky breath, I adjusted my veil.
00:15:29Suddenly, a large shadow fell across me.
00:15:31I slowly lifted my gaze to find an armored guard towered over me.
00:15:35Well, well.
00:15:37He reached for his sword.
00:15:41What do we have here?
00:15:44A little spy, perhaps?
00:15:47I don't know.
00:15:50Your Majesty.
00:15:51The guard announced, throwing me onto the floor in front of the dais.
00:15:55I caught this woman lurking in the corridors.
00:15:57She refuses to identify herself.
00:16:00I winced when my knees struck the floor.
00:16:03Slowly, I pushed myself upright, grateful my veil still concealed my face.
00:16:09Explain yourself.
00:16:11The king demanded from his throne.
00:16:14Why have you trespassed into my palace?
00:16:16What more could she possibly want to take from me?
00:16:19Tears burned my eyes.
00:16:22Remove it!
00:16:23The king thundered.
00:16:26Before I could respond, Vare lunged and grabbed my veil.
00:16:30I'll do it myself.
00:16:31Stop!
00:16:34I desperately fought her off, but she yanked harder, clawing at my hair.
00:16:41The second she tore the fabric from my face, gasps swept through the court.
00:16:46Vare's smile vanished instantly the moment she saw my face.
00:16:50She stumbled back, clutching the torn fabric to her chest.
00:16:54That's... that's not possible!
00:16:56If you were so beautiful, why would you hide?
00:16:59The king studied me curiously.
00:17:01Girl, what is your name?
00:17:05Instead of answering him, I turned toward Eric and Inepha.
00:17:10For twenty years, I'd wondered what I would say if I ever faced them.
00:17:15Now, I knew.
00:17:16My beautiful daughter!
00:17:18She cried dramatically.
00:17:20Of course you belong here!
00:17:22I stiffened in her embrace.
00:17:23Now she wanted me?
00:17:24After twenty years of abandonment, all it took was a pretty face?
00:17:28Over her shoulder, I saw Vare staring at us in absolute horror.
00:17:32I shoved Inepha away, my stomach twisting with disgust.
00:17:35Don't touch me!
00:17:36She stumbled backward, looking horrified.
00:17:39Lina, darling, please!
00:17:40You have no right to call me your daughter.
00:17:43I snapped.
00:17:44Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
00:17:46Lina Narrera, you must undergo the sacred rites.
00:17:49You and your sister will compete in the rite of blossoms.
00:17:52Whoever emerges victorious shall marry my son.
00:17:56Vare gasped.
00:17:58But your majesty, I'm already engaged!
00:17:59To Lark!
00:18:00Then you must win to keep that engagement.
00:18:04He replied sternly.
00:18:05My stomach twisted.
00:18:07I had to compete against my own sister for the man I loved?
00:18:09Until then,
00:18:10the king continued,
00:18:11Lina shall reside at the Nevera estate under the court's supervision.
00:18:16In the Fae realm, women are rare.
00:18:19When a woman comes of age, she's bound to two male protectors.
00:18:23That sacred union is called.
00:18:25The mate bond.
00:18:31And today, on my twentieth birthday,
00:18:35the sacred tree will decide my fate.
00:18:38You grew up with the princes.
00:18:39Bet they've been begging the sacred tree to bond you to them.
00:18:43Too bad neither of your parents will be there for the royal wedding,
00:18:48future high lady.
00:18:49My parents died before I was old enough to remember their faces.
00:18:54I grew up in an awful leech.
00:18:55Until the day I found the two princes in danger.
00:18:59Today, they'll keep their promise and claim me as their one true mate.
00:19:04I've waited so long for this day.
00:19:08We've waited so long for this moment.
00:19:10You're the one we prayed for, my love.
00:19:12Today, the sacred tree will confirm what was always meant to be.
00:19:16Come to us.
00:19:17Rowan, Caleb, they're here for me.
00:19:30Move.
00:19:31You're in Blair's way.
00:19:32Blair isn't your maid anymore.
00:19:34We chose her as our mate.
00:19:36Soon she'll be high lady of this court.
00:19:38Show her some respect.
00:19:39I was wrong.
00:19:41They never wanted me.
00:19:43They wanted Blair, my own maid.
00:19:45Two years ago, she walked into our lives and stole their hearts.
00:19:49I was a fool to think today would be different.
00:19:52In the name of the sacred tree, let the bonding ceremony begin.
00:20:00Prince Rowan, Prince Kalim, step forward.
00:20:04You are the one, Blair.
00:20:06It's always been you.
00:20:27What the hell is happening?
00:20:28Elder!
00:20:29Lyra Solis isn't supposed to be our mate.
00:20:33We prayed for Blair!
00:20:36The sacred tree has spoken.
00:20:38Lyra Solis is the true mate of Princes Rowan and Caleb.
00:20:43I'm their mate?
00:20:50I don't know what happened.
00:20:53It has to be a mistake!
00:20:55Elder Alden, break this false bond now!
00:20:58Blair is the only mate we want!
00:21:00Lyra, what did you do to the sacred tree?
00:21:04Whatever spell you cast, undo it now!
00:21:12The sacred tree's judgment is the highest law of this kingdom.
00:21:16It cannot be defied or undone.
00:21:19Our hearts belong to Blair.
00:21:21The sacred tree has to be wrong.
00:21:27Oh my god!
00:21:29Greg and Lucas got a new mate!
00:21:32No way I'm bonding with those monsters!
00:21:34Their last two mates were tortured to death.
00:21:38Whoever they mate with is doomed.
00:21:44The sacred tree chose those two psychopaths for Blair instead of the princes!
00:21:49No!
00:21:49I won't let this happen!
00:21:51No!
00:21:54No!
00:21:55No!
00:21:56No!
00:21:57No!
00:21:59No!
00:22:01No!
00:22:03You're ours now, sweetheart.
00:22:06Come here.
00:22:08The sacred tree gave her to us.
00:22:10Step aside, princes.
00:22:25Touch Blair again, and I'll rip your heads off.
00:22:28She's ours!
00:22:30Look at them.
00:22:31They'd fight the whole world to protect her.
00:22:34But me?
00:22:35They wouldn't even lift a finger.
00:22:42Are you really taking our mate from us?
00:22:44That's against the law, princes!
00:22:46But!
00:22:47If you want your precious Blair that badly,
00:22:50give us Lyra instead.
00:22:52What?
00:22:54Deal.
00:22:55Take Lyra.
00:22:57And leave Blair alone.
00:23:00What?
00:23:00You're crating me to those two monsters?
00:23:03I'm the mate the sacred tree chose for you!
00:23:07It's for Blair's sake, Lyra.
00:23:09Be reasonable.
00:23:11She's too fragile to survive even one night with them.
00:23:16Don't worry, babe.
00:23:18We'll protect you.
00:23:19Always.
00:23:24I knew I could count on you, my loves.
00:23:30Come to daddy, little princess.
00:23:34We're gonna have a lot of fun with you.
00:23:39Two years.
00:23:41Two years.
00:23:41That's all it took.
00:23:43The boys who once swore
00:23:45they'd protect me with their lives
00:23:48were now willing to trade me for another woman.
00:24:04Heal her.
00:24:05Now.
00:24:09From the moment Blair came into our lives,
00:24:12they only had eyes for her.
00:24:14I thought I was imagining it.
00:24:16But little by little,
00:24:18they grew colder towards me.
00:24:20Blair, you're fully recovered.
00:24:22Here's some money for the journey
00:24:23and a good horse.
00:24:24I hope you make it home safely.
00:24:32Princess!
00:24:32I never meant to take the princess from you.
00:24:35Please don't throw me out.
00:24:37I have nowhere else to go.
00:24:40Please.
00:24:41Just let me say goodbye to Rowan and Caelid.
00:24:44Don't kick me out like some stray dog.
00:24:51What is wrong with you, Lyra?
00:24:53When did you become so cruel?
00:24:56Blair's still recovering.
00:24:58Please, princess.
00:25:00Let me stay.
00:25:01Let me be your maid.
00:25:03I only want to repay you for saving my life.
00:25:06I don't need a maid.
00:25:08But if you want to...
00:25:09Blair has nowhere else to go.
00:25:11How can you be so heartless?
00:25:15She's staying whether you like it or not.
00:25:27Those potion formulas are priceless.
00:25:29I spent years collecting them to cure the queen's migraines.
00:25:33What have you done?
00:25:35What have you done?
00:25:43It wasn't me.
00:25:44She spilled the tea herself.
00:25:47She did this to herself.
00:25:49She destroyed years of my work.
00:25:51Shut up!
00:25:52I don't want to hear another lie.
00:25:55You did this to her over a stack of papers.
00:26:00If you care more about those papers than someone's life...
00:26:05Then they deserve to burn.
00:26:15Yes!
00:26:17I don't want to hear a lot of her.
00:26:19It's a good thing.
00:26:31I don't want to hear a lot of her.
00:26:35I don't want to hear a lot of her.
00:26:36come between you and the princess.
00:26:39Lyra!
00:26:41Blair is innocent and fragile
00:26:42and you've made her life miserable ever since she
00:26:44got here. Now you want her dead
00:26:46too!
00:26:48The deal is done.
00:26:50Adin, make it official. Blair stays with us.
00:26:53Lyra goes with them.
00:27:07The sacred tree's degree is absolute.
00:27:11No one, not even
00:27:12my own sons, has the right
00:27:14to trade away their mate.
00:27:18Forgive us, Mother,
00:27:19but we won't let them lay a finger on Blair.
00:27:36Your Majesty, the princes have made their choice.
00:27:38I won't stay where I'm not wanted.
00:27:40I'll accept the Dragon Clan's marriage proposal.
00:27:42It's the last thing I can do for this kingdom.
00:27:48Have you truly made up your mind, Lyra?
00:27:50Lyra, you're certain this is
00:27:52the life you want.
00:27:53The Dragon Kingdom lies across the endless sea.
00:27:58Wherever the Dragon King wages war,
00:28:01he leaves mountains of bodies behind.
00:28:03He's hardly husband material.
00:28:14So,
00:28:15the peace-loving Fey Realm
00:28:17has actually accepted my marriage proposal.
00:28:19find out who my future queen is.
00:28:23She must be desperate enough
00:28:25to walk into a dragon's lair.
00:28:29I'll survive, Your Majesty.
00:28:31My decision is final.
00:28:33I'm sorry, my child.
00:28:36And I'm sorry for my two blind, foolish sons.
00:28:39You deserve so much better than this.
00:28:41Don't tell Rowan or Kayleigh where I'm going.
00:28:44And the mate bond?
00:28:46I'll find a way to sever it.
00:28:48I want nothing to do with them anymore.
00:28:51You have my word.
00:28:53I think it's time
00:28:54to say goodbye
00:28:56to the girl
00:28:57who once loved them.
00:29:00Caleb and I spent three months
00:29:02gathering rare fire gems
00:29:03and made this bracelet ourselves.
00:29:05You're our one true mate.
00:29:16Make sure you get my good side.
00:29:18As if you had a bad side.
00:29:29Come to my room tonight.
00:29:31Cable doesn't need to know.
00:29:33Just you
00:29:34and me.
00:29:38In your dreams, brother.
00:29:40Hands off.
00:29:41Lyra's my future mate.
00:29:43She's mine too, you idiot.
00:29:45Hey!
00:29:46Knock it off, you two.
00:29:47I haven't agreed to anything.
00:29:49Then we both wait
00:29:50until the bonding ceremony.
00:29:52Or neither of us
00:29:54gets her alone tonight.
00:29:56Fair's fair, brother.
00:30:00Too slow.
00:30:04Her first kiss
00:30:05is mine.
00:30:06Tell them!
00:30:10Come on.
00:30:26Aw, look at you.
00:30:27Clinging to memories
00:30:28they already threw away.
00:30:30Enjoy this room
00:30:31while you still can, Lyra.
00:30:32Soon, everything you have,
00:30:33this palace,
00:30:34your title,
00:30:35even the princes,
00:30:36will be mine.
00:30:38You can have the princes,
00:30:40but you'll never earn
00:30:41anyone's respect
00:30:42in this palace.
00:30:43A thief will always
00:30:44be a thief.
00:30:44Sooner or later
00:30:45they'll see you
00:30:46for what you really are.
00:30:48No!
00:30:49Shut up!
00:30:50You think you're special
00:30:51just because you knew them first?
00:30:52You're nothing but
00:30:53a worthless orphan.
00:30:54Your parents were probably
00:30:56just as pathetic as you.
00:30:58Take that back!
00:31:08Rowan!
00:31:08Caleb!
00:31:09I don't know why
00:31:10she's doing this to me.
00:31:12I came to tell Lyra
00:31:13I'd married Greg and Lucas
00:31:15so the Queen
00:31:15wouldn't blame you two.
00:31:17But
00:31:18Lyra called me a liar
00:31:20and attacked me
00:31:21out of nowhere.
00:31:22Why does she hate me
00:31:23so much?
00:31:25Blair was trying to save
00:31:26your miserable life
00:31:27and you fucking hit her!
00:31:29Let me make this
00:31:30crystal clear,
00:31:31Lyra Solis.
00:31:32We will never let Blair
00:31:34marry those monsters.
00:31:35We actually felt sorry
00:31:36for you for a second,
00:31:37but not anymore.
00:31:48Everything we had
00:31:50means nothing to you two now.
00:31:53It doesn't matter anymore.
00:31:56Goodbye, Rowan.
00:31:59Goodbye, Caleb.
00:32:05We can't let Greg and Lucas
00:32:07take Blair.
00:32:08But Mother will never let us
00:32:10trade Lyra for her.
00:32:11There has to be some way
00:32:13around the Sacred Tree's decree.
00:32:19Rowan,
00:32:20I found an ancient ritual.
00:32:22We don't need the tree's permission.
00:32:24We just need Lyra.
00:32:27And we need her
00:32:28tonight.
00:32:31Soon,
00:32:32I'll be saying goodbye
00:32:33to all of this.
00:32:35What do you want now?
00:32:37If you're so desperate
00:32:38to claim your precious Blair,
00:32:39tonight's your chance.
00:32:40Go find her.
00:32:42We didn't come for Blair
00:32:43tonight, Lyra.
00:32:44We came for you.
00:32:46What?
00:32:48You're using a Highlord
00:32:50compulsion on me.
00:32:51Have you lost your mind?
00:32:52Stop!
00:32:55By the blood
00:32:56of the Highlords,
00:32:56Lyra,
00:32:57obey us.
00:32:58Yield to us.
00:33:07Rowan,
00:33:08Cable,
00:33:08what the hell is going on?
00:33:10You will address
00:33:10the princes by their proper titles.
00:33:12Show some respect!
00:33:13They're my mates!
00:33:14I'll call them
00:33:14whatever I damn well please.
00:33:15Last I checked,
00:33:16I'm still a princess
00:33:17of this court.
00:33:18You're the one
00:33:19who should be
00:33:19showing me respect!
00:33:24What the hell
00:33:25do you want from me?
00:33:26Why did you drag me here
00:33:27after all that?
00:33:27Just to humiliate me more?
00:33:31Last night,
00:33:32we tried to accept
00:33:32the mate the sacred tree
00:33:33chose for us,
00:33:34Lyra Solis.
00:33:35But there was no passion,
00:33:37no spark,
00:33:38only boredom
00:33:39and disgust.
00:33:40Under the ancient laws
00:33:41of the Fey Realm,
00:33:42we have every right
00:33:42to reject a fated mate
00:33:43who is unfit for us.
00:33:45You lying bastards!
00:33:46The second you touched me,
00:33:48neither of you
00:33:48could control yourselves!
00:33:51You used compulsion
00:33:52to force me into bed
00:33:54and now you're lying
00:33:54to the entire court!
00:34:08Save your breath, Lyra.
00:34:09Everyone here can smell
00:34:11our scent all over you
00:34:12and yet you're still
00:34:13a virgin.
00:34:14That's all the proof
00:34:14this court needs
00:34:15to reject you
00:34:16as our true mate.
00:34:18That's right.
00:34:19Under Clause 7
00:34:21of the High Law,
00:34:22we can reject
00:34:22our original mate bond
00:34:24and choose
00:34:25a secondary mate.
00:34:30Rejected before
00:34:31she was even claimed.
00:34:33I gave them my heart
00:34:34and they crushed it.
00:34:36They humiliated me,
00:34:38stripped me of my dignity,
00:34:39dragged my name
00:34:40through the dirt.
00:34:41No more.
00:34:42However much it hurts,
00:34:43I'm taking my power back.
00:34:45Four people in one bond.
00:34:47Sounds a little crowded.
00:34:49Don't worry.
00:34:49You want her?
00:34:50Fine!
00:34:51I'll break this bond myself!
00:34:54This prowler.
00:35:02Have you lost your mind, Lyra?
00:35:04No one has gone
00:35:05against the sacred tree
00:35:06in thousands of years.
00:35:08Not even the princes
00:35:09would risk severing
00:35:11a mate bond.
00:35:11If you tear it out
00:35:13by force,
00:35:14you could rip
00:35:14your soul apart.
00:35:16Then let it rip.
00:35:18I'd rather shatter
00:35:19my own soul
00:35:20than carry one more piece
00:35:21of them inside me.
00:35:22Today I'm checking
00:35:23this bond out
00:35:24by the roots
00:35:25and burning it
00:35:26to ash!
00:35:27No.
00:35:28I didn't think
00:35:29she'd go this far.
00:35:30Lyra, no!
00:35:31Stop!
00:35:33Whoa.
00:35:41Lyra!
00:35:49Your majesty,
00:35:51stop, please.
00:35:52Your migraines
00:35:53are getting worse.
00:35:55Using this much magic
00:35:56could kill you.
00:35:59Those blind,
00:36:00spineless fools.
00:36:01They're my own sons
00:36:03and I'm ashamed
00:36:04to call them that.
00:36:05How dare they
00:36:06humiliate you
00:36:07before the-
00:36:07It doesn't matter anymore.
00:36:08I chose to sever the bond
00:36:10and honestly,
00:36:11it is a blessing.
00:36:13Now,
00:36:13I'm finally free.
00:36:17Take care of yourself,
00:36:18my child.
00:36:27You went too far,
00:36:28Lyra.
00:36:29Tearing out the bond
00:36:30could have killed you.
00:36:31Now we have to find
00:36:32an ancient spell
00:36:33to restore it.
00:36:33When are you going
00:36:34to stop being so reckless?
00:36:36Why are we wasting
00:36:36herbs on her, Rowan?
00:36:38She's spoiled and jealous.
00:36:40Leave the bond broken.
00:36:41Let her serve Blair
00:36:42for a few years.
00:36:43Maybe then
00:36:44she'll learn her place.
00:36:46Who said I want
00:36:47the bond back?
00:36:48You arrogant assholes
00:36:49really think you're
00:36:50God's gift to women,
00:36:51don't you?
00:36:51Stop being so dramatic.
00:36:53A Fae without mates
00:36:54is an outcast
00:36:55in this realm.
00:36:56Why can't you be more
00:36:57like Blair for once?
00:36:59You violated me
00:37:00and humiliated me
00:37:01in front of the entire court
00:37:02just to protect
00:37:03your precious Blair.
00:37:04And you still think
00:37:05I want to be bonded
00:37:06to you two?
00:37:13You gave me this
00:37:14armrest for my
00:37:1416th birthday, Rowan.
00:37:16You said it would
00:37:17protect me forever.
00:37:18Remember?
00:37:20Now it's nothing
00:37:21but garbage.
00:37:22And this necklace cable.
00:37:23You bought it for me
00:37:24at the Midsummer Market
00:37:25the night we snuck out together.
00:37:26I don't want it anymore.
00:37:28I don't want anything
00:37:29you've ever touched.
00:37:31What the hell
00:37:31are you doing, Lyra?
00:37:32Enough with this
00:37:33pathetic little act!
00:37:36What are you...
00:37:43You wanted my hair long
00:37:45because you liked it.
00:37:46You said you loved
00:37:47the way it felt
00:37:48between your fingers.
00:37:49But now?
00:37:50I don't give a fuck
00:37:51what you like anymore.
00:37:54From this moment on
00:37:56you two are nothing to me.
00:37:58Lyra, calm down.
00:37:59Just listen to it.
00:38:00Get out!
00:38:00Now!
00:38:04Still want her.
00:38:06No.
00:38:07I have to get rid of her.
00:38:08I have to destroy Lyra.
00:38:11Before Rowan and Caleb
00:38:12change their minds.
00:38:19I told you two to get out.
00:38:27But we've been dying
00:38:28to see that pretty face
00:38:29of your sweetheart.
00:38:34The bond is dying.
00:38:35Once that light goes out
00:38:37our connection to Lyra
00:38:38is gone forever.
00:38:40Then let it die.
00:38:41A vicious woman like her
00:38:42doesn't deserve to be bound
00:38:43to a future king.
00:38:44We have Blair now.
00:38:49Lyra's in danger!
00:39:00Lyra's in danger!
00:39:02This is the Blight Marsh.
00:39:06You just hear
00:39:07feed on flesh and magic
00:39:08and stay sharp.
00:39:22Lyra!
00:39:22Rowan!
00:39:23Blast these vimes to hell!
00:39:25No!
00:39:26No!
00:39:31Well, look who showed up.
00:39:33The royal heroes themselves.
00:39:35Here to save
00:39:36your precious mates.
00:39:39Too bad.
00:39:40You only get to save one.
00:39:44Only one of them
00:39:45leaves this marsh alive.
00:39:47Free Lyra
00:39:48and the vines
00:39:50snap Blair's neck.
00:39:51So choose
00:39:52which one lives.
00:39:55You bastards!
00:39:56Die!
00:39:57Yes!
00:40:12We have to choose now
00:40:14or they both die!
00:40:15We only have one choice!
00:40:16Save Blair!
00:40:18Lyra,
00:40:20I'm so sorry.
00:40:22Rowan!
00:40:23Calum!
00:40:23Listen to me!
00:40:24I know an ancient spell
00:40:25that can freeze the entire marsh!
00:40:27Save me first
00:40:28and I can save Blair!
00:40:29You have to trust me!
00:40:31Shut up, Lyra!
00:40:32How can you be so selfish?
00:40:34We know you'd say anything
00:40:34to save yourself!
00:40:35Blair has no magic!
00:40:36She can't protect herself!
00:40:38Blair isn't like you, Lyra!
00:40:39She's suffered her entire life!
00:40:42You've had a title,
00:40:43power,
00:40:44and people who loved you
00:40:45since the day you came!
00:40:48We have to save her!
00:41:01Sangris et Ingos,
00:41:02corumpi et vora!
00:41:04Sangris et Ingos,
00:41:05corumpi et vora!
00:41:14Go to hell!
00:41:15Go to hell!
00:41:23Lyra,
00:41:24my sweet girl.
00:41:25I just found out
00:41:26what my two ungrateful sons
00:41:28did to you in the marsh.
00:41:29I'm so sorry.
00:41:30I promised to give you
00:41:31a better life.
00:41:32I failed you.
00:41:34Don't blame yourself,
00:41:36your majesty.
00:41:37They finally made me
00:41:38see the truth.
00:41:39If I stay here,
00:41:40they'll be the death of me.
00:41:42I have to leave.
00:41:43Don't say that!
00:41:44You belong here!
00:41:45I'll punish them.
00:41:46I'll strip them
00:41:47of their titles.
00:41:48I'll make this right!
00:41:49No!
00:41:50My heart doesn't
00:41:51belong here anymore.
00:41:54The bond is gone.
00:41:57And so is the girl
00:41:58who loved them.
00:41:59Let them have Blair.
00:42:01I just want my freedom.
00:42:05What?
00:42:06Mother went to the
00:42:07Blight Marsh
00:42:08and brought Lyra back.
00:42:09She's alive.
00:42:10Yes.
00:42:11Princess Lyra survived.
00:42:12She's with her majesty
00:42:13on the palace lawn.
00:42:15How is that possible?
00:42:16There's no way
00:42:17she survived
00:42:18those monsters
00:42:18on her own.
00:42:19But,
00:42:21regardless of what
00:42:21she's done,
00:42:22I never wanted her dead.
00:42:24But we need to get
00:42:24to Mother before
00:42:25Lyra twists the truth again.
00:42:28Exactly.
00:42:29She'll blame everything
00:42:30on Blair and try
00:42:31to get her throne
00:42:31out of the palace.
00:42:32We can't let her
00:42:33get away with it.
00:42:34Yes.
00:42:45Once you marry him,
00:42:47Dragon King Valerius
00:42:48will give you the respect
00:42:49and power you deserve.
00:42:50Look,
00:42:51his betrothal gifts
00:42:52have already arrived.
00:42:57He sent this too.
00:42:59His heart scale,
00:43:00a dragon's ultimate token
00:43:01of devotion.
00:43:02He's pledging
00:43:03his very soul
00:43:04to this marriage.
00:43:05He'll cherish you.
00:43:07He'll protect you,
00:43:08Lyra.
00:43:12Mother!
00:43:13What did you say?
00:43:14Lyra's getting married?
00:43:15Lyra!
00:43:16Who are you marrying?
00:43:18Answer us!
00:43:22How could you leave
00:43:23her there to die?
00:43:24If one of them
00:43:24had to be saved,
00:43:25it should have been Lyra!
00:43:27She saved both your lives
00:43:29when you were children.
00:43:30Have you forgotten
00:43:30what you owe her?
00:43:32She has you
00:43:32completely fooled, Mother.
00:43:34Lyra's just playing
00:43:35the victim,
00:43:36so you'll pity her
00:43:36and turn against Blair.
00:43:38Caleb's right.
00:43:39The real Lyra
00:43:39is cruel and calculating.
00:43:41If she died in that merch,
00:43:42it would have been
00:43:42her own damn fault,
00:43:43not ours.
00:43:43That scheming little maid
00:43:44has poisoned both your minds.
00:43:46Neither of you
00:43:47has half the honor
00:43:47Lyra does.
00:43:57Is that Princess Lyra?
00:43:59What did she do
00:44:00to deserve this?
00:44:03Give us the antidote
00:44:04for Blair's wings
00:44:05and we might
00:44:06spare your life.
00:44:08Antidote?
00:44:08She poisoned her own wing
00:44:10just to frame me.
00:44:13What is this?
00:44:14What are you doing, Lyra?
00:44:15Rowan!
00:44:16Kill her!
00:44:17Don't let her finish!
00:44:18She's casting
00:44:18Dark magic on us!
00:44:31My bride,
00:44:32come with me.
00:44:50I'm Valerius, your future husband.
00:44:54You're safe now.
00:44:55No one will ever hurt you again.
00:44:57I'll do everything in my power to heal you.
00:45:04Mother! The Dragon King's fleet is at our border.
00:45:08What the hell does that lizard want?
00:45:16Lyra!
00:45:26Set sail. Any fae who comes near this fleet, shoot them down.
00:45:30In the elven kingdom of Riviera, beauty was everything, and no one was more beautiful, wealthy, or admired than my
00:45:37parents, Lord Eric and Lady Inepha.
00:45:41When Mother became pregnant, the entire kingdom celebrated, certain their firstborn daughter would inherit their legendary beauty.
00:45:50However, when I was born, their dreams became a nightmare.
00:45:53When I arrived, I had twisted limbs and skin that resembled rough tree bark.
00:45:57My hair was tangled with sharp, thorn-covered vines that sliced anything they touched.
00:46:01Get that disgusting creature away from me!
00:46:04My mother shrieked as the midwife attempted to place me in her arms.
00:46:07My father stared at me with undisguised horror.
00:46:11That monster can't possibly be my daughter!
00:46:18Perhaps a healer could help her, my lord.
00:46:20They may be able to-
00:46:21Silence!
00:46:22Take that thing to the Forbidden Forest.
00:46:24Leave her where no one will ever find her!
00:46:26The midwife suggested.
00:46:28My father snapped.
00:46:29And just like that, my own parents sentenced me to death.
00:46:32Late that very night, a servant carried me deep into the Forbidden Forest,
00:46:36placing me beneath an ancient tree before fleeing.
00:46:41The following morning, my parents announced that their beloved daughter
00:46:45had tragically died during childbirth.
00:46:47The kingdom mourned a child whose parents never wanted her alive.
00:46:51But fate had other plans.
00:46:53An elderly witch named Eden heard my desperate cries from her cottage deep in the forest
00:46:57and discovered me wrapped in a filthy blanket.
00:47:02Oh, you poor little thing.
00:47:04Who could abandon such a precious child?
00:47:06She whispered, gathering me into her arms.
00:47:09My tiny fingers clutched hers tightly.
00:47:11For the first time in my life, someone held me with love instead of disgust.
00:47:15Eden carried me to her cottage, determined to raise me as her own
00:47:18and never set foot back in that kingdom ever again.
00:47:22Oops!
00:47:24Twenty years had passed since my parents abandoned me in the Forbidden Forest.
00:47:28Sometimes I wondered what life was like beyond the trees.
00:47:32But Eden had raised me with more love than my parents ever.
00:47:36Her healing magic had straightened my twisted limbs,
00:47:39but my bark-like skin and thorn-covered hair remained unchanged.
00:47:44Remember, Lena.
00:47:46True beauty comes from the heart, not the face.
00:47:49She also taught me magic, which came surprisingly naturally.
00:47:54Flowers bloomed beneath my fingertips.
00:47:56Wounded animals trusted me, and even the ancient trees seemed to understand me.
00:48:02Still, I desperately wished I looked normal.
00:48:05Especially whenever Lark visited.
00:48:08With his dark hair, silver-gray eyes, and charming smile,
00:48:12Lark was the most handsome soldier I'd ever seen.
00:48:17We'd been friends for years, ever since he started sneaking into the forest
00:48:20to escape his duties patrolling Riviera's bustling streets.
00:48:23But lately, I'd begun wanting something more.
00:48:26One afternoon, sitting beside a stream, I finally asked him something.
00:48:30Lark, why do you keep visiting someone as hideous as me?
00:48:35His smile vanished instantly.
00:48:37Don't ever call yourself that, Lena.
00:48:40I mean it.
00:48:41I blinked in surprise, my cheeks burning with humiliation.
00:48:46He took my hands in his, squeezing them tightly.
00:48:50The truth is, I've fallen in love with you.
00:48:54My jaw dropped.
00:48:55Surely you're joking!
00:48:57A firm look on his face.
00:48:59Never.
00:49:00Your kindness, courage, and beautiful heart mean more to me than appearances ever could.
00:49:05Tears filled my eyes as he pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me.
00:49:09He whispered in my ear.
00:49:10One day, I'll marry you, Lena.
00:49:13I promise.
00:49:14For the first time, I imagined a happy future.
00:49:19One where I didn't have to worry about.
00:49:23When I got home later that night and told Eden, she looked troubled.
00:49:31The world outside this forest is cruel, child.
00:49:34What if his family refuses to accept you?
00:49:37My happiness quickly turned to dread.
00:49:40What if loving me meant Lark would lose everything?
00:49:44That night, I couldn't stop thinking about Lark's promise to marry me.
00:49:48He claimed my hideous appearance didn't bother him, but would his family feel the same?
00:49:52Would they allow someone so handsome to marry a monster like me?
00:49:55I whispered to the moon outside my window.
00:49:58If only I could be beautiful.
00:50:01Unable to sleep, I wandered into the Forbidden Forest.
00:50:04The ancient trees blocked the moonlight, leaving me stumbling through darkness.
00:50:08Before long, I realized I was lost.
00:50:10After what felt like hours, a clearing emerged.
00:50:13Before me lay a hidden stream, its crystal clear waters shimmering beneath the moonlight.
00:50:17I'd never seen anything so beautiful in my whole life.
00:50:20As I approached the edge, the water began glowing.
00:50:24I gasped.
00:50:25What kind of magic is this?
00:50:26When I reached to touch the moving surface, something rustled loudly behind me.
00:50:31Terrified, I spun around to see where it was coming from, but my foot slipped on the muddy bank.
00:50:35Before I could catch myself, I plunged into the stream.
00:50:38The water was much deeper than I'd expected.
00:50:41I thrashed desperately, struggling to reach the surface.
00:50:43Suddenly, searing pain shot through my veins, burning my entire body.
00:50:47I screamed, but the water swallowed my cries.
00:50:50By the time I finally broke through the surface, my skin felt like it was melting.
00:50:54I scrambled onto the bank and coughing violently.
00:50:59When the pain subsided, I wiped water from my eyes and froze.
00:51:03The rough bark covering my hands was peeling away, revealing flawless ivory skin underneath.
00:51:09My trembling fingers flew to my hair, where thorn-covered vines were dissolving.
00:51:14Heart-pounding, I crawled toward the stream and stared at my reflection,
00:51:17and saw flowing crimson hair had replaced thorn-covered vines,
00:51:21and bark-like skin was replaced with perfectly smooth skin.
00:51:24The woman staring back was breathtakingly beautiful.
00:51:29I touched my face in disbelief.
00:51:32What the-
00:51:33Tears streamed down my face as I continued to touch my face.
00:51:37Somehow, the stream had changed me.
00:51:40Overwhelmed with joy, I raced home.
00:51:43I burst into her bedroom, startling her awake.
00:51:46Eden!
00:51:47She sat up in fear, her palms glowing as she called forth magic to defend herself against
00:51:52the woman she didn't recognize standing in front of her.
00:51:55Who are you?
00:51:56Eden!
00:51:57It's me!
00:51:58I twirled excitedly.
00:52:00Look!
00:52:01Her jaw dropped when she finally recognized my voice.
00:52:04Lena?
00:52:05I found this stream in the forest with glowing water.
00:52:07I accidentally fell in and it changed me!
00:52:09I'm finally beautiful!
00:52:11To my surprise, her expression darkened.
00:52:13Lena, what have you done?
00:52:14My smile vanished.
00:52:16You don't think I'm beautiful?
00:52:19Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes.
00:52:21All my life, I wanted to not look like a hideous monster.
00:52:24Eden had tried her best to raise me without caring about my appearance, but every time I
00:52:28looked in the mirror, that's all I could ever see.
00:52:31Every flaw reminded me of why my parents left me in the forest to die.
00:52:34For twenty years, I dreamed of being beautiful, and now that my dream had finally come true,
00:52:39Eden wasn't happy at all.
00:52:41She sighed and shifted out of bed.
00:52:43She came closer and wrapped her arms tightly around me.
00:52:46Oh, sweetheart.
00:52:47Of course you're beautiful.
00:52:49You always were.
00:52:50Then what's wrong?
00:52:52I tilted my chin to look at her.
00:52:54She simply sighed again.
00:52:57Beauty attracts the wrong kind of attention, child.
00:53:00Promise me you'll be careful.
00:53:02Something about her sorrowful expression suggested she knew that from experience.
00:53:06I didn't know much about Eden's past before she exiled herself to the forest,
00:53:10but every so often, I would catch glimpses of why she did.
00:53:13Maybe this was one of them.
00:53:14I promise.
00:53:16She squeezed me again.
00:53:18Good.
00:53:21Despite my promise to Eden, all I could think about was showing Lark my transformation.
00:53:26The following afternoon, I waited beneath a tree.
00:53:29My hood pulled low over my face.
00:53:31When Lark finally appeared, his familiar smile made my heart flutter.
00:53:36Playing games today, Lina?
00:53:37I tried to smile, but my nerves were overwhelming.
00:53:40What if he hated my new appearance?
00:53:42Or worse, what if he loved it more?
00:53:44Would that confirm I'd never been beautiful enough for him like I always feared?
00:53:48Lina.
00:53:49His smile faded when I said nothing.
00:53:51Is something wrong?
00:53:52No.
00:53:53There's something I need to show you.
00:53:55Taking a shaky breath, I slowly lowered my hood.
00:54:00Suddenly, steel flashed before my eyes as he unsheathed his sword and pointed it at me.
00:54:05Who the hell are you?
00:54:06Lark demanded.
00:54:07I stumbled backward, raising my hands.
00:54:10It's me.
00:54:11Lark.
00:54:11It's Lina.
00:54:12His silver-gray eyes widened.
00:54:14Lina.
00:54:15Is that really you?
00:54:17I nodded frantically, my stomach twisting as his gaze swept over my unfamiliar features.
00:54:22What happened?
00:54:23He asked, slowly lowering his sword.
00:54:26I fell into this magical stream, deep in the forest, and it changed me.
00:54:32My voice trembled.
00:54:34I know I look different, but I'm still me.
00:54:36I promise.
00:54:38I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.
00:54:40I just hope you still love me.
00:54:43Well, for a moment, he said nothing.
00:54:45Then, to my relief, his expression softened.
00:54:48Sheathing his sword, he stepped forward and pulled me into his arms.
00:54:52Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.
00:54:55Tears filled my eyes.
00:54:57You really mean that?
00:55:01Of course I do.
00:55:02He gently brushed my crimson hair away from my face.
00:55:05I loved you, before any of this, though I must admit, I think I might miss getting pricked by your
00:55:13hair.
00:55:16Laughing through my tears, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him.
00:55:25Moments ago, I'd been terrified of Lark's reaction.
00:55:27Now, as he kissed me passionately, nearly sweeping me off my feet, every insecurity melted away.
00:55:33When we finally parted, he gently cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek.
00:55:37Let's run away together.
00:55:39My eyes widened.
00:55:40What?
00:55:42But what about your duties to the kingdom?
00:55:44Won't the guards think you've defected?
00:55:47I don't care.
00:55:48His smile widened.
00:55:50I love you, Lena.
00:55:52I want you to be my wife.
00:55:54Tears instantly filled my eyes.
00:55:57How had I gotten so lucky?
00:55:59I still remember the day we met.
00:56:01Years ago, Lark had stumbled upon Eden's cottage, bruised and bloodied after battling a wild beast.
00:56:07I'd spent hours tending his wounds, terrified of what would happen when he awoke.
00:56:11I knew the moment he saw my monstrous appearance, he'd scream and flee.
00:56:15But he hadn't.
00:56:17Instead, he'd smiled and thanked me.
00:56:21Somehow, that simple kindness had blossomed into the greatest love I'd ever known.
00:56:26Yes.
00:56:27I whispered tearfully.
00:56:28Yes, I'll marry you.
00:56:29His face lit up instantly.
00:56:31But before he could respond, the thunder of approaching hooves shattered our peaceful moment as several armored elven guards emerged
00:56:38from the trees.
00:56:40Panic seized me.
00:56:41Had they overheard Lark's plans to abandon his duties?
00:56:44I quickly ducked behind him, clutching his arm.
00:56:47But instead of arresting him, the guards immediately dismounted.
00:56:51Then, to my utter astonishment, they knelt before us.
00:56:55Their captain stepped forward, pressing a fist against his chest.
00:56:59Your Highness, the king has summoned you to the palace immediately.
00:57:07Your Highness?
00:57:08Slowly, I turned toward Lark, watching his expression darken.
00:57:11Was the man I loved not a royal guard, but an actual prince?
00:57:15When Lark remained silent, the captain continued.
00:57:17Your Highness, your match for the royal engagement has been decided.
00:57:21His Majesty demands your immediate return to meet your future bride.
00:57:24My heart shattered.
00:57:26Future bride?
00:57:27I stumbled backward, staring at Lark in disbelief.
00:57:41You're a prince?
00:57:43His expression twisted painfully.
00:57:46Lena, please.
00:57:47I wanted you to love me for who I am, not my title.
00:57:50And your engagement?
00:57:51I demanded, tears filling my eyes.
00:57:56Was everything you just said a lie?
00:57:58How could he?
00:57:59Moments ago, he'd promised to abandon his life in Riviera and run off to marry me.
00:58:03Had he been playing with my feelings this entire time?
00:58:06Had I foolishly mistaken his pity for love?
00:58:08Perhaps he'd simply enjoyed pretending to love the hideous creature who once saved his life,
00:58:13now that she was a beautiful woman.
00:58:14No.
00:58:15Lark rushed forward, desperately reaching for my hands.
00:58:18Lena, I love you.
00:58:20Only you.
00:58:21I shoved him away.
00:58:23Don't touch me.
00:58:24Please, just listen to me.
00:58:25You're a liar!
00:58:26I screamed, tears spilling down my cheeks.
00:58:28How could you do this to me?
00:58:30He flinched as though I'd struck him.
00:58:32For a moment, neither of us spoke.
00:58:34Then his hands curled into fists.
00:58:36Give me time to straighten this out.
00:58:38He pleaded.
00:58:39I'll convince my father to cancel the engagement.
00:58:41I promise I'll come back for you.
00:58:42I shook my head, unable to believe another word.
00:58:45Lena, I swear it.
00:58:47Before I could respond, he turned and mounted one of the horses.
00:58:53Within moments, he disappeared toward Riviera, the guards following close behind.
00:58:58I stood frozen in place, watching the man I'd just agreed to marry vanish into the distance.
00:59:04I was still sobbing in my room when Eden returned from foraging.
00:59:10She rushed to my side, wrapping me up in her arms.
00:59:15What happened, my child?
00:59:18Lark.
00:59:21My voice cracked as I spoke.
00:59:24He's getting married.
00:59:26To someone else.
00:59:28Her eyes widened before softening with sympathy.
00:59:31Oh, my sweet child.
00:59:33I'm so sorry.
00:59:36Still, imprisoning the crown prince seems excessive.
00:59:41The second guard mused.
00:59:43Not when the Nevaras demanded punishment.
00:59:47Apparently their daughter was humiliated.
00:59:49Beyond forgiveness.
00:59:51I pressed a trembling hand against my mouth.
00:59:54Lark hadn't abandoned me like I thought.
00:59:56He'd been imprisoned for refusing to marry someone else like he promised.
01:00:01Wait a second.
01:00:02Did he just say Nevaras?
01:00:04I'd be lucky if wandering around didn't get me caught and thrown out onto the streets.
01:00:08Still, I couldn't leave him here.
01:00:11I had to try.
01:00:12Taking a shaky breath, I adjusted my veil.
01:00:15Suddenly, a large shadow fell across me.
01:00:18I slowly lifted my gaze to find an armored guard towered over me.
01:00:22Well, well.
01:00:23He reached for his sword.
01:00:28What do we have here?
01:00:30A little spy, perhaps?
01:00:34Oh.
01:00:36Your majesty.
01:00:37The guard announced, throwing me onto the floor in front of the dais.
01:00:41I caught this woman lurking in the corridors.
01:00:43She refuses to identify herself.
01:00:46I winced when my knees struck the floor.
01:00:49Slowly, I pushed myself upright, grateful my veil still concealed my face.
01:00:56Explain yourself.
01:00:57The king demanded from his throne.
01:01:00Why have you trespassed into my palace?
01:01:03What more could she possibly want to take from me?
01:01:05Tears burned my eyes.
01:01:08Remove it!
01:01:09The king thundered.
01:01:12Before I could respond, Vare lunged and grabbed my veil.
01:01:16I'll do it myself.
01:01:18Stop!
01:01:20I desperately fought her off, but she yanked harder, clawing at my hair.
01:01:27The second she tore the fabric from my face, gasps swept through the court.
01:01:32Vare's smile vanished instantly the moment she saw my face.
01:01:36She stumbled back, clutching the torn fabric to her chest.
01:01:40That's... that's not possible.
01:01:42If you were so beautiful, why would you hide?
01:01:45The king studied me curiously.
01:01:48Girl, what is your name?
01:01:51Instead of answering him, I turned toward Eric and Inepha.
01:01:57For twenty years, I'd wondered what I would say if I ever faced them.
01:02:01Now, I knew.
01:02:02My beautiful daughter!
01:02:04She cried dramatically.
01:02:06Of course you belong here!
01:02:08I stiffened in her embrace.
01:02:09Now she wanted me?
01:02:10After twenty years of abandonment, all it took was a pretty face?
01:02:14Over her shoulder, I saw Vare staring at us in absolute horror.
01:02:18I shoved Inepha away, my stomach twisting with disgust.
01:02:21Don't touch me!
01:02:23She stumbled backward, looking horrified.
01:02:25Lina, darling, please!
01:02:27You have no right to call me your daughter.
01:02:29I snapped.
01:02:30Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
01:02:33Lina Narrera, you must undergo the sacred rites.
01:02:35You and your sister will compete in the rite of blossoms.
01:02:38Whoever emerges victorious shall marry my son.
01:02:42Vare gasped.
01:02:44But your majesty, I'm already engaged!
01:02:46To Lark!
01:02:47Then you must win to keep that engagement.
01:02:50He replied sternly.
01:02:51My stomach twisted.
01:02:53I had to compete against my own sister for the man I loved?
01:02:55Until then,
01:02:56the king continued,
01:02:58Lina shall reside at the Nevera estate under the court's supervision.