"Do you really think only those who hold the Stones can rule a kingdom?" Well asked calmly.
"I've defeated many who had Stones."
"What?! You've defeated people who had Stone powers?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes," he said with a faint smile. "Those who don't have Stones can easily defeat those who do—compared to most Stone holders."
"What are you saying? That doesn't make any sense!" I said, confused. "How can someone without a Stone defeat someone with one?"
"You truly know nothing," Well replied, slightly surprised.
I lowered my gaze and murmured, "I've been alone for so many years… I don't know much about families, friends, or even this kingdom. Whatever I've heard from others is what I believed. People say terrible things about the royal families. I didn't know you all were… good."
Well gently placed his hand on my head. "Then from now on, I'll tell you everything—about family, friends, and our kingdom," he said softly.
A warmth bloomed in my chest. Something different was happening in my life—something kind, something beautiful. Maybe… this feeling was what they called love.
"Well," he said seriously, "listen carefully. Those who hold Stones cannot use them to protect themselves. However, there are exceptions—some can use their Stones for self-defense. And if the Stone itself chooses to protect its master, it will. That's why every person who holds a Stone is trained to fight even without it."
"I don't understand," I said with curiosity. "Why do kingdoms fight each other?"
"Because everyone wants power," Well replied. "Each kingdom wishes to rule the entire world. When a Stone holder is defeated, the victor takes their Stone. The Stone itself accepts the new master, thinking the old one has fallen. Sometimes, the defeated are killed—or worse, enslaved. In that case, the Stone remains with the winner, but its power links both the slave and the master. The slave is bound to obey every command.
But—our kingdom never begins wars. We only fight when someone challenges us first."
"Ohhh…" I said in amazement. "So that's how it all works in this world. I didn't know any of this until now!"
"Well," he said with a calm smile, "it's late. You should get some rest."
I nodded. My body was exhausted and covered with dust. The first thing I did was head for the bath.
When I stepped into the pool, the Stone I carried began to glow—and suddenly, the water turned warm. I didn't understand what was happening, but one thing became clear: the Stone's true power had awakened inside me.
The warm water felt soothing, wrapping around me like a soft embrace. I stayed there for a long time, enjoying the peace. Afterward, I went to the closet. Inside hung many beautiful dresses, their colors shimmering like magic. My eyes caught a light blue dress—so delicate it looked like a drop of water shaped into a frock.
It was beautiful, but I hesitated. I never liked wearing dresses like that—girls wore nothing underneath except panties, and the thought embarrassed me. So instead, I wore something simple and went to bed.
Outside, crickets sang their soft music. I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Well wasn't nearby tonight, and the silence felt heavier without him. I tried lying still, then turned again and again—but sleep refused to come.
Finally, I sat up with a sigh. "If I can't sleep, I might as well enjoy the moonlight," I whispered.
I opened the closet again and this time, picked the same blue frock. "No one's going to see me anyway," I said, smiling to myself.
Barefoot and carefree, I walked toward the royal garden. The night was quiet and silver, the moon shining high above. The stars glittered softly, and the waterfall nearby sparkled like a stream of diamonds. The whole garden glowed under the moonlight, alive and serene.
"Well, since I'm already here," I said to myself, "why not dance?"
I stepped into the open field of soft grass. Joining my toes lightly, I rose on my tiptoes and began to dance. Slowly, gracefully—like a wave carried by the wind.
My hair floated in the moonlight, and the frock twirled gently around my legs. The world had slowed down—every breath of air, every rustle of leaf felt calm, sacred. My heart was light. My mind was still.
For the first time, I felt true peace.
Tears rolled down my cheeks—not of sadness, but of release. I didn't even know why I was crying, only that each tear made my heart feel lighter.
I stopped dancing and walked to the waterfall. I cupped my hands in the clear water and stared into it. The ripples shimmered with the moon's reflection—it was so beautiful. After a while, I drank from it.
My eyes sparkled under the moonlight. I sat down on the damp grass, feeling its coolness against my bare legs. Then I lay back, gazing at the silver sky. The world was silent except for the sound of flowing water and distant crickets.
I lifted my legs playfully, rolling on the grass, laughing softly to myself. It felt so free… until suddenly, my head hit something solid.
I froze. My legs were still raised, my frock slipping down, half of me lying awkwardly on the grass.
saw who I'd bumped into.
Prince Jack.