Tristan Summer Arcturus, born on the very day the goddess descended. Crown prince of the prosperous kingdom of Arcturus.
"May the sun of this empire rise. Shall he be a powerful monarch who brings wealth and joy to this fertile land."
Those were the very words the goddess blessed.
I am already fortunate enough to have lived to this day. For I, a cursed daughter of a duke. The day I came to see the world. Hatred stared at me mockingly. Born on the very day the devil ascended. For that, a curse was placed upon me. I may never find true love and shall bring bad omen to this land.
My name is Celeste Winter Perseids. Destined for no love, no care. Just me alone in this cruel world.
My wish is to break free. Free from this heavy curse of mine. Free from the stares. Free with the love of my life.
It was just a hopeless dream. I'm a daughter, not a son. My duty is marriage, not finding true love.
From the day I remembered this futile world of mine. My own father never batted an eye at me.
What was I? Am I a monster? Do I deserve to live? It's not my fault, isn't it…why do you hate me? Father, please look at me…
The cursed princess. I was labeled. My name was forbidden. My identity was gone. No one would love a cursed partner.
It is just one typical day of life. Mist surrounds the castle. The sight of the beautiful garden was barely visible. The morning air was refreshing. Until…someone knocked on my door. It was the head butler, Mr. Shanon.
"My lady, his lordship has called you to his study. He advised you to hurry since he doesn't have all day."
My father, Duke Perseids, was a ruthless person. Such hostility towards his own family members was rather expected. Even my brother, the Perseids' heir, would rarely meet with the duke.
I remembered always being delighted to meet him. But that feeling already disappeared a long time ago. I shall have no longing for anyone who barely knows about my existence.
I strutted down the gloomy corridor, hoping for the matter to end with the duke quickly. I enjoyed the pleasant view of the garden along the way. And as I walked by a familiar room, my brother slightly popped his head out. I bet he heard the footsteps.
"My little Cel," he exclaimed whiningly. "I heard Father has called you. I hope it's not about marriage though…I don't want my dear baby sister to leave me."
There goes the Perseids' heir, Nathaniel Perseids, whining about me, the cursed princess, getting married.
"Brother, it's my duty. I can not inherit the title, after all, I am just a cursed princess." I said before striding off to see the duke. The atmosphere seemed to have shifted the nearer I got to the duke's office.
I noticed the corridor was the same. Dark, gloomy, and dull. It'd never change. I've lived here all my life. I have never once stepped outside of the castle, nor has anyone ever stepped in. No one, aside from my family and the servants, knew what I looked like, who I was, or what I am.
After a long walk, I reached the duke's study. I stand there, waiting for the butler to inform his grace.
It's been 7 years since I last saw his grace.
But I hope this will be the last time I will need to see him. For in one year, shall my death be inevitable.