Reader Warning
This chapter contains scenes that may be extremely shocking and violent, including detailed depictions of blood and brutality. Readers who may find such content disturbing are advised to proceed with caution and use their own discretion.
*************
Inside the royal hall, preparations for Princess Olivia's coming-of-age celebration were underway. Overnight, the grand chamber had been adorned with decorations that reflected the heritage of the land. The polished marble floor centered a circular design etched with symbols representing the Russian Empire. Above, a massive golden chandelier dripped with pure diamond crystals, casting a warm, regal glow. The walls, painted in colors symbolizing the strength of the imperial family, rose toward a ceiling covered in frescoes of the glorious Russian civilization.
A majestic staircase draped in a red carpet split the room, its golden balustrade leading to an upper level. On both sides stood rows of tables decorated with candles and every kind of food and drink. The hall filled with nobles from across the empire—knights, dukes, counts, and even the archduke.
Since our heroine Anastasia was both the Crown Princess and the commander of the Royal Blue Knights, it was her duty to oversee the preparations, welcome the guests, and ensure the place was safe from spies or assassins. She was also responsible for receiving the envoy from the neighboring kingdom.
Before the ceremony began, Anastasia had dressed in an elegant, luxurious gown. Once the guests flooded the ballroom, she finally appeared at the top of the golden staircase. With every step she took downward, she heard the harsh whispers—resentful thoughts and pitying remarks spoken silently within the minds of nobles and servants.
"The devil has finally appeared."
"Such beauty is a curse. She deserves death."
"The queen's mutt."
"If I were her, I would have killed myself long ago."
"A monster who survived death over and over."
"Poor thing. She shouldn't have been born."
Anastasia heard every single word, but she did not care. A life hardened within the palace had long numbed her to passing cruelty.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, everyone bowed. They had no choice but to respect her—she was still the crown heir of the Russian Empire. She looked at them coldly before forcing a smile, shocking the crowd; it was the first time any of them had seen her smile. Then she spoke:
"I welcome all nobles of the empire to the royal court. On this joyous day, the birthday of the sweetest and loveliest princess, and on behalf of the imperial family, I, Crown Princess Anastasia, declare the beginning of Princess Olivia's coming-of-age celebration. Please enjoy your time."
She gestured to the musicians to begin playing.
Before she could slip away, one of her knights approached and whispered something in her ear. She smiled again—an expression that made the entire hall tense. She added:
"Why do your faces look so pale? Is something wrong with me?"
A court noble responded nervously:
"N-No, Your Highness. It's just… we're not used to seeing you smile."
"Relax. I simply feel in good spirits today, and happy that my little sister is growing up."
Before she could continue, the doors swung open, revealing a group of tall, broad-shouldered guests with sun-bronzed skin. These were the awaited visitors. Once she noticed them, she added:
"And I am also pleased by the arrival of our special guests from the neighboring kingdom—those who will help solve all our problems."
The envoy approached, led by their crown prince, Hiram, the man the emperor intended to make the empire's future son-in-law. He was an imposing figure—tall, muscular, his skin like golden wheat, dark honey eyes, strong jawline, and long black hair flowing over his broad shoulders. His attire was dark, draped with a golden sash that ran from his left shoulder down to his feet. His chest and abs were partly exposed, revealing a large scar running down the center. Around his neck hung a gold necklace engraved with his kingdom's emblem. He radiated a barbaric, intimidating aura.
When Prince Hiram approached Anastasia, he took her hand and kissed its back.
"It is an honor to attend such a joyous event. My apologies for the delay, Princess Anastasia."
He smiled charmingly, but before she could reply, the herald announced the arrival of Emperor Yuri Nikolai Gomeliov, Queen Marie, and Princess Olivia—the star of the celebration. Everyone bowed.
The emperor stepped forward, raising a glass of red wine.
"Welcome, everyone. Thank you for honoring us with your presence at my beloved daughter Olivia's coming-of-age. And on this occasion, I wish to announce the gift I have prepared for her… or rather, two gifts."
He signaled to his aide, who brought forward a rolled document. The emperor took it proudly.
"The first gift is ownership of the northern lands of the empire."
Gasps filled the hall.
"Of course—it's his precious daughter."
"He truly adores her."
"Her late mother, the previous queen, would be proud."
Queen Marie heard every whisper and felt rage knotting inside her, though she hid it behind a fake smile. She whispered something to the emperor, who then continued:
"As for the second gift, my beautiful queen will announce it."
Marie stepped forward elegantly.
"I welcome our guests once more, especially those from the neighboring kingdom. Our second gift, dear Olivia, is as special as these guests. This evening, Princess Olivia and the crown prince of the neighboring kingdom will announce their engagement. And for this wonderful occasion, I present you with this golden bracelet passed down through the royal bloodline."
She motioned for Anastasia to bring her the bracelet.
Anastasia held it, preparing to place it on Olivia's wrist, but Prince Hiram stepped forward.
"Long live the Moon of the Russian Empire, Queen Marie. Allow me to gift this to my future bride myself."
The queen giggled with feigned sweetness.
"How charming our future son-in-law is. You're lucky, Olivia."
Every eye watched Olivia and Hiram. Marie stared intensely, eager to witness something—something that never happened. Olivia wore the bracelet, then began her first dance with the prince. Marie's face turned pale, as though something had just gone horribly wrong. She looked at Anastasia, who was smiling calmly, which only worsened Marie's irritation. She hissed coldly:
"Follow me, you wretched girl."
Anastasia obeyed. The moment the door closed behind them, a harsh slap exploded across Anastasia's cheek, staining it blue. The queen spat:
"What is the meaning of this? She was supposed to drop dead!"
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I executed the plan exactly as you ordered. I don't know what happened."
"Do you think I'm stupid? That bracelet carries deadly black magic meant to kill the one it's bound to. So why didn't anything happen? It was black magic—she should be dead! And the blame would fall on Prince Hiram."
"Your Majesty… allow me one last chance. I have a surprise for tonight. I will play the violin, and through the performance I will take control of Olivia's mind and make her kill herself. It will appear as a suicide caused by her refusal to marry Hiram."
Marie laughed wickedly.
"You devilish creature, Anastasia. Very well—I will give you this chance. But if you fail, you know the punishment."
She left.
Anastasia healed her bruised cheek with magic while recalling why Olivia had been unaffected.
****************
Flashback – Anastasia's POV
After the hall was prepared, I visited Olivia in her room. She was sitting on her balcony, looking troubled. When she noticed me, she smiled—sadly this time. I hugged her and apologized for what happened earlier because of Queen Marie. She forgave me easily.
She then confided in me her desire to become like me—to join the royal knights. She loved the sword. She wanted me to continue teaching her. I didn't know what to say. I simply watched her, wanting nothing more than to protect her and give her a better life.
Then I noticed she had removed the necklace I gifted her.
When I asked why, she said it was precious and she didn't want to lose it.
So I told her to wear it again and never take it off. She was confused but didn't protest.
She didn't know the truth: I had imbued the necklace with my own anti-dark-magic power. It would break any black magic cast upon her—including the spell hidden in the bracelet the queen intended to kill her with.
Queen Marie had gone insane, framing the neighboring prince for black magic—strictly forbidden within our empire. I gave Olivia that necklace to save her.
Her gentle green eyes watched me with warmth. I patted her head, asked her to accept her engagement, and trust me. She agreed without hesitation.
I told her I had a surprise for her during the celebration, then left.
Flashback End
****************
Anastasia returned to the hall. She spotted Olivia happily chatting with guests—but Hiram was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, he grabbed Anastasia by the waist from behind and whispered:
"Were you looking for me?"
She stepped away instantly, startled by how he approached unnoticed. He then invited her to dance. She accepted, and during the dance they spoke quietly:
"I didn't expect a barbarian prince to dance this well."
"My princess, you underestimate barbarians. We excel at everything. You can test me if you wish."
"It appears so."
"But princess… you promised in your last letter that I would enjoy your performance tonight. I'm truly eager to hear you play the violin."
"And I'm eager to watch you make everyone dance to my music."
"I'm glad you're my partner."
"And I'm glad you're mine."
After the dance, Olivia approached with a bright smile.
"You looked happy while dancing."
"Was it that obvious?"
"It really was. I'm glad you enjoyed the party."
"Olivia… remember the surprise I mentioned earlier? It's in the library, next to the shelf I always read from. It's the book you've always begged to read—but I forbade because you were too young."
"Are you serious? You're finally giving it to me?"
"That's right. Take it. And since the party is probably boring for you, I'll cover for your absence."
Olivia hugged Anastasia tightly before running off to the library.
Anastasia then stepped into the center of the hall and announced she would perform on the violin. She was known for her exceptional talent—both in playing and singing beautifully.
She asked a servant to bring her instrument. When it arrived, she held it confidently and spoke with a cold, sinister smile:
"Tonight's piece is titled Paint It Black. I hope you enjoy every moment of it, for it will be the last beautiful thing you hear today."
A shiver ran through the guests. Even the king grew uneasy. Marie frantically searched for Olivia, realizing she was gone—falling into Anastasia's trap.
The moment Anastasia began playing, the hall transformed into a nightmare.
The room turned blood-red. Screams filled the air. The sound of steel slicing through flesh echoed like drums of war. Her violin unleashed a death symphony—forcing everyone to dance in their own blood. Bodies fell. Limbs scattered. A noble massacre painted the hall.
Prince Hiram approached the emperor. Before the emperor uttered a word, Hiram severed his head.
Anastasia stopped playing just as she saw him approaching her mother—Marie—who was frozen in shock. Worse, she seemed to be going into labor from the terror.
Anastasia stopped Hiram.
Marie shrieked:
"Get away from me, barbaric monster! Anastasia, I order you to kill him!"
"Why should I obey a woman who never treated me as her daughter?"
"What nonsense! Do you forget who made you? You are nothing without me!"
"If anything—you are nothing without me."
"You filthy whore! You… wait. Was this your plan? To betray me? To betray the entire empire? You traitor—"
Before she finished, Anastasia drove her sword into Marie's pregnant belly.
Marie screamed as Anastasia pulled the blade out and said:
"Traitor? Who do you think betrayed first? I never wanted anything from you—only for you to love me. To treat me like your child, just once."
Marie laughed hysterically.
"Look at yourself. Without me, you'd be nothing. You were and always will be a disgrace. The biggest mistake of my life. I knew I would die by your hand one day, but not like this—not by such a vile creature. Mark my words—you will die the same way. You were born to be a sacrifice."
"I won't die like you. I won't live like you. And if I die, it will be protecting those I love. You once asked the meaning of my name—Anastasia. It means resurrection. My resurrection. My beginning. Grandfather chose well."
She tortured Marie—cutting off her arms, then her legs. The queen's screams were a symphony of hell. With one clean strike, Anastasia beheaded her and burned the body with magic. Her face remained emotionless, which intrigued Hiram.
She told him coldly:
"As promised, the empire is yours. I'll take my sister and leave."
Anastasia bathed, dressed in a white shirt with buttons, black trousers, and high-heeled boots, then headed to the library.
Olivia was deeply absorbed in the book and hadn't noticed her arrival. Anastasia didn't interrupt. When Olivia finally looked up:
"When did you get here, Ani?"
"I just arrived. Go on, keep reading."
"Did the party end?"
"Listen, Olivia… something tragic happened during the celebration."
"What do you mean? What happened?"
Before Anastasia could speak, Prince Hiram entered with several of his knights.
"It seems my bride doesn't know what happened earlier."
"Hiram, we all got what we wanted tonight."
"That's right, my blonde princess. I promised to spare your sister in exchange for helping me wipe out the imperial family so I could take the throne."
"Ani… what is he talking about? Is that true?"
Anastasia saw the fear on Olivia's face. She glared at Hiram.
"What do you want, exactly?"
"Now that everything is done, I'll spare your sister—but in return, I want you to be my bride."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I'll happily kill both of you."
Pressure tightened around Anastasia's chest. She wanted to use her magic, but Olivia might get hurt—or worse, hate her forever. Still, she would do anything to protect her.
But suddenly, the library trembled. A strange earthquake struck, and a mysterious book fell from a high shelf, hitting both Olivia and Anastasia. A blinding white light burst from it—
—and both princesses vanished.
As if the book had transported them somewhere far away.