Chapter 1

The sun had just kissed the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple over the grand palace of Dariah. In the luxurious royal chamber, Queen Freya lay on her massive four-poster bed, its velvet curtains drawn closed, the soft pillows and smooth silk sheets enveloping her like a cocoon. She was exhausted, her body still aching from the gruelling labour she had endured. The room was filled with the scent of lavender and chamomile, a soothing blend meant to aid her recovery. Andol, the trusted royal physician, stood nearby, his face etched with worry as he observed Freya attempt to rise.

“Your Highness,” he urged, “you need to rest. Childbirth has taken its toll on you.” Freya, however, was determined to see her baby. She pushed the silken covers aside and slowly sat up, a grimace fleeting across her face. Andol moved to assist her, but she gently waved him off. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice firm. “Now, where is my baby?” Andol hesitated, his eyes darting nervously towards the door. “Well, Your Majesty ... the baby is ... um...” Freya’s patience wore thin. “For the love of the gods! Just bring my baby?” Andol swallowed hard before speaking in a low voice. “The baby is not well, Your Majesty. He ... he has some physical abnormalities.” Freya felt a cold dread creeping up her spine. “What do you mean? Show me my baby, now.” With a heavy heart, Andol signalled to one of the nurses, who entered carrying a small bundle. As the nurse approached, Freya’s eyes widened at the sight of her baby, her heart breaking at the realisation that something was terribly wrong. The baby’s cry was weak, a feeble sound that spoke of struggle. “Oh my God,” she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. How could this be? Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed down at the tiny figure. It was a boy - but not the handsome, golden-haired prince she had envisioned. His skin was mottled with dark patches, and his eyes were a sickly shade of green.

“How can this be?” Freya whispered, her voice trembling. “Am I, the queen, the epitome of beauty and grace, how can I be cursed to bear such a ... creature?” Her mind raced, grappling with the cruel twist of fate. The room seemed to spin, the scent of lavender now a suffocating reminder of her shattered dreams.

The chamber doors swung open, and King Robert strode in, his regal presence filling the room. His eyes widened in shock as he beheld the scene before him, his queen cradling a grotesque creature. “What is this? “ he demanded, his voice laced with concern. Andol, his shoulders sagging with the weight of the truth, stepped forward.

“My king, we are at a loss. The baby ... he is not as we expected. He has physical abnormalities, and his health is fragile.” Robert’s face paled, his eyes darting between the baby and his beloved queen.

“Show me,” he commanded, his voice hoarse with emotion. Andol gently guided the baby closer, revealing the full extent of his peculiarities. Robert’s breath caught as he stared into the lifeless eyes of his son, a silent plea for answers reflected in his own gaze.

“He is blind, Your Majesty,” Andol whispered, his voice barely audible. “And his health is failing. We fear he may not survive.” Freya’s heart shattered as she stared into the lifeless eyes of her newborn son. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, “Why?” Looking into the baby’s eyes, she saw that they were a grotesque mix of white and green. King Robert noticed her distress and approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Everyone, please leave the room,” he commanded. “And under no circumstances is anyone to speak of this ever again.” The room emptied quickly, leaving Freya alone with her grief.

Robert approached her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We cannot keep him, my love.” Freya looked at him in disbelief. “ Think how it would look to our subjects. They worship us like gods, and especially you, my dear, you are revered as an incarnation of Aphrodite herself. If word gets out that our son is ... imperfect, it could damage our reputation beyond repair.”

For a moment, Freya was torn between her maternal instincts and her duty to her kingdom. She knew Robert spoke the truth, but how could she abandon her own child?

Robert seemed to sense her turmoil. “I know this is difficult for you, my love, but we must think of the greater good. That’s why I have a solution. Summon your sister Lila; she has always wanted children of her own right. Ask her to take care of the baby, raise him as her own. She’ll be thrilled to do it, and it will spare us the embarrassment of having an imperfect heir.” Just then, the baby let out a piercing wail, filling the room with its cries. Freya’s heart twisted in her chest. How could she possibly give up her helpless little son, even if he didn’t resemble her or Robert?.

“I cannot,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “He is mine, no matter his appearance.” Robert’s eyes softened, his hand reaching out to caress her cheek.

“I understand my love, but we must be pragmatic. Lila will love him as her own, and he will have a chance at a normal life. It is the best we can do for him.” Freya’s eyes welled up, her heart torn between her love for her son and her duty to her kingdom.

Without another word, Robert left the chamber, his footsteps echoing in the silence that followed. Freya sat alone, cradling her son, her mind a tempest of emotions. The baby’s cries softened, his tiny body relaxing against her chest. She gazed at his imperfect features, her heart aching with a love she never knew existed.

It was late evening when Lila and her husband, King Hector, entered the private chamber where Freya and Robert awaited them. The air was thick with tension as the four royal figures sat across from one another, each lost in thought. Lila couldn’t help but feel betrayed by her sister Freya and her husband Robert. She had always been close to her sister, and the fact that they were considering giving away their child simply because he wasn’t as handsome as their other children was unforgivable.

“We never wanted to do this,” Freya began, her voice trembling. “But as rulers, we must consider the kingdom’s perception of our family.” Her words fell flat, failing to ease the pain in Lila’s eyes. The sight of her sister, whom she had always admired, defending such a cruel decision was like a dagger to her heart.

Lila’s gaze drifted towards the crib, where the innocent baby lay, unaware of the turmoil surrounding his existence. His tiny body was adorned with dark spots, a stark contrast to the beauty Lila had imagined for her nephew. As if sensing her presence, the baby stirred, his cries filling the room. Lila felt a surge of maternal instinct, a powerful force that propelled her towards the crib.

With gentle hands, she lifted the baby, cradling him close to her chest. The warmth of his tiny body against her skin sent a rush of emotions through her. The baby’s cries softened, his little body relaxing as he found solace in her embrace. Lila’s heart swelled with a love she had never known before, a love that defied all expectations. Suddenly, she realised that she had become a mother, and the thought filled her heart with both joy and fear. “He’s perfect,” she whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. “How could Freya think otherwise?” King Hector, witnessing the transformation in his wife, approached her with a tender smile. He touched her gently. “Are you okay, my dear?” he asked softly. Lila nodded, her eyes never leaving the baby’s face. “I am Hector. I just ... I can’t fathom how Freya and Robert could even consider giving him away. He’s their child, their flesh and blood.” Her voice broke, the weight of her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Freya watched in guilt as Lila cradled her baby, her expression softening as she realised the error of her ways. “I’m sorry,” she whispered to herself repeatedly, tears streaming down her face. But Lila didn’t respond to her sister’s cries for forgiveness. Instead, she turned to her husband Hector and nodded her head, indicating that it was time for them to leave. As they exited the room, Freya could only watch in despair, knowing that she had let her sister down.

“Goodbye, Freya,” she said, her voice laced with sorrow. “I hope one day you’ll understand.” Lila walked out of the chamber, her steps purposeful, the baby nestled securely in her arms. She knew her decision would change their lives forever, but in that moment, she felt complete, a mother’s love embracing her heart. As the doors closed behind them, Freya was left alone, her tears a silent testament to the pain of her choices.

Freya stood in the courtyard of the royal palace, gazing out at the lush gardens that surrounded the palace walls. Her heart was heavy with sorrow, and tears streamed down her face as she clutched a small bundle wrapped tightly in blankets to her chest. For weeks, Freya had been tormented by thoughts of her son, whom she had given up to her sister Lila. She could not shake the feeling of guilt that consumed her every waking moment. Despite her attempts to distract herself with her elder son Asher and daughter Ariel, the memory of her abandoned child lingered, haunting her dreams each night. As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, a soft breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees, carrying with it the scent of jasmine. Freya closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm her racing mind. But even as she breathed deeply, the image of her son’s grotesque features continued to flash before her eyes.

Freya had always known that her beauty was both a blessing and a curse. As the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, she had been adored by all who laid eyes upon her. Her husband, King Robert, had often told her that she was the envy of every man in the land, and her children, Asher and Ariel, had inherited her striking features.But despite her many blessings, Freya could not shake the feeling that part of her was missing. There was a void within her, a hole that no amount of love or adoration could fill. And it was then that she realised what it was - her beloved son, whom she had abandoned for being born”ugly”. For weeks after giving him up, Freya had sent letter after letter to her sister Lila, asking about her son’s well being. But Lila had never responded, leaving Freya to wonder if her sister truly despised her for abandoning her own flesh and blood. It was a painful reminder of the fact that her beauty had come at such a high cost. Determined to make things right, Freya threw herself into being the best mother she could be to Asher and Ariel, determined to make up for her past mistakes. These two kids were her world, and she cherished every moment with them. They were the epitome of perfection in her eyes - beautiful, smart, and oozing with potential. Within a year, Freya’s love multiplied as she gave birth to another daughter, Bella, who was a living doll, taking after her mother’s stunning looks with flowing raven hair and captivating blue eyes that danced in the sunlight. Yet, despite all her blessings and the joy her children brought, Freya couldn’t shake a lingering emptiness that gnawed at her soul. Every compliment she received about her beauty or her children’s attractiveness only reminded her of the ugliness she had once rejected. It was as if the memory of her abandoned son haunted her happiness, a constant reminder of the pain she had caused. Three years had passed since Freya’s decision to abandon her son, and the guilt had only grown heavier with time. Determined to right her wrongs, Freya decided to bring her son back, despite the potential backlash from the kingdom’s people and the challenges her own children might face in accepting a new sibling. The weight of her guilt was crushing, and she yearned to hold her son, to love him unconditionally, regardless of his appearance. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the courtyard, Freya took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. She was determined to confront her husband about her decision to bring her son back, no matter what the consequences might be. King Robert strode towards her, his face etched with anger and frustration. “What do you want, Freya?” he demanded, his voice low and menacing. “I want my son,” Freya said firmly, meeting his gaze head-on. “I don’t care what people think, or what you think. I want my son back.” Robert scoffed derisively. “You know how the people will judge us when they find out, Freya. We have a grotesque child. It will affect Asher, Ariel, and Bella knowing that they have a sibling of this kind of nature.” But Freya was undeterred. “I don’t care,” she said coldly. “I was blinded by this perfection and beauty nonsense. Not anymore. I want my son.” Robert shook his head, his expression dark and foreboding. “I cannot allow this, Freya. You know what the consequences would be.” Freya sighed heavily, feeling defeated. “Then leave me alone,” she whispered, turning away from her husband. “Let me go on my own and find my son.” Robert strode away angrily leaving Freya in a whirlwind of thoughts. Freya sent a letter informing her sister Lila that she will be visiting her soon, but as always no reply arrived. On the day she was set to leave for Lila’s Palace, Freya for the first time received a letter from her sister. She eagerly tore open the envelope, hoping for news of her son. But what she read shattered her heart into a million pieces. “Queen Freya, I am happy to inform you that your son who you deemed ugly and abandoned has passed away, and I also want you to inform that his body was cremated yesterday. Now you don’t have to worry that people will find out that you gave birth to an ugly baby, because the evidence that he was ever born is now gone. You can celebrate his death with your perfect family, while I grieve the loss of my son. The sister I once adored is dead to me, murdered by your own hands the day you abandoned your child. This letter marks the end. I am severing our bond, and you shall never hear from me again. Your cruelty has destroyed any chance of reconciliation. Farewell, Freya. May your beauty, which drove you to abandon your own flesh and blood, forever haunt you. Lila” With trembling hands Freya collapsed on the ground. She had lost her son forever, and it was all her fault. She cursed her own beauty, which had led her to abandon her child. She was angry at Robert for suggesting it, and angry at herself for complying, leading to her son’s demise. For weeks Freya cried herself to sleep every night her children tried to comfort her, but they didn’t know the source of her pain. Nothing could ease the ache in her heart. As the days went on, Freya realised that she would never be able to forgive herself for what she had done. She had lost her son, and there was nothing she could do to bring him back. Years Later

It was late afternoon in the grand palace of Mu, and Prince Rowen paced nervously down the long hallway leading to his father’s chambers. He had been summoned for a council meeting, but as he approached the door, he heard his father’s voice calling out to him. “Looks like the prince is in trouble,” Hector said, emerging from his private chamber. Rowen turned quickly, surprised by his father’s sudden appearance. He bowed his head respectfully and greeted, “Father.”

“Come, my son,” Hector urged, leading Rowen into his opulent chamber. He gestured towards two chairs and poured them both glasses of rich red wine. “So tell me, son, what is troubling you?”

Rowen took a deep breath before speaking. “Mother has been acting rather odd lately, Father. She’s always snapping at me for no reason, and she constantly accuses me of having multiple girlfriends.”

Hector leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Do you?” he asked, clearly enjoying the prospect.

“No, Father,” Rowen replied earnestly. “Mother is just being grumpy for no reason.”

Hector chuckled. “Well, you are the prince of Mu, after all, You were born to rule, to command armies, to conquer lands. And as such, you are destined to have many lovers, many women at your beck and call.”

Rowen shook his head. “Father, I don’t want any girlfriends, I want Mother to be happy with me again.”

Hector chuckled. “Very well, very well. But tell me this - do you really believe that your mother is being unreasonable?”

Rowen hesitated, unsure of how to answer. “I ... I don’t know, Father. Maybe she’s just stressed out about something.”

Hector nodded sagely. “Perhaps. Or maybe there’s something else going on here. Something that you’re not aware of.”

He paused, studying his son closely. “When did your mother start behaving this way, Rowen?”

The prince furrowed his brow, trying to remember. “After my sixteenth birthday, I suppose.”

Hector leaned forward, his expression serious. “Ah, yes. I see what you mean now. Your mother is probably jealous that she’s going to lose you to another woman.”

Rowen scoffed. “That’s ridiculous, Father. I’m not going to marry anyone anytime soon.”

Hector shrugged. “Maybe not yet, my boy. But mark my words - in time, you will. And when you do, you’ll find that there are plenty of ladies vying for your affections. Beautiful princesses from far-off lands, eager to claim you as their own.”

Rowen felt a surge of frustration. “I don’t care, Father. Just tell me how to fix things with Mother.”

Hector considered this for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “Well, my dear son, perhaps there’s something you can do to help your mother along. Something that might ease her fears and make her happier.”

Rowen frowned. “What do you mean, Father?”

Hector leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine thoughtfully. “I mean that you should offer her your first kiss.

Rowen was taken aback. “But Father? I kiss her all the time.”

Hector grinned wickedly. “A real kiss son - not just a peck on the cheek, but a passionate, mouthwatering kiss that shows her just how much you love her.”