CHAPTER I
The sky was painted in endless shades of blue, birds chirped sweet melodies, and the fields bloomed with flowers of every color imaginable. The breeze danced softly over the petals as if whispering secrets to the earth. Everything around felt magical — as if this morning had arrived just for me, bringing a new light, a new beginning.
My name is Celeste, daughter of Queen Elyon and King Orion of the White Fairyland. I am their only heir, destined to be the next queen of this realm filled with beauty, dreams, and purpose. In our Fairyland, fairies are the heart and soul of existence. We guide the dreams of little children, we grant them hope, we make them believe in magic — the kind that glows in their innocent eyes.
But not all corners of Fairyland are bathed in light.
There exists another realm — a realm feared and often forgotten — known as the Black Fairyland. The fairies and pixies there wear black garments, and because of that, they are believed to practice black magic. Most don't question this belief. They whisper and point fingers, never once thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, they're wrong.
Even I… had my doubts.
But everything in my life was about to change.
Soon, there will be a Swayamvar — a royal ceremony where I must choose a life partner. I am not ready. My heart isn't prepared to make such a grand decision. And yet, my mother believes that the timing is perfect. "A queen must choose her king at the right age," she always says. But I don't feel ready to be a queen… not yet.
This morning, I rise early, as the soft rays of sunlight touch my window. I walk toward the sacred bathing chamber, a place of peace and reflection, surrounded by glowing crystals and water that holds ancient magic. Several fairies await me there — caretakers of my well-being, attending to every detail of my day, my hair, my gown, my every step.
As I dip my feet into the glistening water, a strange thought crosses my mind — what would it be like to live without titles, without rules, without expectations?
But in the distance, destiny had already begun to stir. A shadow was crossing the sky, slowly but surely heading toward us — toward me.
A shadow in black…
And with it, the beginning of a story that would change everything I ever believed in.
A story not just of fairies and kingdoms —
But of truth, rebellion, heartbreak... and love.
Unaware of the strings that destiny had already begun to pull, Celeste lived her days in blissful ignorance. She didn't yet know that her life was about to intertwine with a fate far more complex than dreams and crowns — a fate stitched with hidden truths and ancient pain.
Far away from the glowing towers of White Fairyland, deep within the mysterious lands veiled in midnight hues, stood the realm of the Black Fairyland — a place feared, a place misunderstood.
Here ruled Queen Luna, a regal and strong fairy cloaked in sorrow. Years ago, she had lost her son — a tragedy that left her heart in pieces. And so, when Caelum entered her life, she saw in her not just a child, but the reflection of the son she had once held. Luna, blinded by grief and love, chose to raise Caelum as her son — though in truth, Caelum was a girl.
To the world, Caelum was a pixie prince.
To Luna, she was a second chance.
To herself, she was a secret waiting to be set free.
Not a single soul in the Black Fairyland knew Caelum's truth. Not her friends. Not the advisors. Not the realm that adored her strength and quiet charm. Every day, Caelum carried the weight of a lie — not out of fear, but out of loyalty to her mother's broken heart.
But change was coming. And it started with a map.
That morning, Queen Luna summoned Caelum to the royal court. Her eyes were serious, yet soft — as if battling between her duty as a queen and her love as a mother. She held out a scroll — an ancient map, glowing faintly with magic.
"You must go to the Mother Fairy," Luna said, her voice steady. "You must tell her what is happening to us… the injustice, the exile, the silence we have been forced to endure. It's time someone listened."
Caelum looked into her mother's eyes, a storm of emotions swirling within her. She had questions — so many — but now wasn't the time. With grace and silent strength, she accepted the map, her hands trembling just slightly as their fingers brushed.
She bowed deeply, her head lowered in respect and silent understanding.
Then, without a word, she turned and walked out of the royal court, her footsteps echoing in the grand hall behind her.
The journey had begun.
A journey not just to the Mother Fairy,
But to the truth of who she really was…
And to someone waiting, unknowingly, on the other side of fate — Celeste.
Caelum stood quietly in her chamber, methodically packing the few belongings she would need for her journey. The soft flicker of candlelight danced on the stone walls as she folded her travel cloak, slid a dagger into her boot, and tucked the ancient map safely beneath her sash. Every item she packed was carefully chosen — not just for survival, but for the emotional weight they carried.
Just as she placed the last item in her satchel, the door creaked open.
"Cael… how long will you keep pretending?" came a familiar voice, both frustrated and worried.
It was Aisha, her closest friend — a sharp, fierce pixie who had known Caelum longer than anyone else. She stepped inside with arms crossed and eyes filled with concern.
"Why don't you just tell the Queen the truth? How long will you keep hiding who you really are?"
Caelum let out a sigh, her expression softening as she turned to face Aisha. With a faint smile, she gently motioned for silence. "You know, Aisha… this isn't just some story I made up to live freely," she began, her voice calm but full of pain. "This… this goes back to a year ago."
She sat down on the edge of her bed, her hands folded in her lap, and began to speak — not just to Aisha, but to the ghosts of her past.
"It was the day I was summoned from the heavens — requested by the Gods themselves. I remember being born into the arms of my elder brother, Finnian. I was so happy... my father, one of the divine, was proud to hold me. But before he could tell my mother anything about me… tragedy struck. My brother — the one who had cradled me with such warmth — died suddenly, without warning."
Aisha's eyes widened. She had never heard this part of the story before.
Caelum continued, her voice trembling. "My father was shattered. He took me to my mother but created an illusion so strong, so flawless… that she believed I was her son — reborn. She didn't even remember my brother's name. She never saw his face again in her memories. She only saw me — and named me Caelum. The name my father chose."
Tears shimmered in Aisha's eyes, but she held them back.
"My real name… even I don't know anymore," Caelum whispered. "I became the lie. And my mother never realized."
She looked up, eyes burning with silent resolve. "And now, my father — the one who once created stars — has been trapped in an eternal sleep because of the Mother Fairy's curse. I have to find a way to break it. I must."
There was a pause, heavy with emotion, before Caelum added with a faint, almost embarrassed smile, "Besides… I've kind of grown to like living like a boy. It feels more... me."
Aisha smirked knowingly. "Yeah, and I know you've started liking fairies more than pixie boys lately."
Caelum blushed fiercely. "Aish, please! Not here — not now!" she hissed, throwing a pillow at her.
They both laughed — a moment of pure friendship in the middle of chaos.
But the laughter faded quickly, as reality returned.
Caelum reached for her bag again. "Will you come with me?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
Aisha shook her head gently. "No… the path you're taking is dangerous. Too dangerous. I wouldn't survive it. And you know it."
Caelum's shoulders dropped, but she nodded. "Alright. I understand. Then I'll go alone."
She didn't look back.
With the map in her pouch and her heart set on the unknown, Caelum stepped into the dark woods beyond the castle walls. The air was cold, and the trees whispered secrets of times long past.
She had no idea that the road she had chosen was not just a journey…
It was a one-way path.
And from it, she might never return.
Back in the glowing lands of White Fairyland, the palace shimmered in the golden morning light. After my sacred bath, I now stood before the grand mirror of crystal and moonstone, preparing myself — not just in appearance, but in spirit.
Today, I wasn't just dressing for beauty.
I was preparing for a trial, one that would decide if I was truly worthy of being queen.
The decision had been made — I would journey alone to the home of the Mother Fairy, without guards, without attendants. This bold act was more than just a visit — it was a message. A declaration to every fairy in the realm that I, Princess Celeste, was ready to prove myself. That I wasn't just the daughter of Queen Elyon, but a rightful heir with strength, grace, and courage of her own.
As I stood still, the fairy attendants surrounded me, adorning me in delicate petals and blossoms handpicked from the sacred gardens. Every flower placed in my hair, every ornament pinned to my gown, carried ancient meaning — protection, wisdom, truth. Their fragrance was intoxicating — soft, sweet, yet powerful — like the whispers of the past queens who once took this same path.
A magical scent of lavender, moon lilies, and starlight was gently brushed onto my skin — a scent reserved only for royalty, and only during sacred journeys. I felt like a living embodiment of White Fairyland — part girl, part tradition, part future.
But beneath the elegance, my heart beat faster with every passing moment.
Soon, I would have to face my mother — Queen Elyon — and bid her farewell.
She had always been a pillar of strength, a symbol of unwavering grace. Saying goodbye to her, even for a short journey, felt like stepping away from everything I'd ever known. But I had to do it. If I was to lead one day, I had to first walk alone.
As the final touches were placed — a silver circlet upon my brow, a charm around my wrist — I drew in a deep breath. My reflection stared back at me: royal, radiant… and slightly afraid.
But there was no time for fear now.
I walked through the palace halls, each step echoing softly beneath my jeweled shoes. Courtiers bowed, whispering blessings. Fairies watched with awe and pride. But my eyes were fixed ahead.
I reached my mother's chambers and paused, steadying myself. This would be the hardest part.
And after that… I would mount my horse and begin a journey unlike any I had taken before — a journey not just toward the Mother Fairy, but toward destiny itself.
What lay ahead, I could not say.
But the winds whispered that fate was already waiting for me…
The path ahead was breathtaking — lush meadows glowing under soft sunlight, trees with golden leaves that swayed gently in the breeze, and birds singing songs that felt like lullabies from the skies. But perhaps it felt this beautiful because I was still within White Fairyland, still surrounded by the safety and familiarity of my homeland.
But that comfort would soon end.
I urged my horse to move faster. Time was not on my side — I needed to reach the Mother Fairy's realm and return by sunset tomorrow. My mother had entrusted me with this mission, and I had promised myself I wouldn't fail. The crown I was born to inherit wasn't just made of silver and jewels — it was made of responsibility, courage, and strength.
I took a long breath, feeling the wind brush against my skin, and gathered my focus. With a gentle movement of my fingers, I cast a transportation spell — just once, just enough to cross the outer boundary of White Fairyland. The magic surged through me, like a burst of light in my veins.
And just like that… I was across.
I had left behind the land I had always known.
But the real challenge began now.
Beyond this point, I could no longer use my powers. It was one of the rules — a sacred test. If I wished to be respected not just as a royal, but as a leader, I had to walk these lands without the comfort of magic. No spells. No shortcuts. No fairy dust to protect me.
And I wasn't accompanied by any guardian, no knight by my side, no watchful spirit hovering nearby. I was completely alone.
But I refused to let fear slow me down.
Yes, the forests ahead were wild. The winds were colder, the silence louder. But deep within me, something stronger stirred — the belief that I was meant for more.
I will not turn back.
I will not falter.
Because someday, I will become a queen.
And this journey…
This test…
Will be the story I carry in my heart forever.
To be continue....