Nora walked onto the cobblestone street, her bag dangling from one shoulder. As she always remembered, the city of the Obelia was busy. Filled with a lavish lifestyle and people dressed in extravagant dresses. She felt small, so tiny compared to the intricate houses towering over her and the stalls that overshadowed her. It was so different from her small village.

Shaking her head, she walked a little faster. She had vials to sell. She knew the best area for it. A customer brought up her products at a decent price.

As she walked through she couldn't suppress her awe when she saw the Imperial palace. No matter how many times she watched the feeling of the sublime never faded away.

The Palace was built to impress with the high walls that reached the sky and the golden intricate carvings framed it. It looked mystical, something straight out of fairytale stories. Its marvellous surface was framed with marble stones that shone every time the sunrays touched it. Blue mixed white flags with the Empire's insignia danced in the air. She could see other similar structures strewn around through different hues.

She couldn't dream of a more beautiful palace even though she never left the grounds of Obelia.

She didn't know she had stopped walking until someone bumped into her and walked past her without apologizing. Not that she minded. She's used to this type of behaviour. Most people she met here never apologized for their mistakes. And she didn't think that would stop any time soon.

As she walked she saw a few ladies gathered around. She could tell they were nobles with they were dressed and carried them; condescending elegance. The words were loud enough to reach her

"...heard that the His Majesty's bastard child has been found. Her Majesty wasn't happy."

"What?" A surprised gasp.

"What, you haven't heard? It's been in everyone's mouth recently. The rumours about His Majesty's affair and his child. You must have been living under a stone to not have heard that!" The lady laughed, a high-pitched mocking one.

"Yeah, the rumours even say that the child isn't favoured by the Royals."

"So have I. That's why he didn't get the traditional name that most Royals have. I even heard to spite him they have given him some atrocious name."

"That's scandalous!"

"Poor thing. He wouldn't last a year in there. After all, our Emperor isn't the kindest nor is Her Majesty merciless."

"Oh. I must have missed so much. Tell me...."

The voices faded away as Nora hasten her pace.

Her heart tightened for the little child. If what she heard was true, the child would be assassinated within a year out of spite and jealousy. The throne was made of cinders and ashes of their blood and flesh and the crown had always been soaked in blood.

She wouldn't be surprised if His royal highness killed his half-brother to eliminate any candidate for the throne.

She shrugged and walked to her planned place. There wasn't much she could do but pray for the innocent life to be happy. In a few minutes, she enter a small workshop, and the bell chimed as she did. Her lips curled up into a wide smile ready to greet Grace the woman who buys her medicines.

But her smile dimmed when instead of finding a middle-aged woman dressed in a white apron and messy bun with a warm smile, she found a man behind the counter.

A polite smile remained though she was confused. He stood there, body slumped on the counter as he drew doodles on the paper, bored.

He looked up and his black eyes focused on her. She shivered when his eyes travelled down her body before coming up on her chest and finally her eyes.

She felt sick and uncomfortable being alone in there with him. But she had to act professionally since she needed the money.

"Hello there, Miss. Welcome to our shop. How can I help you?" He smiled at her but it was anything but friendly. She fought the urge to cower back.

She hesitated for a moment. She never interacted with people much aside from Iseka, Grace, Noah and her precious child, so her anxiety was palpable.

"I came to sell my products," She cringed when it came out meek and unsure.

The man leaned forward, interest in his eyes. "What products do you sell?"

The question was innocent but the leer on his face said otherwise. Her stomach was knotted with anxiety and unease.

"Medical ones,"

"Oh. Shame I thought it'd be something much more interesting"

Nora wanted to get away from the man and his lecherous eyes.

"Grace would always bring the product from me, every month. And since she's not here..." She was cut off by the man who waved his hand dismissively.

"Yeah, the old hag did warn me about you" She flinched. This man was so disrespectful towards the lady.

"So show what you got?" he peered at her with a sick grin.

She shakily pushed the vials in front of him. Watching as he examined them closely.

"Interesting. You made all this?" The man continued on his inspection.

"Yes."

"I see. I can give you two silvers for it." He set down the vial he examined, looking at her expectantly.

Nora's jaw clenched, and she glared at the smug man.

"But that's not the price Grace gives me. I am sure they are worth more than that!" Nora protested. Disbelief ran through her veins. There are at least 8 vials each filled with brim and of different properties.

How can this man say that it was just worth two silver?

"Old hag is too generous for her own good. She must have taken pity on you poor thing."

No. No way Grace did that..... Or did she..? That can't be the case, right? She always praised her for her skills and said her skill was rare. Was all that lie? That couldn't be it. Conflicted thoughts ran through her mind giving her a massive headache.

"I could give you extra coins if you've something else to offer." His gaze ran down her body suggestively.

Her blood ran cold. Her breathing increased as her heart pounded in her chest. What was he implying? That she sell herself..?

She truly felt sick that she could throw up.

Before she could let the sick man off, the door was slammed open violently. They both jumped at the sound.

There stood a man with glaring eyes and a snarl on his lips.

"Noah," she breathed out in relief. She was happy to see her childhood friend.

"Hello, Cooper." Noah directed his cold hazel eyes on him and the man cowered back. Briefly, his eyes flickered to Nora's face before softening slightly.

"So Grace had me report your day. I came here to see how are you doing on your first day."

Copper squeaked out, "I'm doing fine. I was just sorting out this lady."

Noah raised a brow. "I see. Hurry up then, after all, Grace is generous but not patient, you see. She'd hate it to kick you out on your first day."

Copper paled before he hurriedly arranged the vials in their right place and placed 20 silver coins and two bronze ones. "It was nice working with you." He gave her a strained smile.

Nora mutely nodded but put the coins into the inner pocket of her gown. She wordlessly left with Noah on her tail.

She breathed out in relief once she was far away from the suffocating atmosphere. Before she could show her gratitude, Noah waved, already walking away.

"Take care. I have gotta go back to business. Bye,"

"Noah, wait!"

He didn't.

Nora stood there gazing at the back of his friend sadly. They had been so close before now it feels their playful chatting and talks were all but a dream. He had been so distant and cold since he got the news of her pregnancy. No more smiles, no more laughs but plain silence.

She sighed and walked away. She had tried to break the ice but it remained unyielding. She left him alone after that. Because she knew that people change and so do their priorities and relationships with people around them.

She has changed. Her priority was now her child. Her sweet (Y/N). She must protect her and shield her from what she went through...

She knows what it meant to be truly alone. As long as she remembered she was abandoned and left alone to look after herself. An orphan, an outcast, and now a fully exiled person.

Now she finally has a family. A flesh and blood of her own. A person who wouldn't leave her side. Who would love her unconditionally. She'll be damned if she let anything happen to her child.

She smiled at the thought of her sweet angel and brought a bracelet and chocolate cookies for (Y/N) while waiting for the cart to fill with people.

She hoped her baby was alright. Suddenly she remembered her argument with Iseka. Regret pooled in her stomach. How could she say those hateful and cruel words to someone who she considered her big sister?

But Iseka didn't know. Didn't understand. That forest was anything but harmless. It wasn't a fairytale forest filled with happy myths. No, it dark so was its past. She wouldn't let it get anywhere near (Y/n). Not as long as she lives.

But she felt guilty, so she brought a yarn ball and Iseka's favourite perfume. She would love it if she knew it. And Iseka was too kind to stay angry at her for long. Only with a few words exchanged they'd be back to their happy selves.

She knew Iseka and her own tragic past.

Iseka was a tough-love kind of woman. Her bitter and sarcastic side a result of her own tragic past. Losing her husband at an early age with her sons to take care of, made her tough but after losing her twin sons in a war where they were forced to join the Imperial army and were sacrificed on the battlefield. Since then she hated the Emperor and the politics of the royals.

Their pain and loneliness had brought them together and bound them into an indestructible bond.

She took the cart going back to the village. While the cart made its journey back home Nora saw beautiful ladies coming from the palace gates. Their revealing clothes showed off their blemish-free skin while jewels and colourful beads adorned them head to toe, complimenting their beauty and bringing out their allure. There were probably dancers and entertainers summoned by their Emperor. Since most of the dancers are summoned from Siodianna, they would probably travel through Almaya to return since it was nearest to them. Nora thought happily. Maybe she would let (Y/n) meet them. After all her baby had insisted to go to the Empire. Maybe it'll appease her.

When she finally reached home, she saw a panicked Iseka talking to Pierce.

She was a bit confused. As she neared through her heart sank. There was only one reason Iseka would panic.

She raced home, feeling fear grab hold of her. Her fears were confirmed when she saw the house was empty.

"No, no. My baby," she whimpered.

Was she too late? Had she taken (Y/n) away from her? Was she going to lose everything again? Was she cursed to be alone? To die with no real deep connection?

"No!" Nora screamed.

Iseka finally reached her, panting slightly.

"Don't panic, Nora. I'm sure she's nearby somewhere." Iseka tried to assure the frightened mother.

"No, no, no!" Nora gripped her hair. Feeling fear and worry clawed at her heart. "I can't lose her, Iseka. Finally, I was happy for once. I never felt more fulfilled. Peaceful and appreciated but now I'll lose all of it. I can't be all alone again. I need to find her. Where did she go?"

"My baby... What if I never find her?" She breathed out feeling tears roll down her cheeks. Dark thoughts surged through her mind like poison. Just thinking about losing an important thing in her life had her knees buckling and she fell hard on the ground. "I'll die, Iseka. I'll die!"

"Don't be ridiculous. She's fine wherever she is,"

Before Nora could burst out in tears from panic and fear, she heard a voice.

"Mom, you're back!"

She saw (Y/n) race towards them with a happy smile holding something. But she couldn't care less.

Her baby was fine. She was alright. She wasn't gone, taken away from her.

Nora stood up meeting (Y/n) midway and dropped to her knees, hugging her baby close while sobbing in relief. "You're fine!"

Iseka beside her let out a relieved sigh before glaring at (Y/n) sternly. "Where were you, young lady? Didn't I say to stay still?"

(Y/n) let out a nervous laugh. "I went out to get flowers for both of you. You were upset so I thought they would help!"

Nora froze so did Iseka.

"I wanted to find the best one so I went to the clearing near the stream. Behind the large tree, there are lots of beautiful flowers!"

"And?" Iseka raised an eyebrow feeling the kid had more to say.

"I found a cute cat and lost track of time playing with it. Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Cat..?

Nora and Iseka finally noticed the cat perched on her shoulder. It was a simple white cat.

"You shouldn't go around like this without telling. Do you how much your Mom was worried?" Nora pulled to look (Y/n) half-relieved and half-angry.

"Sorry, Mom." (Y/n) shuffled her feet, looking down in guilt.

Both of them softened, hearts melting at the adorable child's antics.

"Let's go. You must be hungry. I brought you chocolate cookies." Nora calmed down, feeling a bit embarrassed about her breakdown. Her dark emotions and fears had taken over her she couldn't help but think negatively.

But everything was alright.

"Cookies! I love you, Mom!" (Y/n) beamed, sparkles glowing around her as her expression changed from guilt to glee and excitement. Before she switched her gaze at the cat and them with a pleading look.

"And yes you can keep the cat but only if you take the responsibility," Nora said a finger pulled up to emphasize her point.

"Yes, I promise I will take care of Ether! Thank you!"

She blinked before chuckling. "That's its name. Cute!"

Iseka turned around muttering to herself, "Damn, the kid is going to give me a heart attack."

Nora chuckled feeling warmth replace the cold dread.

They all headed back. And for a moment Nora swore she saw a silhouette behind the tree gazing at them. But when she blinked it was gone. Her heart tightened.

She would protect her baby (Y/n), even at the cost of her life. She won't let it win and take the most important thing away. No. Never.

Nora ignored the dread pooling in her heart and stepped into her home along with her child.

"