From childhood, Siena's days had been enveloped with sadness, misery and loneliness.

It wasn't because she wasn't loved by anyone, rather it was the love that everyone bestowed on her that made it hard for her to accept the desires trapped in her heart.

After the revelation that her brothers might die in the future, her father Emperor already started to plan the future where she will stabilise the throne in case all of them died.

Her father had only married a single woman and they had three children after which her mother died.

From that day she had to walk on a bitter and thorny path where she had no say.

Her hair was cut short and she was dressed like a boy every time. It went on for years and the naive Sienna who doesn't know much about the genders didn't find anything amiss until six years old.

The education of royal members started early and that's when she was made aware of gender differences.

As she grew up, she had to suppress her desire to live carefree like other people.

Though the descendent of nobles had to live a harsh life, hers was much harsher.

She didn't have many friends and she always stays away from public events to prevent anyone from knowing about her deep secret.

It was only when Arkham started to fall apart with no hope in sight, she got freedom.

"Sienna, we don't know just how much longer we can hold on. It seems this was the ordeal that we have to face as said by Goddess. If something happens to us, I want you to take the throne."

"But now, the way things are going, I don't think there would be any Empire left for you to handle. You may prove to be a great Empress but I don't want you to desperately struggle."

"Instead of suppressing you and force like this, I want you to live your life. So, I hope you can live your life, be a good wife, and have some great children."

"When we will fall, I want you to escape to Dwarf lands and become a magician in the Magic Tower. I have already made some arrangements."

"Live your life to the fullest."

Siena should be happy after hearing the heavenly words and dance in joy as she finally got the freedom she desired after so long, however...

This wasn't the freedom he had desired for. Her world became blank as he saw his elder brother being unconscious in a near-death state in the bed.

Her heart bleeds when she hears the news about the war with Kinley which brings forth a devastating result that almost cost the life of her second brother.

Hearing about the suffering of the people and invading miasma broke her heart.

Amidst all those crises, finally, a ray of light graced them and her world suddenly seemed to fill with various colours.

It was all due to the appearance of that man.

At first, his sight disgusted her greatly and she wanted to heck the man into pieces who slaughtered their army.

His fame for brutality and notoriety had been spread far and wide throughout Arkham.

He might be a hero for Kinley but for Arkham, he was worse than a villain who snatched their hope and destroyed not only their hope but the homes of many.

And it was this man who had previously shattered their hope, pulled Arkham from its demise and gave them newfound hope.

And much to her frustration unknowingly she was pulled into a bond with the man who followed him and showed her a new life.

Riya, whom she was oddly comfortable with, became one of her first friends with whom she could chat and talk leisurely about all her burdens.

It was with her that she could be herself and do her favourite job of gossiping.

This was also what they were doing as they were taking a stroll in the garden.

"Riya, what does Alex's existence mean for you."

Riya smiled on hearing her question and started to narrate"He is the light to my shadow."

"Without him, I would be engulfed in darkness and would be lying in some slums or would have turned into some kind of monster who would have become a use and throw tool of others."

Sienna shuddered a bit after Riya's description and asked casually"What if for some unfortunate event, both of you are separated from each other."

Riya's steps halted and she looked at Sienna for a moment"There will never be a day like this."

"I believe in him and so does he."

"Though I can't say that our love had gone through all kinds of ordeal and lasted long I can say that I can feel a special connection every time I am with him."

"No matter how much pain I may have been put through, no matter how suffering I feel and despair. His presence is enough to make me forget all my suffering."

"He accepts me no matter what I turn into in the future."

"Even if we are separated and pulled further apart, we will find our way to each other through the chasm of time."

Siena swallowed his saliva as if she heard something so deep that she couldn't understand.

At that time, Riya pinched her and said"One day you will surely understand this."

"Isn't your heartbeat hastening every time he appears before you."

"Huh! Whom are you talking about?"Siena averted her gaze and feigned ignorance.

At that time a maid came and said"Highness, Sir Aeon is waiting for the appointment."

"Sir Aeon is already here."

"Tell him to wait a bit, "Sienna spoke with a flustered expression.

"Sister Riya, I beg your pardon. I have an appointment."

"Have your sweet time Siena. I hope you listen to your heart."Riya giggled which made Siena blush a bit.

Siena bowed her head and left to meet Aeon.

Riya smiled a bit and looked at the bushes and asked "Just for how long are you going to hide in there?"

With rustling noise, Alex appeared with a dazed expression.

Walking towards Riya, he wrapped his arms around her neck and kissed her cheek and stared at the sight before him with a surprised look.

"When did this happen?"

"When you are away."

"Ohh!" Alex's lips curled and he chuckled.

"It seems my boy Aeon caught a big fish."

"What a skilled Fisherman!"

"He might have learnt from you," Riya spoke with a giggle and hit her elbow on Alex's torso.

"Why don't you also teach me how to catch some fish?"

"Ouch!"Alex pretended to be hurt greatly.

"You are defaming me the innocent me."

Riya smiled helplessly and asked, "Did you find something there?"

Alex shook his head and said, "Nothing much but still, it felt good to destroy that bastard hideouts."

"They also have a name."

"Omen!"

Riya frowned upon hearing the name.

"It seems quite evil."

Alex laughed bitterly thinking about the person who came up with this name.

It seems that the person was affected by chunibyo disease.

"It those roaches perfectly. I wish we could find their hideouts quickly. I want to trample those roaches soon."

"You will soon,"Riya assured her.