Reincarnated as the Betrothed: Bride of the Shadow Queen

Anezka's Pov

As soon as all of my cousins retired to their respective chambers, a wave of calm washed over me. I decided to take a break from the day's activities, feeling the need for some restful solitude. I nestled into my bed, enjoying the soft warmth of the blankets, and allowed my eyes to close, drifting off to sleep.

...

In the morning

Today, I made a firm decision: during our learning session, I would give it my all to demonstrate to Mentor Selmor just how capable I am. With this resolve in my mind, I rose early to complete my morning routine, enjoying the quiet stillness of the chamber as the sun began to peek through the windows.

After dressing in my favorite outfit—a bright blue dress that always lifted my spirits—I made my way to the dining hall, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries guiding me along the path. Upon entering the bustling dining hall, I spotted Adrian and settled into the seat beside him.

The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter as we shared our breakfast, the clattering of dishes creating a comforting backdrop to our lively conversations. After we savored the last bites of our meal, a sense of excitement washed over me as we prepared to leave for Sherwood Forest.

As I stood up, I noticed my mother approaching. My cousins and I exchanged curious glances, wondering what she might say. When she reached me, she took my hands in hers, her touch warm and reassuring. "My child," she began gently, her voice a mixture of concern and encouragement, "yesterday I had a conversation with Selmor. Today's learning session will be different, so you don't need to worry, okay?" Feeling the weight of her concern, I squeezed her hands firmly, wanting to reassure her.

"It's okay, Mother. I'll be fine. Please don't worry about me; I'm truly determined to give my best today," I replied, offering her my brightest smile, filled with the hope and excitement of the day ahead.

Seeing me so cheerful, my mother beamed with warmth and waved at us, her eyes sparkling with encouragement as we prepared to attend our learning lessons. We stepped outside, the morning air fresh and invigorating, and climbed into our respective chariots, each one a brightly colored vessel ready to carry us to knowledge.

Once we settled in, I caught Adrian's gaze fixed on me. "What happened?" I asked, curious about the look on his face. He shook his head, his smile wide and genuine. "You are amazing! After yesterday's chaos, you're still determined and enthusiastic for today's lesson," he said, his admiration palpable.

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a surge of positivity. "Well, I might be weak, but I always try to stay optimistic. Besides, I have all of you with me. I hope you'll stand up for me today?" I asked, narrowing my eyes playfully to add a hint of mischief.

"Obviously, yes! I'll protect you from everything—even from Mentor Selmor. We can't risk a repeat of yesterday!" he declared, shaking his head as if to emphasize the seriousness of his promise. I laughed at his animated response.

"Okay, then I'm sure today will be a good day. If not good, then at least better than yesterday," I replied, filling my voice with hope and determination. The chariot rumbled softly as we set off, the anticipation of a brighter day ahead swirling in the air around us.

As we entered the enchanting expanse of Sherwood Forest, we stepped down from our chariot, the air thick with the scent of moss and earth. Just like the day before, we approached the immense, ancient elm tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like welcoming arms.

Suddenly, we spotted Mentor Selmor making his way towards us, his silhouette emerging from the dappled shadows. There's an undeniable aura of mystery that surrounds him, and I can't help but feel a twinge of fear at how effortlessly he seems to appear, as if the very forest itself bends to conceal him until he chooses to reveal himself.

As he drew nearer, he stood directly in front of me, his piercing gaze holding mine captive. For reasons I couldn't quite understand, I felt an overwhelming urge to look away, so I focused on the ground, my eyes tracing the intricate patterns of the dried leaves scattered at the elm's base.

With each step he took toward me, my heart raced. Just like yesterday, I inhaled deeply, mentally declaring, "Not today; I won't let fear control me." I repeated this mantra in my head, my fists tightening in determination. Standing tall, I prepared myself to confront any challenge that lay ahead, ready to face whatever came next.

Mentor Selmor stood imposing before me, his presence commanding the ground. His voice rang out with authority as he declared, "I don't like my pupils hanging their heads low when I'm trying to talk to them, or even when I'm observing them." The intensity of his words made my heart race, and I immediately lifted my chin, meeting his penetrating gaze.

It felt as if he were looking straight into my very soul, dissecting my fears and insecurities. "I don't like cowards," he reiterated, his tone unwavering as he turned on his heel and walked back to his original spot, each step deliberate and powerful.

"Anezka," he began, his voice gaining a more personal edge, "yesterday's events were a test. I wanted to gauge your true abilities, but I must admit I am disappointed. You appear fragile, perhaps because you're simply human." His words dripped with a hint of mockery, and even though I felt the sting of his criticism, I held my head high, maintaining a silent defiance as I stared back at him.

"I want to clarify something important. Whatever you witnessed yesterday, I'm sure you don't fully understand it. I don't like anyone discussing my affairs, which is why no one would have dared to mention it to you," he said, his voice calm as he paced slowly from side to side.

He paused for a moment, bending down to pick up a dry, curled leaf from the ground, its brittle surface crumbling between his fingers. He turned to look at me with eyes that bore a depth of ancient wisdom. "I am Phantom," he continued, each word resonating with an air of mystery.

"Phantom refers to a living being capable of shapeshifting into a human form, as well as appearing as a translucent shadow, like a ghost drifting through the woodland. I exist beyond the constraints of mortality; I am immortal, and I serve as the guardian of this enchanting Sherwood Forest. My name is Selmor Sherwood."

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"A coward judges all he sees by what he is." 

- By Stephen King