The Immortal Leo and Reincarnated Luna

Princess Bella felt the suffocating weight of the royal dance pressing down on her as she slipped out of the ballroom and into the cool night air. The laughter and music faded behind her, replaced by the rustling leaves of the garden. She needed to escape, to breathe freely away from the clutches of pompous suitors and their endless chatter about wealth and status. "Ugh, I can't believe I just endured that," Bella muttered to herself, irritation bubbling to the surface. "Why must they all be so insufferable? I'd rather be tending to animals than listening to those arrogant fools." As she walked further into the garden, she closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the silence and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. But that peace was short-lived. From nearby, she heard a rustling sound among the bushes, and her heart raced with trepidation. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice wavering slightly. The silence that followed made her pulse quicken. "Show yourself!" Just as she began to feel foolish for calling out, a group of men emerged from the shadows, the moonlight glinting off their armor. At the forefront stood a strikingly handsome man with piercing blue eyes that seemed to capture the light. Bella's breath caught in her throat. "We are here to see the king," he declared, his voice smooth and commanding. "We ask that you lead us to him." "What do you want?" she stammered, fear surging through her. She took a step back, her instincts screaming at her to run, but the intensity of the young man's gaze held her in place. "We have business matters to discuss with the King," the man continued, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm Prince Leo of the Eastern Kingdom, and these are my men. We mean you no harm." Bella's heart raced, not from fear, but from something else entirely. She felt a strange flutter in her chest, an inexplicable attraction to the prince standing before her. It was the first time that any man had looked at her with such intensity, and it unnerved her. "I don't know if I can," she said, hesitating. "I'm supposed to be at the dance." "Trust me, young maiden," Leo said, stepping closer, his voice low and soothing. "The King will want to see me." Bella hesitated, still feeling a mix of anxiety and intrigue. "What kind of matters?" she asked, her curiosity piqued despite her fear. "This business only concerns the Royal Highness," he replied, his expression serious. Bella felt a rush of conflicting emotions—fear, trepidation, and an undeniable desire to break free from her royal constraints. She took a deep breath, weighing her options. "Fine," she said, her voice firm. "I'll take you to the King."

As she turned to lead the way, Bella felt a sense of exhilaration mixed with anxiety. Her heart raced faster than it had during the dance, and for the first time in a long while, she felt alive. As they walked together, Bella couldn't help but steal glances at Prince Leo. The way he carried himself, the intensity of his gaze—it made her heart flutter in a way she had never experienced before. At the same time, she felt a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach as she led Prince Leo and his men into the grand palace. What had she gotten herself into?

As they entered, the lively chatter of the dance suddenly halted. All eyes turned toward them, and Bella felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. Her father, King Patrick, stood at the center of the room, his face etched with confusion. "Bella! What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. Before she could respond, Prince Leo stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, I am Prince Leo of the Eastern Kingdom, the first son of King James. We come in peace, but with urgent matters to discuss." The hall fell completely silent. Bella could feel the tension thickening in the air, and she watched as her father's expression shifted from confusion to alarm. He began to sweat, his brow glistening under the light. "Prince Leo… Welcome," King Patrick stammered, his voice wavering. "What brings you here?" "I request a private audience with you, Your Majesty," Leo replied, his tone steady despite the tension surrounding them. King Patrick hesitated, glancing around the room filled with nobles and courtiers, all whispering among themselves. "Very well," he finally said, motioning for Leo to follow him. "Let's discuss this in the library. No one is to follow us." As they walked away, Bella's heart raced. She felt an overwhelming sense of dread settle over her. What could possibly require such secrecy? The whispers in the hall grew louder, and she could see the glances being exchanged—all eyes were on her. Desperate for answers, Bella quietly slipped away from the crowd, her instincts guiding her toward the hidden room behind the library walls. She knew it was a risk, but her curiosity outweighed her fear. She crept through a narrow passage, pressing her ear against the cool stone wall to hear better. Once inside the library, she could just make out the voices of her father and Prince Leo. "Twenty years ago, Your Majesty, your kingdom faced dire circumstances," Leo began, his voice low and serious. "The Eastern Kingdoms came together to save you, and in return, you promised to repay us. But for two decades, we have seen no payment." Bella's heart raced, and a chill ran down her spine. She had never heard such a thing. What debt was he talking about? King Patrick's voice trembled. "I…I thought we had time. I believed the agreement was forgotten." "Forgotten?" Leo exclaimed; his tone sharp. "You cannot simply disregard a promise made. Our kings and their kingdoms have waited patiently, but now I must inform you that the time has come. You have exactly one month to settle your debt, or you will have to hand over your kingdom." Bella gasped, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of the revelation pressed down on her, and her mind raced. How could her father have kept this from her? And what would happen to their kingdom if they failed to repay? "Prince Leo, please," King Patrick pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I need time. I can make the arrangements, I swear it!" "I cannot grant you any more time," Leo replied, his tone firm but not unkind. "The council has made its decision. One month is all you have." Bella's mind whirled as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. Her father had been living under the shadow of a debt for two decades, and now their kingdom was at stake. She felt a wave of anger mixed with fear; she had always wanted to escape the confines of her royal life, but now that choice was being taken from her. As she backed away from the wall, Bella's heart raced with anxiety. She had to find a way to help her father, save their kingdom, but how? The weight of the knowledge she had just gained felt suffocating. She had to act, she had to do something.