The crown princess of the Eclipse Dynasty. Daughter of King Irmin. The future queen of Khaenri’ah. The smartest person since the Crimson Moon Dynasty. Those were all titles she held.

“Impressive,” people would say.

Others would shout, “She’s going to change the world of Teyvat!”

But they didn’t see the pain she went through. They didn’t see that she was suffering, crushed under the weight her father pressed on her. She always felt as if she were drowning, unable to breathe underwater. She could wield a sword and knew the Black Serpent Bladework by heart. She was smart enough to surpass the royal mages.

She was the prodigy of King Irmin. Until he came along. Aether, the one who was praised for his skills and kindness. Aether, the golden-haired outlander who was seen as some sort of savior. She was tossed aside, left to rot as this outlander became the crown prince.

She watched as her people began singing Aether’s praises. She watched as her father, King Irmin, forgot about her. Her assigned bodyguard was transferred to Aether, too. It was rubbing salt in the wound.

She never wanted to be queen, but she never wanted to be replaced, either. Silently, she wept in her room. There was a ceremony going on currently, officially announcing Aether as the crown prince.

The young woman let out a choked sob. There was nothing she could do. Her ankles were scarred by her own hand. Her father saw her as nothing more than something to display. She was alone in this world.

The lighting in her room suddenly darkened into red, and she blinked, sniffling as she moved to her window. The sky was red, and there were black-ish red cubes floating in the air. A knock came from her door before being slammed open.

She turned in surprise, only to yelp as her wrist was grabbed roughly. She blinked the tears out of her eyes and focused on whoever was leading her. ‘Dainsleif,’ her mind supplied. Why was Dainsleif here?

“Khaenri’ah is being attacked,” he stated, his tone slightly panicked. “I need to get you to safety, your Highness.”

She frowned. “But I’m not important-“

Dainsleif said nothing, simply tugging her along. As soon as she was somewhere he deemed safe, he gave her the instruction to hide before disappearing into the chaos. She watched with wide eyes, feeling tears form in her eyes. Why was he leaving her alone? She would be killed, surely.

Eventually, she found a place to hide comfortably and cried herself to sleep. The next time she awoke, she was being gently shaken. Forcing her eyes open, she blinked blearily at the familiar head of blond in front of her.

“Your Highness,” Dainsleif greeted. His expression was blank, and he gently pulled her to her feet. “It’s safe now.”

“What…What happened?” she questioned quietly.

Dainsleif sighed. “Khaenri’ah…it was attacked by the Archons and gods of Celestia. The Five Sinners are to blame. They are the reason our nation was attacked.”

She nodded silently as Dainsleif’s expression softened. “You are the queen of Khaenri’ah, your Highness. Your father…he was killed.”

She felt her eyes widen. Her father was dead? She wasn’t sure whether to cry in relief or scream in frustration. He died, while she was left to suffer. Dainsleif rested a hand on her shoulder as a form of comfort.

“Aether has since disappeared, leaving you as queen. Please do not stress, your Highness. I will be here alongside you,” the Twilight Sword told her, looking at the woman with a guilty expression. “I apologize that I was unable to save your father.”