The Sacrificial Bride

"Who are these adorable kids?" She asked while sitting on throne.

The little girl walked toward her, round eyes blinking with wonder. Her small face was as puffy as a steamed bun, cheeks warm with rosy life. Esther's fingers moved on their own, gently patting the girl's soft hair. A sweet giggle escaped from the child's lips.

"What's happening?" The boy asked in a clear, thoughtful voice.

Luxion glanced at them and spoke calmly.

"She is my wife. The one who was sacrificed to me."

The children gasped, then beamed with joy.

"I am Esther" she introduced herself, smiling politely.

"I am death" said the little boy while grinning.

"And, I am life" the girl chirped, bouncing on her heels like a bird ready to take flight.

"Life and Death?" Esther blinked in confusion. "But… you're just tiny children."

Both of them pouted in unison, arms folding across their small chests. Luxion couldn't help but laugh.

"They may be appear as kids, but they're mature enough to handle their duties."

Esther furrowed her brows. "Hell is very different from what I've read… And what exactly happens here?"

Luxion leaned back slightly, his voice growing deeper, laced with authority.

"I am ruler of hell. When any mortal dies, Death guides them to the Karma Court. It's is celestial court where Arbiter, Lord Veyraon, delivers judgment after witnessing all of their deeds- both virtuous and sinful. Depending on the verdict, the soul is sent to Heaven… or Hell."

He paused for a while then continued explaining.

"If a soul lands in Hell, I determine their punishment. Some are redeemable and remain here temporarily… others are condemned to eternal torment or erased entirely."

Esther's eyes narrowed in thought. "Who is Arbiter Lord Veyraon?"

Life raised her tiny hand, her voice as sweet and clear as a bell.

"Arbiter Lord Veyraon is the Celestial Arbiter of Karma Court. When a soul enters the court, he peers into the depths of their life and passes a verdict none can deny. He is powerful being. Everyone respects him. He is hard to describe because he has many forms."

Esther's eyes widened slightly. "Then… where is this Karma Court?"

Luxion replied, "It lies in the Thaloran Realm, between Heaven and Hell. In the divine realms, time does not flow by hours. It flows by energy. There is no sun that rises or moon that sets. Half of both Heaven and Hell remains forever bathed in radiant sunlight. The other half is cloaked in eternal, moonlit darkness."

"That's true!" Life added brightly. "But don't wander into the dark half of Hell. That's where the cruelest souls are punished. You could be overwhelmed by the energy. For now, stay close to the Devil."

Esther nodded lightly. Everything was different from the books she read. She used to think the one who rules hell was evil. But it was all wrong. He is the one who punishes people for their evil deeds.

'Does that mean her parents and suzy will end up here after they die?'

Esther was taken aback when luxion held her hand. He looked at her and smiled gently.

"I spoke with supreme mother. She has agreed for your request. You can go back to where you came from. But.. Arbiter Lord Veyraon wants us to marry first. So, that, it will be easy for your body to handle the reincartnation once you get divine powers through marriage. Is it okay?"

Esther nodded slowly.

"Who is supreme mother?"

"Supreme Mother is our creater. The one who created every fragment of each universe. Her presence is everywhere. She watches. Always. But never acts... Unless the balance itself is at risk as every soul must walk its own path." Death replied.

Esther nodded while listening patiently. Then she turned again to Luxion, hesitating slightly, cheeks flushed pink.

"Angel... When will we marry?"

"If I had my way, right now." He sighed and looked away in mock disappointment.

"But Supreme Mother has forbidden it. She said the wedding must take place with everyone's presece and their blessings."

Esther, Life, and Death couldn't help but laugh at his sullen pout.

He really is cute when he's sulking, Esther thought quietly, heart blooming with warmth she hadn't known she was still capable of feeling.

Suddenly, Death clapped his hands together, serious again.

"Esther, I found your world… and your family. Look here."

With a soft motion, he conjured a tall, golden mirror carved with ancient celestial runes. Its surface rippled like still water touched by breeze. An image appeared.

Few days had passed back in her world. The empire had officially announced: Second Princess Esther De Geire had died by assassination.

Few people mourned for her while others didn't care as they belived she was the cursed princess.

Inside the Imperial Palace…

Emperor Oliver reclined lazily on a cushioned chair, sipping fragrant tea. His Empress, Maria, was admiring the ruby necklace around her slender neck.

"Why do I feel that the weather is good these days? I am so happy. Our royal treasurey is flowing with wealth. Our lifestyle has become far more lavish than other empires."

She smiled, a glint of malice hidden beneath her elegance. Oliver chuckled darkly

"We should've sacrificed that dumb girl long back. Or suzy is so brilliant. I'm so proud of her." Emperor Oliver replied.

"But why is elder sis still mourning for big sister? And always locks herself in her room. Big sis was the jinx of our empire. And after her death, everything is getting better. Now we have a lot of wealth to help our empire." Suzy, curled up beside them, pouted with feigned innocence.

Maria sighed, brushing her daughter's hair.

"Sierra is simply naïve. Let her mourn a little longer. I'll speak to her soon and make her understand. She's a good girl."

Emperor Oliver nodded. "She must. Her responsibilities can't wait forever. As Crown Princess, she has an empire to prepare for."

Meanwhile, Outside the palace....

In the quiet corner of the west garden, beneath the drooping branches of willow trees, Sierra knelt before a small grave.

The grave had no royal seal. No grand stone. Only flowers wild, imperfect, placed with trembling fingers. It was a place born of guilt and love.

Sierra pressed her forehead to the earth, tears dripping silently into the soil. Her voice was ragged, broken by sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Esther…" she whispered. "I couldn't save you. I couldn't protect you when you needed me most."

The wind picked up slightly, brushing through her hair like a grieving lullaby.

"When they mocked you, beat you, left you alone… I stayed silent. I told myself I was too busy. That my crown, my duties, demanded it. But that was just an excuse. I failed you."

"I had to do everything in order to be a good empress... But...In that process... I lost you... This shouldn't be an excuse to not help you. I'm at fault. How can I be good empress when I couldn't be good sister. I'm sorry..I was selfish."

Her shoulders shook as sobs overtook her.

"I should have fought harder. Should've protected you like a sister should. I let you die… and now I can never make it right."

Sierra continued crying and apologising. She made Esther's grave herself when her family refused to build one. She visited her grave daily asking for forgivness and apologising for everything. She reached forward and fixed the wildflowers on the grave, smoothing the petals with delicate care.

"Esther, my dear sis, this is my final visit here. I'm sorry but I can't stay where my sister was brutally murdered and scarificed. I can't live with murderers. Please forgive me, Esther. I'm sorry. I will make your grave at new place and visit you daily."

She turned and walked away, alone.