The Cursed Princess

1. The Princess Who Was Never Chosen

In the grand halls of Azurelyn Palace, where crystal chandeliers shimmered as captured stars and sapphire banners flowed in silent elegance, there once lived five princesses like five different gemstones.

They were known across all empires as the Cursed Flowers of Azurelyn.

Not because they brought misfortune.

But because none of them were allowed to choose their own love, the rumours said that they were cursed...

Yet—fate had been kinder to the first four.

Bellatrix, the eldest, burned like a crimson flame. She smiled brightly even when carrying the weight of a kingdom, and her heart beat fiercely for justice. Ministers whispered that if she had been born a prince, she would have ruled the world.

Izetta, the emerald jewel, was beauty itself. She walked like poetry and danced like spring wind. People often mistook her vanity for pride—but those who knew her understood she simply believed beauty was a gift meant to be cherished.

Seralyn, the pink blossom, was sunlight in human form. She laughed loudly, cried easily, and loved without restraint. Even strangers found themselves smiling in her presence.

Aurelia, the golden star, was warmth and safety. The one who held hands when storms came. The one who never forgot anyone's pain.

One by one, they all left the palace.

Married into distant empires.

Found their destinies.

Found love.

And then...

There was the youngest.

The last flower remaining in Azurelyn.

Princess Lilian.

She was neither the most beautiful nor the most talented.

She could dance well—but not like Izetta.
She could lead—but not like Bellatrix.
She could comfort others—but not like Aurelia.
She could charm a room—but not like Seralyn.

She was simply...

Good at everything.

And exceptional at nothing.

And people didn't know that she was secretly the best at academics and the only princess who got sports training... Nevertheless, her swordsmanship is just in name.

People often described her with gentle smiles:

"She's capable enough."
"She's reliable."
"She will make a fine ruler."

But never once did anyone say—

"She is dazzling."
"She is unforgettable."

Or...

"She is loved."

The truth was something only Lilian knew.

Something she had known since she was a child.

Something whispered by court astrologers and sealed away in royal records.

She was cursed.

Not with death.

Not with misfortune.

But with something far crueler.

She would never be able to find love on her own.

Love could not be pursued.

It could not be searched for.