The 16 Maidens

Once upon a time there lived fourteen maidens who died in tragic, mysterious ways. Their stories live on as twisted fairytales in every single nook and cranny across the land, from Diamond Beach where the mermaids play to Divinia Park where the fairies frolic. Even the bright, lively Moonlight Square was not exempt from such dark and horrible stories.

Whether the stories were true or not was a question that has circulated each person's mind at least once in their lifetime. No matter the true answer, these retellings of the maiden's misfortunes were most certainly renowned and famous. Today in the fashion industry one of the most popular fashion lines consists of outfits inspired from the maiden's tales. Each outfit is dedicated to one maiden, personally designed by Royale's largest fashion brand.

Crushed DreamsMidnight Strike's Popstar

There was a young girl who was effervescent and teeming with charisma. Singing was her passion, ever since she was young she would sing and dance at any given chance. First she would sing in front of her family, then in front of her friends. But what she really wanted was to one day sing in front of a large audience of fans.

Her perseverance and charisma led a talent agency to take on board the girl when she was in highschool. She would practice her singing everyday without fail, only taking rests rarely when her voice hurt or when her manager insisted. She was shooting for the stars to become one herself. To become a diva and dazzle in the limelight; to live a life of fame and beauty. The thought of it made her smile.

However, as she continued closer towards her goal the distance between her friends at school grew only larger. With her ego, she convinced herself it was a worthy sacrifice on the road to stardom. One of the things that got her so far in the first place, her charisma and charm, was now only something to be spared for the cameras. No bother. Anything for her dreams.

After two years of intense training under her agency she was ready to debut. They were extremely confident in her abilities. She had worked tirelessly to perfect and polish them. 

It was settled that she would debut at a New Year's concert in the city as the main attraction. Not only because it was New Year's, a time of celebration, but also because December 31st was her birthday. She was born exactly a minute to midnight, knowing that always made her feel special and unique. She was incredibly delighted to know she would be doing what she loves most during her 18th birthday- singing.

When she arrived she stopped and marveled at the stage; it was unlike anything she had ever seen in the studio. It was so grand and beautiful, star decorations were hanging about and a big, shiny disco ball was fixed above the stage. It reflected the light coming from the spotlights, causing a crowd of stars to sit all across the stage like how they did in the sky.

There were rows and rows of seats laid out in front of the stage. She was not afraid to perform in front of such a large audience, but she had to wonder if her old friends would be watching her. What would they think of her now, on this stage, in this outfit and in this make-up? Maybe they would regret leaving her.

She tucked the thoughts away and made her way backstage, she didn't need them messing up her debut. People started arriving and were filling up the seats, it didn't take long until they were completely full. Soon after she could hear the band outside playing the first song on the programme. Patiently, she waited.

Finally, it was her time to shine. Four minutes until midnight, she strutted confidently out onto the stage in her platform boots. Her skirt's train trailed behind her, and her make-up made her look like her face was covered in stardust. The light centering on her caused her to shine just like a star in her glamorous outfit littered with glitter and sparkles. There was no doubt about it, she, herself, was a shooting star.

All attention was on her, her entrance was as if she was a heavenly angel that had descended from heaven in front of their very eyes. From the first note she lured and captivated the audience like a siren. The bright and beautiful girl danced in her sparkly, fashionable platform heels. It was as if she had done this all her life. 

The audience was hanging on each single sound that came from her mouth, greedily wanting more.

But while she was completely dazzling on stage, it was a vast contrast from her perspective, looking out onto a sea of dark audience members. This was her dream, wasn't it? This was all she ever wanted. Finally, the spotlight was all on her. 

But it wasn't meant to be. At the end of the song the bell will chime, signaling a new year. As she hit the last note suddenly, everything was gone. What was left was a silent audience, no longer watching a shining star on the stage but instead gasping at the girl's crushed body under the giant disco ball that had fallen from above.

The disco ball had dropped, and the bell rang out loud and clear. It was a new year. 

Now every New Year in Moonlight Square they celebrate with a ball drop, but there are eerie legends about the girl who sang her last song. She patiently awaits the day she'll be able to come home from her eternal concert so that she can celebrate her 18th with her family. 

Forbidden LoveDarling Valentina

I'll get to this.

Lost ValueEnchanting Heirloom

I'll get to this too.