Lavender Scar

R. S. Chintalapati
Feb 13, 2017
18 min read

Updated: Nov 30, 2024

I: Impartial Choice

Once upon a time, there lived a young king called Impartial, he was six feet tall with dusky skin, black silky hair, and brown eyes. Though he was well known for his strategies and wars, King Impartial was a scholar who insisted on maintaining good relations with his neighbouring kingdoms. He, however, earned his reputation while avenging his father’s death by killing the traitors in his council. For this, King Impartial heavily relied upon his best friend General Fair who stood loyal unlike many others when it mattered the most.

Fair’s father started as a soldier and grew up in the ranks. He eventually even fought the traitors alongside King Impartial. However, during the second battle, he lost his life and his son took over his father’s duty.

Just like his father, General Fair stood by King Impartial with blind loyalty. Fortunately, Impartial was exceptional in his administration and his subjects loved him for providing employment and sanitation. A few of them even called him the true son of Primrose for doing what none of his predecessors ever tried to do.

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Lavender, there lived a princess named Elegant. She is one of the most beautiful princesses in the world with golden hair, black eyebrows, emerald green eyes, and an oval face with glowing skin. Her compassionate nature and fluent words made many men desire her. Though many of them knew about her not many knew about her sister.

Called by many as Gentle, the young princess had gorgeous long black hair, grey eyes, and eyebrows like a rainbow. She was as simple as a commoner and spent most of her time in art school, painting. She knew most of them found it to be unbelievable that she was the younger sister of Elegant. However, in her support, there were a few who couldn’t appreciate her sister’s presence too.

Located adjacent to each other, the kingdoms of Lavender and Primrose shared many trade deals, especially fish from Primrose and grain from Lavender. The forest of Arax which spread between the kingdoms acted as a natural border and caravans had to pass through it every day.

However, for the past two years, traders and their men had been attacked consistently by tribes after they have united as one. Unable to lose men every passing day, the traders pleaded for help from their kings and a meeting was held by King Sacred of Lavender. Though King Impartial intended to attend, due to a natural calamity in his province, he sent General Fair to attend the meeting.

During their meeting, General Fair met both the princesses of Lavender. Though he heard about Princess Elegant’s beauty, he never witnessed it in person and was amazed when he did. As soon as he returned, he informed King Impartial, “I’ve found a perfect queen for you my king! I did not believe when others praised her but I must tell you that she lives up to every word used to describe her. She is gracious, a rare beauty, a worthy partner, and a perfect choice!”

Listening to his friend, Impartial was surprised. It was rare for Fair to pay anyone compliments. He was one of those people who would avoid giving a compliment even when the other person deserved one. After a moment of silence, Impartial said, “If she is willing to meet me, I would like to consider this proposal.”

Fair smiled before leaving. Later that night, he sent a letter to King Sacred proposing a bond in marriage. Within the next few days, they heard back asking to select a day for the meeting.

Days passed by and the night before the meeting, Princess Gentle stood before the mirror in her cosy chamber trying different dresses. After a couple of tries, she asked, “Tell me, Lulu. Should I dress in a special way as my sister has requested or should I be myself?”

Observing the princess striving hard, Lulu, the pale green parrot replied, “Wasn’t it you who told me that the most beautiful things are often simple?”

Dropping the garment in her hand, Gentle protested, “I don’t want the maids whispering about how I have embarrassed my sister.”

Lulu stayed silent and the princess just smiled looking at her friend. The next day, Lulu was impressed to see that the princess did not wear any special dress or jewels. She just dressed as she always did, which was quite casual.

King Impartial was adorned in crimson armour & jewels. He sat in his chair waiting for Princess Elegant while listening to the maids whispering and looking around to see the palace filled with flowers, mirrors to reflect sunlight, golden pillars, and royal guards.

As the young king observed all around, Princess Elegant and Gentle arrived before settling in the chairs facing him. Looking at them, the young King was amazed. Turning to Fair, Impartial whispered, “She looks blissful.”

Fair was glad that Impartial liked the princess. Turning towards the King of Lavender, Impartial said, “Your daughter is as beautiful as the full moon King Sacred. If you agree, I would like to marry her.”

After obtaining his consent through a nod, King Impartial walked towards the princess and offered his hand to Princess Gentle. While everyone stood shocked, Lulu thought, “So this one appreciates beauty too.”

II: Elegant Ploy

Within the next couple of weeks, the royal marriage filled the kingdom of Lavender with citizens from both kingdoms. People rejoiced in the celebration by taking part in the feasts, shopping for garments and jewels, playing in clubs and betting on races. Every profession other than the most necessary ones was discontinued.

Everyone was at their best except for Princess Elegant. She kept weeping, loathing and blaming her step-sister for snatching her groom. She even started hating on her father for neither speaking out against nor checking on her as to how she was dealing with the change in events.

Watching people cheering at feasts, Princess Elegant wondered, “Are they blind to not see the insult I’ve endured or did they never adore me?”

To her surprise, some of them even pretended as if she didn’t exist at the wedding. After a couple of days, on a sunny day, with the blessings of artists, scholars, kings and civilians, Princess Gentle and King Impartial got married. Standing on the holy stone of Lavender that was meant to unite two accepting souls, the young King promised to take care and be responsible and then Princess Gentle promised to raise a loving family and be kind to her new subjects like a mother.

Not to keep his people waiting, King Impartial left with his wife the very next evening bidding goodbye to Princess Elegant, King Sacred, councillors and all the people of Lavender. The moment her sister left, Princess Elegant returned to her chamber and shouted at her maids, “Explain to me! How could my ugly step-sister impress him?”

Without a clue as to how to help, both maids stayed silent while the princess kept screaming. As she vented her frustration, a soldier entered before announcing, “Our king is here to visit you princess.”

Wiping away the tears that filled her eyes, Princess Elegant waited for King Sacred to enter. Looking at his daughter, the old king remarked, “Your sister was lucky to get such a husband.”

While Princess Elegant tried her best to pretend and smile, King Sacred continued, “However, I have come to ask you for your forgiveness.”

Holding his daughter’s face in his hands, the king admitted in regret, “I have disobeyed the laws and got your sister married before you.”

Not giving up her pretence, Elegant replied “Please do not say so, Father. We both hope that she has a beautiful life.”

Though he didn’t imagine such kindness from her, the old King was pleased and even hugged her. A moment later, in complete confidence, he assured, “I’ve come here to promise you that I wouldn’t rest until I find you a worthy prince!”

As her smile faded, Princess Elegant couldn’t help but think, “How can you find another prince if you shipped off the only one who was both beautiful and capable to that little monster!”

However, she humbly said “Father, there is something I want you to know. Only because you wanted me to marry Prince Impartial, I obeyed but in reality, I am in love with a charming boy!”

King Sacred was surprised as he never expected his daughter to be in love with someone considering how she gladly accepted to get married to Impartial a few days ago. So he curiously asked, “Is he a prince?”

“He will meet you tomorrow Father and you can know everything about him.” replied Elegant while her maids wondered how their Princess loved a man without their knowledge.

King Sacred did not know what else to say and left wishing to see the suitor for himself. Turning towards her maids, Elegant instructed “Find me a good-looking dumb boy by tomorrow.”

Both the maids slowly started comprehending their Princess’ intentions and started thinking about who in their circles would be a proper match.

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III: Innocent King

Finally, the planned meeting between King Sacred and Princess Elegant’s lover named Innocent was arranged the following day. Innocent’s mother died a year after he was born and his father who raised him was a fisherman. Innocent was simple, good, and loved learning new things. King Sacred wasn’t pleased with the boy as he was neither royal nor rich but since his daughter chose him, he had to accept and not disappoint her again. To be fair, the boy’s words did not impress the King but his appearance did.

Deep inside his heart, King Sacred had a bitter feeling since he always envisioned Elegant’s marriage differently. However, giving in to his daughter, the tired King accepted the marriage. The following day, an announcement was made and an invitation was sent to King Impartial and Queen Gentle welcoming them to the grand wedding. Princes all across the world laughed when they heard that the most beautiful princess was getting married to a commoner driven by love. When the invitation was sent, Gentle did not believe that her elder sister would ever love and marry a commoner even in her dreams.

Hoping to know what happened, Queen Gentle visited her sister before the wedding preparations began to discuss her choice. In her chamber, Gentle asked Elegant about her decision to marry Innocent.

Elegant said she was happy with her choice and that she believed Innocent was the right man for her. Believing her, Gentle thought, “Getting married to a man she loved is to be celebrated but not questioned.”

Listening to her, Gentle convinced herself that she should be happy for her sister or at least try to be. After a grand wedding, Gentle and Elegant sat on either side of King Sacred and before them sat King Impartial and Innocent. Along with them sat the councillors, scholars and courtiers and in their presence, the old king Sacred announced, “Children, I am finally unburdened of my responsibilities as I have fulfilled the promise I made to my loving wife moments before she passed away. On this occasion, I would like to declare my heir to the Primrose Kingdom as King Innocent and Queen Elegant. May the people find peace under their rule. To my second son, I would like to give half of my wealth and in the days to come, I would like to retire and pass on all of my responsibilities one at a time.”

Listening to the decision, everyone cheered except for Innocent. He might not know much but by the first day after their marriage, Elegant ensured that he be told that she only married him for being dumb and he understood that the moment she realises, he can think on his own, his life is taken. So as much as he admires the old King, he knew the old man sealed his fate by giving up his crown to him which is his last armour.

As declared, a few days later, Innocent was crowned in a huge celebration following which Impartial and Gentle left with wagons of gold. A week later, Elegant took charge and as her first act, she suspended the chief general who served her father for a while and appointed one of her puppets named Twisted. Born to a traitor and a witch, Twisted was outcast and hated by everyone around him. It was not until Elegant realised that she could use him as one of her servants, that the boy found a purpose. She offered him very little — a place to live and enough money to eat two times a day but it was everything Twisted ever hoped for.

Along with his appointment, Twisted’s mother Cursed also joined the court along with a few of her friends. Anyone who opposed the queen was replaced and a court of agreeable sycophants was being forged every passing day. When she realised there was no more resistance from the court, Elegant paid a visit to her father along with Twisted and a few of her soldiers.

Laying on his bed while reading a tome, King Sacred asked, “I had been meaning to talk to you Elegant. I was told that you have gone mad and are in this pursuit of recruiting traitors and witches while letting go of loyal servants. What has happened, child?”

With a smile on her face, Elegant sat on the bed before asking, “Didn’t you ever wonder Father as to why I married a boy who is not even capable of holding a sword? Have you ever wondered how much it pained me when Prince Impartial insulted me by choosing my sister?”

Sacred looked at the soldiers accompanying his daughter before noticing her smile. As much as he didn’t want to believe in his instincts, he could comprehend his daughter’s intentions. He knew it was too late to reach for his dagger and his personal guards were outnumbered severely and would end up paying with their lives for nothing.

Staring down at her defeated father, Elegant said “My husband is a beautiful puppet I chose and with him in-charge, I will destroy you and my sweet sister. I shall make sure that she gives birth to the ugliest child that this world has ever seen and as for you, I have reserved a dungeon where you can rot while reading and writing about your foolishness.”

As Elegant finished, General Twisted commanded his soldiers to drag the King to the dungeons. The man who was once revered and respected was now being dragged and paraded like a criminal in his own castle.

IV: Scared Bond

Years passed by. While King Innocent spent more time than ever with his books and Queen Elegant took complete charge of the Kingdom. No one beyond the castle knew where King Sacred truly was and when someone asked to meet him, Queen Elegant stated that her father was sick and didn’t intend to meet anyone.

Meanwhile, the people in King Impartial’s kingdom adored Queen Gentle for her generosity and her kind heart. After she took over her role, she built multiple orphanages and old-age homes and funded them adequately while also offering free education to the poor. Along with these, massive donation campaigns were held and families of soldiers were given homes and rationed items for daily use. Her deeds earnt her so much respect and popularity that her kindness and generosity were talked about in every other kingdom too.

When Queen Elegant got to know about it, she was enraged by Gentle’s altruism. She immediately summoned Cursed and commanded her to destroy Gentle to the best of her ability. The old witch shared her vile plan and rather than resent the horrible pain she would inflict on her own blood, Queen Elegant gladly accepted and insisted that it be executed as soon as possible.

A few months later, Elegant’s evil seed hatched. All everyone talked about was the ugly prince born to King Impartial and Queen Gentle. A few who saw the prince held “Maybe the Gods have never created a child as ugly as the prince!” and scarcely a few whispered in foolishness, “Gods have punished King Impartial for his cruelty against the councillors who wanted a republic.”

However, none of them knew that it was a witch’s curse that made the baby boy ugly nor did they know that it was the boy’s aunt that passed the order. The sinister nature of Queen Elegant made her curse her own blood’s future hoping that her sister’s offspring will be a disgrace to her family. An act that will scar her sister and her kingdom’s future forever. No one would ever want a demon for their king and her ugly nephew would be left alone forever.

However, Queen Gentle never cursed her fate, she never blamed the divine or questioned her son’s beauty. She didn’t weep for a moment but loved her son like any mother did. She considered him as a gift from the Gods and so did King Impartial. Celebrating the birth of their heir, the royal couple held a grand celebration inviting the learned and wise to bless their newborn. The learned ones, not only blessed but even promised the couple that their son will do what none of his predecessors ever could.

A year later, Elegant gave birth to a beautiful daughter. She was so glad that her daughter was more beautiful than her and gloated over her choice of marrying a dumb but handsome fool. She named her daughter Lavender while Gentle had named her son Jewel. But people of Primrose called their prince Scar referring to the blot he was, to their magnificent kingdom. A few had even coarser names referring to his blood-red eyes, black long tail and crimson horns on his head.

Ever since their birth, Elegant always insisted Lavender stay in the castle and she would always have one of her friends spying on her. Meanwhile, Scar born uniquely had no kids playing with him but the Gods had gifted him with dried-blood red wings using which he flew all across the kingdom. There wasn’t a bird that he did not know and all the birds loved to be around him while he flew in the open air enjoying the cold wind.

Gentle insisted that no matter how high he flew, Jewel should always remain in their kingdom. However, children are curious and nothing is more captivating to a curious mind than the thought of exploration. So Scar started flying to other provinces as well to explore as much as he could. He never felt tired or hungry even though he travelled far away and no matter how far he travelled, he would be in his bed early in the morning before his mother would come to meet him. He was very keen and always wanted to explore and experience as much as possible.

A few years passed by and one day Scar travelled and reached Lavender’s province for the first time. As he flew across the castle, he could hear a sweet voice singing in the cold and silent night. He flew around the castle and in one of the chambers, he spotted a girl.

Though Scar hesitated initially to show himself since most of his friends got scared looking at him, his curiosity got the best of him and he soon landed on the window while the princess sang looking at herself in the mirror. Looking at her preoccupied, he said, “Your voice is fantastic!”

Turning back, hearing a hoarse voice, Princess Lavender saw a coal-black boy with red horns, wings and tail resting on the rail of the open window. For a moment she couldn’t believe it. Scar looked exactly like those dangerous and cunning creatures her teacher had described. Lavender however sincerely believed and at times even argued with her teacher that appearances can be deceptive. As her father said, nothing is truly evil; it is the nature of a being that is corrupted by worldly things.

With a hint of a smile, Lavender replied, “Thank you. I’m Lavender and you are?”

Jewel was shell-shocked as to how the girl not only smiled but even shared her name with a complete stranger. He couldn’t believe how he, who was a nightmare for his elders, surprisingly made her smile. Feeling glad, he replied, “My name is Jewel and if I may ask, why aren’t you afraid of me?”

“Why should I be? Just because you have a tail and horns, should it make you a monster? Don’t be ridiculous! I think you are as good as I am!” replied Lavender.

He felt exhilarated by her words. In a world where no one except for his parents considered him to be even human, here is someone who offered everything that he sought. That night when he returned home, Jewel told Lulu about his new friend. Fearing his mother might stop him from flying anymore, he only confessed to Lulu about meeting this girl in the castle.

Listening to him, Lulu asked how the girl looked. Right after a few words from Jewel, Lulu realised that they were talking about Elegant’s daughter. With wide eyes, Lulu exclaimed, “So you have finally met your cousin.”

Noticing how Jewel was shocked in realisation, Lulu asked, “If she is as kind as you say, could you ask her where your grandfather is? Your mother is worried about his well-being and it has been a long time since anyone has seen him.”

Staring at the parrot, Jewel suggested, “Why don’t you come with me? You could sit on my back and you could meet her too.”

Behind Jewel’s back, Lulu informed Queen Gentle about their plan and Gentle couldn’t help but think of the worse. She informed Lulu, “I shall ask Impartial to march with his best force and slay every last one of them if my father has been harmed in any way.”

Realising how troubled her friend was, Lulu requested, “Do not act in haste. I shall soon bring the truth to you.”

V: Scared’s Plan

Listening to men crash on the floor, Sacred woke up. Nearly after a year, he saw light penetrating the darkness and heard footsteps approaching. The old man had turned pale, emaciated and prayed for death every moment but the Gods were either not kind or still had some purpose for him.

Trying his best to see who it was, Sacred noticed two children and behind them was King Innocent. It took a moment for the old man to comprehend that it was his grandchildren. Looking at Jewel, Sacred’s eyes were filled with tears. The boy was turned into a monster by his own daughter and Sacred was full of anger. He knew that before it was too late, he had to act.

Leaving the dungeons, King Sacred ordered Lulu to get help from Primrose. He requested to get as much help as possible from his daughter Gentle and instructed Jewel to immediately leave. When the boy flew away, he slapped Innocent as hard he could to let his wife destroy everything he built. Shouting at him, “If my daughter’s evil nature killed half of my family your ignorance killed the rest! You lay at her feet while she choked people to death with her bare hands and you let her kill innocents while you pretended to be blinded by love.”

Frightened, Innocent confessed, “I didn’t want to pay the price with my life. She has no regard for me and she already has her successor.”

Glancing into the furious red eyes of the old King, Innocent asked, “I don’t think you believe she will let me live if I dare raise my voice against her.”

Looking at him in disgust, King Sacred demanded, “There is one command I want you to carry out without any questions. At least live up to this and maybe history will forgive you for being a coward.”

Humiliated before his daughter, King Innocent accepts, though still afraid for his life. King Sacred states, “Call upon the Northern Lanterns through a raven. They are loyal to me and write to them for support. Mention that you wish to crown your daughter against the will of your wife and at my will.”

Breaking her silence, Lavender protests, “I don’t want to rule… not after outcasting mother. I would never do that to her.”

Placing his hands on her shoulder, Sacred warns, “Our people are suffering due to your mother, little one. You are our only hope and more than us, your brother needs you. His kingdom needs you.”

Confused, Lavender asks, “What do I have to do for Primrose?”

Thinking about how vile his daughter’s actions were, Sacred mentions, “Your brother will never be crowned king of Lavender. He will be an outcast and hated for being the devil. If your mother still wields power when that happens, even with a small force, she can defeat Primrose. A kingdom with internal conflict won’t stand a chance to our forces…”

Interjecting, King Innocent stated, “Impartial will never let that happen…”

With a faint smile, Sacred realised how much of a fool he was to make Innocent his son-in-law. Utterly broken, he replied, “If your wife could turn an unborn child into a monster… imagine what she is capable of when the opportunity calls for war.”

Part VI

Elegant’s Egress

Since sunrise, war horns were being blown, and men rushed into the capital on their horses. Forces from Primrose and the Lanterns adorned in their armour rode through the streets with their swords unsheathed. Elegant’s personal guards stood their ground at first, but when they saw how General Fair commanded his men to blind the captives rather than kill them, they fled for their lives.

Arresting his granddaughter in her chamber, King Scared rushed to meet his old friend leading the Lanterns, at the entrance of the castle. King Sacred commanded the soldiers to burn all of the witches they had captured, alive. He couldn’t fathom how anyone could be so cruel as to curse an unborn child, and during their plunder, Queen Elegant rushed with fifty men into her main hall and commanded them to shut the door and guard her.

With the Lanterns clearing the city of Queen Elegant’s minions, General Fair took up the task of breaking the entrance of the royal hall. Hearing the soldiers ramming the door down, Queen Elegant turned to her cowardly husband, “Do you think my father will spare you after he imprisons me?”

Noticing him trembling at the sound, Queen Elegant continued, “You should have never betrayed me, and you should have never sided with them.”

Realising his life was no longer worthy no matter who won, King Innocent replied, “Will you for once realise how you invited your own doom? Your foolishness cost us everything, including our lives.”

Angered at the enslaved person’s tone, daring to reply to her, Queen Elegant just snapped her fingers and two soldiers behind her stabbed their swords into Innocent. As he fell on the floor bleeding, Elegant climbed up the stairs to sit on the throne.

Facing the almost falling entrance, Queen Elegant sipped poison that she had been carrying with her since morning. She knew if the tide were to turn, she wouldn’t wish to rot in a dungeon carrying the guilt of her actions. She was willing to be called a coward but not bear the penalties for sins she committed with complete consciousness.

When the door ultimately fell, General Fair and his men stormed in huge numbers, and when the room was taken into control, King Impartial and Queen Gentle marched in furiously. Looking at them, Queen Elegant just smiled. Resting on the throne, she claimed her victory by stating, “You think burning the witches will set you free? It is a curse that shall pass for generations together, my sweet sister. You children will be hated, and your family shall be disowned.”

Unable to bear it any longer, General Fair raised his sword but held back when Queen Elegant concluded, “I shall spare you the trouble, General. I suppose you could blame it all on your master. For someone who claims to be impartial, he isn’t, and to my father who claims to be sacred, he is….”

No more words were spoken. To many, it felt like evil might have been slain at last, but its presence never truly ended. In the years to come, Princess Lavender blamed herself for the death of her parents and left her people and title to live in peace as a commoner. The people of Primrose never accepted Scar, and the family line of Impartial failed only to be taken by their stewards.

Both the families lost their power, happiness, and entire worth, all due to a few’s vile nature beings.