A big bunch of some management reports was slammed on the attendant Lucian's face, who stood impassively knowing that any manner of expression would make the matter worse. Although, a few other knights present in the room couldn't hide their surprised and worried expressions.
''You call this a report? Redo it. How am I supposed to take any better-informed decisions looking at this mullock! Now get out of here and bring me something worthwhile.''
''Assuredly, Your Highness.'' Lucian bowed in respect and left the room with the knights.
The antagonized lad, was none other than the only Crown Prince of the kingdom - Prince Leviathan Lucas de Evelian. He had golden-blonde hair that resembled the burning sun. One could never fail to stare at that rustling beautiful hair under the bright day sky. He had deep blue eyes that shone like sapphires. These were the traits that belonged exclusively to the Royal family.
Tall and slim, with a slender face, the Prince was quite as much popular in the other neighbouring empires as among all the common folks of the Evelian empire. But, his appearance, wasn't the only prime talk of the town. The young Prince was particularly known for his exasperated outbursts which were greatly feared by all his attendants. And so were the knights who were present at the previous scene.
''Are you alright Master Lucian?! I guess that bunch must have hurt a lot viewing its thickness." A worried knight, who witnessed the scene in the Prince's study room, asked Lucian.
''Such minor details are unnecessary. You are a part of the Crown Prince's knight squad. Ascertain that you don't blemish the honour of His Highness.'' Remarking back with a stern face, Lucian walked away carrying the bunch of reports in his hands.
Lucian had been with the Prince since they both were four as he was the only son of the Prince's nanny. He had always been the Prince's right-hand man and a respectable chief of the Imperial knights.
Lucian too had extraordinary features. His silky black hair stood out like the dark lifeless night sky without a speck of star; while his penetrating red eyes looked like the big ruby ornamented in the Emperor's crown. As far as everyone knew, Lucian belonged to no particular lineage, but just a small family in the outskirts of the capital city. This, however, did not stop him from gaining him the title of the ''Empire's sword.''
Lucian was walking towards the palace archives to re-correct the management reports. It was charmingly mild day. It had stopped raining after the night of the lunar festival and the breeze was still fragrant with the scent of the freshly soaked earth. Lucian decided to take a long detour through the Crown Prince's palace's garden, where he often played with the Prince back during their childhood.
The garden was well-kept as ever, and, Lucian himself often looked into the nurturing of it. He had fond memories of that place, and hence, wanted to keep it intact forever. It was a magnificent landscape with the prettiest flowers and herbs embellishing it; most of them being perennial.
There were dazzling goldenrods smiling at the sky - while the motherwort's bush was as hairy as ever. The bright, blue morning glories' vine was all over the fences attracting bees and birds from all over.
Lucian could remember himself being eager to pluck the finest lavenders to blend in with their afternoon tea when he was a child. Every single memory in that very garden was still fresh in his mind, which was now attacking him with persist flashbacks.
Oh how he dearly missed those days of smiles and laughter with his two most treasured people. He thought back to the day when they were five, and the Prince had demanded a small picnic in the garden. They wore hats and boots; and brought baskets full of apple pies and raspberry cupcakes that the palace chef had specially made for them affectionately. They chased the butterflies and made flower tiaras for.....
''Oh my! Isn't this Lord Lucian? How eventful to have met you today in such an enchanting place as this!'' A female voice, quickly lured Lucian out of trance.
''Pardon me Lady Rubia. I wasn't aware of your presence. It's truly lovely to meet you.'' Lucian said with a forceful smile.
Rubia Clermont was the eldest daughter of the Clermont house that belonged to the upper echelons of aristocracy. Due to this, she was ''one of the potential candidates'' to become the Crown Princess and often visited the Prince in his palace to win his favour, just like the other buzzing young noble ladies, looking for a capable suitor.
But overlooking her ambition, to become the Prince's partner, she was quite an affable noble lady with the most proper etiquettes and qualities. She was rather polite and quite smart compared to the other ladies who were just busy swooning over the Prince.
''I see you have been admiring the yarrows for quite a while. Are you perhaps very fond of these wildflowers?'' Rubia asked him in calm voice.
''Well, yes. On days like these, I like to revel in the allure of their charm. They remind me of someone long forgotten by others.'' Lucian's face slightly darkened saying this. He lowered down his head, caressing the delicate flowers. But Rubia could still notice the regretful affection in his eyes that were gently gazing the flowers.
''Is it an unfulfilled love?'' She inquired, with a little curiosity. ''Or possibly a faraway friend?'' Rubia was now looking over his shoulder, at the thin yarrows that seemed to be comforting him in his grief.
Lucian looked above, at the sky; and the white clouds passing with the wind. He let out an exhausted, yet deep sigh.
''It's someone very close to my heart. Someone I am not allowed to forget, Lady.'' Lucian turned to face Rubia and gave a small smile.
There was no further exchange of words..... But Rubia knew, this was the solace for a helpless heart that longed to save a beloved.
Both of them stood there in silence. Only the rustling leaves of the trees made a sound.
After a few moments, Rubia bowed and turned to leave.
''My Lord, the yarrows. You must take a few with you.'' Lucian looked curiously at her. ''The little flower spirits will carry your message to your beloved, I believe.'' Rubia said in hopeful tone and exited the garden.
After she left, Lucian reflected at her words.
''To my beloved, huh? I wonder if she even wants me alive.'' He smirked at his thoughts and picked a few yarrow stems. Placing them in the upper pocket of his overcoat, he left on for his task.
****
It was late in the evening. The palace was already well illuminated and prepared for the night. The great hall, usually used for entertaining important royal guests, was astonishingly decorated today.
The long velvet draperies were finely adjusted to give just the most beautiful view of the lake outside, reflecting the gradually darkening sky. A huge trestle table was right in the centre of the hall, filled with all the exotic, seasonal and local dishes. But the most captivating sight was of the two fine gentlemen siting across the two ends of the table having their meal while talking occasionally. The Prince today, had invited the duke Sebastian for dinner as his personal guest.
''I am delighted you could join me for dinner this evening Sebastian. It's such an honour to be even in the same banquet as the Duke.'' Leviathan said with one of his most radiant smiles, that he often used in royal balls, during negotiations and especially while dealing with the young noble ladies, heartily aspiring to be his partner. In all truth, he was terrifically adroit at showcasing such varied and ostensible smiles.
However, the duke, on the other hand, had always been a very self-contained individual. Never could one see him even smirking, let alone laughing heartily. And who wouldn't be such undemonstrative after partaking in bloody conquests for years.
But right now, Sebastian was in a much tiresome situation. The servants and attendants present in the hall were in complete quandary seeing the tension between the two major existences of the empire.
''I suppose the great duke is totally disinterested in my unstimulating chatter. Perhaps the duke has found something, or rather someone, worthy of his attention.'' Sebastian showed an instantaneous flinch, that was immediately caught on by the shrewd Prince.
''Oh dear me! Was it the young miss of the Barnettes that the duke was recently spotted with at the lunar festival night? I believe her to be an extraordinary lady since she managed to get some unforeseen expressions out of the cold duke.''
Sebastian thoroughly despised where this conversation was going. He was aware of the Prince's ill-intentions towards him, but he never planned on letting this affect Ophelia at any cost.
''I wonder how did miss Barnette, as socially inactive as she is, capture the interest of Your Highness?'' Sebastian clearly knew and loathed the fact that Leviathan had been keenly observant of him, tracking his every interaction outside.
Leviathan just giggled superficially at this remark by the duke. Seeing that, Sebastian sensed that it was never passable when the Prince gave that expression. It always meant that he was upto something outlandish where one would be undoubtedly staring at him complete awe.
''I totally fancy the idea of her working at the palace her. Since I am such an opportunist, I would hate to let such a gem as her to wither away needlessly in aristocratic faction. She should be a famed one at the royal palace, don't you agree with me?'' Leviathan asked with a smug expression and a tint of wickedness in his sweet words that Sebastian sensed off immediately.
''It's indeed a very intriguing though Your Royal Highness. But as far as I have communicated with lady Barnette, I assure you, she is a very reserved damsel with not even the slightest interest to climb up in the social circle. And as I am aware of the suitable positions for her, I don't think any of these are currently vacant in the palace. So-'' Sebastian was cut off by the Prince's sudden interruption.
''I believe there still exists one, particularly tailored for lady Barnette.'' Leviathan' s voice was now filled with little enthusiasm as it added to Sebastian's trepidation.
Lucian had already guessed. He was probably the only one in the room who had. He could feel his hands and feet going numb with cold in spite wearing such heavy layers of formals. Even the thought of the Prince actually suggesting this idea was making him more and more restless. He wanted to butt in and stop it right there but he wasn't in a position to do so.
''I apologize Your Highness, but I fail to catch on to your words. What exactly would you might be suggesting?'' Sebastian asked as calmly as he could to hide the tremble in his voice.
Leviathan chuckled at this sight and glanced a bit at Lucian who was already trembling in fear. His eyes were pleading him to not utter the words he was about to. But the proud Prince was far from paying any heed to anyone.
''Seeing the atmosphere here, I'll be as uncomplicated as I can. I hereby would be sending an invitation to Lady Ophelia to be the lady-in-waiting....'' Leviathan paused to view the anxious faces of Lucian and Sebastian. Giving a quick smirk he continued, ''....for the Princess. It's already time to end her confinement. ''
Every person present in the hall dreadfully gasped at the occurrence of the word ''Princess''. Sebastian was staring at the Prince in complete shock, his eyes were wide open. Lucian gulped the big lump in his throat. The other attendants and servants were shaking with a horrifying expression.
''You could never talk about this lightly Your Highness! It's unbelievable to even think of it.'' Sebastian yelled out standing abruptly, banging both his hands on the table. He still couldn't completely process the Prince's words. It was just so unthinkable.
''Why would you say that Sebastian?'' Leviathan asked with tone mocking Sebastian for being impudent. ''Are you perhaps forgetting that this is the Imperial palace and she, she is the first Princess of the kingdom. Your words could be easily marked as an offence to an Imperial family member.''
''The first princess you say?! She is a forgotten existence. It's been 11 years since anyone last saw her.'' Never had anyone seen Sebastian so desperately talk, and that too with the Prince. But everyone in the room, except Leviathan, was as shocked as Sebastian.
Lucian knew he had to intervene. But he was very much aware of the fact that Leviathan would not care to listen to him at all.
''Your Highness I beg you to reconsider! If a word gets spread outside, it will cause a great uproar in the empire.'' Lucian tried his best bowing in front of the Prince.
''Since when did the empire's other sections start getting the privilege of interfering in the palace's internal affairs?" Leviathan asked with threat in his voice. He gazed over the hall, at the intensified faces of everyone present in the hall.
Then unfazed, he held a glass of champagne in his hand and gave another of his diplomatic smile. Nobody could fathom how exactly was he able to talk about this such reticence. He stood up from his seat and walked towards the duke proffering him the glass.
''Lucian, you will be visiting Marquess Barnette's residence tomorrow morning to give them the invitation for miss Barnette to become the lady-in-waiting for the Princess. Tell them she will be moving at the Princess's secluded palace starting from two days later.'' After completing his declaration the Prince walked out of the hall, leaving everyone else in utter silence and disbelief.
Sebastian clenched his fists tightly. He had no way to pull Ophelia out of this mess when he was the one who brought it upon her.
''Your Grace,'' Lucian called softly approaching him. ''I assure you I'll do everything from my end to keep the young miss out of danger. I'll personally look after her well-being. I am aware she'll be highly ridiculed as well in the social circle, but I won't let it get her.'' Lucian tried to be as convincing as he could, sincerely.
But Sebastian was nowhere in the state of believing anyone's words. ''I certainly can't accept it at face value. Lady Barnette is a kind and fragile colleen. Do you really believe she could withstand the 'cursed' Princess?!'' Sebastian was now more anguished than ever. And Lucian could absolutely understand where those fears were coming from. He was rather even more terrified to face the Barnette family when breaking the news to them tomorrow morning.
The first Princess of the Evelian empire was no mere existence. She was a cursed child born to the late Empress who died a few moments after her birth. The princess, was born disfigured due to the curse. Unsightly, strange black marks covered her face, neck and chest partially leading to her monstrous appearance. Very little was known about this princess who confined herself in her secluded palace at the age of six. Since then, no one ever saw her again.
A year later, rumours about the very few maids and servants in her palace disappearing started spreading throughout the kingdom. This led everyone to believe that the Princess had become insane due to seclusion and resorted to slaughter. But as time passed, all the bruits started dying down, with the Princess forgotten by all. Nobody spoke of her, nobody approached her palace, not even her family. She came to be narrated as the hideous monster who lives in palace in the children's bedtime stories. Uttering her name became a taboo. And soon, even her name was wiped out from the royal records.
For the Crown Prince to make a decision to send someone to her palace was as good as asking them to walk themselves to death. Everyone in empire would definitely find it absurd and unimaginable. Sebastian hated the idea of sending Ophelia there. But he had no authority higher than the prince who had issued a royal order.
Lucian felt extremely remorseful towards Sebastian and the Barnettes. He knew what they were feeling, but he didn't really share the same worry.
Exhaling deeply, he looked sternly at Sebastian. ''Your Grace, allow me assure you that Miss Barnette would be alright there.''
Sebastian felt annoyed at the words he thought were just meaningless. But when turned to face Lucian, he saw a firm expression, confident enough to shock him.
How could Lucian be so unperturbed? He wondered. It was as if Lucian knew something that was beyond doubt but couldn't be seen by all.
Sebastian inhaled calmly and let go off his distress. Lucian smiled weakly at him. ''It's going to be fateful encounter I believe. A new wind of transformation will certainly blow in the kingdom.''
Both of them then walked out of the hall and departed for their respective residences.
On the his way back, Lucian stopped at the garden once again. It was already nighttime and the crickets were chirping with nobody to add to their sound. The gentle breeze was swaying the all flora and the oil lamps around the garden made it look rather lonelier. Lucian sat down under a big willow tree and stared at the endless dark sky.
''It seems to a good time for stars to come together.'' Lucian said chuckling slightly as he shut his eyes dozing off in the night.