The rest of the week has been hectic and busy for both Avione and the Imperial Palace. In preparation for the crowning ceremony, the Moon Palace where the princess resides was decorated with gold and white. Only a few days ago did she visited the Idelstein dukedom under the personal invitation from Phiona who turned out to be a success. She learned many things about the future Duchess including their common interest in books.
She had the chance to meet the current Duke, Alexander Idelstein and his wife, Duchess Phoebe Idelstein who turned out to be the daughter of a well-known count from the neighboring empire, Devallion. Just like Phiona who was observant of both her character and actions, the same was showcased by the couple.
The princess' visit ended on the good part as the Duchess enjoyed her company and invited her for another visit after the crowning ceremony. Phiona on the other hand offered to be the one in charge of the decorations for her upcoming celebration. Being only 2 years older than Avione, she felt a much stronger connection to the female.
"Milady," the door to her bedroom opened, revealing Rowena who was holding a tray containing a letter stamped with the royal seal. "The request you have made to be in charge of the events for your party next week has been approved by the Empress."
A smile quickly crept up on the princess' face, setting aside the letters she had been busy writing in order to prepare for her big day. Even though the first part of her plans proceeded smoothly, Avione's still lacking in terms of power. Having the support from the Idelstein was indeed a huge step but she needed more people on her side. Thus, it's time for the 2nd part of her plans.
"That's good," she nodded, signaling Rowena to hand her the letter of approval. "Could you send someone to fetch Catherine today? I need to meet her."
With a nod as an answer, Rowena once again left her chambers and set out to do her bidding. Left inside her large room with only herself as company, Avione walked slowly to her bed feeling sleepy. For the past days she's been constantly waking up early in the morning, dreaming of the same bright light she's been running after inside her dreams. Draping an arm above her eyes, sleep overcame her.
But then again, almost. Awoken by the sound of the bedroom door opening, Avione saw a maid suddenly entered the Princess' bedroom holding a tray with cookies and orange juice. "I have brought refreshments for you, your highness."
"I don't I requested for a snack at this time of the day." replied Avione, standing up from the mattress. The maid slowly laid down the tray on the small glass table only a few steps away from the bed. "Who sent this?"
"Miss Rowena asked me before she went outside."
The hint of doubt budding in Avione slowly dissipated hearing her trusted servant's name. Setting aside the fact that Rowena disliked not being the one to pour her drinks. "I see," she settled on the couch, "Then please pour me some."
"What's your name?"
With a simple nod, the maid that goes by the name, "O-Olivia, your highness." started pouring the orange juice on the empty cup on the tray before handing it to Avione.
"Are you new here? I swear I haven't seen you before," Avione's brows furrowed in confusion, holding the juice in her hand. "I'd have to ask Rowena about you later." she followed before taking a sip.
It tasted a bit weird however being thirsty, Avione paid no mind to the slight change in taste. Not until her vision started getting blurry and her head started hurting. Her eyes landed on the cup of juice she still had in her hands and quickly moving to her chest where a warm liquid slowly dripped.
'Blood? Why is there blood?'
Unable to collect her thoughts quickly, Avione fell on the ground, a pool of blood coming out of her mouth and staining the carpet. Her bloodied hands reached out to the maid who was just standing and staring at her.
"Y-You, w-who sent you…"
A menacing smirk was the only answer from the maid before her vision started turning black from losing too much blood. The last thing she saw was the maid getting taken away by the palace guards and Rowena yelling her name over and over with tears in her eyes.
Avione felt herself floating in the pitch black abyss.
'Ah. I've been too careless.'
'It cannot end like this please.'
'I haven't gotten my revenge yet.'
'I haven't killed Margaret yet.'
'Please'
As if her prayers were just heard, a voice echoed in the space she was stuck in. an orb of light appeared in front of Avione. "I didn't save you just so you could get killed again, child."
"Are you the one who saved me before?" questioned the Princess, staring intently at the orb of light floating in front of her. The warmth radiating from it felt the same as the warmth she feels every night as she sleeps. "Are you the one who visits me in my dreams?"
"Yes."
Relieved by what she heard, Avione felt a bit at ease. However, remembering that she was poisoned a while gave her less to be happy about. "I apologize for being too careless. I wasted the life you have given me." she mumbled, head hang low in embarrassment of her actions.
"Indeed, your life almost ended without having to do anything again." said the voice from the orb, sounding upset.
The small ball of light shone brightly for a few seconds, blinding Avione for a bit as a woman dressed in white and gold stood before her. The woman's hair burned in deep orange flames as it swayed from side to side. Her feet were nowhere in sight with only a glitter of light extending from the hems of her dress.
Avione could hardly take her gaze away, "W-Who are you?"
"The God of Light and Victory your people have been praying to, and the one who made it possible for you to come back to life."
Helios. The one who blessed the founders of the Helione Empire and the ancestors of Avione. The esteemed God who have been the first to meddle with human affairs. That very same being now stood majestically in front of her, with eyes blazing in fiery color. 'This is my savior?' Avione questioned in her mind.
A chuckle came from the latter, "Your thoughts are leaking out Avione. How does it feel to meet your God and savior?" Helios asked.
"H-How? You're a woman? Helios is-"
Her words was cut off by the abrupt answer from Helios, walking closer to her. "A simple misconception made by your people. Now come, you have worried a lot of people. You have to go back now." she states, creating a pool of liquid which mirrored the situation inside her chambers.
Avione sighed, "Since you're the one who caused me to come back in time, does that mean you knew what kind of life I lived before?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you help me sooner? Why did you have to wait until I died? Why did you let someone as wicked Margaret wield powers from you?" her barrage of questions came from frustrations and anger that was built up inside her even after all this time. For someone who has experience death first hand, trauma hit Avione hard.
Helios looked at her, "The laws of our world and yours states that meddling with human affairs would cost me a great punishment. I couldn't simply change everything. You are also the one responsible for your end, Avione."
"I thought-"
"Hush now child, I have all the answers for your questions however, I cannot have you here any longer." says Helios. "They are waiting." she said, pointing at the reflection on the liquid surface again.
Rowena had her head hung low in front of the Empress who was standing beside Avione's bed along with her father. Avione scoffed lightly. She was confused whether to feel glad that her parents still cared about her life or to feel dejected that only when her life was threatened do they seem to act as her parents. In the past, the royal court held several trials and none of which her mother and father showed up.
Whenever she asked, the servants or the guards would simply shrug or ignore her. 'How am I supposed to believe that what you are doing now is for your daughter? Not just the heir of your Empire.' Avione's brows furrowed in both irritation and deject.
Hearing her thoughts again, Helios scooted closer to her and held both of her hands. "I see you have lived your life before without knowing anything. Your naivety and your ignorance have lead to your death." she said in a calm voice, "It seems I have made a grave mistake to leave everything in your own hands before and to make up for that I offer you this."
A oval-shaped ring appeared on Avione's left hand, "What is this?"
"Whenever you are alone, you can call or summon me. Now go."
"I will be back."
"I know."
And with another flash of light, Avione opened her eyes, now inside her room and the cries of Rowena filling each corner of the room.