The atmosphere around the garden shifted entirely the second my high heels touched the grass, an almost imperceptible but undeniable change that rippled outward like the calm surface of a pond disturbed by a single stone. It wasn't a subtle shift either—this was something profound, as though the very air grew heavier with anticipation, charged with a silent tension that pressed down on everyone present. The whispers of shock began almost immediately, soft but sharp gasps escaping feminine lips in a flurry of disbelief and scandal. They carried across the garden like leaves caught in a sudden gust of wind. Their reactions were theatrical, exaggerated in a way that suggested performance rather than genuine surprise, but I paid them no mind. Such dramatics were beneath my notice, and my poise remained unshaken.
Sohan, ever the dutiful companion, had his arm intertwined with mine. While it could be seen as a gesture of courtesy, I knew better. It wasn't decorum that prompted his actions but his concern. He didn't trust me not to stumble in my heels over the uneven terrain of the garden, a lack of faith that might have irritated me if the gesture weren't tinged with genuine care. On my other side, Adonis walked slightly behind, his presence just as protective, though far less subtle. He muttered under his breath, his words a quiet litany of curses that were barely audible but unmistakably there. He might as well have shouted them with how well I could hear every frustrated syllable.
My senses extended outward, taking in the scene before me. The garden was teeming with life, though it was the people who stood out more than the meticulously maintained flora. I counted about fifty girls scattered across the space, their bright dresses clashing with the natural beauty of the garden in a way that was almost gaudy. Their presence was unmistakable—a mix of artificial floral perfumes and the nervous energy that radiated from them. They stood in clusters, their chatter loud and conspicuous, each group vying for attention even as they stole glances at me, their expressions ranging from disdain to curiosity. Among them, standing apart like monarchs in their own right, were Daisuke and the Queen. Their regal bearing set them apart from the throng, their presence commanding the space effortlessly. Including me, there were fifty-one women here, and the uneven number made the reason for my inclusion glaringly obvious. I wasn't here to participate, not truly. I was here to be humiliated, an extra piece added to the puzzle for someone else's amusement. They thought I was nothing more than an outlier, someone to be dismissed and scorned.
They couldn't have been more wrong.
With deliberate care, I freed my arm from Sohan's grasp, ignoring his sharp intake of breath. My steps were measured and elegant, each one carefully placed as I made my way toward the Queen. The soft click of my heels against the stone pathway transitioned to a muted thud on the grass, but even the change in sound carried authority. All eyes followed me, the murmurs growing softer as I approached the Queen with unyielding confidence. When I reached her, I stopped, inclining my head gracefully as I lowered myself into a bow, the kind reserved for royalty.
"Your Majesty," I said, my voice smooth and unwavering, "it is an honor to be in your presence this morning." I straightened, my gaze lifting to meet hers briefly before shifting to Daisuke. Another bow, just as precise, followed. "Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince," I continued, "it is a privilege to stand here today as a member of the trials. Although I must admit, I wasn't in my rightful mind when you insisted I join. However, now I understand your reasons and assure you I will do my best to meet your expectations."
I turned back to the Queen, allowing a note of regret to seep into my voice, carefully measured to convey both sincerity and humility. "I must apologize for not participating in the exams prior to this, Your Majesty. I was unwell, and my health prevented me from attending. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my absence."
Before I could gauge her reaction, a new presence made itself known behind me. I didn't need to turn to know who it was—the sharp, clipped tone of her voice was as familiar to me as the rustling of leaves in the wind. "Now that you're here, Eileithya, you should go through all the tests the other girls underwent in your absence!"
Royal Princess Ismene Zara Maximillian. Her reputation preceded her, as did the biting edge in her voice. She was a force to be reckoned with, known for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue, and it was no secret that she despised me as much as her brother did. I turned slightly, enough to face her without losing my composure, and inclined my head in a bow.
"Your Royal Highness, Princess Ismene Zara Maximillian," I said, my tone even and polite.
Her gasp was audible, loud enough to draw the attention of the other girls. "You freak," she hissed, "how do you know it's me?"
Straightening, I allowed a faint smile to grace my lips, though it didn't reach my eyes. "Forgive me, Princess, but did you forget that I am not blind? My senses are sharper than those of normal humans, such as yourselves. Your voice, your gait, even the faintest scent of your perfume—none of these are beyond my recognition." My voice remained calm, clinical even. "Furthermore, I would appreciate it if you refrained from addressing me informally. We are not close, and such familiarity is both improper and unwelcome." I turned back to the Queen, softening my tone slightly. "Is that not true, Your Majesty?"
The Queen rose from her seat, her movements slow and deliberate. When she reached me, she lifted a hand to brush her fingers against my cheek in a gesture that was both gentle and probing. "Indeed," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "But what has happened to you, child? Why are you acting like this?"
I tilted my head slightly, feigning innocence. "I don't understand what you mean, Your Majesty. This is who I am. If you doubt me, you're welcome to ask someone who knows me well. They will tell you the same."
"Is there such a person?" the Princess interjected from behind me, her tone dripping with mockery.
"Not anymore," I replied sharply. My voice was measured, but the words carried a weight that made the air grow heavy with discomfort. "They're all dead," I added after a moment, letting the statement hang in the air like a storm cloud on the verge of breaking. The tension was palpable, the silence deafening as the weight of my words sank in. I turned slightly, addressing the Princess once more. "I don't mind completing the tests, though. If that's what you wish, I'll comply."
She let out a frustrated groan, her composure slipping further with each passing moment. "Then let's do it right now!" she snapped, her voice shrill.
I raised an eyebrow, my expression unchanging. "Even though I know you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment," I began, my tone measured and deliberate, "and acting impulsively rather than impartially as a Princess should, I don't mind. After all, the other girls spent days training and preparing for these trials." She gasped, but I pressed on. "If I am wrong in my assessment, I will gladly apologize."
The murmurs from the gathered girls grew louder, their gasps echoing her indignation. "I thought members of the Royal Family were known for their reason and restraint," I added pointedly. "Was I mistaken?"
"Stop it, Eileithya!" Daisuke's voice cut through the tension as he stepped forward, his tone sharp and commanding.
I turned to him, my expression unchanging. "You're not planning to throw me against a wall and break my ribs again, are you, Your Highness?" My words landed like a thunderclap, silencing the murmurs entirely.
"My brother would never do such a thing!" the Princess exclaimed, her outrage palpable.
I regarded her coolly. "Would you like me to remove my clothing and show you the bandages beneath?" I asked evenly. "It's impolite to insinuate someone is lying without evidence. You could also summon the doctor who treated my wounds. It wasn't just broken ribs, after all." My calm delivery only seemed to heighten her agitation.
"Enough," the Queen said firmly, stepping between us. Her voice carried the weight of authority. "We'll proceed with the tests."
I smiled softly at her words, inclining my head in acknowledgment. "As you wish, Your Majesty."