The Royal Gardens and the Library of Secrets....
Beyond the grand halls of the imperial palace lay the royal gardens, a verdant expanse of beauty and tranquility. Nestled within this lush sanctuary was a secret—a concealed passage leading to the Garden Library, one of the oldest edifices built since the empire's foundation. This library, untouched by time and weather, existed under a thick canopy of intertwined branches. Despite its lack of a roof, no rain ever disturbed the sanctity of this space, a phenomenon attributed to an ancient legend.
The tale spoke of the first Saintess Empress, who had secluded herself here to receive a sacred oracle from God. Though the contents of that divine message had long been lost to time, the records of the library preserved every revelation that followed. This hallowed ground was a treasure trove of knowledge, its towering shelves brimming with ancient scrolls and books, from faded parchment to modern volumes.
Aria walked through the library, her delicate fingers brushing against the leather spines of books etched with golden syllables in languages forgotten by most. The air carried the sweet aroma of wildflowers, mingled with the tang of ripened berries, figs, and grapes that grew alongside the blooms. The peacefulness of the place felt at odds with her restless heart.
She stopped before a particular book, its faded purple leather cover adorned with intricate golden script. It had once been a mystery until Luciana, her elder sister, deciphered its ancient language—a feat that earned her the admiration of scholars across the empire. Aria sighed at the memory, clutching the book tightly.
"She was talented in every way," she thought, her golden eyes reflecting the sunlight streaming through the canopy. Her curly blonde hair fluttered in the scented breeze, and the folds of her white lotus silk chiton dress flowed elegantly around her. Her armband of gold and earrings of topaz sparkled faintly, complementing her ethereal appearance.
But the library, once alive with Luciana's presence, now felt hollow. Her sister had often retreated here, finding solace among the books when her thoughts became too chaotic.
As Aria sat in quiet contemplation, a faint breeze rustled the leaves, breaking the silence. A voice seemed to echo in the stillness, soft and familiar.
"Do read a book for once, Aria."
Her heart raced as she turned sharply, expecting to see her sister standing there. But there was no one.
A sudden sense of unease crept over her. She sensed a presence near the library's entrance, an aura both familiar and unfamiliar. Rising, she hesitated before calling out.
"Melody? Avlynn?"
The silence deepened, and a shiver ran down her spine. Only members of the royal family were permitted here. Could it be their father? Steeling herself, she whispered, "Today, I will talk to him," and opened the grand wooden doors.
To her surprise, it wasn't Helios who stood before her but Lord Octavius. His tall frame and golden locks, partially concealing his dusky pink eyes, made him unmistakable.
"Your Highness?" he greeted, just as startled as she was.
"Lord Octavius?" she gasped.
The heavy doors shut behind her as she stepped into the sunlight. "What brings you here, my lord?" she asked, glancing around for any sign of her attendants.
"I seem to have lost my way while searching for my father," he replied, his tone calm yet troubled.
"Uncle Rudolf?" she asked, puzzled. She remembered seeing her uncle storming out of the conference hall earlier. Rudolf was the emperor's most trusted confidant, the one they called his right hand.
"I checked his office and the hall, but he's nowhere to be found." Octavius shook his head, his golden hair catching the light.
"Perhaps he's in the gardens. Shall we look there?"
As they strolled through the gardens, Aria couldn't help but recall how Octavius had once been engaged to Luciana. She had often seen them walking side by side, their connection evident in every shared glance. She used to imagine a future where they ruled the empire together, raising children who bore the best of their features. But that dream was shattered the day Luciana was sent away.
The conversation between them was sparse, mostly about the day's council meeting and the emperor's unsettling silence. But when Aria mentioned Luciana, Octavius's expression darkened, guilt shadowing his features.
"Lord Octavius," she began softly, her voice carrying both empathy and firmness. "I think it's time you let go of my sister."
His head snapped toward her, disbelief evident in his eyes. "How can you ask that of me?" he said, his voice tinged with anguish. "I stood helpless as she was taken away. I couldn't do anything!"
"Precisely," Aria replied, her gaze unwavering. "You weren't there when she needed you most. Whether out of fear or indecision, you let her go. If you truly loved her, you should have fought for her, stood by her, and convinced my father to reconsider."
Her words struck him like a blow. He clenched his fists, unable to argue.
"She's gone now," Aria continued, her voice softening. "And no amount of regret will change that."
Octavius turned away, his jaw tight. Memories of Luciana flooded his mind—her laughter, her grace, and the way she made him feel alive. He had loved her deeply, but he had failed her when it mattered most.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The breeze carried the rustle of leaves, as if mourning with them.
"I will have her," Octavius vowed, his voice low but resolute. "Even if I must descend into the depths of the abyss."
As he spoke, his father, Rudolf, emerged from the shadows, cradling a sleeping Avlynn in his arms. His silver eyes met his son's, reflecting both sorrow and quiet judgment.
"Father," Octavius stammered, startled. "How long have you been here?"
"Long enough," Rudolf replied, his tone unreadable. He turned to Aria and bowed slightly. "Your Highness."
"Please, Uncle," Aria said with a faint smile, taking Avlynn into her arms. "There's no need for formalities when it's just us."
"As you wish," Rudolf said, his stern demeanor softening briefly.
"Where did you find her?" Aria asked, brushing a strand of hair from her youngest sister's face.
"She was in the Lotus Garden, crying," Rudolf replied.
Aria sighed, holding Avlynn close. "Oh, Avlynn…"
With a brief nod to her uncle, she took flight toward the palace, her sister safe in her arms. Rudolf watched her leave before turning to his son.
"Octavius," he said gravely, "it's time to let Luciana go."