The hallways were filled with guards in black leather, with golden chains on their shoulders, the more chains- the higher ranks among emerians. A special breed as we are referred to in the Asterian kingdom, known especially for their physical strength, and ability to fight with any weapon and manipulate it. I picked up my pace as I neared my position for tonight's shift—the outside of the mansion of Florea's princess.
The night was the same as every summer, clear skies and moonlight falling over the lakes created to suit the aesthetic of the hydrangeas planted by the princess herself every year. I would not have been able to survive the hostile butler had it not been for the princess, she is young but smarter for her age, both politically and in other areas of life.
But I feel a subtle pain in my chest as I think about how this will be the last ball she'll celebrate here. The Duke has arranged a ceremony before the ball, a hunting race. Elmswood, Orios, Floreas, Spherias, Plorvis, Wisteriaholm, and many territories are becoming a part of the Asteria kingdom, The Duke's sons, their siblings, marques, and many other wealthy and socially powerful people will be competing to be the chosen partner by the time she turns 17 tonight.
This would be the worst birthday of her.
To have your future partner without any of your voice in selection, before you could turn 17 has to be the cruelest thing to be done. But such was the fate of every single woman in this empire. To ensure the preservation of the power of gods. Ironically, the very statement the king Drystan made, he was the one who continued to enslave, murder, and torture, his very people and also those groups who also have heavenly powers, but just in a different way. If you're a mortal, in his eyes, you don't exist.
Ten hours later, the day Ireth was born, she must be sleeping in her room or thinking about what happened tom-
"Lady Althea, Princess of floreas has summoned you to her chamber." Heavy breathes as he must've run here, I turned and immediately a slight smile rose my cheeks, she was planning something. Another guard followed after him and greeted me with a nod, he must be my replacement for tonight's shift.
The corridors were only lit with candles, but the glasses they were kept in amplified the light, and the scent of fresh hydrangeas and wisteria in the air, the preparation for the ball was done meticulously. I couldn't see the hall in which the ball will take place, but to impress the royalties the duke must've gone all out with golden cutlery, artisan's painting and dresses with handwork, etc that which is in trend.
I shot one look to the red-haired fellow who stood guard outside her chamber, his spine straightened and a throat coughed, her door opened with a maid slightly peeking through the slight gap, until she fully opened it for me to enter. I didn't expect her to be in her nightgown, standing over her desk, her fingers tapping continuously over her desk. She was anxious and panicking, her room was neat, bed almost as if she hadn't even laid on it to sleep a wink. It was midnight already.
"I've been notified that you will be guarding the garden's venue at tonight's ball." her voice was angered, she wasn't good at hiding her emotions especially when at times like this. I gulped a lump in my throat, to see her eyes moist, and the stiffness increased in my throat.
" Yes, madam. I will be at the south entrance for the ball, near the garden venue. I will not be accompanying you to the ball tomorrow night, Caesar will be. "