"What is written ?" Marlene inquired with curiosity.
"It appears to be a personal invitation to tea from the queen herself," Eveloria replied, a subtle smile gracing her lips.
"Oh, goodness! Truly? That's absolutely marvelous!" Marlene exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
"I do wonder about the reason behind it," Eveloria pondered aloud.
Turning her attention to Marlene, Eveloria offered a gentle smile. "Marlene," she addressed, "could you assist me in gathering the necessary supplies? I intend to craft a response to Queen Rowena's invitation and Ivan's letter."
Marlene curtsied gracefully, her eyes shimmering with enthusiasm. "Certainly, my lady," she affirmed before exiting Eveloria's chambers.
In a short while, she returned, ensuring the parchment was properly positioned on the writing desk. With a graceful gesture, she presented the quill pen, its feathered tip catching the ambient light, along with the inkwell, placing it beside the parchment. She glanced towards Eveloria, awaiting her next directives.
"Thank you, Marlene," Eveloria expressed with a heartfelt glance, conveying her appreciation.
Eveloria rose from her bed with deliberate ease and approached the writing desk. Settling herself down, she picked up the quill pen, dipped it into the inkwell, and commenced writing. The words flowed effortlessly from her quill, akin to a stream trickling from a full cup.
"
Dearest Queen Rowena Goldcrest,
I am truly honored by your gracious invitation and the warm words that accompany it. Your kind offer to share in the enjoyment of tea within the royal chambers fills my heart with delight. Your thoughtful consideration for my dietary preferences and comforts touches me deeply.
With the utmost gratitude, I eagerly accept your invitation. I look forward to our gathering with great anticipation and the hope of conversing in the presence of such esteemed company.
Wishing you continued grace and prosperity,
Lady Eveloria."
After setting aside the quill, she began composing Ivan's reply. Pausing for a moment, she contemplated the arrangement of her words. The opportunity to correspond with him was rare, and she aimed to convey her gratitude in a manner befitting his kindness. He deserved nothing short of her best effort. With a gentle sigh, she penned his letter, allowing her emotions to guide the ink, and then picked up the two parchments. She folded each one meticulously before sealing them with a regal wax emblem.
Turning to Marlene, who stood by her side, she entrusted the parcels to her care. "Ensure these reach both the queen and Ivan discreetly, without my stepmother or anyone else becoming aware," Eveloria instructed.
Eveloria's voice carried gratitude as she added, "Thank you, Marlene."
Marlene nodded, offering a respectful bow, and exited the room.
Eveloria rose from her seat once more and returned to her bed, settling herself down. As she covered herself with the blankets, she contemplated her next course of action.
"I must inform Lord Ravenshield of my intended departure. If he grants his approval, that wretch won't have the means to impede my journey to the palace," she thought aloud.
With a sense of determination, she drew the covers over her shoulders and closed her eyes, ready to embrace the embrace of sleep.
***
Marlene strolled down the corridor, deftly slipping the letter into the front apron pocket of her dress. A familiar voice resonated behind her, causing her to pivot gracefully. It was Ambrose, his white hair impeccably groomed, his eyes gleaming with morning vitality. He exuded elegance, adorned in a deep red coat adorned with silver buttons and intricate gold embroidery, the matching trousers completing his attire.
Marlene greeted him with a polite smile. "Yes, my Lord?" she replied, her tone respectful.
Approaching her, Ambrose inquired further, "Has Eveloria regained consciousness?"
"Yes, My Lord. She is currently resting," Marlene confirmed.
A sigh of relief escaped Ambrose's lips. Marlene couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at his evident relief. It seemed his concern for Eveloria was quite genuine, revealing a tender side to him.
Despite his attempts to maintain a facade of detachment and emulate his father's cold demeanor, Marlene understood the truth. His stoic exterior concealed a well of emotions he preferred to keep hidden. He maintained this facade to command respect and trust from those around him.
With a graceful bow, Marlene expressed her intentions. "If you'll excuse me, my Lord, I shall take my leave."
Ambrose nodded, she pivoted on her heels and departed.
***
Several hours had slipped by, and the early afternoon sun bathed the garden in warm light.
Briana and Seraphina were seated beneath the charming gazebo, sharing a leisurely tea.
Seraphina let out a sigh of frustration. "The events at the coming of age ceremony still irk me. Why did Ivan and Ambrose intervene just as I was about to execute your plan? You assured me Ivan was under your spell, and Ambrose couldn't care less about Eveloria."
Briana's brow furrowed in response. "I questioned Ambrose as soon as we returned home, but he simply brushed me off. And he's been surreptitiously checking on Eveloria multiple times," she explained.
"And Ivan even brought her medicine, as did Gavriel," she added with a hint of annoyance, her thoughts trailing off. 'It's infuriating how Gavriel suddenly developed concern for her after what we... shared,' she pondered silently, wisely refraining from speaking those thoughts aloud.
"No, this cannot continue," she murmured to herself with determination. "I must have a conversation with him."
However, a puzzled thought emerged. 'But how? Every attempt I've made to request an audience with him has been met with rejection, claiming he's occupied. And sneaking out at night is out of the question; surveillance is relentless here,' she realized, her internal deliberation reflective of her predicament.
***
As evening fell, the return of Beatrice and Lucian to their residence was swift and uneventful. However, a noticeable shift in the atmosphere occurred as they entered.
Lucia's eyes widened as he spotted Eveloria approaching him. Gracefully bowing, she addressed them, "Welcome back, My Lord and My Lady. I have an important matter to discuss with you, my Lord."
In that very moment, Ambrose and Briana entered the parlor from opposite directions. The sound of Eveloria's statement caught their attention, causing them both to halt abruptly.
They stood silently, observers to the unfolding exchange between Eveloria and Lucian. His expression revealed his irritation, though she appeared completely unfazed.
"Proceed," Lucian responded curtly, his annoyance evident.
" The Queen sent a personal invitation to invite me for tea." Eveloria's calm tone seemed to suggest the mundane nature of her statement, devoid of any subterfuge.
While Eveloria's words seemed straightforward, both Briana and Beatrice couldn't help but feel a surge of tension. 'How did she manage an invitation from the queen herself?' they thought in unison, their skepticism growing.
A distinct change came over Lucian as he absorbed the revelation. His shoulders slumped, his face a canvas of shock. Stammering, he struggled to articulate his thoughts, "I... you... How...?"
Eveloria's request followed, simple yet profound. "I seek your permission to depart," she requested.
Beatrice's response was one of incredulity, her voice laced with disdain. "How dare you weave such lies?! After your pitiable performance at the Competition, you now claim the queen extended an invitation? Do you truly expect us to entertain such an absurd notion?"
Her words dripped with contempt as she raised her right arm.