As Olivia returned to her chambers, her mind was filled with the unsettling words of Aquila regarding the danger that awaited vampires in Hellothan. Though a flicker of fear danced within her, she concealed it with the poise befitting a princess.
Seated gracefully by the window, Olivia's gaze fixated on the secluded corner of her room, a sanctuary where the sky remained veiled from her sight. The absence of the heavens above mirrored the confinement she felt, trapped within the confines of her own luxurious captivity. The weight of her responsibilities as a princess bore heavily upon her shoulders, but she carried herself with regal dignity, never allowing her true emotions to be glimpsed by those around her.
With regal grace, she summoned Aquila with the token.
"Aquila," she beckoned once Aquila entered the room. "Bring me some painting brushes and a board of tools, I shall seek solace in the strokes of artistry."
Aquila, ever loyal and attentive, bowed with a smile respectfully knowing that her lady was an artist, acknowledging her request. With a graceful nod, Aquila retreated from the room, soon returning with the requested items in hand. Olivia's heart quickened with anticipation as the brushes and board were placed before her, each stroke of the bristles and every dab of color holding the promise of escape and self-expression.
As Olivia dipped her brush into vibrant hues, she lost herself in the world of her artwork. Each stroke became a testament to her resilience, a visual manifestation of her indomitable spirit. The canvas before her became a portal to a realm where she could defy the constraints imposed upon her, where her imagination could soar freely.
Olivia has always had a knack for painting. Ever since she was a child, she would create beautiful artworks, just like her mother Queen Alicia. Queen Alicia was renowned for her talent in the entire kingdom of Veeral. Olivia has followed in her mother's footsteps and continues to paint in her free time.
Painting is her go-to method for releasing anger and anxiety. It's where she finds solace and peace of mind.
Aquila stood by the corner and watched her paint her anxiety away. Olivia knowing she was there decided to ask a bugging question .
"Aquila"
"Yes Milady"
Olivia still not turning to look at her asked,
"The breath of life elixir that was stolen from hellothan, what was the damaged caused from it absence?"
Aquila hesitated, not knowing if she was in the right place to tell Olivia the disaster that the absence of the elixir brought.
But finally, she responded, "The absence of the elix_"
"Aquila, hold your tongue." Azriel's voice suddenly rang from behind.
Aquila, trembling with fear, turned to face Azriel, and greeted him with a trembling voice,
"My Lord, forgive me for my blabbering," Aquila stammered, her voice filled with fear. Azriel, who was leaning against the wall and observing Olivia's frozen figure, let out a sinister smirk.
"Do you seek forgiveness or a severed tongue?"
Aquila shivered and broke out in cold sweat as her lip trembled.
Olivia who had frozen from his presence, finally turned to face him when she heard him threaten her maid.
"Azriel, please, spare Aquila. She is loyal, I was the one who asked for the information from her" Olivia pleaded, her voice filled with concern for her maid.
"So you desire punishment too?" Azriel's gaze intensified, his smirk growing wider. Olivia, however, remained steadfast, meeting his gaze without flinching. She refused to reveal her fears any longer.
Azriel let out a sigh and commanded, "Leave us." Aquila hurriedly fled the room. Azriel, in his dark cloak, approached Olivia with an air of mystery. His hair cascaded around him, adding to his enigmatic aura.
Standing before Olivia, he gently extended his gloved hand, reaching to touch her face. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, he said, "You are a fascinating one, Princess, Your courage intrigues me."
"If punishment is the price for standing up to you, then so be it." Olivia's eyes sparkled with defiance as she retorted.
A mischievous chuckle escaped Azriel's lips, "Well, Princess, it seems you have quite the spirit. I admire your boldness." he responded.
But his smile faded and his countenance grew serious, his gaze piercing into Olivia's eyes. His voice carried a tone of warning as he spoke,
"Listen closely, Princess. If you wish to inquire about Hellothan, I implore you to seek answers solely from me. Engaging the servants in such matters would lead to dire consequences for them. Spare them from punishment by not asking any information from them."
Azriel's expression softened as he gently added, "Have I made myself clear, Dear Princess? Let's ensure we protect the servants by understanding the importance of keeping our inquiries to ourselves."
"Yes"
Azriel chuckled, his voice filled with amusement.
"Ah, Princess, you always know how to keep things exciting. I never forgot that you told me you were a maid"
Azriel's gaze shifted towards Olivia's painting, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Your painting captures an ethereal beauty, Princess, It's as if the brushstrokes whisper secrets only the canvas can hear..."
Azriel's gaze returned to Olivia, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You have quite the artistic talent, Princess, Your painting seems to hold a certain... enchantment"
Then he lets out a sigh and starts to make his way towards the exit, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor.
Olivia called out to him, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity.
"what's your plan with Aquila?" she asked, her eyes searching for answers. He paused for a moment, his expression serious yet composed.
"Princess," he replied, his voice steady, "it's not for you to decide. We all have our own paths to follow, and if anyone goes astray or makes a single mistake, they should be prepared for the consequences. Remember, my words are the law in hellothan."
At his response, Olivia's anger reached it's peak, she angrily confronted Azriel. "Why would you punish Aquila when she did nothing wrong?" Azriel didn't reply and continued walking to the door.
"Why won't you answer me?!" she shouted, her voice laced with frustration. she couldn't help but pull at her own hair frustrated.
Azriel, unresponsive, simply walked away without offering an explanation, leaving Olivia even more frustrated and confused. She clenched her fists, feeling a mix of anger and hurt, unsure of what to do next.
Aquila hadn't even done anything wrong, Olivia simply asked a harmless question. It's truly disheartening to see Azriel's lack of empathy and fairness in this situation. Olivia felt a surge of frustration and disbelief, wondering why Azriel would punish Aquila without any valid reason. Azriel's actions were cold-hearted and unjust, leaving Olivia feeling hurt.
Olivia, feeling dejected and overwhelmed by the situation, slumped down on the floor. She hugged her stomach tightly, seeking comfort in a familiar gesture. The weight of the unfairness and confusion weighed heavily on her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and hurt.
Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes, threatening to spill over. The emotional weight of the situation became too much for her to bear, and she couldn't help but express her sadness through tears.
Olivia, exhausted by the emotional turmoil, eventually drifted off to sleep in that position on the floor. The weight of the situation and her own weariness had taken a toll on her, leading her to seek solace in slumber.