Author's POV:
The entire Eudimon Empire was in a state of bliss upon learning the new heiress's birth. The five kingdoms that form the vast Eudimon Empire declared a grand celebration throughout the week. King Lysander Valen Flint Concordia released 20 captives and freed 50 slaves upon learning of his granddaughter's birth.
Today is a momentous day for the Eudimon Empire as they welcome Princess Vivienne Concordia and her newborn daughter, Princess Victoria.
The humongous white castle was literally glittering in a golden color. The King invited the citizens of Orinthia, the capital of the Eudimon Empire, for the grand event, to be held in the gigantic grand ballroom.
The ballroom boasts high ceilings, huge glass windows, walls adorned with beautiful patterned wallpapers and rich silk draperies in a deep royal color with the iconic crest of the Empire. Massive crystal chandeliers and wall sconces were strategically placed for a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Velvet-coated coaches were positioned close to the wall for guests, accompanied by a large brown table filled with luxurious, mouthwatering snacks, desserts, fruits, and cakes.
Maids wearing dark blue and white uniforms were busy decorating the hall with cute pink roses, lilies, orchids, and exotic flowers from the ornamental garden of the castle.
A young lady in a maid's uniform rushed to the second floor of the castle, holding a golden-plated tray with a glass bowl and a soft sponge. She strolled towards the princess's chamber, which was restricted to men and limited to certain maids, and entered an already opened room.
The Royal Princess chamber was filled with luxurious items. She placed the tray on the wooden table and walked towards the baby in the cradle.
"Oh, my little Princess. I apologize for being late, it's all because of that, Anna," she mumbled to herself and reached near the cradle only to find an empty cushion.
Emma started to panic. It was her responsibility to take care of the baby as Princess Vivienne was busy getting ready for the event. She pulled out the plush cushion and silk from the cradle, as if expecting to find the baby inside.
"Sh… Don't cry, little baby," Emma stopped in her tracks and listened to the whispering of a little boy from the dressing chamber, which was quite familiar to her.
She took cautious steps towards the dressing chamber and lightly opened the door, only to see Prince Adrian Concordia holding the newborn baby in his small arms, trying to calm her down.
She let out a sigh of relief and opened the door widely, which went unnoticed by the prince.
"Prince Adrian, you almost gave me a heart attack," she exclaimed, startling both the kids. The baby started to wail and stared at Emma with her chocolate brown orbs.
"Emma! You just made her cry," he whined at her for yelling and irritating the baby.
She made an apologetic face and gasped once she saw the baby struggling in Prince's tiny arms.
"Prince, it's so dangerous to hold the baby this way," she said cautiously and tried to take the baby from the prince's hold.
"No, Emma, I'll hold her," he said defiantly.
"Prince, you are so small like her. You guys could end up falling or worse," she warned.
"Prince, let me take care of her," she pleaded.
"But…but I want to play with the baby…." he said sadly, glancing at the baby who was staring at him.
"Of course, you can play with her, but first, we need to feed her. She might be hungry."
"Oh, that's why she is angry?" he asked innocently.
Emma nodded slowly and walked towards him with the aim of taking back the baby.
"Promise me that she will play with me," he demanded.
"Sure," Emma agreed, and he reluctantly handed over the baby. Emma took the baby in her arms, wiped away the tears, and smiled at the little one who was a carbon copy of Princess Vivienne.
"When will you feed her?" Adrian asked, grabbing his toys.
"Well… Now. I need to feed her before the celebration," she said politely while cradling the baby.
"Okay," he said simply and left the room.
Emma moved quickly out of the room and closed the dressing chamber.
By now, Adrian had climbed onto a four-poster canopy bed with rich silks and velvet materials, making himself comfortable.
Emma placed the little princess on the bed next to Adrian and grabbed a glass bowl filled with milk. Adrian watched her every move carefully while softly patting the baby's head.
"Emma, what are you doing?" he asked curiously.
She smiled softly and plopped near the baby.
"It's her food, Prince."
"Why can't she have cookies and cakes? Does she hate sweets?" he asked innocently.
"No, Prince, she is too small to have solid food. For the time being, she can have only liquid food," she explained while placing the sponge in the baby's mouth, and the baby sucked eagerly.
"Poor baby, she was hungry," Emma mumbled.
"Who do we have here?" a bold feminine voice filled the room.
Emma and Adrian turned to the familiar voice to see Princess Vivienne in an elegant velvet emerald green gown with long sleeves and a high neck.
"Auntie Vivienne!" Adrian jumped out of the bed and rushed to Vivienne with a bright smile.
"Hey, little Prince," she said cheerfully, taking him in her arms and kissing his cheeks.
She softly smiled at Emma and glanced at the baby, who was busy with her food.
Emma stood up from the bed and addressed her politely.
"Emma, no need for formalities," Vivienne said simply, placing the boy on the bed.
Emma nodded in response and fixed her gaze on the floor.
Vivienne shook her head and glanced at her little princess, who was gazing at her mom hopefully for her usual milk.
Vivienne chuckled lightly and took the baby in her arms carefully.
"Auntie, when can I play with my Princess?" Adrian asked with glittering eyes.
Vivienne laughed at his plea.
"Of course, she will play with you once she starts to walk by herself," she said while cradling the baby.
"Oh…. that's not fair! I have waited for her for nine months, and now I need to wait until she walks by herself?" he complained.
Once Prince Adrian learned that his auntie Vivienne was carrying a little princess, he was over the moon and started preparing plenty of gifts for his friend.
He quickly got up from the bed and rushed out of the chamber.
"Adrian, where are you going?"
"I have something for the princess," he yelled from outside and ran to his chamber.
Vivienne let out an exhaustive sigh; Adrian was very tricky, and it was hard to control the little brat.
Little Princess Victoria grabbed her mom's pinky finger and placed it inside her mouth.
"No, no princess, it's not good for you," Vivienne scolded gently, withdrawing her finger from the baby's mouth.
The baby frowned at her mom and started to complain in her own language.
"I know you are planning for a nap, but sorry princess, you can't."
A maid in her uniform entered the chamber and addressed Vivienne politely.
"Princess Vivienne, King Lysander requests King Darina's and Your presence in his Chamber," she said in her rich Italian accent.
"Okay, I'll meet Dad with Darian. You may leave." She said softly. Within seconds, the maid left the chamber.
Vivienne placed the baby on her lap and tried to remove the silk frock the baby wore.
"I'll dress her up for the evening," Emma said with a broad smile and extended her arms.
"She is a night owl, so don't let her sleep in the daytime."
"Sure," Emma said cheerfully while holding the baby who was sound asleep. She lightly touched her button nose, making The Sleeping Beauty groan softly.
Emma left the chamber to dress up the little princess for the grand celebration, only for her.
Vivienne stood up from the bed and walked towards the long-framed mirror placed opposite the bed.
She stared at her reflection for a few seconds.
"It's so good to be a mother." She whispered and smiled.
"Like someone is having a quality time." A manly voice that was always adored by Vivienne echoed in the room.
Her love of her life, Darian Silverwood, in a dark blue tunic and trousers over the tunic, a surcoat made of wool, leaned next to the huge Oak door of the chamber.
"Dari," Vivienne said joyfully and rushed to her husband.
He opened his arms widely for the usual hug from his sweet wife.
"I thought you would miss the event." Vivienne said while hugging him.
"How could I miss the grand event of our Princess?" They broke the hug.
"Dari, Dad wants to see us before the event." She said while fixing his black jet hair.
"I know." He said shortly.
"Is everything okay?" Vivienne asked while biting her lips nervously.
"Don't worry, love, everything is fine." He softly and placed his arms over her shoulder.
"Did you meet Henry?"
"No… Joseline is here." He hesitated to say.
Vivienne's face turned red after hearing the name of Princess Joseline, who was once her best friend and the fiancé of her dead brother.
"Why is she here?" She asked coldly.
"I requested the chancellor to invite her to the event."
"Are you crazy? She is our enemy! She is the one who helps the Avalora's and gives all kinds of support to them. She... she is the one who murdered my brother." She broke into tears after mentioning her lost brother.
"Vivie, I know it's hard for you to deal with her right now, but you have to. Joseline is not the sole reason for his death. There are many things happening under our nose." He said darkly.
Vivienne was taken aback by hearing her husband once criticized Joseline now speak for her.
"What do you mean?"
"There are countless things to be discussed, but right now, I could assure you that Joseline is not responsible for Eamon's death."
"Then?"
"I can't tell you right now. But I'll, once I get the whole evidence to prove the truth." He said while staring deep into her chocolate brown orbs.
The Eudimon Empire is nothing like it's showcased to the outside world. Even the walls of the secured chambers have sharp ears. Dark secrets and unspoken horrors are to be revealed in the Empire, which would break the very foundation of trust and beliefs of one another.