Golden locks, rosy lips and porcelain skin, a frail body, tall and slim, soft voice that sounds like a melody.
All these features create a breath taking beauty one could only dream of.
Empress Thalia de Rilibera did not need to dream of such things, all she had to do is look at the mirror or any other reflective surfaces to come eye to eye with the definition of beauty itself.
To hear an angelic voice that would make even a blind man fall in love, she didn't have to travel countless miles and visit countless places. It was always with her, blessings the ears around her.
When you meet such woman first thing you would think of is quite obvious. "She must have a horrible temper."
Because no beautiful woman, especially breathtaking as her, had a soul either kind or caring. They were mean, living with their own head in clouds so dark that all they could do is send rage like lightning.
To be beautiful is equal to being a slave, after all every beauty was cursed in one way or another. As they say, the most beautiful flowers are the most poisonous. Evil always hides in beautiful things.
So what made Empress Thalia de Rilibera evil? What was hidden behind her porcelain skin that was so ugly that even a blind man would need to look away?
Was it her blood? One of an orphan that belongs to no one and comes from nothing. The same blood her children carry in their veins. Same children who's health and physical strength is the greatest in all history of their blood line.
Perhaps it's her mind. Southern child raised by a priest, with a Holy book by her side all the time. Just because she walks hand in hand with man of God doesn't mean her mind is pure. But she can read the holy language, she is the Holy maiden. The people chose her themselves.
Is there any fault in her? Is it possible to find it? How deep would you need to dig in order to find a single flaw?
You would need to dig your whole life, if you are determent enough, even in death.
But even then, in death, could you find it?
No, probably not, as keeping secrets was just one of many things Empress Thalia de Rilibera did perfectly.
Does that make you mad?
Do you whish she was an awful wench or do you just want her all to yourself?
No? Yes? You don't know?
It is a simple question. You either love her or hate her. Can you live while hating her, will it drive you mad, to the point of insanity?
But what if you don't choose either? What happens then? Do you ignore her, do you acknowledge her presence, do you interact with her?
Her own husband was one of those who couldn't chose between love and hate, so how could you?
Can you resist to touch her when she walks past you, can you hold the urge to steal her gaze even for a moment? Why do you even want to do that?
Count Laywnclaf lost an arm that touched Empress Thalia de Rilibera inappropriately. But the knight who cut of Count Laywnclaf arm ended up without a head. Just because his duty was to protect her. The worst parts is yet to come - even if Thalia de Rilibera wasn't an empress but an ordinary noble lady or even a mare peasant the outcome would be much different. We can't predict the possible outcome in these scenarios but one thing we know for sure, the knight who protected her would still be alive.
Is it funny? It was to Count Laywnclaf. Especial because it was the Emperor himself who ordered the spiling of heroic blood.
Such a sad truth for the kind Empress.
Was the one ugly thing hunting Empress Thalia de Rilibera reputation her own husband? Is he a jealous man who only wants her for himself even if he doesn't love her?
Does he consider her a sculpture, just one of many beautiful artworks in the imperial palace? Maybe a rear gemstone, last flower of it's species.
She might as well be a painting considering the fact you can't see her face in person, only on portraits that are distributed as collectible items only available to the highest bidders. A series of one portrait that a famous painter created 16 years ago when Thalia de Rilibera married into the royal family.
In reality, was her beauty true or was she so ugly that stepping outside the palace gate would cause a uproar not only in the capital but in the whole empire?
Or maybe she was beautiful before, when she was young, before she gave birth to two children, and now she is hiding in the walls of the Queens palace.
That is how people justified the execution of heroic knight who cut of Count Laywnclaf arm.
What? It was much easier to make up a lie then to discover the truth. Who in their right mind would dare to against the Emperor's word? In reality, who did actually love a pretty woman?
Someone will try that is for sure. But would they succeed?
Who knows, porcelain is a durable material after all.