So here I am, settled enough in this world to confidently say I hate the palace. The lessons, the rules—I'm tired of the royalty novelty.
Instead, I find myself daydreaming of a life in the countryside with three handsome men.
As I'm lost in my thoughts, Stacy interrupts with my daily slice of cake. Enjoying the sweetness, I start formulating a game plan.
*
Standing outside the Emperor's private office, I take a moment to admire the view and architecture before the attendant announces my presence. Soon, I'm allowed into the luxurious room.
"What brings you here, Third Princess?" The Emperor's voice echoes in the opulent space, and a sense of déjà vu washes over me.
Typical of him, not even addressing me by my name. Just "Third Princess." But this isn't a father-daughter novel, after all.
"I greet Your Majesty," I respond with a slight bow.
"I would like to speak to Your Majesty in private," I say firmly, motioning for his attendant and guards to leave the room.
The Emperor raises an eyebrow, his expression guarded. "You can say anything you want here, I don't have time for games."
I meet his gaze directly. "Trust me, this is a conversation best had in private."
His grey eyes search mine for a moment, as if trying to discern my intentions. Finally, he nods and gestures for his attendants and guards to leave us.
As the last person exits, I turn back to the Emperor with a bright smile, ready to begin our private conversation.
*
Ever since the day the Emperor had a private conversation with the third Princess, Felix, one of the palace guards, had noticed a significant change in His Majesty. The Emperor, usually composed and decisive, now seemed restless and preoccupied. Felix couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened during that conversation, something that had left a mark on the Emperor.
Felix, being a naturally curious and observant guard, couldn't help but notice the Emperor's demeanor. His Majesty would often pace in his private chambers, his brow furrowed in thought. Felix had even caught glimpses of the Emperor staring out of the window, lost in contemplation.
One evening, as Felix was on duty outside the Emperor's chambers, he couldn't resist the urge to listen in on a conversation happening inside. He pressed his ear against the door, trying to catch any snippets of dialogue.
"...difficult decision, Your Majesty," a voice said from inside.
The Emperor's voice responded, sounding weary, "I know, but it must be done. The future of the empire depends on it."
Felix's heart raced. What decision was the Emperor referring to? What could be so important that it weighed so heavily on His Majesty's shoulders?
As the conversation inside continued, Felix strained to hear more, but the voices were too muffled to make out any clear details. Eventually, the voices faded, and Felix was left with more questions than answers.
Later that night, Felix couldn't sleep. His mind raced with thoughts of the Emperor's strange behavior and the mysterious conversation. He knew he needed to find out more, to uncover the truth behind the Emperor's restlessness.
The next day, Felix made discreet inquiries among the palace staff, trying to piece together any information he could. Rumors circulated, but nothing concrete emerged.
*
As I grabbed my cloak and headed towards the window, Stacy watched me with a mixture of concern and understanding in her eyes. She knew better than to try to convince me otherwise. "I'm heading out, Stacy. Come up with an excuse if anyone asks about my whereabouts," I instructed her firmly.
After escaping the palace through the familiar route of the overgrown maze, I found myself outside the palace walls. Pulling out a communication crystal from my pocket, I contacted Maverick and requested his presence. Within minutes, the familiar sight of the Gilcha lizard appeared before me, with Maverick standing beside it.
"Do you have it?" I asked.
Maverick simply nodded and reached into his inner clothing, producing a small black card. Taking it from him, I inspected the card closely.
In elegant script, it read 'Whispering Bazaar'. My heart raced with excitement and trepidation at the same time. The Whispering Bazaar was renowned as an underground black market, a place where one could find anything and everything for the right price. Yes anything. Including people.
After a six-hour ride on the back of the Gilcha lizard, we finally arrived at the bustling market known as the Whispering Bazaar. The sights and sounds assaulted my senses as I stepped off the lizard, surrounded by odd contraptions and an array of forbidden goods. My eyes scanned the chaotic scene, taking in the sight of addictive drugs, poisonous pills promising temporary strength boosts with dire consequences, and even love potions.
Navigating through the crowded market, Maverick led me to a tent tucked away in a quieter corner. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a chubby, short old man who seemed eager to assist.
"Anything I can help with, miss?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with greed.
I glanced at the chubby man and walked into the tent, my eyes fixed on him. "I'm looking for three 'goods'," I stated firmly. His excitement was palpable as he gestured for us to follow him.
We reached the back of the tent, where a teleportation circle awaited. Without hesitation, I stepped onto it, feeling a sudden rush as the world around me shifted. The next moment, I found myself surrounded by the acrid stench of sweat, blood, and excretory waste.
The putrid smell assaulted my senses as I looked around, realizing that I was in some sort of dungeon. My heart sank at the sight of the miserable conditions, and I felt a surge of sympathy for the unfortunate souls trapped here. Someday, when cared enough to take action, I vowed to shut down this entire operation.
Ignoring the eager old man's protests, I waved him off and requested to inspect the "goods" on my own. With Maverick following closely behind, I made my way toward the rows of cells and cages in front of me.