Somehow, I survived the encounter with the ladies. As soon as I returned to my room, I collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed with exhaustion. The thought of escaping this nightmare was all I could think about.
I ventured out in search of Wade, and when I found him, I approached him urgently.
"Lady Alden, is there something you need?" he asked as he noticed me.
"Oh, I… uh… I wanted to know when I can return home," I said, trying to hide my desperation.
"Home? But I was informed that you'd be having dinner with the royal family," he said. This felt like an endless nightmare. Could someone please wake me up?
"Oh," I exclaimed, disheartened. "Then I'll…" I turned and walked back inside the palace. Why were they still keeping me here? I just wanted to go home.
...
I stood outside the dining room, sighing deeply before gathering the courage to enter. As I walked in, I curtsied before the emperor.
"Long live the sun of the empire," I said, inwardly wishing the opposite.
"Raise your head," he instructed. I straightened up, trying to keep my composure. "Lady Alden, I must thank you for honoring our invitation," the emperor said, his tone polite.
I took a moment to observe everyone at the table. The empress was stunning and clearly took great care of herself. The prince, however, was disappointing. He looked unprepared for the role he was supposed to inherit. From his appearance, it seemed he had neither the discipline nor the training one would expect from the future emperor. It was disheartening that these were the people after Teon's life.
The emperor, in contrast, had clearly trained hard in his prime, though it appeared he had become complacent in his later years.
I took my seat beside the prince, praying for the ground to open up and swallow me, or for a seizure to strike—anything to escape this situation.
"Augus, you should introduce yourself to the lady," the empress suggested.
"Oh, I'm Augus," he said casually.
"I'm Faina Alden," I replied, and he nodded.
"You two look like a perfect pair," the empress remarked. I wished for the dinner to end soon. I'd even welcome food poisoning over staying here.
"Mother, don't embarrass the lady," Augus said. The empress turned to look at me, but I remained expressionless, my thoughts drifting to the carriage that would take me home.
"So, Lady Alden, tell us more about yourself. We wanted to see the youngest professor up close," the emperor said. "I hear you're working on a new vaccine for Large Worms," he added.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied.
"So, who is your sponsor?" he asked.
"The Aldens, sir," I answered.
"Hmm… relying on your family for everything," he commented. I didn't have much choice.
"Would you be interested in another sponsor?" the empress asked. I had a sinking feeling about where this was headed. "The first prince is interested in research like yours—something daring," she said. "What do you think?"
"Uh…" I hesitated. "I… I should speak to my current sponsor first," I said, my hands trembling slightly as I hid them under the table.
"That is wise," the emperor said with a smile.
Dinner continued in silence for a while, which I appreciated, though I could barely eat anything. When the meal ended and the empress left with the emperor, I felt a wave of relief.
"I'll take my leave as well, Your Highness," I said, standing up.
"Would you like to share a drink with me?" Augus asked.
"I…" I hesitated, not wanting to stay any longer.
He stood up and gestured for me to follow him. Reluctantly, I did, and we walked to a library. Drinks were soon brought in, and Augus poured two glasses.
"If you need anything for your research, you can get it here," he said, handing me a glass. "It would be a benefit of making me one of your sponsors," he added. I nodded, though uneasily. "So think about it," he said, taking a sip from his own glass.
"Thank you, Your Highness," I said. He finished his drink and poured another glass.
'Can I use alcohol in my research?' I wondered, though I had never considered using refined products before. I'd have to investigate once I was free.
"Why aren't you drinking?" Augus asked, noticing I hadn't touched my glass. I stared down at it. I had never drunk alcohol before and wasn't sure how to handle it. The thought of becoming drunk here was frightening.
"I'll drink it," I said, though I didn't. "Your Highness, can I return to my room now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Why?" he asked.
"I… I am… tired," I stammered, as he moved uncomfortably close. I stepped back, trying to distance myself.
Before he could respond, he suddenly doubled over and began to vomit. Clearly, he had overindulged in the alcohol.
"Are you okay?" I asked, though I wasn't sure if I should offer help. Perhaps it was better if I didn't. "I'll call someone," I said, and hurriedly left the room.
Outside, I saw two guards stationed by the door.
"Lady Alden, please return to the library," one of them said.
"His Highness drank too much and has fallen ill," I explained. The guards exchanged worried glances and rushed inside. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly made my escape. What were they planning?
I hurried back to the palace where I was staying. As I locked the door to my room behind me, my whole body trembled.
"I want to go home," I said to myself, staring blankly into space.
When would they let me leave? What do they want from me? These questions buzzed in my mind, leaving me anxious and unsettled.
What do I do? How can I get out of here?