*Drip*
*Drip*
*Drip*
The sound of dripping blood became louder and louder as the body hanging from the ceiling slowly emptied its life force. The metallic tang filled the room, mixing with the musty scent of decay.
The sound echoed in my mind like a haunting melody, each drop of blood a reminder of the nightmare I had just escaped. I jolted awake, heart racing, only to find myself in my own room, drenched not in blood but in a vibrant pool of spilled juice. The crimson liquid glistened on the floor, a stark contrast to the pale marble tiles. Seems like the maids are at it again. I let out a sigh of relief, my pulse slowly returning to normal. These nightmares would never end, but at least this time, reality was a little kinder.
As I wiped the sticky mess from the floor, the chatter of the maids drifted up from the stairway, a cacophony of whispers and laughter that grated on my nerves.
-Amoria Palace; The Stairway-
"Oh my, look at her wearing that dress; it absolutely doesn't suit her!" one maid scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.
"I agree! She is not worthy of that beautiful gown," another chimed in."Who does she think she is?" Their laughter echoed like the clanging of metal against metal, sharp and unyielding.
I rolled my eyes, pushing the remnants of sleep from my mind. The palace was a gilded cage, and the maids were its most obnoxious inhabitants. If I wanted the banquet to conclude without a scene, I had to navigate this minefield of gossip with care.
As I made my way down the grand staircase, the maids blocked my path, their expressions a mix of mockery and malice.
"You seem quite happy today. Is it because you're going to meet His Majesty the King and try to please him so you can be moved to the Helia Palace?" one maid sneered.
"Hey! You filth, speak up! Who do you think you're ignoring?" another demanded, her voice rising.
"Hurry, let's go. The knights from the Helia Palace are here to take the princess to the ball. If they see us bullying her, we'd get in trouble," a third maid urged, her eyes darting nervously.
"Tsk. We'll see about you later, Princess. Have a great time being ignored by His Majesty again. HAHAHA." Their laughter was a bitter pill, but I refused to swallow it.
In a flash of defiance, I....
*SLAP*
I slapped one of the maids across the face. "You deserved this," I said, my voice steady.
"WHY! YOU—" she shouted, her indignation rising.
Before she could finish, she retaliated, her hand striking my cheek with a sharp sting.
"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?" a knight bellowed, marching toward us, his armor gleaming in the dim light.
"The maids are educating me, since I'm an illegitimate princess born of unroyal blood. I'm equivalent to them in status, so they find it common to educate me like this," I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
The knight's frown deepened, and he ordered his men to seize the maids, their faces pale with fear. I couldn't help but smile as I walked away, the knight escorting me toward the carriage that would take me to the Helia Palace.I am an illegitimate Princess of Domino, at least that's what they call me. A nation known for its overwhelming powers of the dragon flame passed down from generation to generation to its direct bloodline. But to everyone's amazement....there is no one in this generation in the royal bloodline who have inherited this power. But there have been rumors going around that my younger sister, Isabella has awakened her powers. And at today's banquet, it will be confirmed!
I honestly do not have any interest in this, because I know nothing good is to arise from this disheveled child born from a concubine who was nothing more than a mere maid before she killed my mother the Empress and stole her position and status. Even though I'm a legitimate child, everyone considers me illegitimate because it is believed that my mother had a secret affair with another man before she had me. This is just a rumor started by the concubine. And I know the truth better than anyone else, there was absolutely nothing like that.
-Helia Palace; Porte-Cochère-
*Knock* *Knock*
"We've safely arrived at the Palace, Your Highness," the knight announced from outside the carriage, his voice steady and reassuring.
Today was significant; it was my first appearance before my father, the King, and the high society after eight long years.-Helia Palace; Grand Banquet Hall-
"Her Highness, Princess Luxana De Carna Mera Domino, is entering the ballroom!" The Master of Ceremonies' voice boomed, cutting through the chatter like a sword.
The grand banquet hall stretched before me, a magnificent expanse adorned with soaring ceilings that seemed to touch the heavens. Intricate frescoes depicted legendary dragons soaring through a cerulean sky, their scales shimmering with hues of gold and crimson. Crystal chandeliers hung like celestial bodies, their prisms casting a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the polished marble floors, reflecting the flickering candlelight and illuminating the grandeur of the space.
Long tables, draped in flowing white linens, lined the hall, each one laden with golden chargers and crystal goblets that sparkled in the soft glow. Elaborate centerpieces of fresh flowers burst with color, while platters of roasted meats, spiced pastries, and an array of cheeses beckoned with their rich, enticing aromas. The air was thick with the mingling scents of culinary delights, promising a feast fit for royalty.
At the far end of the hall, a grand dais rose above the rest, draped in opulent gold and crimson fabrics. The throne, an imposing structure of carved mahogany and gold leaf, awaited its occupants, a symbol of the power and legacy they represented. Nobles in their finest attire filled the hall, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of sound that echoed against the high walls, while the clinking of glasses and the rustle of silk added to the vibrant atmosphere of this opulent gathering.
The nobles turned, their eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and disdain.
"Oh my God! Look at those lavishing reddish-orange colored hair!" one noble gasped."She really resembles the late Empress," another whispered, their tone laced with envy."I can't believe such an illegitimate child had the courage to show her face in high society," a voice sneered from the back.
Sigh. It seemed I would become the topic of their next tea parties again. A smirk tugged at my lips; perhaps being the center of attention wouldn't be so bad after all.
"His Majesty, the King of Domino, Hades Limonizer Vernoke Domino, along with Her Majesty, the Queen Daleyza Limonizer De Carna Domino and Her Highness, Princess Isabella Limonizer De Carna Domino, are entering the ballroom," the Master of Ceremonies announced.
*Everyone bows*
"You may lift your heads...We meet here today to honor the birthday of this exceptional man who has accomplished more than anybody else in this kingdom, and as I—"
And there he went, my father, delivering his ludicrous spiel about his own greatness. I glanced at my stepmother, the Empress, who wore a scowl that could curdle milk. Her mood was palpable, thickening the air around us. It must be because the King was expected to confirm the rumors today.
*After 20 minutes*
"Now, let the Birthday Banquet begin!" the King declared, his voice booming.
*Lights shut**Lights open*
What just happened? My eyes widened in disbelief. A body lay sprawled on the floor, blood pooling around it like a dark halo.
Unstoppable Chatter buzzing around the room like a swarm of bees, making it difficult to focus on anything else. The constant noise seemed to fill every corner, drowning out all other sounds.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I wish you a very spectacular birthday," a boy said, his foot resting casually on one of the two lifeless bodies. His eyes sparkled with mischief, as if he were a child playing a game rather than standing amidst a scene of horror.
"Cillian De Valentine Eriko Elmir! What sort of behavior is this? How dare you enter the Palace without any prior notice and commit a crime in my Palace right in front of me?!" my father shouted, his face flushed with anger. His face was red with anger, and his voice boomed throughout the grand hall. I could feel the weight of father's disappointment in him as I stood there, unable to speak.
Elmir…..Isn't that one of our Enemies? Well I must say, he's got quite the courage to do something so outrageous in the grounds of his Empire's Enemy. Furthermore, he is the son of the Valentine family, one of Elmir's most prestigious and renowned households. I am curious what type of turmoil and flu-like rumors will arise from here on out.
To be Continued...