-Amoria Palace; Luxana's Room-
Luxana's private chambers were a scene of quiet tranquility, broken only by the gentle snore of the princess as she slept. Myla entered the room, her voice a soft whisper as she tried to rouse Luxana from her slumber.
"Princess, wake up!" Myla exclaimed, her tone urgent.
But Luxana remained oblivious to the world around her, her body still and her breathing steady.
*Shakes Luxana gently*
"Princess, please You have to get up!"
Luxana's eyes widened, and she sat up with a jolt. "What? Why didn't you wake me earlier, Myla?"
"I've been trying for the past six hours, but you wouldn't budge!" Myla replied, her voice laced with exasperation.
Luxana's eyes narrowed, and she rubbed her face with her hands. "Ugh!" she exclaimed, her irritation palpable. "I should've slept early!"
With a sense of urgency, Luxana quickly got out of bed and rushed to take a bath. She knew she only had two hours to get ready for her meeting with Lady Lily, and every minute counted.
With emerald eyes that shimmer like the first leaves of spring and golden locks that cascade like rays of sunlight, Lily Furia is nothing short of an ethereal vision. Her unmatched delicate beauty and poised presence leave all who lay eyes upon her spellbound, while her gentle nature and innate sophistication elevate her elegance to celestial heights. A warm and radiant smile, as enchanting as a blooming rose, illuminates her countenance, casting a spell of delight on those fortunate enough to bask in her company. Lily's entrancing charm and grace leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who are privileged to encounter this paragon of loveliness.
As a member of the esteemed House Furia, she was raised in the heights of society and enjoyed the luxury and privilege that her distinguished family had bestowed upon her. But fate had already decided, dumping her from the peaks of nobility into the poverty of shame and hopelessness. Her former splendor as a noblewoman of House Furia disappeared, leaving her without the possessions that had made her who she was, and she was now forced to face a world that looked at her with a mixture of contempt and pity. Despite the cruel hand that fate had dealt her, the sheer radiance of her unparalleled beauty refused to be dimmed. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her former life, her enchanting visage and alluring presence captured the attention of the royal court, a beacon of loveliness amidst the sea of ostentatious splendor.
It was this exceptional charm that caught the eye of my father, the King himself, and led to her ascension into the royal inner circle. Yet, even as she reclaimed a semblance of her former glory, her newfound position as one of my father's concubines came with a price. For in the golden cage of the royal harem, she discovered herself one of 9 captivating consorts competing for the King's attention. These ladies engaged in a subtle dance of seduction and passion, with my mother taking center stage as the Former Queen—a respected yet reclusive figure. She played her part with grace and dignity, commanding the attention and admiration of all, until her tragic downfall.
The fallen noblewoman thus found herself navigating a new world of whispered secrets and veiled rivalries amid the opulence and power of the royal court. This was a far cry from the life she had known, but one that she would learn to master with the same grace and beauty that had once defined her.
-In Helia Palace; King's Study-
In the King's study of Helia Palace, the atmosphere was thick with tension and the scent of aged parchment. The room was adorned with dark wooden furniture, and the walls were lined with shelves filled with books and scrolls, each holding the weight of royal history. A large window let in the muted light of the afternoon, casting shadows across the polished floor.
"Your Majesty!" an advisor exclaimed as he burst through the door, his voice echoing in the quiet room.
The King, seated at his grand desk with his hands interlaced beneath his chin, looked up with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What's the matter?" he asked, his tone steady.
"Further details regarding Prince Cillian's murder victims have surfaced." the advisor reported, his expression grave.
The King shut his eyes briefly, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over him. He had been preoccupied with thoughts of Luxana all day, a feeling he couldn't quite place gnawing at him. Sigh "You may speak," he permitted, his voice low.
"Our sources indicate that the individuals in question were Empire defectors who had committed treason and fled prior to their scheduled execution. Their arrival in Domino coincided with the banquet, during which they alleged intention of leaking confidential Elmirian information as an act of vengeance. However, their plans were thwarted by Prince Cillian, who eliminated them before they could carry out their objective.," the advisor explained, urgency lacing his words.
"What sort of information, Kyle Brunte?" the King asked, his interest piqued.
Kyle Brunte, the Head of House Brunte, is known for serving the King for generations on end. They were known to have a special ability passed down to them, the Power of Accuracy. Their power enabled them to accurately predict the outcome of battles and political decisions, making them invaluable advisors to the King. This ability was rumored to be tied to a mysterious artifact that had been in their family for centuries, further solidifying their reputation as powerful and influential figures in the kingdom.
Some believe it isn't the artifact alone that grants them power, but the spirit that resides in it. And some believe that the spirit is rather a ghost who haunts the soul of the successor. Because the Heir's hair sprouts a thin, midnight black thread after they have formally become the Master. The black hue that appears between the green hair is a representation of deterioration. The body and soul evaporate when the hair is completely black. Nothing remains besides the successor left behind.
The Brunte family has consistently produced male children. And there is no more than one child per generation. So that's why when the Successor of Brunte turns 18, they're married off, and within the next few years, a male heir is born. The reason for this is that the ghost feeds off of the successor's life force, slowly draining them of their vitality. So to keep the legacy going, they take this measure to ensure there is someone in line to inherit what might be lost in an unpredictable lifespan. In doing so, they guarantee that the family name will continue to thrive for generations to come.
"Information regarding the House of Valentine itself," Kyle exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and mischief.
"Hmmm... The Duchess," the King mused, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fit together.
"Precisely, Your Majesty," Kyle replied, a smirk creeping onto his face. "It seems we have the upper hand this time."
The King's expression shifted, a smirk forming on his lips. "Then we shall prepare ourselves. I'll leave the draft planning to you, then, Kyle," he declared, the weight of their newfound advantage invigorating him.
"It'll be my pleasure, Your Majesty," Kyle said, bowing slightly as he prepared to take his leave.
"You may take your leave," the King commanded, his mind already racing with the implications of this new information. As Kyle exited the study, the King leaned back in his chair, the flickering flames in the fireplace casting shadows that mirrored the turmoil within him. The game of power was shifting, and he was determined to seize the moment.
-In Knoria Palace; Tea Party Garden-
In the vibrant Tea Party Garden of Knoria Palace, the sun cast a golden glow over the scene, illuminating the delicate petals of the lilies that surrounded them. The air was fragrant with their sweet scent, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed tea. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, creating a serene backdrop for the gathering. Luxana sat at a beautifully set table, her gaze drifting over the picturesque landscape, the sound of the flowing river nearby providing a calming melody.
"What a beautiful day, don't you agree, Princess Luxana?" asked Lily Furia, the 9th consort, her voice cheerful and melodic as her hair flowed gracefully in the breeze.
"Undoubtedly," I replied, faking a smile as I took a sip of the tea. The taste was foreign yet delicious, awakening my senses. "Mmm... what tea leaves have been brewed to make this?" I inquired, genuinely curious about the unique flavor.
"Haha, I knew you'd ask. That's why I prepared a gift for you," Lily said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She raised her hand to signal the maid standing nearby, who promptly placed a beautifully wrapped package on the table.
"They're the tea leaves brewed in this tea. I got them from a merchant not too long ago. They have a unique taste, so I'm planning to sponsor them soon," she explained, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Ah, I see. Thank you for the gift," I said, my smile softening.
However, Lily's expression shifted as she pouted playfully. "You don't seem energetic at all!" she exclaimed, her tone light but probing.
"I-is that so? Ha-ha," I responded, unsure of how to react.
Honestly, Lily isn't a bad person. It's just that......I never really got the chance to talk to her like this. I felt a twinge of uncertainty. But what's suspicious is the fact that there are seven maids with her. Do they want to spread rumors about the two of us being close? Whatever it is, I'll just play along. And more importantly, I should focus on what she wants from me first. Her secretive way of sending an invitation late at night was quite... peculiar, to say at the least.
"So, umm... Lady Furia, why did you ask for my presence today?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation toward the reason I was here.
"Oh, right!" she beamed, her excitement palpable. "I actually invited you today to offer you something!"
"And what might that be?" I asked, giving back a smile, though uncertainty lingered in my heart.
Lily snapped her fingers, indicating for the maids to leave the area. The sound of their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving just the two of us in the serene garden. "How about... getting married?" she proposed, a mischievous smirk spreading across her face.
My eyes widened in shock. "Wha-what are you talking about?" I stammered, taken aback. "How do you plan on getting me married while my father's still alive?"
"Oh, don't worry about His Majesty," she said, her mood shifting from eerie to exuberant. "I know a perfect way to get it done; I just need your agreement." Her expression turned dramatic, one hand on her face and the other on her chest. "I just don't want you to blame me if you're unhappy with it later on."
"Aha? I see," I replied, feeling my formal demeanor slipping away.
"And who are you planning to get me married to?" I asked, playing along but genuinely curious.
I'm convinced she's merely stalling. A marriage arrangement under my father's watch seems impossible, as he would want to make the most strategic use of my existence.
"Hmmm...how about...Prince Cillian?" Lily suggested sweetly, her smirk returning.
Panic surged through me. Sh*t! She knows about him too? My heart raced. What on earth are these ladies doing all day besides looking into my life? Don't they have other things to do in the Palace?
"Oh, umm...but he's already engaged to someone," I reminded her, trying to keep my composure.
"Oh my! When did you get a chance to know about his personal life so well within just a few days?" Lily teased, her expression playful.
"What?" I replied, disgusted.
"Oh, don't treat me like a fool, Princess. I know everything that's been going on," Lily said, her gaze piercing.
"I'm not fooling anyone," I admitted, taking another sip of my tea to mask my unease.
"Listen to me carefully, Luxana. Cillian is unhappy with this engagement. And I'm well aware that you know this too. So, isn't this a perfect opportunity for you to escape this hell?" she pressed.
"What...are you talking about?" I asked, concerned and suspicious.
"Luxana, you know well that sitting here and waiting isn't going to work. I have firsthand experience if you'd like to know," Lily added, her tone serious.
I recalled Lily's failed attempts to become queen and felt a flicker of understanding. "So you suggest I become an obstacle between him and his fiancée, break off their engagement, and marry him—the prince of an enemy nation? And in return, gain support from his family to strike Domino?"
"Of course! That's exactly my plan!" Lily exclaimed, her enthusiasm unwavering.
"Are you nuts?" I shot back.
"Huh?"
Sigh "Lily, you're basically asking me to walk into a dragon's den and die."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA- NO! I'M NOT! I WOULD NEVER WANT YOU TO DIE!"
"How do you expect me to survive in a place where everyone hates me?" I countered, my frustration mounting.
"But Cillian doesn't!" Lily insisted.
"Is there any assurance that he will prioritize me over his family and country?" I pressed, my skepticism growing.
"Ohhh...right," Lily conceded, her confidence faltering.
It definitely feels like talking to an idiot right now. If only her brain were as good as her looks. God, please show mercy to this idiot. *Sigh*
"I'll take my leave now. Let's not continue this conversation," I said, rising from my seat. The serene beauty of the garden felt suffocating now, the vibrant colors and sweet scents unable to mask the absurdity of our discussion. I decided it was best to distance myself from this ridiculous proposal, hoping to regain my composure away from her unsettling presence.
-At Night In Amoria Palace; Library-
In the dimly lit library of Amoria Palace, the scent of aged parchment and polished wood enveloped me like a comforting embrace. The towering shelves, filled with countless volumes, stood as silent guardians of knowledge, their spines gleaming in the soft glow of the flickering candlelight. I had spent hours lost in the pages of a particularly intriguing book, my mind racing with the possibilities it presented.
"Hmm... Where was it again? AH! There it is! Found it!" I exclaimed, a rush of excitement coursing through me as I finally located the passage I had been searching for.
As I read, time slipped away unnoticed. Immersing myself in the narrative, the words transported me to a world of complex human experiences, reflecting on the dichotomy of darkness and beauty.
But deep down, I couldn't stop myself from overthinking about what happened today. Lady Furia left me feeling uneasy and uncertain about the offer she proposed. Each time I tried to process it, a wave of sadness washed over me, engulfing my heart in confusion. Feeling lost in my thoughts, I slammed my head on the table sinking my head into my right hand while pursing my lips, overwhelmed by the torrent of emotions coursing through me. Life is what it is...
To be Continued...