Part 1
Evelyne sat in her hospital room, the lavish furnishings around her a stark contrast to the overwhelming emptiness that gnawed at her heart. The room, tucked away in a highly secure and isolated facility, was befitting of an Empress—ornate tapestries lined the walls, and the polished wooden floor gleamed under the dim light. But none of it brought her comfort. Her surroundings felt cold, distant, like a foreign land she didn't belong in.
In a few hours, they would begin her secret journey across the ocean to Norlandia. The thought weighed heavily on her. War was coming. Avalonia was on the brink, and it was her hand that had signed the royal assent for war. The declaration had come from the First Minister's office, already drafted and prepared before she had even arrived at the hospital. All she had to do was put her name to it, a ceremonial duty. But the weight of it—knowing the countless lives it would affect—sat heavy in her chest.
When she signed the declaration, Evelyne had felt something strange. A brief flicker of exhilaration. Anger, grief, and the burning desire for justice coursed through her veins as she pressed the pen to paper. She had lost everything—her family, her future—and now Scarlett, her closest friend, was gone too. The Alyssians had taken it all. But now, in the quiet of her hospital room, that exhilaration was fading, replaced by a gnawing doubt.
Was war really what Avalonia needed? Was it what Scarlett would have wanted? Evelyne could still hear her friend's final words, spoken with a voice so weak, yet filled with a depth of emotion that Evelyne had never heard before. Scarlett, even in her last moments, had pleaded with Evelyne to forgive, to let go of the anger and the desire for vengeance.
"Don't let this hate consume you, Evelyne," Scarlett had whispered, her hand trembling in Evelyne's grasp. "I know it's hard, but you're stronger than this. You have the heart of a leader… the heart of someone who can choose the path of peace, even when it's the hardest one to walk."
But how could Evelyne forgive when her heart was broken, her world shattered? Scarlett had begged her to help Enrich forgive too. She had feared what her death would do to him, and Evelyne had seen the truth of that fear when Enrich arrived. The grief had changed him, twisted something inside of him.
Evelyne closed her eyes, the image of Scarlett's final moments burned into her memory. She had held on for so long, waiting for Enrich to arrive, but the time had run out. Evelyne had watched helplessly, her heart breaking as Scarlett's life slipped away, her final breaths shallow and labored. Even in those moments, Scarlett had tried to comfort her, urging her to be strong, to keep her promise.
"Visit me, Evelyne… come to my grave with Enrich every year," Scarlett had whispered. "I'm worried about him. He needs you now, more than ever."
And then there was the Duchess of Lavaria. Evelyne had never known the woman well, though Scarlett had often spoken of the troubles between them. When the Duchess arrived, just minutes after Scarlett's passing, Evelyne felt only pity for her. The Duchess had missed Scarlett's last moments. She had been unreachable for hours, lost in a haze of alcohol and poor company at a party. Now, here she was, tear-streaked and full of regret, but it was too late. The moment had passed.
The scene played over and over in Evelyne's mind. Scarlett's hand, cold in hers. Enrich, begging, pleading, as if his words could somehow pull Scarlett back from the brink. His grief had been raw, unfiltered, a side of him Evelyne had never seen before. He had always been so composed, so controlled. But now, Evelyne wasn't sure who he was anymore.
His arrival had been delayed by nearly sixteen hours—an eternity. The military had granted him permission to fly across the ocean in a fighter jet, but bureaucracy and air traffic had slowed him down. When he finally arrived, Evelyne couldn't bear to look at him. The truth was too painful, too raw. She had stood frozen, unable to find the words to tell him that Scarlett was gone.
When he saw her, his voice had been barely above a whisper, trembling as he asked, "How is she?"
Evelyne had felt the weight of those words like a blow to the chest. She had opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Her hands had shaken as she reached for him, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. But what could she say? How could she tell him that the love of his life was gone? When the words finally came, they were hollow, broken.
"She's… gone, Enrich. Just minutes before you arrived."
Enrich had stood there, silent, his face ashen. Then, with slow, deliberate steps, he moved to Scarlett's bedside. He had taken her hand, his fingers trembling as he clutched it to his chest. His voice, normally so measured, so precise, was shattered by grief.
"Scarlett… please," he had whispered, his breath hitching as tears fell freely down his face. "We were supposed to be married. We had so many plans. You can't leave me… not yet… please…."
Evelyne had never seen him like this. It had broken something in her to witness it, to see the man she had always known as the epitome of control unravel before her. And yet, there was something else in his eyes. A coldness, a sharpness that hadn't been there before.
The change in him was subtle, but Evelyne noticed. His grief wasn't just sadness; it was something darker, something that hinted at a shift deep within him. He had always been the peace-loving diplomat, the man who believed in negotiation over conflict. But now… Evelyne wasn't sure.
Scarlett had asked her to take care of him, to help him find peace. But how could she? How could she help him when she could barely hold herself together? And what if Enrich no longer wanted peace? What if the man who had once been so devoted to avoiding conflict was now consumed by something else, something far more dangerous?
The knock on the door startled her. One of her advisors stepped in, bowing with the formality that had always felt so distant to her.
"Your Majesty, the preparations are complete. We'll be departing for Norlandia in one hour."
Evelyne nodded, her heart sinking. Across the ocean lay her safety, but also the war. The emergency council had already informed her that once she was secure in Norlandia, Avalonia would declare war on Alyssia. The royal assent had been signed, and the machinery of war was already turning.
But Evelyne's thoughts were elsewhere. What if they didn't go to war? What if Avalonia chose peace instead? Would it even be possible now that the evidence was clear? The Alyssians were responsible. But even if they went to war and won… what then? What would victory bring? More death, more destruction? Would it bring her any closer to peace, or would it only deepen the wounds that had already been inflicted?
She thought of Enrich again, of the man he had been, and the man he seemed to be becoming.
Part 2
The early morning sun glimmered off the still waters of Roiston Lake, turning the landscape into a scene from a dream. Lilianna stood in front of her easel, gently adding touches of deep blue to her latest painting. Her island was her sanctuary, her personal world where she could forget the cutthroat corporate battles of the outside world. Here, life was simple and beautiful.
Her estate sat on its own private island, one of many spreading across Roiston Lake, a secluded haven for the ultra-wealthy. This was where Norlandia's elite retreated to escape the eyes of the world. Each island bore its own mansion, all distinctly extravagant, with private docks, motorboats, and helicopter pads. Yet, despite the luxury surrounding her, Lilianna's retreat was different. It wasn't just another show of opulence but a reflection of something far deeper within her.
Her cottage, though massive, was designed with a whimsical elegance. The vines that climbed its walls were shaped into intricate patterns, mimicking scenes from her favorite childhood fairytales. Every detail had been meticulously planned to evoke a sense of magic and wonder—the cottage felt more like a palace from an enchanted forest than a mere summer home. The windows were large and arched, allowing the sunlight to flood in and cast delicate shadows across the polished wooden floors. Throughout the island, bushes and trees were sculpted into animals from legends and mythical creatures, creating a landscape that seemed to belong to another world.
Vines wrapped around the beams of her porch, forming arches that mimicked the settings of children's storybooks. A vine-wrapped swing hung lazily from a towering oak tree, swaying in the gentle morning breeze. Everything about her island was a reflection of her hidden yearning for an idyllic world—a world she unknowingly sought to create. The island was a manifestation of Lilianna's deepest, subconscious desires. Though she didn't fully realize it herself, her soul longed for a world of peace and beauty, where everything was simple, kind, and perfect and where everyone was kind to each other.
Lilianna herself was layered, a complex blend of identities. There was the subconscious side of her that yearned for simplicity, a world of pure beauty and kindness. Then, there was her conscious self, the cold and calculating woman who navigated the corporate world with ruthless efficiency, excelling at everything she did. The Lilianna who was obsessed with controlling everything from behind the scenes, always striving for perfection, who manipulated others with ease, and who believed that the end justified the means. Finally, there was the mask she wore for the world—a sweet, traditional woman, always kind and considerate. To her family, friends, and acquaintances, Lilianna was sweet, kind, and traditional—a woman who cared deeply about others and who always seemed to need protection. She relished in playing that role, for it allowed her to manipulate those around her while maintaining the appearance of innocence.
As she added the final touches to her painting, a small whirring noise broke the silence. Her robotic maid, a bear-like automaton, padded over with a tray. It gently placed her cappuccino on the tiny, intricately designed tea table beside her.
"Thank you," Lilianna murmured as she set her brush aside and picked up the cup. The foam was perfect, of course. Everything in her world was. Lilianna brought the cup to her lips, savoring the rich, bitter taste. Her mind was clear, her thoughts focused on the peaceful morning—until she heard the familiar hum of an engine in the distance.
Henry was arriving.
Henry had been visiting her almost daily during this vacation, finding excuses to drop by her island by offering his help with various repair projects. He owned his own private island nearby, and over the past few years, their paths had crossed more often than seemed coincidental.
At first, Lilianna hadn't thought much of it. Henry was charming, and like many men in her world, he seemed mesmerized by her beauty and elegance. Yet unlike others, he hadn't made any overt moves, nor did he seem intimidated by her. He was, in many ways, an enigma. A brilliant programmer, he came from a wealthy family that owned a major aerospace parts manufacturing company in the Celestial Dragon Realm. But Henry had chosen his own path, one far removed from his family's business empire, opting instead for a career in technology.
Lilianna had long learned how to wrap men around her finger, how to play the sweet, docile woman who needed their help, even though she rarely did. Most men fell for it, and Henry was no different. But there was something about him that intrigued her. He didn't fit into the neat little box she had placed him in all those years ago.
She walked down to the dock as Henry's motorboat came to a stop. He jumped out gracefully, his athletic form clad in a loose Hawaiian shirt and swimming trunks. His raven-black hair was still wet from his own swim, and his round black eyes glimmered with a mischievous light as he pulled off his sunglasses.
"Morning, Lilianna," he said, flashing her a smile. "I hope you're ready to put me to work today."
He pulled the boat up to the dock with practiced ease, jumping out and securing it with a rope before making his way up the path to where Lilianna stood.
Lilianna smiled back, her eyes briefly sweeping over his lean, muscular frame. "Good morning, Henry," she replied, her voice soft and welcoming. She noticed how his eyes lingered on her for just a moment longer than usual. She was still in her swimsuit, a sleek, custom-made one-piece that accentuated her slim waist and graceful curves.
"You look incredible, as always," Henry said, his voice dropping slightly as he took in her appearance. "Didn't know a morning swim could make someone glow like that."
Lilianna's practiced blush came naturally, her heart giving a small flutter—not at his compliment, but at the power she knew she held over him. "You're too kind," she said with a light laugh. "But I hope you're not just here to flatter me."
Henry chuckled and pulled a toolbox from the boat. "Trust me, the flattery's just a bonus. The real reason I'm here is to fix that deck of yours."
Lilianna felt a surge of satisfaction. She had mastered the art of using her appearance to her advantage, and with Henry, it was no different. Men were predictable, and she knew exactly how to handle them. "You're too kind," she said with a light laugh.
As he worked, Lilianna watched from the sidelines, occasionally offering him water or engaging in light conversation. Henry was surprisingly good with his hands. Despite being a programmer, he moved with the ease and confidence of someone who had spent years honing practical skills. Within half an hour, the repairs were finished.
"You're full of surprises," Lilianna remarked as she handed him a towel. "I didn't expect you to be such a handyman."
Henry grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I learned from the best. My dad always believed in knowing how to fix things yourself, even if you could afford to hire someone else to do it."
Lilianna smiled, leaning against the railing as she watched him work. "Your father sounds like a smart man."
"He is," Henry said, his expression softening. "But I wanted something different. Tech is the future, and I wanted to be a part of that."
Henry's movements were fluid, efficient, and surprisingly competent for a man who worked in programming. Within minutes, he had fixed the loose planks and tightened the supports on the deck.
"You're good at this," Lilianna said, genuinely impressed.
Once the repairs were finished, they sat together on the dock, their feet dangling over the edge as they gazed out at the shimmering lake. The conversation drifted from casual topics to deeper ones, and soon Henry was sharing his views on society and the future.
"You know, true equality isn't possible," Henry said, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. "No matter how much society tries to equalize wealth or resources, people will always find new ways to distinguish themselves. It's human nature."
Lilianna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"Think about it," Henry continued, his voice thoughtful. "Even if you take away all material wealth, there will still be other forms of inequality. Physical beauty, intelligence, social connections—these things can't be equalized. In a society where everyone has the same amount of money, people will start to differentiate themselves in other ways. Power and influence will still exist, just in a different form."
Lilianna considered his words. "So, you're saying inequality is inevitable?"
"Yes," Henry said confidently. "And any society that tries to stamp it out will only create other forms of inequality. Take wealth out of the equation, and suddenly, things like beauty or intelligence become the new currency. In a world where wealth is equalized, the young and beautiful will have the advantage over the old and wealthy."
He gave an example. "Imagine a young woman and an older woman, both competing for the attention of the same man. In our current world, the older woman might have more wealth, more social capital. But if everyone had the same wealth, what would the older woman have to offer? The young woman would win every time."
Lilianna nodded slowly, impressed by his insight. "It's a bold theory."
"It's practical," Henry said with a shrug. "People think inequality is the problem, but it's not. The real issue is social mobility—giving people the chance to rise. But trying to eliminate inequality entirely? It's a waste of time."
For a moment, Lilianna found herself drawn to him in a way she hadn't expected. Henry wasn't just another charming man trying to win her favor. He had depth, and he wasn't afraid to challenge her views.
Lilianna nodded slowly. "I see your point. But don't you think we should at least try to create a more equal society?"
"We should," Henry agreed, "but the goal shouldn't be to eliminate inequality. That's impossible. What we should focus on is mobility—making sure people have a fair shot at improving their situation. But complete equality? It's a myth."
Lilianna smiled, surprised by his insight. "You're more of a philosopher than I gave you credit for."
Henry grinned, shrugging. "I have my moments."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the soft lapping of the water against the dock providing a soothing soundtrack to their thoughts.
"War is coming," Henry said after a long pause, his voice quiet but firm. "And when it does, everything will change."
Lilianna glanced at him, surprised by the certainty in his tone. "You really believe that?"
"I do," Henry replied, his expression serious. "And I've been preparing for it."
He told her about his investments—how he had increased his ownership stakes in defense contractors, rental real estate, food producers, and hardware suppliers in anticipation of the conflict. Lilianna listened with growing intrigue. Henry wasn't just another wealthy playboy. He had foresight, a strategic mind, and a confidence that was hard to ignore.
"I'll make you a bet," Henry said suddenly, turning to face her. "If I'm right, and war breaks out within the month, you owe me a date in Tochago. If I'm wrong, I'll buy you a supercar worth at least $800,000."
Lilianna blinked, taken aback by his boldness. But then she laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "That's quite a bet."
"I'm serious," said Henry.
"Deal," Lilianna replied, still amused by the absurdity of it.
As Henry climbed into his boat and waved goodbye, Lilianna watched him disappear into the horizon. He had succeeded in leaving an impression, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a pull toward someone that wasn't part of her carefully constructed plan.
"Interesting guy," she murmured to herself.