Days slipped by in a whirl of nerves and whispered thoughts as Rohese prepared to present her object—a rock—and justify what made it worthy. Her heart felt like it might break with the weight of her doubt, and she struggled to find the words that might make others see what she saw in it. But as she waited for her turn, Princess Adelais began her own presentation, her graceful voice ringing through the hall.
"This is the ring of Marquise Gaufridaus," the princess began, her voice rich with reverence. "An extraordinary and legendary figure who helped build Emberfall, he was a man who, though not a ruler, brokered peace between our kingdom and the Western barbarians. To secure that peace, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his only daughter for the safety and happiness of all. His loyalty, wisdom, and selflessness are woven into the fabric of our land." Princess Adelais lifted her chin, her gaze filled with quiet pride. "This ring is a reminder of his unwavering love and loyalty—a path we, as nobles, must all follow."
Rohese tightened her hands, feeling the rawness of her own nerves. She looked down, tucking her hands together as she fought back her doubts.
"Lady Rohese!"
The sound jolted her from her thoughts, and Rohese felt a blush rise as she met Princess Adelais's encouraging smile. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped forward.
"Good morning. My name is Rohese Valebrook, the eldest daughter of Count Zadimous Valebrook and today I present…" She hesitated, feeling the weight of every eye upon her, then continued, "a rock. Although it appears quite ordinary, this stone is known as the Heartstone, a rare formation found only in Emberfall. Rough and unyielding, it holds veins of mineral deposits that shimmer faintly in the light."
A murmur passed through the audience, but Rohese pressed on, feeling her voice steady. "The Heartstone, while not magical, is bound to Emberfall's origins. When the first settlers touched it, they found the lands around them coming to life—fertile soil, abundant resources. It was a gift, a blessing, a sign that they were meant to settle here." She looked around the room, meeting curious gazes. "For centuries,although not mentioned, it holds a significant meaning in our heart for it is a silent vow to protect our land and people."
As Rohese finished, the silence was thick with surprise. She'd done it. She'd made them see its worth. But as she stepped down, her heart felt impossibly heavy. Soon, she'd likely be sent home. She found herself drifting to the garden, seeking the solitude of tea and the solace of the open air.
"Lady Rohese!" The familiar voice of Princess Adelais called out, drawing Rohese from her thoughts.
"Your Highness," she greeted, smiling softly.
Princess Adelais sat beside her, her eyes bright with excitement. "How do you think it went?"
Rohese shook her head with a small smile. "I expect I'll be leaving soon."
"Nonsense," the princess replied, her tone firm but kind. "Your speech was remarkable. Even I didn't realize that rock held such a legacy. I believe in you, Lady Rohese."
A small, grateful chuckle escaped Rohese. But before she could respond, the princess took her hand, guiding her through the palace grounds, her touch warm and comforting.
When they reached a small grove hidden behind the noblewomen's courtyard, Princess Adelais stopped and took a deep breath. "What do you think of this place?" she asked, gesturing to the peaceful surroundings. Tall bushes sheltered them, and a grand tree cast its shadow, giving them a perfect little sanctuary.
Rohese looked around, feeling the serenity settle over her. "It's peaceful, very quiet."
Adelais smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "This is my hideaway," she admitted, lowering herself to the grass. "Whenever I need to escape the watchful eyes of the court, I come here. Of course I've only been here for a couple of weeks." She shrugged and lay back, gazing up at the canopy above. "If you ever feel stressed or just need someone to talk to, you're welcome to come here too."
Rohese settled beside her, feeling a warmth blossom in her chest. "I'll remember that."
The princess turned to her, her eyes soft. "Then I'll expect you," she whispered.
As they lay side by side, silence settled between them, and a smile crept across Princess Adelais's face.
**Empress's Chamber**
"What do you think?"
Countess Escalant clasped her hands neatly, answering with measured calm. "The ladies performed admirably. But among them, only a select few truly stood out."
The Empress pressed her fingers to her temple, barely acknowledging the Countess's words with a subtle gesture to continue.
"Lady Seraphina's speech was thorough—a safe, noble presentation, with carefully chosen points. Lady Eveline's approach was polished and enriched by her knowledge of historical events, quite informative. Lady Emmette's speech was also well-prepared, though lacking a certain depth." The Countess paused, her expression carefully neutral. "The princess gave an inspiring speech, evoking a strong sense of loyalty. And then there was Lady Rohese—her words were remarkable, deeply moving. She didn't just inform; she connected with her audience, evoking emotions and reminding us all of our origins. Truly, each lady showed her own unique strengths."
The Empress opened her eyes with a sigh. "Hmm. Thoughtful and clever, yes."
With little more than a flick of her hand, she rose from her seat. "I'll leave the rest to you, Aralinda."
The Countess inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Empress Delsanra strode down the corridor, her irritation crackling in the air like static. The maids held their breath as they passed her, trying desperately not to draw her attention; one wrong move, one glance out of place, and she could turn on them in an instant.
The Empress was hardly interested in the crown princess selection. It was merely a tool to keep the crown prince occupied, stalling his interference in her affairs. With the emperor's health worsening by the day, Empress Delsanra's control of the empire was at a fragile peak. She needed more time, more followers under her sway before the crown prince's influence grew large enough to threaten her hold on power.
As she entered her chamber, she dismissed her maids with a single, cold wave. She walked toward her private bathing pool, her irritation melting into a twisted satisfaction as she let each piece of her clothing slip to the floor. Clad only in her undergarments, she draped a long black silk robe over herself, savoring the heavy fabric as it whispered against her skin.
Stepping into the dark water of her bath, a smirk curled her lips as she descended deeper, letting the chill bite into her bones. Slowly, the water around her turned black, seeping with an unnatural energy. In a heartbeat, she was transported to a different place—a hidden chamber that only she could reach, connected to her bath by dark magic. It was a realm cloaked in shadows and secrets, a place where her darkest deeds were concealed.
With a wave of her hand, she dried herself, the moisture evaporating from her skin. In this world, few could wield magic, and the Empress was no natural wielder herself. But she had turned to the forbidden—black magic, a path that required human sacrifices.
It was blood that fueled her power, and it was blood that sustained her. With each sip of the dark, red coppery liquid in her cup, she felt life flood back into her cold, fever-ridden veins. She'd sacrificed much to gain this power and was, by some accounts, no longer truly human. Her magic came at a price—an unending chill, a fever that could only be soothed with human blood. Now, she was closer to a demon than an Empress, though she'd long stopped caring about the difference.
"Ahh, so much better," she murmured, taking another sip, a smile creeping over her face as she let the warmth settle.
Her gaze drifted to the young man before her. Edwin Fulton, the second son of the Duke of Stormlands, stood there, his head bowed. His light green hair was intricately braided, framing his slender, pale face. He trembled slightly, though he hid it well.
The Empress leaned forward, her dark eyes gleaming with malice.
"Come here, Edwin," she instructed.
Edwin approached her slowly.
The Empress caressed his face and remarked, "If only you possessed even half the beauty of him."
Edwin smiled and asked, "Master, what is it that I lack? Please tell me, and I will make the necessary changes."
The Empress smiled gently and shook her head, saying, "Edwin, Edwin, you know that is impossible. To change, you would have to transform everything about yourself."
Pouting, Edwin sat down and rested his head on her lap while she sat in a chair, and he settled on the floor.
"Do not be sad. You know that you are my favorite," the Empress reassured him as she took another sip from her drink.
At that moment, Edwin's hand began to move slowly up her leg and toward her thigh.
The Empress let out a soft moan.
Edwin smiled before continuing to explore the area between her legs.
The Empress lovingly stroked Edwin's hair and said his name softly, "Edwin."
Edwin gradually gets up, stealthily moving beneath the folds of her silk robe, while her moans resonate through the air.
**Greenhaven**
Alaric laughed as he peeled the apple in his hand, "She's nowhere to be found?"
Hugon nodded in response, "No, Your Highness. We have searched everywhere, and Lady Lunette's presence is completely untraceable; it is as if she never arrived there in the first place."
Alaric chuckled softly.
Hugon's expression shifted to one of concern as he noticed blood squirting from Alaric's hand. "Your Highness, your hand is injured."
Alaric, seemingly unaware, glanced at his hand. "Ah, I applied too much pressure. It has become dirty now; Hugon,fetch me another apple."
Hugon frowned but quickly retrieved a handkerchief.
"I'm fine, Hugon," Alaric reassured him.
Hugon then turned away to procure another apple for Alaric.
During Alaric's captivity under Count Zadimous Valebrook and the supervision of Lunette, one of the tortures he endured involved peeling apples. Whenever he failed to peel one flawlessly, Lunette would insist he redo it until it met her standards. Each time he faltered, he faced starvation; if Lunette could not have a perfectly peeled apple, then he was denied his meal as well. Lunette took great delight in his failures.
Hugon reached into the pocket of his horse, glancing up at the sky where he spotted a hawk approaching him.
"Only?"
Hugon quickly extended his arms, and the hawk, named Only, landed on him. He carefully retrieved the small letter from the hawk's feet and began to read.
Upon finishing the letter, his eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Hugon hurriedly ran toward Alaric. "Your Highness!"
Alaric, who was tending to the wound on his hand, turned to face Hugon.
"There has been an attack; we must return to the palace immediately!" Hugon exclaimed.
With that, the two of them swiftly mounted their horses and raced back to the palace.
"Father," Alaric announced as he entered the grand hall of the palace.
Seated beside the emperor was the Empress, now dressed in formal attire.
The emperor coughed and addressed Alaric, "Alaric, my son. The Gwendolyn Empire has launched an attack on our borders. I suspected they had been too quiet in recent years, but I never anticipated they would strike when we were unprepared."
Alaric raised his head decisively. "I intend to head to the borders immediately, Father. While our forces stationed there are capable, they require a leader."
The emperor nodded in agreement. "You are correct. Hugon, accompany Alaric. I entrust this responsibility to you, my son."
Alaric nodded and promptly exited the palace.
**Alryne Town**
Klaire meticulously cleans the cloth on her table, folding the pre-made clothing and placing it gently into a basket.
Jake had departed just a day prior, leaving the elderly man Raullin, whom she affectionately calls Old Raul, to complain and sweet-talk her throughout the entire day. He had only just left to look after Sarah.
As Klaire carries the basket of wet clothing into her backyard to dry, she suddenly hears some commotion coming from her front door.
Intrigued, she steps outside. "Susan?"
A visibly panicked Susan approaches her with a smile, "Klaire."
Klaire feels a wave of confusion wash over her as she observes people bustling about, packing as if they are preparing to leave. "What's happening? Is something wrong, Susan?"
"Susan!" David exclaims, carrying a box of clothes. "What are you still doing here? We have to hurry!"
Klaire's confusion deepens; why is there such a sense of urgency?
"Klaire, aren't you coming with us? The nearby villages have been attacked! We're in danger!"
Klaire is taken aback, "Attacked?! By whom? Why?"
David quickly explains, "The Gwendolyn! They're launching an attack on us, and we're situated near the border—a prime target for them. We must get out before it's too late!"
Susan nods in agreement, "Go pack all your essential belongings, but take as little as possible. Hurry!"
Overwhelmed, Klaire stumbles into her house and slams the door behind her.
Leaning against the door, she sinks to the floor. An attack? This place had always felt so safe! How could it be under threat? In the novel, the attack was said to occur a year after the crown princess selection, and it never specified that it would be at the border or in Alryne. In fact, there was no mention of which part of Emberfall would be attacked. Tears begin to stream down her face as she breaks down, feeling the weight of her struggles over the past few months to adapt to this world, to accept it, and to find freedom within it. Why was this happening? Why couldn't she simply live in peace?
*Bangs*
"Klaire! Klaire! Can you hear me? It's David! We need to move quickly!"
The loud banging jolts her from her thoughts. With urgency, she hastily gathers her belongings, some money, and all the essentials into Bluey, her magical pouch.
In a heartbeat, Klaire flings the door open and rushes toward David and the others.
David's wagon begins to pick up speed.
Susan embraces her daughter tightly, attempting to soothe her fears. Old Raullin, with his weary posture, sighs and glances back at the village, now clouded with dust as people hurriedly flee.
Klaire tucks her knees to her chest. "Old Raul, where are we heading now?"
Old Raul responds, "David mentioned that we're going to the military camp. It's not far from here, just a couple of hours away." He pats her head reassuringly. "Don't worry, child; we'll be alright."
Klaire buries her face in her knees, questioning whether everything will truly be fine. Her life has been fraught with challenges, and all she wishes for is a moment of peace, a chance to simply relax without the weight of worry.