The laughter of the Empress resonated throughout the expansive chamber, where shadows danced due to the faint light filtering through the ceiling. The atmosphere was heavy with smoke, and a chilling aura emanated from the Empress, adding to the room's somber tone.
The Empress, unable to suppress her amusement, exclaimed, "I can hardly believe this, Edwin. How could there be such a coincidence?"
Edwin, kneeling before her, nodded in silent agreement.
"They certainly have the guts to launch an attack on Emberfall," the Empress remarked, a smile gracing her lips.
Edwin remained quiet, contemplating her words.
"This should ease the transition for a little while," she exhaled, a cloud of smoke escaping her lips as her body radiated an icy chill. "Come here, Edwin."
He approached the Empress, drawn to her presence.
Leaning closer, she whispered, "We cannot afford to overlook this chance." She gestured toward the pool bath, her mind racing with possibilities. "Perhaps it's time I enjoy some new ingredients. Prepare to accompany the crown prince to the border; I expect no disappointments." With that, her silhouette gracefully descended into the pool, vanishing within moments.
Edwin, who had kept his gaze lowered, slowly lifted his head. His loosely covered chest bore a pattern, one that had been etched onto him against his will. A cold smile emerged on his lips as he covered his chest, steeling himself for his departure from the room.
**Royal Garden**
The results of the first evaluation were announced, revealing that only ten noble ladies had passed the scrutiny. To everyone's surprise, Rohese was among them, while the remaining candidates were sent back home.
Rohese rested her face in her hands, aware that the selection process for the crown princess had been paused, to resume only after the war. In the interim, the noble ladies were to remain within the palace, preparing themselves for whatever lay ahead. While it might seem like a routine halt, Rohese sensed an undercurrent of surveillance; the palace was never a safe haven, and enemies could lurk in plain sight.
Princess Adelais, her mouth full of dessert, chimed in, "Lady Rohese, you've been frowning this whole morning.Don't worry too much, at least for now, we don't have to endure more evaluations." She playfully stuffed a piece of cake into Rohese's mouth. "Let's relish our time while we still can."
Rohese chewed the cake, a smile breaking through her initial worries.
Princess Adelais beamed at her. "I heard you enjoy strawberry cake, so I made sure to bring you some. From what I heard, this is from the best shop. What do you think?"
As Rohese savored the dessert, she responded, "It's delicious; you didn't have to go to such lengths, Princess."
Princess Adelais observed Rohese enjoying the treat. "Anything for you is worth it," she replied warmly.
In a tender gesture, the Princess reached out, gently wiping some frosting from Rohese's face. "You've got a little cake here," she said, licking the sweet residue from her fingers.
Rohese was momentarily taken aback. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Princess Adelais smiled in response.
As she made her way back to her chambers, her maid, Brielle, interjected, "Your Highness, Lady Rohese is correct; you really didn't need to go to such lengths. I know you're not fond of sweets."
Princess Adelais halted, pondering her maid's words. "Do I? Perhaps my tastes are changing."
Brielle cautioned, "Your Highness, it may not be wise to spend too much time with Lady Rohese. Not only is she a candidate, but her father is Count Zadimous Valebrook."
Princess Adelais resumed her walk, her expression unfazed. "So what? Rohese is just Rohese; she is not her father."
Brielle persisted, "Your Highness, it would be prudent to reconsider your association."
Princess Adelais paused, a smile playing on her lips. "What exactly are you implying?"
Brielle sighed, her tone earnest. "Your Highness, I have been by your side since your birth. I recognize that look in your eyes; I know what it means."
Princess Adelais forced a smile, trying to maintain a lighthearted demeanor. "Brielle, since when did you start giving me lectures?"
Brielle bowed her head slightly. "I wouldn't dare, Your Highness."
Princess Adelais chuckled, placing a hand on her forehead. "Let's return now."
Brielle nodded in agreement, following her lead.
**Prince Alaric**
As Prince Alaric guides his troop towards the border to defend Emberfall, the air is filled with the sounds of soldiers panting, murmuring, and displaying the weariness of their journey.
Jake rides behind the others, his face revealing the weight of his worries.
"I'm certain your family will be alright, Jake," reassures Bromar, a fellow knight.
Jake lets out a sigh, "I know, but my father is getting old, and I can't help but worry about him and…"
Garrick, another knight, playfully interjects, "What's the matter? Do you have a special someone waiting for you back home?"
Jake quickly blushes and retorts, "I do not!"
Garrick chuckles, "Oh, sure, I completely believe that."
Jake responds, "Garrick, you…"
Hugon, overhearing their banter, asks, "What's going?!"
Jake quickly regains his composure, "Nothing, Sir."
Hugon then pauses the troop, announcing, "Alright, we will rest here for the night! Everyone, take a moment to quench your thirst and fill your stomachs before we move forward tomorrow!"
After ensuring his horse is fed, Prince Alaric retreats into his tent to rest.
Hugon approaches him, offering him water, "Your Highness."
Prince Alaric accepts the water gratefully, taking a drink.
Hugon continues, "Although this interruption may provide us with a bit of extra time to locate the Dyrna Ring, it is imperative that we retrieve the ring without delay."
Alaric chuckles, "You tend to overthink things, Hugon."
"But for safety's sake, it would be best to retrieve it," Hugon cautions. "Your Highness, you should have never entrusted something so significant to Lady Lunette."
Alaric wipes his mouth, responding, "Hugon, you're being overly persistent." He scratches his ears, adding, "Have you forgotten who I am? you're fully aware that the Ring holds no value for the average individual."
Hugon frowns and exits the tent.
Prince Alaric leans back in his chair, reflecting with a chuckle, "Lunette, Lunette, you're more intriguing than I thought. I quite enjoy this; it adds an element of excitement."
**Merithor Military Evacuation Camp**
"Thank you, dear," one of the people sitting around the fireplace expresses warmly.
Klaire smiles back, "Have a nice meal."
Susan exhales deeply, "It has been a tough day. Klaire, you should take some time to rest."
Klaire beams, "I should be advising you to rest instead, Susan. I'm sure Sarah is looking for you." She gently takes the bag of food from Susan's hand. "Leave the rest to me."
Susan hesitates, "But—"
"I believe I just heard Sarah calling for you," Klaire interjects.
With a sigh, Susan relinquishes the bag of food to Klaire.
As Klaire distributes bread to the citizens, her heart aches for them and for herself.
War is an inescapable reality, and it is the civilians who bear the brunt of its consequences—the loss of life and the destruction of homes.
After assisting with the cooking, Klaire helps Susan hand out bread to the people. Although soldiers stand guard, the citizens cannot find peace, a sentiment that weighs heavily on Klaire as well.
Once inside her tent, Klaire prepares herself for the night with a sense of exhaustion.
Eventually, fatigue overtakes her, and she falls into a deep sleep.
**Dream**
In her dream, Klaire senses the presence of someone standing before her, yet she cannot open her eyes or cry out. Fear courses through her, and she trembles, acutely aware that whatever stands before her poses a threat.
Prince Alaric tilts his head, observing Lunette as she sleeps. She isn't wearing the ring?
The Dyrna Ring, an ancient relic -- something that Prince Alaric's mother had left him. If someone dons it without permission, it will tighten around their limb, ultimately leading to the loss of that body part, as it cannot be removed once worn.
How did she manage to take it off? He distinctly remembers placing it on her.
Prince Alaric gazes intently at Lunette, " Just what are you, Lunette?". He settles beside her, his hand inching towards her face.
In an instant, Klaire feels a pair of lips pressing against hers, forcefully invading her space. She struggles to push the intruder away, but her body remains unresponsive.
A chuckle escapes the lips of her assailant.
Prince Alaric watches as Lunette fights against him, prying her mouth open and exploring with his tongue, leaving no room for her to react.
Summoning all her strength, Klaire channels every ounce of willpower within her and pushes against the force restraining her.
She awakens abruptly, gasping for breath, sweat cascading down her skin.
As she peers outside her tent, she notices it is still dark, and sleep eludes her once more.