~This is a fictional world, setting is Early 19th- Early 20th century and fantasy no real events or places are mentioned in this book~
~Julianius 30th 1803~
The House of Serenity Palace stood in a world of its own, where time seemed to slow, and the weight of centuries lingered in the air like a whispered secret. Framed by ancient oaks and a sky that bled into the horizon, the palace rose with an elegance that defied the modern age. Its towering spires and marble pillars shimmered under the morning sun, casting long, graceful shadows across the manicured gardens. A serene symphony of rustling leaves and the soft trickle of a nearby stream filled the air, a testament to the peace this palace promised—Serenity in both name and essence.
The palace's sprawling grounds were a sanctuary of quiet beauty. Marble statues of forgotten gods watched over rose bushes in full bloom, while winding stone paths led to secluded gazebos where the wind whispered stories of love, loss, and destiny. The soft patter of footsteps on gravel was the only disturbance as visitors approached the grand iron gates, intricately designed with an ancient family crest—an emblem of serenity, yes, but also of silent power.
Inside, the world shifted, revealing a realm of timeless opulence. The grand foyer greeted its guests like an old friend—familiar and endlessly magnificent. Light streamed through tall arched windows, casting a golden glow across the white marble floors streaked with veins of gold. A crystal chandelier hung above, refracting the light into countless rainbows, its delicate beauty a symbol of the fragile peace that the House of Serenity maintained in a world on the edge of chaos.
As one ventured deeper into the palace, the hallways seemed to stretch on infinitely, like paths through a forgotten dream. Ornate sconces lit the way, their soft light glimmering off the polished wood floors and the silent portraits that lined the walls. Ancestors, immortalized in oil and gilded frames, watched over the palace with eyes that had seen empires rise and fall, their painted faces as serene and unyielding as the palace itself. Rich Persian rugs softened the footsteps, their intricate patterns weaving stories of a distant past.
But it was the Living Room where Serenity revealed its heart. A place of warmth amidst grandeur, where time, for a moment, seemed to hold its breath. The room was bathed in the golden glow of a dying sun, filtering through velvet curtains of deep burgundy. A marble fireplace crackled with life, its flames dancing beneath an heirloom painting that whispered of forgotten eras. Chesterfield sofas, deep and inviting, waited like the embrace of an old friend, while a grand piano stood in one corner, its keys untouched yet humming with the memory of melodies played long ago.
Here, in this room, where the air was thick with the scent of old books and polished wood, Serenity was not just a name—it was a promise. A promise that within these walls, time would slow, the world would fade, and peace—true, unbroken peace—could be found, even if just for a fleeting moment.
But as the silence stretched, there was a sense that the palace itself held its breath. For even in the house named after peace, not all was calm. Beneath the serenity, something stirred—a whisper of change, a hint of storm clouds on the horizon.
A woman in her sixties sat in the living room of the grand Verdaselles Palace, gently rocking back and forth in her chair as she read a novel. Her name was Azielle, and her serene demeanor matched the tranquility of the palace itself. The light streaming in from the tall windows cast a warm glow on her silver hair, highlighting her wisdom and grace accumulated over decades.
Suddenly, a young woman with jet-black hair, appearing to be in her mid-thirties, rushed into the room, holding her gown's skirt to keep from tripping. "Mother!" she called, her voice a mix of urgency and tenderness. The older woman looked up from her book and smiled warmly at her daughter. This was Adrielle, the head of the Verdaselles Hotel and the Viceroy of the country—both named after the palace that stood as a symbol of their family's legacy. Adrielle was also the wife of Major General Norman Lushford, a prominent figure in the military.
"Mom, I need a favor," Adrielle began, her voice tinged with concern. "I'll be going on a trip with Zard to meet Norman. It's for our son's future as well." She reached out and took her mother's hand in hers, her gloves soft against Azielle's skin. "Please take care of Evangeline while I'm away. Zard is going to be eighteen soon, and with his coronation coming up, he needs to learn about the country and our family's business. Evangeline is still too young for such journeys. I can't risk her safety."
Azielle nodded, understanding the gravity of her daughter's request. "Alright, but please be careful, Adrielle. It's dangerous out there, especially during war season," she warned, her voice heavy with worry. "You should say goodbye to Evangeline. She's asleep now, exhausted from yesterday's events."
Adrielle sighed deeply, her heart torn between duty and her love for her daughter. "You're right, Mother. I need to see her." She left her mother in the living room and made her way towards Evangeline's chamber, her steps quickening with each passing moment. As she walked, she was greeted by the palace's servants, all bowing in respect as she passed by.
Opening the door to Evangeline's room quietly, Adrielle found her daughter fast asleep, her pale blonde curls spread out on the pillow like a halo. Adrielle sat beside her, gently stroking her daughter's hair. Evangeline stirred slightly, murmuring, "Mummy," in her sleep. Adrielle smiled tenderly and kissed her forehead, waking her up. As Evangeline rubbed her eyes with her small hands, she asked, "Mummy, are you leaving already?" Her voice was filled with the innocence of a child, on the verge of tears.
"Yes, sweetheart," Adrielle whispered, wiping away her daughter's tears. "Mummy has to leave, but I'll be back soon. There are many things I need to take care of." She caressed Evangeline's cheek, trying to comfort her.
"Is Zard going too?" Evangeline inquired, her voice trembling as her mother gently patted her head.
"Yes, he's coming with me. Your father has called for us, and the journey is too dangerous for you right now," Adrielle explained. "But don't worry, we'll return soon, and I'll bring back lots of beautiful dresses for your brother's coronation."
Taking off her locket, Adrielle placed it around Evangeline's neck. "Whenever you feel sad, just hold this locket and think of me," she said, giving her daughter a reassuring smile and a kiss on the head.
A voice called from outside the room, "My Lady! It's time to go." Adrielle's heart clenched as she realized she had to leave. "I have to go now, my darling. Goodbye." She tried to hide her tears as she stood up and left the room.
Evangeline, however, wasn't ready to say goodbye. She jumped out of bed and ran after her mother, but by the time she reached the hallway, she saw only her grandmother sitting in the rocking chair. Evangeline burst into tears, and Azielle gathered her into her arms, whispering soothing words to calm her down.
Outside, Adrielle and Zard were preparing to leave. The guards led Zard to the carriage while Adrielle glanced back at the palace, tears streaming down her face. The pain of leaving her daughter behind was almost unbearable, but she knew her duty came first. As she climbed into the carriage, the horseman whipped the horses, and the carriage started moving, leaving the grand gates of the Verdaselles Palace behind.
**On the Outskirts of the Country**
After traveling for several hours, Adrielle's carriage met up with some of Norman's soldiers. Norman dismounted his horse and greeted his wife warmly. Standing tall at 6'4" with a strong build, Norman had pale blonde hair tied back in a ponytail with a blue bow, and his blue eyes reflected both his strength and gentleness.
Adrielle stepped out of the carriage and kissed him passionately. "How is Evangeline?" Norman asked, his voice filled with concern as he gently stroked Adrielle's cheek.
"She's fine, but I miss her so much," Adrielle replied, a sigh escaping her lips. "What's happening at the capital that required our immediate presence?"
As Adrielle questioned her husband, Norman, about the events unfolding at the capital, He was instructed to offer only a brief explanation and avoid disclosing too much.
Norman, his face tense with worry, responded in a low voice, "The situation at the capital is critical. There are military matters that need immediate attention. I summoned you and Zard because I need your support—this can't wait. I miss Evangeline too, but right now, everything is at stake."
Zard emerged from the carriage and greeted his father, who patted his shoulder proudly. "We should get going," Norman said, turning to his horse. "I've arranged for a ship to take us there faster." He mounted his horse and signaled for his men to follow, urging his horse forward with a shout of "Hyah!"
Adrielle returned to the carriage with Zard, and they followed Norman's men to the ship waiting at the dockyard. Once on board, Zard, exhausted from the journey, retired to a cabin to rest.
Norman took Adrielle's hand and led her to a secluded spot he had prepared for them on the ship. Adrielle giggled, a lightness returning to her heart. "You're back to your old ways," she teased, rolling her eyes playfully. But deep down, she was glad to have a moment of closeness with her husband. She had missed him dearly and cherished these stolen moments amidst the chaos of their lives.
As the ship sailed away, Adrielle gazed out over the water, her thoughts lingering on Evangeline. She whispered a silent promise to her daughter that they would be reunited soon, come what may.
Norman pulled Adrielle close, his lips brushing against her neck as he whispered, "Why wouldn't I? You're my wife. I miss you. I miss your body and our children... We've both been so busy with our duties. Once we're done with these issues, I'll follow you back to Verdaselles. I want to see Evangeline." His hands moved to her thigh, caressing her gently as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
He slowly unzipped her gown, kissing her passionately as he raised her skirt. Adrielle surrendered to his touch, her own hands moving to undress him. In the intimacy of that moment, they made love, finding solace in each other's arms amidst the chaos of their lives.
Afterward, as they lay together, Norman played with Adrielle's hair, twirling it around his ringed finger. Her hand rested on his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his thick, coarse hair. They watched raindrops pelt the window, the storm outside growing more intense. "It's raining," Norman murmured, kissing her hand. "Perfect weather for two." He turned, laying his body over hers, his eyes filled with desire. "Want to go again?" he whispered playfully.
But before Adrielle could respond, a loud knock echoed through the room. "General! There's a problem—it's the storm!" one of his men shouted from the other side of the door, cutting short their tender moment.
Norman kissed Adrielle's forehead, hastily pulling on some casual clothes before rushing outside. The storm was raging, with waves crashing violently against the ship. Lightning split the sky, striking the sails and setting them ablaze. Chaos erupted as everyone screamed in panic. Adrielle, her heart racing with fear, quickly dressed and ran out of the cabin.
As she stepped onto the deck, she saw the horrifying scene unfolding before her. Flames were spreading across the ship, and her thoughts immediately went to Zard, who was asleep in his cabin. "Zard!" she screamed, her voice barely audible over the roar of the storm.
The ship was sinking, and the crew struggled to maintain control. The engine room was flooded, and most of the crew members were swept away by the waves. Only one managed to survive long enough to inform Norman of the dire situation. His face turned pale with shock and determination as he ordered the lifeboats to be released and sent men to rescue Zard.
Adrielle ran frantically towards her son's cabin, terror gripping her heart. When she reached it, her worst fears were confirmed. The cabin was engulfed in flames, and Zard's body lay lifeless, charred beyond recognition. A scream tore from her throat, raw and filled with unimaginable grief. She tried to reach him, but just then, a massive chandelier fell, crushing three soldiers beneath it as water rushed in filling Zard's cabin
Adrielle was paralyzed by the sight of her lifeless son's body her screams mingling with the sounds of the storm. She tried to move forward, desperate to hold him one last time but the raging water pulled her back "Zard!"She cried as her voice was breaking in anguish
"My boy, Zard...."She started sobbing and trembling due to her son's death
Norman hearing the news of his son's death, felt his own world collapse. His heart ached with a pain that was almost unbearable but he had no time to mourn he rushed to Adrielle finding her in a state of shock her eyes widened with horror and her body trembling uncontrollably,She resisted his touch,lost in grief unable to comprehend the tragedy that befallen them.
"Adrielle"Norman whispered pulling his wife close as tears streamed down his face.He held her tightly feeling her pain like his own from a father's perspective.
"We have to go,We have to survive this for our daughter"He urged with his voice thick with emotion but Adrielle seemed lost, her mind unable to process the horror she witnessed.
Seeing no other choice, Norman gently lifted her on a life boat, pressing a key in her hand and whispered"This is for Evangeline,We need to get back to her, she needs us"As the lifeboat was lowered into the chunning sea, Norman watched helplessly his heart with every second that passed, knowing that their lives will never be the same again .
"Norman!" Adrielle cried out, her voice barely audible over the roaring storm. "Don't leave me too!" Her eyes were swollen and red from tears, her heart breaking as the ship continued to break apart around them. The storm was fiercer than ever, waves crashing violently against the sides of the sinking vessel.
"I'll join you—just wait for me!" Norman shouted back, his voice strained with desperation. He clung to the railing, trying to maintain his balance as the deck tilted dangerously. Adrielle's eyes widened in horror when she saw the deep gash on his arm, blood pouring from the wound.
"You're bleeding!" she screamed, terror and anguish twisting her face.
"Don't worry about me!" Norman shouted, his voice commanding despite the pain. He turned to his men, his face resolute. "Take her away! Get her to safety!" The men hesitated, torn between their loyalty to their general and the impossible situation before them.
As the ship continued to sink, parts of it began collapsing, pieces of wood and metal crashing down around them. The lifeboats were swept away by the relentless waves—except for the one carrying Adrielle. She watched in helpless horror as Norman and a few remaining men were suddenly engulfed by a monstrous wave, dragging them off the deck into the icy, unforgiving sea.
"Norman!" Adrielle screamed, her voice raw with grief. She reached out desperately toward the spot where he had disappeared, her heart shattering as she realized he was gone. The men on the lifeboat shouted his name and title, but there was nothing they could do. Tears streamed down Adrielle's face, mingling with the rain as she sobbed uncontrollably, the horror of losing both her son and husband overwhelming her.
Gripped by a sudden, desperate resolve, she handed a key to her trusted bodyguard, Leonard, her hands shaking. "Give this to my daughter. Tell her... tell her Mummy loves her," she choked out between sobs. The pain in her voice was palpable, a mother's final plea.
Before Leonard or any of the men could react, Adrielle attempted to leap into the ocean after Norman. "No! My Lady!" Leonard cried, reaching out to stop her. But she pushed them away with surprising strength, her grief giving her a desperate resolve. She plunged into the freezing water, determined to join her husband and son.
As she hit the water, a large piece of debris from the ship came crashing down, striking her. She was knocked unconscious, her body sinking below the waves, lost to the dark, icy depths. "My Lady! No!" Leonard screamed, his voice breaking with anguish. Tears streamed down his face as he held the key tightly in his hand, clutching it to his chest.
The lifeboat, battered and barely afloat, managed to pull away from the sinking wreckage, carrying the few surviving men back towards the dockyard. As they sailed away, Leonard stared at the stormy sea, his heart heavy with grief for all they had lost. The ship that once held their lives and hopes was now gone, swallowed by the unforgiving ocean, leaving nothing but sorrow in its wake.
NB: The Sarogaths family is actually related to the King of the country! This makes Evangeline and most of her family members part of the royal lineage. However, her father, Norman, is an exception and does not hold any royal status. Imagine being so close to royalty yet not quite part of it.
~CHAPTER END~