The soft glow of evening sunlight filtered through the high windows of Selena Eternis' chambers, casting long shadows over the polished marble floors.
The room was a delicate display of refinement and elegance—rich velvet drapes adorned the walls, and the scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air. Yet, despite the calm exterior, the tension in the room was palpable.
Selena, the fourth wife of Emperor Solon Eternis, sat rigid in her chair, her hands tightly gripping the arms as she waited for Elara to speak.
Elara stood before her with an unreadable expression. Her sharp, red eyes betrayed none of the unease she felt, though her mind was heavy with the news she carried.
She glanced briefly at her mistress, noting the slight tremble in Selena's hands. There was no easy way to deliver what had happened earlier that day.
"Mistress," Elara began, her voice steady, though a flicker of hesitation crossed her features, "there was an incident today during my walk with Prince Zephyron. An arrow... was loosed toward the prince's carrier."
Selena's breath hitched, her heart racing at the words. "An arrow?" she repeated, her voice thin and trembling. "What do you mean an arrow?"
Elara bowed her head slightly, knowing the gravity of the situation. "It happened during the palace guard's training. The guards were practicing archery under Guard Commander Albert Tuspin when an arrow was misfired in our direction. I destroyed it with magic before it could harm Prince Zephyron, but..."
She trailed off, uncertain of how much comfort her magic could offer in such a moment.
Selena's dark eyes widened in disbelief, her pulse quickening as fear took root in her chest. Her hands gripped the edge of her chair tighter, knuckles white. "He... could have been killed? My son..."
A mother's instinctual panic flooded through her veins as she stood abruptly, her silk gown swirling around her in a storm of movement. "Who fired it? Which guard dared to endanger my child?"
Elara shook her head, her face tense with frustration. "I'm afraid I don't know, mistress. When I confronted Commander Tuspin, he apologized on behalf of the soldier responsible, but he did not reveal the name. He insisted it was an accident."
Selena took a sharp breath, her mind racing. "An accident, they say? In this palace, nothing is ever just an accident." Her voice wavered, caught between anger and terror.
She moved toward the window, gazing out into the sprawling palace gardens, her thoughts already drifting toward the court's treacherous politics.
After a long, tense silence, Selena spoke again, her voice tight with bitterness. "Ever since I gave birth to Zephyron, things have changed. The court has become more dangerous. I feel the weight of it with every passing day."
Elara, ever composed, stood silently by, waiting for her mistress to continue. She had seen firsthand how the palace's political landscape shifted after Prince Zephyron's birth.
The fourth wife of the Emperor, Selena, had given the court a new reason to scheme and plot. Zephyron's birth had upset the delicate balance of power in the empire.
Selena turned back to Elara, her eyes filled with both sadness and fury. "You understand, don't you, Elara? I am the fourth wife of the Emperor, and yet, I was the one who gave him a son. A boy with a claim to the throne."
She paused, her voice lowering. "The third wife... she has no heirs, no sons. For years, she has enjoyed the luxury of her station, knowing she held favor with the Emperor. But now—now, that favor is fragile."
Elara nodded, her sharp gaze hardening. She knew well the dangerous tides that swirled in the empire's political waters.
The Third Wife, once secure in her position, now faced a direct challenge from Selena, and by extension, Zephyron. It was no secret that envy and resentment had taken root.
"Since Zephyron's birth, I have seen the envy in her eyes," Selena continued, her voice growing darker.
"I've heard the whispers. They say she is desperate to protect her position. There are those in the court who would rather see my son dead than allow him to grow strong. They fear what he might become—a threat to their power."
Elara's face grew grim. "I feared as much, mistress. The court is filled with those who thrive on manipulation and betrayal. And now, with the birth of the prince, they see an opportunity to strike."
Selena sank back into her chair, her hands trembling as she wrapped her arms around herself. "What if this was no accident, Elara? What if someone in the court is trying to hurt my child? To eliminate him before he can pose a threat?"
Elara straightened her posture, her expression resolute. "Mistress, I will protect him. I swore my loyalty to the prince, and by the laws of the empire, I belong to him now. I will not allow anyone to harm him, not while I live."
Selena's eyes softened as she gazed at Elara, a faint glimmer of relief breaking through her anxiety.
She knew that Elara's loyalty was unshakable, but the fear still gnawed at her heart. "Thank you, Elara," she whispered. "But even with you by his side, I cannot help but worry."
Her voice dropped to a whisper as she stared down at her hands. "I feel so helpless. The court is full of snakes, and I am but one woman. My son... my precious Zephyron... he is only a baby, and already, the vipers circle him."
Elara took a step forward, her face softening slightly as she knelt before Selena. "Mistress, I understand your fears. But I am not just your servant—I am your sword, your shield. As long as I stand, I will defend the prince from all threats, whether they come from nobles or shadows."
Selena reached out, her trembling hand finding Elara's. "You are more than that, Elara. You are my friend. I don't know what I would do without you."
Elara squeezed Selena's hand gently. "You don't need to worry, mistress. I will be more vigilant from now on. I'll double the guard when we take him outside, and no one will come near him without my knowing."
Selena gave a faint, sad smile. "I know you will protect him, Elara. But we must remain cautious. The court is full of people who would see him dead before he grows strong enough to challenge their plans. And we must consider... that this won't be the last time we face danger."
Elara nodded grimly. "I'll be ready. And I promise, no matter who stands against us, they will not succeed."
Selena sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment. The weight of the court's politics, the danger surrounding her son, and the uncertainty of the future all pressed heavily upon her, but for now, she could only place her trust in Elara.