Ophis Rephis had always been in the middle of an on-going war. That was how the previous emperors ruled these long standing, sacred grounds. The mindset of gripping laws in a relentless chokehold, brandishing swords to extinguish the deafening cries of injustice. Generations to come and only recently had they learned to keep things at bay.

One kingdom in particular, looked down for their humble beginnings. Smaller, compared to the rest. They've risen from the ashes of the past but their reputation still scars their current standing in the upper society. When the previous wars engulfed the concerning lands with blood and chaos, they remained at the bottom of the party and succumbed to the overwhelming forces of the opposing kingdoms. It was none other than the Kingdom of Grucaelum. Until they formed an alliance with Larkinge. The most feared and respected Golden Empire of Ophis Rephis.

Aroth Adaeus Beaumanoire was the first man and emperor to shatter the heavy tension that had long defined the relationship between Larkinge and Grucaelum. His rule forged a pact that not only benefited both kingdoms but also ignited change that reshaped the archaic traditions of their ancestors.

Currently, Aroth's daughter, Radegonde Heracles Auclaire is the youngest ruling Empress and by far, history's most revered monarch.

But, we're not here to talk about the beloved princess of Larkinge. That's for another day.

"Do you know why I'm doing this to you?"

That voice... It terrifies me.

"Do you truly understand why I'm doing this? Have you not considered the reason?"

Footsteps creaked at the wooden floorboards that barely held on. From protruding rusted nails that jutted out like forgotten memories to chewed plywood that bore scars of time, the heavy stench of animal manure that lingered in the air. Centipedes crawled between the small cracks, unsettling yet familiar.

"You're the gem of this kingdom, the beloved angel!"

Shaky breathing filled the silent stable, along with the impatient strutting of a heavy man.

"But how can I sit still when the angel of this kingdom is tainted with malicious thoughts?!"

Breathing gets heavier as the footsteps grow closer. A looming shadow crept over the stature of the smaller girl, body trembling slightly at the intimidating presence. There was a quick silence, one that she felt uneasy with, a silence that rang through her ears as if it was the most defeaning sound she's ever heard.

"You know what to do. Get the whip."

Her lips trembled as they parted, "P-please, father, I was wrong.."

She tried to reach out, but looking up, she saw eyes that pierced through her very soul. Heartless eyes that only saw her with contempt. The same loving eyes that looked at her as a child. Her voice appears stuck in her throat and she shakily drops her head to walk towards the rotting desk on the corner of the stable. Sweaty hands shook as she took the handle of the worn out whip, those that were supposed to be used on the horses.

"Turn around. I will engrave discipline to your body."

—————◇—————

"Princess? Princess Ildegard?"

Ildegard sees a hand pass in front of her face. It seems she has been spacing out for quite a while. She nervously looks over to the man beside her. He had a concerned look etched on his handsome face. It wasn't fitting of him, until you realize he was her attendant and it almost made Ildegard sigh.

"F-fier, I'm sorry, I was just reminiscing something," She feigned an obvious forced laughter.

"And it didn't seem to be a very good memory, you look pale, Princess. You should eat more," Escoffier pushed the plate of chocolate mousse cake towards her direction, since the Princess always loved chocolate.

Ildegard just dropped her utensils at the side of the plate, "I'm already full, thank you. I need to go to my room, please don't enter unless I call for anyone."

Escoffier lowered his head in a bow. His eyes squinted slightly, "She's acting strange."

Once inside, Ildegard pushes her back to the door unconsciously but winces as soon as it made contact. She falls to the floor, the hem of her dress spread in a crooked circle. She placed a hand on her chest, breathing harshly as she squeezed with all her might. She was crumpling the dress under her fist and showed no signs of calming down.

Tears spilled down her rosy cheeks like a delicate waterfall. Her chest was tight, painful, as if someone had lodged their hands inside and started crushing her heart. Her mouth hung open, gasping for air while desperately assuring herself that she was alright.

A knock on the door interrupted her silent turmoil, "I-I thought I told you to leave me alone."

"I apologize but your brother wishes to see you, Princess," Escoffier's voice at the other side of the door felt soothing somehow, being reminded she wasn't actually alone.

Ildegard shakily got to her feet and she wiped her eyes. At the same time, she was glad that it directed her mind elsewhere and distracted her from the fact that she was having a traumatic episode.

"Please.. give me a few minutes, I will meet with him."

—————◇—————

Escoffier guided the princess toward the balcony of the castle. There, the crown prince gazed out towards the garden and into the deep forest that led to the boundary between Larkinge and Grucaelum. The sun sank in orange and yellow hues beneath the guidance of the distant mountains. The frigid air of the southern waves is governed by the Vespera Gulf that influenced the cold region of the South.

"Lanceir?" Ildegard called out his name, as he seemed to be lost in deep thought.

"Ah, Ilya my dear sister," Lanceir turned his head to face Ildegard.

The crown prince gave the princess a warm smile. He was still dressed in clothes that were stained with dirt. He must have been training again, and yet it didn't soil how handsome he looked. The same color as her hair, a light pink that was rather odd to most people, yet because of it, the D'ettore siblings always stood out amongst the pool of royals.

"I just missed you," Lanceir chuckled, resting his chin over his hand while he stood by the balcony.

"We just saw each a few hours ago, Lanceir," Ildegard returned his smile and she approached him, sitting on the other side of the table that served desserts and tea, "Why did you call for me?"

"What? I can't see my dear sister because I want to?"

"You know that's not the case..."

"Alright, Alright, it's just that I overheard a conversation from Father and Duke Visore. I don't have the authority, but you are my sister, so I still have the right," Lanceir then crossed his arms, looking towards Ildegard for permission.

"You're making me nervous, so just get it over with." Indeed, Ildegard took a small sip off her teacup and gently placed it down the table.

"They have arranged your engagement to the Crown Prince of Agammemnon."

Ildegard felt like someone had thrown a brick across her face. She had already anticipated this would happen soon, but she was not expecting to be engaged to Larkinge's rival kingdom. This day kept throwing burden after burden. Simply, she could have dropped the arrangement, but in this case, it was not only the position of the kingdom she could take into account, but the power their family could gain if she simply married into a powerful lineage. It meant the ruins of their past could be rebuilt into an empire of reverence that her ancestors and current family strived for decades. In alliance with the Golden Empire and engaged to the Powerful Imperials. Another problem she faced was the terror of the once vile kingdom, ruthless rumors that still run around even today.

But how could they make such a decision without even consulting her? It was a given anyway, it was not like they confided in her for everything that concerned the wellbeing of the family, but the more important question is how they managed to strike up a deal with the Imperium.

"Ilya? Are you okay?" Lanceir worriedly knelt down beside his sister, "If you wish, I can persuade Father to drop the engagement."

Ildegard dropped her head and stared at her lap, then she let out a small chuckle, "Lanceir, thank you. But you cannot change Father's mind once he's set on something. I will be alright, please don't worry."

Lanceir bit his lower lip, he fought himself if his decision to tell her early was a good one. He was always looking out for Ildegard, and he knew she despised an arranged marriage. He's even heard that she wanted to marry to a man she actually loved. He was also terrified that if she manages to wed into the Imperial, she might only get hurt. The Imperials were rumored to be very cold and heartless. A single snap of their finger could force citizens to kneel and beg for their lives.

The Crown Prince of Agammemnon Imperium is notorious for his many engagements. Some women, he killed, and some of them ran due to fear. No one could move that heartless man, and if Ildegard would be engaged to that bastard, he could only imagine the consequences.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything," Lanceir takes her hand into his and he gave them a comforting squeeze, "Just tell me whenever. If Father brings this up, tell him your decision from heart. If you don't want that engagement, it's alright. Please don't think of the benefits, think of yourself and if you're gonna be happy, Ilya."

Ildegard smiles, "Thank you for your concern, Lanceir. I'll think about it before Father brings it up to me."

It seems Lanceir already knew she was considering the engagement due to the benefits they could gain. It was an understatement to call their higher reign in society a mere 'benefit'. It could change their lives.

She knows she shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The Imperials could be entirely different from those described in the rumors. Sure they were antagonists during the biggest war decades ago, however that was long resolved by the Empress of Larkinge. And now they've remained silent, a new heir to the throne as they've heard the current Emperor of Agammemnon was cursed to his bedpost, unable to move also due to his old age. However, no one has actually seen that happen. Maybe it was interest that caught Ildegard's attention, but it was unlike her to be at the edge of accepting the proposal due to interest. She was looking at the brighter side of things and it was because she feared her Father.

"I will be visiting the Honors of Chevalier," Lanceir got back up on his feet, "Do you want to come with?"

"I-is it okay?" Ildegard's eyes seemed to have lit up.

'Thank god,' Lanceir thought before nodding, "I will meet you at the gates. You can take your time, I am not in a hurry."

Ildegard rushes back to her room to change her clothes with the maid's help. How could she be not excited? so many weeks had already passed since she last saw Rade. She was close friends with the Empress of Larkinge. Perhaps she could chat to her about earlier.

Ildegard had four annulments prior to this engagement. And all were decided by her Father. The reason she was punished was.. the scandal going around town, that Ildegard had a secret affair with her attendant, Escoffier. It was a shame to their family. The people were gonna look down on the D'ettores.

Ildegard lets out a sigh as the head maid was picking out suited earrings for her. The older woman caught on and lowered the jewelry to look at the madam's face.

"Princess, is something on your mind?"

Ildegard flinched before sighing, "Carol, what do you think of the Agammemnon Crown Prince?"

The headmaid was deep in thought, then she picked out pink diamond earrings that glinted as she put them on Ildegard, "Well, as the rumors say, he's cold and ruthless. But at the same time, it is said that his looks were in contrast from his attitude. The crown prince had women fall in love with him, left and right during his hosted ball. But he has never once looked at women nor was he ever interested. His engagements were just burden to him, so the noble women got scared and some of them would run away. Some of them, he has killed with his own sword."

Ildegard awkwardly laughs, "That's a little scary.."

"Why the question, Princess?"

"N-Nothing, I just overheard earlier so I got curious," Ildegard looks at the mirror.

"You're all done, Princess. You look beautiful as always," Carol smiled.

Ildegard got up from her seat after thanking the head maid and made her way out of their estate.

Ildegard descended the stairs of the castle and headed for the large entrance gate. As she wandered the floor, she was softly illuminated by stained glass windows. The silky light pink dress flowed around her step. The shimmering bodice of delicate silver vine flowers clung gently to form her curves, and the high neckline did emphasize her face and slender waist, complete with soft wavy sleeves falling from shoulder to elbow, lace cuffs soft against her wrist and all flowed under the silk of the dress.

The dress itself flowed softly beneath her, and the layers of silk and tulle brushed against her skin as she walked, the dress shimmering softly under the silk where it hit her legs, and the tulle's wings over it hummed softly as the hem of the dress gently brushed past the polished stone steps. A satin ribbon neatly tied in a bow behind her showed her body, a silver necklace placed over her soft neck. A simple look that suited how innocent Ildegard is.

Lanceir stared for a moment, then he opened the door, lending his hand out. Ildegard took his hand with a smile and entered the carriage. Once both were inside, Ildegard stared out of the window.

"You look beautiful today as well, Ilya," Lanceir spoke with a soft expression on his face, it was almost reminiscent to sadness.

"Thank you, Lanceir, you look quite dashing today too. What's the occassion?"

Lanceir scratched his cheek, "It's just about the upcoming contest."

"Oh right, the Gladiator Trials held every year," Ildegard then looked up at him, "You're.. participating?"

"No, no I'm not," Lanceir chuckled, "I will be there to facilitate, that is why I'm headed to Chevaliers."

Speaking of the Gladiator Trials, last year, the victor was the Knight Grand Cross of Larkinge. The victors are awarded the Wreath of Glory, and whoever they bestow the Wreath of Glory will live in prosperity for continuing years, it is also a sign of great power and that none should dare get in their way. Of course, Percivale Reginal got on his knees and offered the Wreath of Glory to his Empress while covered in the blood of the beasts. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Before Ildegard realized, they were already in front of the elegant gates of Larkinge. Knights on guard shifting places and a distant clanging of swords reached even the entrance of their castle. The carriage doors opened and Ildegard takes the hand offered, so she could carefully make her way down.

Once she entered the gates, there was the Knight Grand Cross beside the Empress who greeted them a warm welcome.

After the formalities, Ildegard quickly walks over to Rade and took her hands, "I have so much to tell you, Rade," her eyes sparkled.

~~~

"You're getting engaged? To the Imperials?" Rade's eyes were wide, baffled at the notion that her friend was gonna be wed.

"Hehe, I know, But it's alright. It's not like I should judge the Imperials because of the past. Things are bound to change through time. Thanks to you after all, we're living in peace, free of opression," Ildegard placed her teacup down and looked towards the rather stoic looking Empress.

Even with that expression, Ildegard couldn't help but chuckle since she knew Rade even before her coronation. This clumsy girl grew up to be the most respected and feared ruler, and now she's sitting in front of Ildegard, drinking tea and looking like a lost bunny.

"Are you also deep in though, Rade?" Ildegard laughed.

"Y-yeah, sorry," Rade felt her cheeks flush and she took a sip off her teacup to distract herself, "If anything, if you don't want the enga—"

"Absolutely not," Ildegard frowned, "No matter how desperate I am, I will never abuse your power, Rade. I can fight my own battles and it's not to offend you, because I know how capable you are."

Rade just sighs, "I figured you would say that. You've never included me in these things after all. You're fine, Ildegard. I'm just saying there's no need for you to worry because wether you like it or not, I am your ally."

Ildegard then giggles, "You're so cute, Princess, it doesn't suit you saying those very cool things at all."

Rade almost choked on her tea, her face turning red, "Hey don't ruin the moment!"

"BHAHAHA!"

"Princess Ildegard!" A distant voice of a knight that was rushing towards them made Rade's impatient expression appear. They were clearly having a conversation.

The knight must have noticed the Empress' change in expressions and he felt a shiver down his spine, "I-I apologize, but Princess Ildegard is being summoned by the King."

Ildegard's lips thinned, "Father?"

Rade's brows furrowed even more and she was about to stand up. The Empress had speculations about the horrible treatment Ildegard was getting, but she shouldn't jump into conclusions, nor does she have the right to interfere into Ildegard's family. Rather, Ildegard always managed to brush it off like a trivial matter.

"He's probably gonna tell me about the thing. Sorry for leaving this early, Empress, even though I just arrived," Ildegard got to her feet and bowed apologetically.

"It's alright, I will see you out."

☆☆☆