The grand hall of Count Osborne's estate was as imposing as Elizabeth remembered. She had rarely stepped foot in her father's home since she had been sent to serve the emperor, yet today, duty had called her back. Dressed in a simple gown, a soft lavender fabric that contrasted with the rich opulence of the palace attire, Elizabeth felt a rare sense of freedom despite the heavy purpose of her visit.
She was here to meet her family—though "family" was often a cold word in her heart. Her life within the palace was full of silent restraint, but here, under the count's roof, memories of a childhood filled with bitterness and sorrow lingered in every shadowed corner. The fine gowns and jewels of court were absent, but Elizabeth's natural beauty shone even brighter in her simplicity. Her refined elegance and poise brought an air of ethereal grace to her, almost like a forest elf come to life.
As she reached her old room, the door opened suddenly, and her older sister, Lady Helena, stood framed in the doorway, her dark eyes narrowing with disdain. Helena was dressed in a lavish emerald gown that flaunted her status and wealth, and her gaze quickly swept over Elizabeth's plain appearance with obvious scorn.
"Well, well, look who's returned from her royal duties," Helena sneered, crossing her arms. "I'd almost forgotten that my little sister was the emperor's plaything."
Elizabeth held her chin high, unbothered by the insult. "Sister, I'm here to speak with Father about matters concerning our family's standing."
Helena's expression soured even more. "And what could you, an illegitimate daughter, possibly know about our family's standing? Do you think that just because you're the emperor's consort, you hold some authority here?" She scoffed, taking a step forward until she was mere inches away from Elizabeth. "You're nothing more than a stain on our name, a child born from the weakness of our father."
Elizabeth's hands tightened at her sides, her voice calm but firm. "I am fully aware of my status, Helena. But I came here because our family's reputation must be maintained. It's a duty I take seriously."
Helena's laughter was cold and cruel. "Duty? Don't make me laugh. You have no right to speak of duty, Elizabeth. Everything you have—the fine clothes, the palace, the emperor's attention—it's nothing more than charity. The emperor doesn't love you, you know. You're just a tool, a pretty face to keep around for his amusement."
Elizabeth's chest tightened, the familiar sting of Helena's words striking deeper than she cared to admit. But she maintained her composure, refusing to let her sister see the hurt in her eyes. "Believe what you wish, Helena. I'm here as part of my role, nothing more."
Helena's eyes flashed with irritation. She reached out, grabbing Elizabeth's arm and pulling her roughly into the room. The door closed behind them, and Elizabeth found herself staring into her sister's hard gaze.
"Listen to me," Helena hissed, her voice low but dripping with venom. "You may fool others with your modesty, but I see through your little act. You think you're so noble, so honorable, but you're just a pathetic girl clinging to whatever scraps of power you can find. You are nothing, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth took a steadying breath, meeting her sister's gaze with unwavering calm. "If you believe I am nothing, then why are you so threatened by my presence?"
Helena's eyes flared, and before Elizabeth could react, her sister's hand struck her cheek with a sharp, stinging slap. The impact made Elizabeth stumble, but she quickly steadied herself, a red mark blooming on her pale skin. She touched her cheek, but her gaze remained level, unwavering.
"You dare to challenge me in my own home?" Helena spat, her voice filled with contempt. "Don't forget your place. You may be the emperor's consort, but here, you are nothing more than an unwelcome reminder of Father's shame. You should be grateful you're tolerated at all."
Elizabeth held her sister's gaze, a quiet resilience shining in her eyes. "If my presence is so unbearable, then perhaps you should question why I am still here. I may be Father's illegitimate daughter, but I am part of this family. And whether you like it or not, I have a duty to uphold our family's reputation."
Helena's expression wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. But she quickly masked it with a look of disdain. "You speak of duty, but you know nothing of it. You live in luxury while I am left to deal with the true burdens of this family. Don't pretend that you have any understanding of the sacrifices we've made."
"Sacrifices?" Elizabeth's voice was steady, but there was a hint of bitterness in her tone. "All my life, I have been treated as an outsider, a reminder of my mother's shame. I have endured insults, scorn, and isolation—all to protect this family's precious image. Do not speak to me of sacrifices, Helena. I know them all too well."
Helena's face twisted with anger, and for a moment, Elizabeth thought her sister might strike her again. But instead, Helena took a step back, a sneer curling on her lips. "You think you're so righteous, so noble. But you're still nothing more than an unwanted child. And that's all you'll ever be."
Elizabeth held her sister's gaze, a quiet determination shining in her eyes. "If that is all I am, then let it be. I am here for my duty, not for your approval. I will fulfill my role, whether you like it or not."
Helena's expression wavered, but she quickly masked it with a look of disdain. "Do whatever you please, then. Just remember—you are nothing without the emperor's favor. And we both know how fleeting that can be."
With that, Helena turned on her heel and swept out of the room, leaving Elizabeth alone. Elizabeth touched her cheek, feeling the sting of her sister's slap still fresh on her skin. She took a steadying breath, gathering her strength. The words had hurt, but they had not broken her. She would not let them.
Straightening her posture, Elizabeth made her way to the mirror, her reflection showing a woman of quiet strength and determination. Despite the harshness of her sister's words, Elizabeth knew she had a purpose—a duty to fulfill, both to her family and to herself.
No matter the scorn, the whispers, or the insults, she would not waver.