Empress Anya approached Eira with a false smile, her every step causing the gems on her gown to sparkle like the most dazzling stars in the night sky, drawing all eyes to her. But in Eira's eyes, those glittering lights felt cold and piercing, like the scales of a venomous snake, exuding a sense of danger.
"Eira, you've become even more beautiful. I almost didn't recognize you." Anya reached out and gently took Eira's hand, her tone warm, as if they were truly close sisters.
Yet, Eira vividly remembered these were the same hands that had once laced her mother's drink with poison, and these were the hands that had ruthlessly strangled her mother as she lay dying, choking the life from her.
"Your Highness is too kind." Eira responded coolly, discreetly withdrawing her hand, her face bearing a detached yet polite smile, concealing the hatred and revulsion within.
"Please, call me cousin. It feels more personal that way." Anya said, her tone slightly chiding, as if scolding Eira for being too distant.
"Of course, cousin." Eira acquiesced, her heart filled with bitter irony.
"Why are you standing here alone? Doesn't anyone keep you company?" Anya asked concernedly, her gaze sweeping the area around Eira, as if searching for a suitable dance partner for her.
"No, I simply enjoy being alone and quiet." Eira replied calmly, her tone unwavering.
"But that's so boring! Come, let me introduce you to some friends." Anya said, taking Eira's hand and leading her into the crowd.
Eira did not refuse, knowing this was not the time to confront Anya. She needed to hide her true self and wait for the opportune moment to avenge her mother.
Anya wove through the throng, introducing Eira to the various nobles of the Erylian Empire. The nobles, both young and old, male and female, all showered Eira with great enthusiasm and friendliness, as if she were their most honored guest.
However, Eira was well aware that these people were all Anya's pawns. Their warm reception was merely an attempt to curry favor with the Empress, to solidify their own positions and interests.
Eira forced herself to maintain a hypocritical smile, enduring the false platitudes of these insincere individuals, all the while silently plotting how to escape this charade of a banquet and find true allies.
Just as Eira felt she could no longer bear it, the grand doors of the ballroom suddenly opened, and a tall, gracious man strode in, surrounded by a crowd of admirers.
Everyone paused and turned their attention to the newcomer, their gazes filled with reverence and adoration.
"It's Duke Ryce!"
"Duke Ryce has arrived!"
Exclamations rippled through the crowd.
Duke Ryce, the youngest and most powerful duke in the Erylian Empire, commanded the imperial armies with a distinguished military record. He was highly esteemed by the Emperor and was seen as the hope for the Empire's future.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, his short dark hair neatly combed, Duke Ryce's deep blue eyes were captivating and profound, like the vast expanse of stars. His straight nose, defined lips, and inherent nobility and elegance all spoke of his lofty status and formidable presence.
He strode directly to the Emperor and Empress, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I apologize for my tardiness."
"Ryce, you've arrived. Please, have a seat." The Emperor warmly welcomed him, his tone affectionate and indulgent.
Duke Ryce thanked the Emperor and took the seat next to him.
Eira's gaze was involuntarily drawn to Duke Ryce. The moment she saw him, her heart skipped a beat, as if an electric current had coursed through her entire body.
She couldn't explain why, but Duke Ryce felt so familiar to her, as if they had met somewhere before. Particularly his eyes, deep and alluring, compelled her to want to lose herself in them, yet they also instilled a nameless fear, as if they concealed some hidden secret that unsettled her.
"Eira, what's wrong?" Anya noticed Eira's strange behavior and asked, "Do you know Duke Ryce?"
"No, I don't know him." Eira shook her head, forcing herself to look away from Duke Ryce.
"Duke Ryce is the youngest and most powerful duke in the Erylian Empire. He commands the imperial armies, has an illustrious military record, and is highly esteemed by the Emperor. He is the hope for the Empire's future," Anya introduced, her tone proud, as if Duke Ryce were her greatest accomplishment.
Eira remained silent, simply listening.
"Duke Ryce is still unmarried, and many noble ladies have tried to marry him, but none have succeeded." Anya continued, "Eira, you're so beautiful and talented. Why don't I introduce you to him?"
"That won't be necessary, cousin." Eira quickly declined, "I'm not ready to consider such matters yet."
"Alright, suit yourself then." Anya said, a hint of regret in her tone. "But Duke Ryce is truly an exceptional man. It would be a shame if you missed your chance."
Eira simply smiled faintly, not responding.
At that moment, a commotion arose in the ballroom.
"Chancellor Kalen has arrived!"
"Chancellor Kalen!"
Exclamations echoed through the crowd.
Eira's heart sank, a sense of foreboding overwhelming her.
She turned towards the direction of the voices.
A tall, refined-looking man strode in, surrounded by a throng of admirers.
The man wore a sapphire blue suit, his short hair neatly combed. His hazel eyes were deep and captivating, his straight nose and defined lips, along with an inherent nobility and grace, all spoke of his lofty status and formidable presence.
This was Chancellor Kalen, Anya's own brother and the second-most powerful figure in the Erylian Empire, wielding immense influence.
However, the moment Eira laid eyes on Chancellor Kalen, she felt her blood run cold. For Kalen's features were identical to the murderer in her nightmares, the one who had killed her mother.
"Kalen... Kalen..." Eira whispered, her mind conjuring the agonized expression on her mother's face and the bloody night.
"Eira, what's wrong?" Anya noticed Eira's pallor and asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"
"I... I'm fine." Eira shook her head, forcing herself to remain calm.
She knew this was not the time to reveal her true identity. She needed to stay composed and cautious if she was to avenge her mother.