After the royal banquet, Eira officially began her life at the Erylian Imperial Court. On the surface, she was the overlooked second daughter of the Erikr family, but in reality, she was the last surviving member of the imperial bloodline, a woman burdened with a blood-soaked vendetta. She had to carefully conceal her true identity, navigating the treacherous palace, waiting for the right moment to avenge her mother and reclaim what was rightfully hers.
During the day, Eira would join the other noble ladies in attending various banquets, balls, and hunting events, discussing fashion, art, and the latest gossip. She carried herself with grace and elegance, appearing to be a carefree aristocrat, betraying no hint of the hatred and anguish that consumed her heart.
At night, Eira would return to her room, shut the door, and practice magic, recalling the knowledge and skills imparted to her by the mysterious elder, preparing for the impending battle of vengeance. She knew her enemies were more cunning and powerful than she had imagined, and she had to be fully prepared to emerge victorious in the struggle against them.
Eira's life in the palace, while seemingly tranquil and comfortable on the surface, was rife with undercurrents and peril. She knew Empress Anya and Chancellor Kalen were constantly vigilant, seeking to uncover her vulnerabilities and destroy her.
The prophecy, too, hung like a sharp sword over Eira's head, depriving her of rest and peace. She did not know if the prophecy was true or false, nor did she understand the fate it portended, but she knew she had to be extremely cautious, never allowing anyone to discover her true identity, lest it bring about her ruin.
In the palace, Eira encountered many people – some genuinely kind, others insincere. But she remained ever vigilant, trusting no one easily, and carefully concealing her true self.
She maintained an outward semblance of harmony with Empress Anya, but her heart was filled with loathing and vengeance. She knew Anya was a ruthless and ambitious woman, willing to stop at nothing to maintain her power.
Eira kept a certain distance from Duke Ryce, yet she could not ignore his deep, captivating gaze, nor his resemblance to Chancellor Kalen, which unsettled and confused her.
She also encountered other nobles, some showing her affection, others hostility, but she remained calm and rational, never easily revealing her emotions or aligning herself with anyone.
In this palace of lies and betrayal, Eira learned to hide herself, to don a mask, to read between the lines, to utilize every person and circumstance to pave the way for her grand scheme of vengeance.
One day, while strolling in the garden, Eira overheard two maids discussing the prophecy.
"Have you heard about that prophecy? They say a young woman with extraordinary magical talents will change the fate of the Erylian Empire."
"I've heard about it too. Apparently, that young woman is the last surviving member of the imperial bloodline. She will overthrow Empress Anya's reign and reclaim the rightful throne."
"Really? How exciting!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, or you might lose your head!"
The maids' voices faded away, carried off by the wind.
Eira's heart raced. She knew the matter of the prophecy had spread throughout the palace, even the maids were gossiping about it.
She had to find the source of the prophecy and uncover its truth as soon as possible, lest it bring her endless trouble.
Eira returned to her room and began scouring the historical texts of the Erylian Empire, trying to find any record of the prophecy.
However, after searching through all the books, she found no mention of it.
"How can this be?" Eira felt confused and perplexed. Could the prophecy be just a rumor?
Suddenly, she remembered the secret chamber behind the stone door and the mysterious elder. Perhaps he knew the truth about the prophecy.
Eira decided to return to the chamber and seek the elder's guidance.
That night, Eira quietly slipped out of her room, crossing the garden to the wall concealing the secret entrance.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused all her attention on the warm sensation in her palm, then pushed firmly against the wall.
"Boom!"
The wall crumbled once more, revealing the dark opening.
Eira raised her candle and entered the passage, making her way to the heavy stone door.
"Child, you've come." The aged, feeble voice came from the other side of the door.
"Teacher, I need your help." Eira said, "I want to know the truth about the prophecy."
"I know why you've come, child." The voice spoke, "The prophecy is real."
"Really?" Eira was shocked, "Then... what does it foretell?"
"It foretells that the Erylian Empire will welcome a new ruler, a young woman with extraordinary magical talents, who will overthrow Empress Anya's reign and end the Empire's dark era, ushering in a new age of light and hope."
"Then... who is this person?" Eira asked, sensing that the one mentioned in the prophecy was herself.
"Child, you are that person." The voice said, "You are the last surviving member of the imperial bloodline. You are the Chosen One, the hope of the Erylian Empire."
Eira's heart was once again engulfed in a tumultuous storm. She could scarcely believe that she was the one foretold in the prophecy, that she bore the fate of the Erylian Empire upon her shoulders.
"Teacher, what should I do?" Eira asked, feeling lost and helpless, unsure of how to fulfill the prophecy and change the destiny of the Erylian Empire.
"Child, you already possess great power. You need only to believe in yourself and bravely face whatever comes." The voice said, "Remember, you are not alone. I will be by your side until you complete your mission."
Eira nodded, taking a deep breath, her gaze resolute. "I will, Teacher. I will believe in myself, and I will bravely face whatever lies ahead!"