By the time we returned to the palace, the sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky bathed in deep hues of violet and indigo. The grand halls of the imperial palace were dimly lit by floating orbs of golden light, casting soft shadows against the marble floors.
Despite the long day, I felt strangely energized. Maybe it was the thrill of winning the argument against my mothers, or maybe it was the fact that for the first time in my life, I had something beyond the palace walls to look forward to.
Either way, dinner awaited.
The dining hall was as extravagant as ever.
A massive crimson-and-gold table stretched across the room, large enough to seat an entire council of nobles. The walls were adorned with grand tapestries depicting past battles and victories of the empire, while the chandeliers above glowed with an almost celestial light.
Despite the size of the table, only three seats were ever used.
Mine, positioned between my mothers, was smaller but just as ornate, carved from dark ebony and inlaid with silver filigree.
As soon as I sat down, the palace attendants moved with perfect precision, setting down dish after dish before us.
The feast was overwhelming, as always.
Thick slices of roasted pheasant glazed with spiced honey.
A platter of golden, buttered bread, still warm from the ovens.
Delicate bowls of creamy mushroom soup, infused with rare herbs.
Freshly cut fruits, each piece arranged with meticulous care.
And, of course, a dozen other rich and decadent dishes meant to represent the empire's wealth.
It was enough to feed a small village.
Predictably, my mothers immediately piled my plate with everything.
Verania stacked so much meat in front of me that I could barely see past it.
Sylvithra, ever composed, added perfectly arranged portions of vegetables and bread, balancing out the excessiveness of Verania's actions.
I sighed.
"I can serve myself," I reminded them.
Verania scoffed. "Nonsense. You must eat plenty to grow strong."
Sylvithra gave me a knowing glance. "Do not waste your breath, Elyzara. You will not win this fight."
I sighed again and reluctantly accepted my fate.
Despite their overbearing nature, the food was delicious.
For the first few minutes, the meal was silent, apart from the occasional sound of silverware clinking against plates.
Then, inevitably, the conversation returned to Riven.
Verania set down her goblet and leaned forward. "You are truly set on this?"
I nodded. "Yes."
Sylvithra studied me carefully. "You believe him worthy of your attention?"
"Yes."
Verania frowned. "He is reckless."
"So am I," I pointed out.
Sylvithra raised an eyebrow. "You are calculating, not reckless."
"Then he can learn from me."
Verania exhaled sharply and muttered something under her breath before taking another sip of her wine.
I smirked.
They were giving up.
Oh, they weren't happy about it, but they had accepted it.
Which meant I had won again.
For the rest of the meal, they didn't bring it up again.
Instead, we simply ate, allowing the warmth of the meal to settle into the quiet comfort of the evening.
Once I had finished, I set my napkin down and stood. "I'm going to my chambers."
Verania looked ready to protest probably to insist that I eat more, because she always did but Sylvithra nodded.
"Rest well."
I left before Verania could say anything else.
As soon as I stepped into the hall, a familiar voice chimed in my head.
[ Mission Completed! ]
[ Rewards: +10 Charisma, +5 Luck, and Secret Skill Unlocked: Phantom Strike. ]
I paused.
Phantom Strike?
[ A unique combat skill. Would you like to see the details? ]
Yes.
[ Phantom Strike ]
Description: A precise, instantaneous attack that allows the user to strike multiple points in rapid succession. Can be used with any weapon or bare hands.
Effect: Unavoidable if the enemy is caught off guard. Increases attack speed significantly for five seconds after activation.
Oh.
Oh, that was good.
That was very good.
Even though I was still far from combat-ready, having this skill meant that when the time came, I wouldn't be helpless.
Satisfied, I continued walking.
When I reached my room, I let out a quiet breath.
It was as grand as ever.
A wide, open chamber, bathed in soft silver and blue hues, designed to reflect the night sky. The ceiling was enchanted, shifting to mimic the stars outside, while elegant silver chandeliers floated weightlessly above.
A grand fireplace crackled in the corner, its glow reflecting off the silk curtains that draped around my enormous bed.
Everything was perfectly arranged, just as it always was.
I stepped toward my bed and let myself sink into the softness of the blankets.
For a moment, I simply lay there, listening to the quiet hum of the fire.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
A familiar maid entered, carrying a fresh set of bath linens.
"Princess," she greeted warmly. "Shall I prepare your bath?"
I nodded. "Yes, thank you."
She led me toward the bathing chamber, where a large, marble bath had already been filled with warm, scented water. The moment I sank in, I felt the tension in my body ease.
The maid smiled. "You seemed to enjoy your trip today."
I glanced at her. "You heard about it?"
"Everyone did," she laughed. "You left the palace for the first time in years, after all. And with a friend, no less."
I rolled my eyes. "They're making it sound more dramatic than it is."
She chuckled, handing me a soft cloth. "Maybe. But it is good for you."
I hummed in agreement.
After the bath, I dressed in a soft, midnight-blue nightgown and returned to my room.
I had barely climbed into bed before my mothers arrived.
Sylvithra sat gracefully on the edge of my bed, while Verania stretched out beside me, pulling me close.
"We will tell you a story tonight," Verania declared.
I raised an eyebrow. "You haven't told me bedtime stories since I was a baby."
Sylvithra gave me a small smile. "Tonight is special."
So they told me a tale.
Not a sweet or gentle one, as most bedtime stories were.
It was a legend one of war, magic, and power.
The kind of story only tyrants would tell their children before bed.
By the time they finished, my eyelids were growing heavy.
Verania brushed a hand through my hair. "Sleep, my little empress."
Sylvithra's voice was quiet. "Tomorrow will be a significant day."
I blinked sleepily. "Why?"
Their gazes met for a brief moment before Verania smiled.
"Our parents are coming to see you."
I froze.
Oh.
Oh no.
I barely had time to react before sleep finally claimed me.