(The Dream Crushed by a Bitter Reality)
Warmth is not merely a physical sensation; it is also a memory.
A memory that wraps you in warmth like a sunny day in a garden, accompanied by laughter and small faces that never once parted. The scent of old books beside a fireplace. Sharing a bed and drifting to sleep after endless laughter and conversations that never seemed to end. Warmth is something like a childhood memory that has faded. The days when you were not forgotten.
They had been nothing more than rare flashes in Eliana's life, buried beneath her pursuit of the throne.
Things Eliana no longer needed or had convinced herself she did not.
She sat upon the branch of a tree near the fire where the legion had made camp. Around her were the weary yet loyal faces of her men. She felt a different kind of warmth, not the warmth of childhood memory, but the warmth of shared loyalty and the silent trust between those who face death together.
A faint smile touched her lips, though it never reached her eyes, for it reminded her that she still had much to lose.
The fire rose at the heart of the camp, sending orange sparks into the sky.
After allowing the soldiers to rest, she observed them from a distance. The senior officers began recounting their old battles to those who had never faced one before, and the sound of their laughter filled the air.
She allowed herself to sink into the illusion, allowed the warmth of the fire to deceive her and whisper that everything was all right.
She stood to walk a little around the camp, deeper into the forest. The night was beautiful, the air still lightly cold. The stars illuminated the sky; she had not looked at the night sky for such a long time.
Despite her objections to the outbreak of a war whose outcome remained unknown, she felt gratitude, gratitude that something had drawn her beyond the palace walls and allowed her to feel alive for the first time in a long while.
After some time, she turned back toward the camp and noticed a young soldier who appeared tense. When he saw Eliana, his anxiety only deepened.
Eliana: "What is your name?"
Soldier: "Peter, Your Highness. Peter Bantory," he said, placing his hand over his heart in salute.
Eliana laid a hand upon his shoulder. "Do not worry, Peter. We are all here to protect our homes, and I am here to protect my people. So long as I stand here, no harm shall touch anyone."
She then continued on her way, leaving behind a man whose tension had eased as he returned to the camp.
________________________________________________________________
After a month and a half, the legion reached Phoenix Fortress. The castle erected within it stood with formidable strength and grandeur. The Seventh Legion stationed there welcomed the Third Legion under Eliana's command. It was a warm reception, for it had been decades since anyone from the imperial family had visited the border. Reassurance showed on their faces despite their exhaustion.
Eliana dismounted her horse and was greeted by General Robertson Stonenorth, commander of the Seventh Legion, Lord of the North, and overseer of Phoenix Fortress. He was a man of forty-four years, bearing a scar that ran from beneath his left eye, across his nose, to his right cheek, a mark that only enhanced his imposing presence.
Robertson bowed respectfully to Eliana, placing his hand over his heart in salute. She inclined her head in acknowledgment.
General Robertson: "Welcome, Your Highness."
Eliana: "Greetings, General."
General Robertson: "This way, Your Highness, so you may rest a while in my office."
Eliana followed him with swift steps, her generals behind her. Excitement stirred within her heart; she was one step closer to ending this farce at the border or to death.
She entered the office and seated herself in his chair, allowing them to sit in the chairs before her.
Eliana: "Tell me, what developments have occurred in the past week?"
General Robertson cleared his throat before replying:
"The two battalions consist of two thousand men and are encamped at the edge of the Valley of the Phoenix. There is someone their commander, yet he has never met with me; I am always received by his deputy. Therefore, I cannot tell you who leads them. The northern tribes continue to supply them with provisions, so they do not lack strength."
Eliana folded her hands upon the desk.
She spoke in a calm voice, betraying no hint of her feelings: "Prepare a battalion of your finest cavalry. General Marcus, assist Robertson in selecting the best riders from the Third Legion as well, until the battalion numbers fifteen hundred of our most skilled horsemen. Ensure that each man fulfills his role. The time has come for a meeting. Our goal is not battle, but to display strength and authority."
The general stands at once to make preparations while a maid guides Eliana to the chamber prepared for her. She bathed, changed her garments, and donned her armor.
When she stepped out of the castle, and the gates opened in a grand spectacle, the entire battalion bowed before her. Once more, she felt that warmth return.
She descended the steps. The battalion advanced before her, behind her rode the generals, and behind them the fifteen hundred soldiers.
After some time, Eliana and her battalion approached the Valley of the Phoenix, a vast valley encircled by towering mountains on either side. After a long march, they caught sight of the enemy's two battalions encamped on the opposite end of the valley.
Eliana ordered her men to halt at a safe yet visible distance. She advanced, with General Marcus to her right and Robertson to her left. Behind them rode the five members of the royal guard. She proceeded to the midpoint between the forces, the banner of the Sovanian Empire raised high.
The place was utterly silent save for the wind.
From the Torean camp emerged a figure clad entirely in black armor, several soldiers following behind him. They advanced until reaching the midpoint and stopped. Eliana ordered her generals to remain where they were and rode forward alone.
The armored figure also moved forward alone upon his horse, removing his helmet.
Eliana was startled when she saw his face, for she had not expected the Crown Prince himself to command this maneuver.
Prince Damian, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Toria.
The prince, in turn, appeared equally surprised by Eliana's presence.
Prince Damian bore black hair and fair skin touched by the sun, though it did not diminish the beauty of his features. He was strikingly handsome, despite encamping at the borders of her empire.
Damian smiled and brought his horse to a halt beside Eliana's, on her right. They were close to one another.
Damian: "Your Highness, I did not expect to be granted such an honor."
Eliana shifted her gaze from ahead to his face. "This is not a diplomatic visit, Prince. This is Sovanian land, and you and your soldiers stand upon our soil."
Damian replied, still composed, "Your understanding of whose land this is is precisely what we are here to dispute, Your Highness. Our history books tell a different story about this valley. But I assume you are not here to exchange lessons in history."
Eliana: "Then perhaps you read your history in reverse, Prince. Look behind me, you see one battalion, but behind it stands a legion, and behind that legion stands an empire. An empire that will not hesitate to crush anyone who trespasses upon its borders."
Damian glanced behind her, then back at her. The smile faded from his face, replaced by a grave expression.
"I see your battalion, Your Highness. I know Phoenix Fortress stands behind it. I, too, have two battalions here, and behind them stands the Kingdom of Toria."
Eliana: "Should I consider this a declaration of war?"
Damian: "You speak of war as a threat. Allow me to clarify its price."
He leaned slightly forward on his horse, lowering his voice.
"If this war begins, it will not remain confined to this valley. The northern tribes supported by my kingdom will set your borders on fire. Your trade routes will be severed. You will spend years in a war of attrition that will bleed your empire to death, just as my kingdom would bleed for the sake of a barren valley."
He looked at her. His expression was as rigid as hers until she curved her lips into a faint, mocking smile. It was the first time Damian had ever seen her smile at all, and it unsettled him.
Eliana: "You have done your duty well, Prince. Your tactical analysis is impressive. But you forgot the most important piece on the chessboard."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Gold."
Damian's expression did not change, yet Eliana caught the flicker of tension in his eyes as if she knew something she should not. In that moment, both understood that Eliana held the winning card.
She continued, "You speak of a long war of attrition. I speak of a swift end. You rely on the northern tribes; I rely on something far simpler, gold. I have spent the past month not only studying your troop movements, but also your kingdom's economy. I know your father's treasury is nearly empty after his failed southern campaign. I know he owes vast sums to the trade guilds of Marisa, and that they care less about borders than about repayment."
She leaned closer, lowering her voice as though sharing a secret.
"If you do not withdraw your forces by sunset, then by tomorrow morning, my ambassador in Marisa will offer to settle your kingdom's debts in exchange for exclusive trade loyalty to my empire. I will buy your country from beneath your father's feet, Your Highness. There will be no need for war. Your kingdom will collapse from within in a matter of months. There will be no soldiers left to feed, no weapons left to purchase."
Eliana straightened once more into her formal posture.
Damian smiled faintly, studying the glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.
"Your words are correct, and yet flawed," he said. "I did not believe anyone knew about the gold. It was meant to remain secret. I am not afraid of war, Princess. But unlike my father, I do not crave it. I will withdraw my troops this time, not because I fear your threat, but because I see before me a leader who understands that even a fragile peace is better than mutual destruction. Consider this a gesture of goodwill. But if we are tested again, there will be no more talks."
Though victorious, Eliana felt as if he had stepped upon her pride.
"If you truly seek peace, then you must stop supporting the northern tribes. No more weapons."
Damian smiled and leaned slightly closer; only inches separated them.
"I, too, am weary of these skirmishes. As a gift for your coming coronation, Princess, I will do what I can to persuade my father."
Damian turned his horse toward his battalion. At the same time, Eliana turned toward her generals and soldiers, who awaited her anxiously.
General Marcus: "Your Highness, is it war? Shall we prepare?"
Eliana closed her eyes briefly. A headache began to consume her thoughts; Marcus's voice sounded far too loud. She had lived through immense pressure in those brief moments.
"General Marcus, order the men to make camp. They will withdraw before sunset."
Relief appeared upon the faces of both generals as they returned to their troops. When Eliana reached her soldiers and dismounted, she looked toward the enemy camp, wishing with all her heart that Damian would truly withdraw and that he would succeed in convincing his father to stop supporting the northern tribes. She turned her head and walked toward her tent.
_________________________________________________________
She was not the only one who felt alone that night. Somewhere...
Far to the south of the empire, in a large house deep within the southern forest, someone stood upon a balcony, watching the sky and the sun as it began to set.
He looked down at his hand, marked with scars along his wrist. He pulled down the sleeve of his cotton garment and returned to his bed. Too many tangled emotions.
_______________________________________________________________
A month later...
Back in the heart of the empire, an urgent telegram arrived bearing news of the Crown Princess. The Emperor grasped the letter tightly, his fist clenching around it.
Elsewhere, Selene lay upon her bed in her chamber, the curtains drawn to darken the room. She still felt the weight of melancholy from her last conversation with Eliana. She wished she had embraced her or at least bid her farewell properly. She had not meant to leave the balcony in that manner. A tear slipped from her eye as she whispered, "She must have been hurt by the way I looked at her."
She wiped her tears quickly when her lady-in-waiting, Barbara, knocked and was granted permission to enter.
"Your Highness, I bring good news."
Selene lifted herself slightly. "What has happened?"
Barbara began drawing back the curtains. Selene shut her eyes in mild irritation at the sudden light.
"Her Highness has prevailed at the border. The negotiations succeeded. She is now on her way back."
Barbara smiled brightly. Selene could hardly believe what she had heard. She jumped from the bed and grasped Barbara's hands.
"Is it true? Eliana has won? There will be no war? I will have the chance to reconcile with her?"
Barbara squeezed her hands. "Yes, yes. It has been two and a half months, and the return journey will take another month and a half. But she is on her way."
Selene began laughing and weeping at once, even jumping lightly with Barbara. There was a side of Selene that only Barbara ever saw, deeply emotional and unguarded. Barbara alone knew her secrets and her longing to restore her bond with her sister.
Barbara left her to bathe and change into the garments she had carefully prepared, closing the door behind her and sighing as she leaned against it.
"Is she well?" asked Selene's personal guard, Max.
Max was a strongly built man with reddish hair, from the First Division of the Royal Guard. Eliana herself had appointed him as Selene's protector.
Barbara placed a hand upon her cheek. "She seems better since hearing of Her Highness's return. I hope they truly make up this time."
Max nodded. "You need rest as well. You have worked tirelessly these past months."
Barbara smiled faintly and went on her way, while he resumed his composed stance.
Both of them knew there could be no true rest while their lady's heart remained so fragile, though she showed the opposite to the world. Only the two of them knew the real Selene. From the depths of their hearts, they wished Eliana knew it too—and would take a step toward her, so that their bond might be rebuilt.
After some time, Selene left her chamber, greeted Max, and crossed to her office opposite the room. He followed, standing guard at the door.
Selene began to think about how to welcome her sister, perhaps with a grand banquet or a formal ball. It had been a long time since the palace had hosted such a celebration. She would plan one for Eliana's return.
Celine's POV:
I will design a gown for her, a lavish golden gown worthy of the Crown Princess, bearing the family crest upon her left shoulder and ribbons draped across her right. A dress that proclaims It will dazzle everyone... and perhaps it will be a good beginning for us again.
My sister will be tired when she arrives. She will rest, and the day after, the banquet will be held.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
I must choose the fabric.
I summoned a maid and instructed her, "Send for the designer, Bellonby. Tell her to bring every fabric catalogue she owns, along with the ribbons and all her latest designs, those released and those yet unseen. Inform her that we have only a month and a half to create two gowns, and she must hasten."
She nodded and withdrew.
Now I must plan the hall, the decorations, the food and drink with the kitchen, and the invitation cards.
Calm yourself. This is not the first celebration I have arranged. I simply want everything to be perfect for Eliana. She must have endured much these past months.
I shall begin with the paintings. I must purchase the latest works of the artist Alberto; Daphne's pieces would also suit the atmosphere beautifully. I finished writing letters to both artists.
After instructing Max to summon the coordinators to meet me in the hall, I made my way to the Imperial Hall, imagining how splendid it would look adorned in deep navy, Eliana like a star in her golden gown. It would be a breathtaking sight.
I entered the hall, followed by the Grand Chamberlain, Lord Valerius.
"I want the primary illumination of the hall to come from a thousand candles. During the day, we shall rely upon gentle sunlight, but when night falls for the ball, I want it lit by a thousand flames. The wall décor must be royal navy, and the scent should be a blend of pine and vanilla."
Valerius took notes diligently. "As you command, Your Highness. I shall prepare the budget and issue the necessary orders."
"Yes. Bellonby will arrive later. Ensure she is compensated in accordance with the effort she will expend in the coming days."
He bowed and left. Shortly thereafter, the Imperial Master Florist, the Royal Orchestra Conductor, and the Head Butler entered.
"Good day, Master Florian," I said with a gentle smile. "I hope I have not disturbed your rest."
He shook his head quickly. "Never, Princess. You could not disturb me."
"As I assume Max informed you of the banquet, I want the flowers to be white anemones. You may add artificial golden flowers as accents. No other colors. I entrust the arrangements to you. Should there be any concern regarding the budget, consult Lord Valerius. You may proceed."
He bowed respectfully and departed.
I turned to Maestro Cassian of the Imperial Orchestra. "I listened yesterday to your latest composition. If we are to use it, it must be made more powerful, more magnificent. I want the guests to feel that Eliana is hope itself."
He inclined his head. "As you wish, Princess. I shall add more horns and drums, and an ending befitting a future Empress." He bowed and exited.
Only Master Raymond, the Head Butler, remained. He regarded me with warmth. "I have not seen you this spirited in some time, Your Highness."
I smiled faintly. "Nor have I felt so in quite a while. Master Raymond, inform the Imperial Head Chef, Chef Augustin, that the main course must be northern venison, and the principal dessert must feature berries from the Valley. He may arrange the remainder as he deems suitable. As for the servants' attire, all must wear their white and navy uniforms and follow impeccable service protocol. I trust you, I don't need to concern myself further."
He smiled reassuringly. "Do not worry, Your Highness. My team is trained in every detail. Everything shall be perfect."
He departed as well.
The major preparations were complete. The finer details I entrusted to them, confident they would not fail me.
I looked out the window, unaware that the sun had already begun to set.
How is Eliana now, I wonder? What is she doing? Is she camping in this cold? Eliana's life has always been cold. I doubt it troubles her so greatly.
Does she think of me at moments like this? Does she miss those nights when we slept on a single pillow together?
I had hoped my absence would create something in her life, a void, a feeling that would move her to speak to me again as her sister, not merely as someone to be informed of news. To confide in me when something kept her awake at night. To ask for my assistance in matters of state or even law. I possess enough knowledge to handle legal affairs. But no. She excluded me. She faced everything alone. She stopped looking at me. She came to know nothing of me at all.
We became strangers living beneath the same roof.
As I left the hall and passed by the Emperor's council chamber, raised voices halted me. I approached the door. My father's voice and that of the Deputy Judicial Counselor, Theodore, were escalating. Theodore objected fiercely, while his father, Thaddeus, pleaded with the Emperor to spare his son.
The Emperor declared, "If I find you heeding your son's counsel again, I will not show mercy next time. But because you hold favor with me, I shall spare him now with a minor punishment for attempting to tamper with the empire's ancient laws."
Theodore protested, "That particular law must be amended. You know the magnitude of collapse that could befall the empire if it were misused."
The Emperor stood from his throne in fury. "By , do you mean by me? It appears you have no intention of correcting your conduct. Guards strip Theodore of his post as Deputy Judicial Counselor and imprison him for one year for opposing the Emperor and insulting the imperial family."
The guards seized Theo as I watched through the narrow opening of the door.
It was unjust. What had become of freedom of opinion and expression? Was Theodore not among Eliana's most loyal supporters? How could Father do this? I stepped aside as the guards opened the door and dragged Theo past me.
Thaddeus pleaded, "Your Majesty, I beg you, spare my son. He is still young. I promise I will not heed his counsel again. You have already removed him from his office."
The Emperor, seated once more upon his throne, replied coldly, "Very well. Six months instead of one year. As for your deputy, I shall appoint someone from House Draco."
Thaddeus lifted his head in shock, yet he did not protest. He bowed and hurried after his son.
House Draco? Are they not opposed to Eliana's rule? Were they not the ones who objected when she became Crown Princess, who complicated meetings, tested her, humiliated her when she was just a lost young girl striving to prove herself?
I entered the chamber and looked at my father seated upon the throne like a tyrant. I had not seen him since Eliana departed on her campaign.
"Father, what has happened? Why dismiss Deputy Theodore? You know he is among Eliana's most loyal supporters. He is a good man."
Without looking at me, he answered, "It is a sovereign decision. Do not concern yourself with such matters."
What in heaven's name?
"How can I not concern myself? Your judgment was unfair. And what law did he attempt to amend that troubles you so deeply? You will retire in two months. Is Eliana not responsible for judicial affairs? You know how she despises changes made without her consultation. When she returns...."
The Emperor narrowed his eyes and cut me off sharply. "When Eliana returns, she will find that the Emperor follows the laws of his empire."
He stepped down from his throne and left.
Leaving me there, feeling powerless, diminished, humiliated.
It feels as though my father has transformed from a gentle parent into someone I no longer recognize. He has never spoken to me in such a tone before.
Writer's POV:
Celine went to her chambers and paused before entering, her gaze fixed on the lower edge of the door.
"Max."
As always, Max had been watching from a distance far enough not to intrude upon her privacy, yet close enough that he seemed to appear from nowhere. His hearing was strong; he could catch her voice no matter how far she stood.
With a slight bow, he answered, "Yes, Princess."
Celine exhaled softly. "I have a request. Can you do it out for me... even if it is dangerous?"
"Anything for you, Princess."
She lowered her head, still facing the door. "Watch my father."
Max lifted his gaze. "But that may conflict with my duty to guard you. Therefore, I ref....."
She cut him off. "Please. Just do as I ask. You can assign someone else to protect me. You are the only one I trust with this."
He hesitated, then inclined his head. "Very well, Princess. Do not worry."
Max vanished from behind her. Celine did not turn to watch him leave; she entered her chamber instead. The excitement she had felt since morning had dissolved, and now darker, heavier emotions crept in to trouble her thoughts. She did not understand why her father had spoken to her in such a tone, nor why he had treated Theodore so harshly.
But that was only the first thing Celine had noticed...
She lay upon her bed after changing her clothes, extinguished the lights, and wished for Eliana's return to come swiftly, so her constant anxiety might finally cease.
She realized how safe she felt when her sister was near, safe because Eliana herself was safe. When Eliana was here, their father was calmer, kinder. He would visit more often.
She remembered when she was twenty-three years ago when Eliana had gone on a diplomatic visit to the Kingdom of Valarsa and remained there for two months. During that time, their father had lost all composure. He had not visited Celine even once, and whenever she tried to see him, the guards would deny her entry, claiming he was in an important meeting.
The same had happened when she was nineteen and many other times throughout her life. She never felt secure when Eliana departed for another land.
Even if they did not see each other every day, simply sharing the same palace was enough. She noticed, too, how the number of guards around her increased. She knew Max had once been assigned to protect the Crown Princess.
Five years ago, when she was eighteen, there had been a grand celebration for Eliana's birthday. The event had been suffocating, filled with diplomats and neighboring monarchs. Celine had felt overwhelmed by the political atmosphere, the formalities, and the weight of expectations. She stepped out onto the balcony to breathe, yet the whispers she overheard that night made it one she would never forget.
Five Years Ago, Celine's POV:
I looked at Eliana as she offered a polite smile to the king she was speaking with at her own birthday celebration. Could she not have a simple celebration without discussing politics or military strategy?
I felt suffocated by the heavy scent of incense, by the artificial smiles and courteous glances cast my way as though I were an irrelevant figure, a misplaced word among statesmen. I slipped toward the balcony for a breath of fresh air.
Before stepping through the door, I heard the voice of Prince Alphonse from the southern kingdom bordering ours.
With a quiet laugh, he said, "Emperor Crassus has a peculiar strategy in raising his daughters. He poured all the steel into Eliana and left the other with silk and gold."
Draco replied, "Princess Celine is beautiful; no one can deny that."
"Oh, certainly," Alphonse said indifferently. "She is like a masterpiece in a museum, lovely to behold, but what true purpose does she serve? You cannot rule with her, nor lead an army. She is... a royal ornament. A splendid prize for a fortunate king, nothing more. While Eliana... Eliana is the sword. Celine is in its velvet sheath."
They laughed. Then Alphonse continued in a pragmatic tone, "I spoke with my father about this. Marrying Eliana is impossible; she is the throne itself. But Celine... Celine is the true prize upon the diplomatic chessboard."
Draco frowned. "What do you mean, Your Highness?"
Alphonse sighed impatiently. "She is a strategic asset. Her value lies not in herself, but in the alliance she can secure. She is currently the empire may trade for a port or to settle a border dispute. She does not possess her own fate; she is a fate written into treaties. Her worth is measured in land and soldiers, not hearts or minds. Now stop asking foolish questions."
I looked at my reflection in the mirror beside me. For the first time, I did not see a princess. I saw a girl retreating from a political world, reduced to something ornamental and beautiful, yet without true value. A lesser copy of Eliana. A counterfeit version. A commodity.
My hand fell from the balcony door handle. Was that how everyone saw me?
I glanced back at the hall, the guests who offered me hollow smiles before drifting toward Eliana, truly ignoring me.
Then Eliana turned and met my gaze. That was what broke me. I knew she saw me, saw the tears I could no longer restrain. I noticed her beginning to move toward me, concern etched upon her face. I could not bear it. I ran from the hall, leaving her standing there.
Later, lying upon my bed, I felt ashamed. Was it childish? The prince's words had proven something, but I should not have fled. I should have confronted him as a princess and demanded an apology, not escaped like a criminal who did not belong. As though my presence itself had been a mistake.
The day ended without further incident. Yet when I awoke the next morning and stepped from my chamber, I felt eyes upon me watching from the moment I left my room until I reached my study. Even when I turned, I saw no one. Had I gone mad?
I entered my study, chose a book to read, and prepared to return to my chamber. But the moment I stepped outside, I felt that gaze again.
"Whoever you are," I commanded, "step forward."
A young man with red hair appeared before me. I had seen him in several places before, always behind Eliana.
"Aren't you from the Crown Princess's personal guard?" I asked. He knelt on one knee and bowed.
"Greetings, Princess. I am Maximian, though you may call me Max. I was assigned yesterday to serve as your personal guard."
"What? How? Were you not part of the First Unit assigned to protect the Crown Princess?"
He nodded. "I am, and remain so. But Her Highness transferred me to you. You did not have a personal guard. You may ask anything of me, even the sending of letters. Please rely on me for all matters you prefer not to handle yourself. Consider me your secretary, if you wish. Do not worry, I will not make you uncomfortable."
I gave a small nod. "Very well... you may go now."
Celine's POV:
Why would Eliana assign me one of guards' personal guards ?
I returned to my chamber and found Barbara arranging the bed and setting out my breakfast.
"Good morning, Princess."
"Good morning, Barbara. Do you know why Eliana assigned me a personal guard?"
Barbara blinked. "Ah right. You did not stay until the end of the evening yesterday. After you left, Her Highness had an... incident with a prince I cannot quite recall his name. She went to the balcony and asked the guard stationed there what had happened why you had not entered but instead left the hall in tears. The guard told her what the prince had been saying."
My heart pounded violently. A cold sheen of sweat gathered in my palms. "And then? What happened? Did the entire hall hear what he said?"
Barbara touched her chin, thinking. "From what I heard in the kitchens, the guard whispered in Her Highness's ear. She looked furious truly furious. I do not believe anyone had ever seen her like that. When the prince and Draco stepped back inside from the balcony, Her Highness herself seized him by the hair and dragged him into the center of the hall. The guests were stunned."
The prince rose, enraged. "Do you insult the Kingdom of Serena, Your Highness? How dare you insult the royal family? Do you wish to make enemies?"
But Eliana was colder still. She did not shout. She unsheathed her knight's sword and pressed the blade against his throat.
"The Kingdom of Serena began the insult, Alphonse. You insulted the Imperial Family and it seems you were most unfortunate. My sister heard you herself."
The prince's fury vanished. His face drained of color.
"It appears you have forgotten that I have ears in every corner of this palace," Eliana continued, her voice frigid, her expression unreadable, her gaze terrifying. "What was it you called her? An ornament? A chess piece? You underestimate the Imperial Family. I, in the name of the Sovanian Empire, will make your kingdom the ornament of this continent. I will make you an example to anyone who dares insult my family. You would do well to gather your men and leave my lands otherwise, I shall ensure the sun does not rise tomorrow upon your kingdom."
The prince fled, scrambling for his guards.
"From this day forward and until I say otherwise," she announced to the hall, "all treaties and trade routes between the Empire and the Kingdom of Serena are suspended. Any state that chooses to trade with them shall consider itself our adversary."
Then she turned calmly. "Now let the celebration continue."
The orchestra resumed, its music grand and thunderous. The sound alone seemed to shake the hall.
I stared at Barbara, tears gathering in my eyes. "She... she canceled the treaty because he insulted me?"
"Of course," Barbara replied with unmistakable pride. "And several allied kingdoms followed suit. That prince entangled his father in quite a disaster. The palace has not slept since. And Her Highness assigned Max to you."
I could hardly breathe. Did Eliana truly do all that... for me?
Without changing from my nightclothes, I ran upstairs to Eliana's office and pushed the door open without knocking. Linus, her personal secretary, was with her. He bowed when he saw me.
"As you command, Your Highness," he said to Eliana. "I will carry it out."
Then he turned to me politely. "Princess Celine."
I nodded. He left.
Eliana set the papers in her hand upon the desk. She wore simple attire a shirt and trousers, the first two buttons undone. She folded her hands and leaned against the desk, studying me.
"Celine. Please, sit."
I obeyed, my nerves tightening with every second under her gaze. My fingers intertwined anxiously.
"I... I only wished to say that I am grateful you assigned Max to me."
I could not bring myself to mention the prince.
"Oh?" she replied calmly. "I had been considering transferring him to you for some time. He is close to you in age and highly capable. You may rely on him. Is that all?"
"I am sorry," I whispered.
Her brow lifted faintly. "Why are you apologizing?"
"I feel guilty that you had to cancel your agreements with the Kingdom of Serena because of me."
A rare smile touched her lips. "Celine. An insult to you is an insult to the Imperial Family. And Serena believes itself clever. It was necessary to remind them which hand holds the greater power."
So... it was simply about imperial dignity?
The smile faded from my face.
"Oh... I see. I shall leave, then."
I turned toward the door. She moved to sit behind her desk once more.
I paused when she said,
"And I believe you will wish to change your clothes before the King of Serena and his son arrive to offer you a personal apology for what he said."
I turned sharply, startled, trying to confirm what my ears had just heard. "What?"
Eliana opened a report before her, her tone composed. "Of course I will not allow anyone to insult my sister and escape without a proper apology."
My tears broke free as I stood beside the door.
Eliana looked up immediately, surprise flashing across her face. She rose from her chair and approached me. "Celine...what is wrong?" she asked quickly.
Between uneven breaths, I answered, "Nothing... I am only grateful. And I love you."
I lifted my head from my hands to look at her.
She smiled.
Not one of her rare, restrained smiles no. This one was warmer than any I had seen in years. It reached her eyes. It was the smile she used to give me when we were children.
She leaned closer and whispered, "I love you too, Celine."
Just those words made me break down all over again as she gently tried to calm me.
Back to the Present:
I wiped away the tear that had fallen.
I cannot believe how much has changed in only five years.
The hardest moments are the ones when she is absent. I miss her so deeply that it feels as though dust gathers upon my heart.
Writer's POV:
The month and a half passed in the blink of an eye.
What changed, however, was not subtle. The guards around Celine and throughout most of the palace had diminished. Meanwhile, security around the Emperor's wing had doubled.
Celine left her chamber for her office. She was finally scheduled to meet Max again; she had not seen him since asking him to gather information.
She waited inside, pacing back and forth, tension coiled tightly in her chest.
A knock.
She hurried to the door and opened it at once. Max stood there.
"Come in. Quickly."
He entered. She gestured for him to sit. He looked exhausted like a man who had not slept in weeks.
"Your Highness," he began, voice low, "something is wrong in the palace. You sensed it as well. Much has happened. I hardly know where to begin. After dismissing Deputy Counselor Theo, the Emperor ordered Judicial Counselor Thaddeus to conduct a full archival review especially of the ancient laws. He called it 'preservation of heritage.'"
Celine did not immediately grasp why that would be troubling. Surely her father merely wished to burden Thaddeus reviewing more than two thousand old statutes was punishment enough for a man his age.
She murmured to herself, "An archival review? Why now? What use is there in disturbing laws buried for centuries?"
Then, aloud, "What else? I know the security protocols have changed. The guards throughout the palace there are unfamiliar faces."
Max nodded quickly. "Yes. The Emperor has appointed guards from House Draco and House Augustus. Their loyalty has always been to him alone. They now protect the throne hall and the imperial wing. Our usual guards have been reassigned to the gardens, stables, and outer grounds. Can you believe it?"
Frustration slipped into his tone before he remembered whom he was addressing.
"I do not understand," Celine said slowly. "Both families oppose Eliana's rule. They are old houses strict traditionalists. What benefit is there in bringing them inside the palace? Does Father no longer intend to retire?"
Max rubbed his face wearily. "There is something unfolding. I do not know whether the Emperor is ill or planning something. But I believe he wishes to delay proclaiming Eliana Empress."
Celine froze.
"He ordered sudden loyalty drills for every legion stationed across the empire. They were required to swear allegiance to the Emperor and to the Law of the Empire—not to any specific individual. And I believe by 'specific individual,' he meant Her Highness Eliana."
A sharp ache formed at Celine's temples. She pressed her hand against her forehead.
"What in heaven's name is he doing?" she whispered.
Then suddenly she lifted her head. "Wait."
Max looked at her.
"Father dismissed Theo. And Theo is ambitious he constantly proposes new legislation. Laws that often irritate House Augustus. They are rigid about ancient codes. They believe a woman ruling contradicts the natural order... that it invites divine wrath."
Max frowned, not fully following.
She continued, voice gaining urgency. "Passing a new law often requires nullifying older ones to prevent conflict. I remember Theo arguing with Father about a statute he wished to amend. Father refused and then dismissed and imprisoned him for 'insulting the Imperial Family.'"
Max stood abruptly. "I will visit Theo in the prison."
He moved toward the door.
"Max—wait."
He turned.
"Before you go, summon Barbara from my chamber. Quickly."
He nodded and left. Moments later, Barbara arrived.
"Yes, Princess?"
Celine stepped close and placed her hands on Barbara's shoulders.
"Barbara, I need you to go to the High Court archives. Bring me copies of all preserved statutes—especially the ancient ones dating back to the empire's founding."
Barbara nodded. Celine handed her an imperial writ granting unrestricted access to the archives.
Once alone, Celine whispered to herself,
"I must discover which law Father is protecting so desperately."
Celine's POV:
Eliana arrives today.
I must uncover the truth before she returns at least something, anything. Tomorrow, a banquet will be held in celebration of her victory. I have to be useful. I need her to know what awaits her within these walls.
After some time, Max returned. One look at his face told me everything. He had not been permitted to see Theo.
"Your Highness," he said quietly, "forgive me. Access to Theo requires the Emperor's personal authorization. No one else may grant it."
"I expected as much," I replied. "This only confirms our suspicion. The law Father is so desperate to preserve must be the very one Theo attempted to change."
Max nodded.
A knock came at the door. Barbara entered.
My heart sank instantly. Her hands were empty.
She had failed.
"You as well?" I asked softly. "You require the Emperor's permission too ?"
She nodded.
I turned away and stepped toward the window, placing my hand against the cool wood of the frame.
"Your Highness," Max spoke again, "there is something else. The Emperor held a private council several days ago. I could not obtain the guest list at first. When one of my informants finally brought it to me... there was something wrong with it. House Valerius was not invited. Nor was House Meridius."
I spun toward him, shock surging through me.
"What? That..."
A sudden knock cut me off.
My heart was pounding so loudly I could hear it in my ears.
A servant entered and announced in a clear, resonant voice:
"Princess... Her Highness's legion has arrived."
End of Chapter Two
Chapter of Memories
May the next chapter be even more compelling...
