The morning pulsed with life throughout the city. The voices of vendors echoed on both sides of the road, calling out their goods enthusiastically, while mingling with the scent of fresh bread and ground spices. Helen walked with confident steps, as if the world revolved around her. Her luxurious outfit, made of velvet fabrics embroidered with silver threads, gleamed under the sun's rays, attracting everyone's attention, but she barely paid them any mind.
Helen (coldly): "Why is this place so crowded? Isn't the city supposed to be more organized?"
(She speaks without looking at her maid who walks cautiously behind her, holding the edge of her dress to avoid getting it dirty with dust).
Maid (nervously): "Madam, today is the weekly market day. Everyone comes to shop and buy their necessities."
Helen (grumbling): "I need fresh air, not this noise. How can they bear all this commotion?"
(She suddenly stops in front of a small stall displaying a collection of sparkling jewelry. She picks up a small piece between her fingers and examines it scrutinizingly).
Helen (sarcastically): "What is this? Do they call it jewelry? It looks like it was made for children."
Vendor (with a hesitant smile): "Madam, many women here like these. They are reasonably priced and of good quality."
Helen (with affectation): "Reasonable? Quality? These words have nothing to do with what I see."
(She tosses the piece lightly onto the table and continues walking without looking back).
(As she walks, she passes by a cart displaying brightly colored fabrics. A group of women excitedly crowd around it, talking loudly about the beauty and quality of the fabrics).
Helen (with a provocative expression): "What is this gathering? Did something noteworthy happen?"
Maid (with a hesitant smile): "They say there's a new seamstress in the market, her designs have become the talk of the town."
Helen (bored): "Amazing designs? That's what they always say about everything ordinary and trivial."
(She continues walking, but the sound of two women talking nearby catches her attention. She stops without looking at them, listening carefully).
First Woman (enthusiastically): "Did you see the dress Lady Mira wore to the party?"
Second Woman: "Yes! I heard it's designed by Daphne. She's so talented."
First Woman: "Talented? She's a genius."
(Helen's eyes narrow as she hears the name. She takes a deep breath then slowly turns to her maid).
Helen (in a low but sharp voice): "Daphne... Haven't I heard that name before?"
Maid (cautiously): "I believe she's the seamstress we spoke about earlier, Madam."
Helen (thinking aloud): "Ah, I remember... She's Adonis's beloved, isn't she?"
(She hides a sarcastic smile, while her features transform into a mix of curiosity and jealousy).
(Helen continues her way towards the inner market, where dozens of women gather in front of a small shop. Its facade is modest, but it's filled with dresses that seem to tell stories. Helen stops for a moment, then turns to the maid).
Helen (arrogantly): "I won't enter this place. But, I want you to ask about Daphne. I want to know everything about her."
Maid (embarrassed): "Of course, Madam."
The Imperial Palace was at the height of its tranquility after Empress **Amefira** returned from the grand ceremony. An atmosphere of luxury permeated the place, and the Empress's private wing reflected her strong personality and the absolute opulence surrounding her. Dark velvet curtains swayed softly with the breeze, while ornate furniture gleamed under the crystal chandeliers.
**Helen**, with her imposing presence and striking elegance, entered the Empress's wing after being received by one of the maids. She wore a meticulously embroidered dress that reflected her refined taste.
**Helen (in a confident voice):** "I have arrived, Madam."
(The Empress turned from her place on the plush sofa, where she was relaxing and sipping a cup of aromatic tea.)
**Empress:** "Helen, how are you?"
**Helen (smiling):** "I am well, Madam. But I cannot say the same for you. You seem tired."
**Empress (with a sigh):** "Yesterday was a long day... The Prince's wedding, instead of being a joyful occasion, turned into a disaster."
**Helen (feigning sympathy):** "Yes, I noticed that. Adonis completely ruined the atmosphere."
**Empress (sharply):** "You noticed too? He was extremely rude. I almost lost my temper."
(The Empress took a small sip from her cup, while Helen continued her conversation with calculated cunning.)
**Helen (in a low voice):** "Madam, it seems the Emperor is very fond of him. As if he's preparing him to be the next Emperor."
(The Empress placed her cup forcefully on the small table in front of her, making a faint sound.)
**Empress:** "I don't even want to hear that idea. It's impossible. Adonis may be strong, but he's not fit for this role."
**Helen:** "But, if everyone has noticed this closeness, then time is running out for us."
**Empress (with hidden anxiety):** "What do you mean?"
**Helen:** "I mean... did you use that herb?"
(The Empress was silent for a moment, looking at Helen with a gaze that combined caution and mystery. Helen's words carried more than what appeared on the surface.)
**Empress (cautiously):** "This is not a subject to be discussed now."
**Helen (with a small smile):** "Of course, Madam. I just wanted to make sure things were under control."
(Tension rose in the room, but the Empress quickly regained her composure and changed the subject.)
**Empress:** "Let's leave these matters for now. Did you bring me the designs for the new collection?"
**Helen (quickly):** "Of course, Madam. I chose the best that suits your exquisite taste."
(Helen opened a small bag and pulled out a set of drawings, presenting them to the Empress. But Helen's features were not devoid of hidden ambition, as if she was planning something bigger than what appeared.)
Amidst an atmosphere of tension and darkness, while "that woman" sat in her ancient laboratory, where shelves were filled with glass vials containing mysterious liquids and dried herbs with a pungent smell, there was a forceful knock on the door three consecutive times, as if the knocker carried something beyond the ordinary. The woman cautiously opened the door to find a messenger dressed in a dark robe that concealed his features, carrying a message sealed with Empress Amefira's seal.