The Crown Prince, Alexis, tapped his fingers restlessly on the desk. His brows were furrowed in thought, a rare moment of quiet in the lively Chamber.
Aside from him, the First Empress sat on the sofa, a length of fine cloth stretched across her embroidery hoop. Her needle moved with practiced grace, threading gold into the white silk of a handkerchief. "What are you thinking so deeply, dear?" she asked without looking at him.
Alexis exhaled. "Oh, Mother. It's just... the capital is suddenly buzzing with talk of Dowager Duchess Selwyn. Her name is on every tongue."
The First Empress's needle paused mid-air. Her voice, though soft, was stern. "Do not concern yourself with her. I hope you're not planning anything foolish."
Alexis offered a casual smile. "What are you thinking, Mother? You know I have a fiancée."
She sighed and resumed her stitching, her movements a little sharper now. It was no secret—certainly not to the people—that the Crown Prince bore the same appetites as his father, the Emperor. A charming womanizer, Alexis wore his smile like armor, and his indiscretions like hidden medals. He liked to pretend they were invisible, but everyone saw them—especially her.
"She is not someone you can play with, Alexis," the Empress murmured.
He didn't respond, only leaned back in his chair, gazing up at the ceiling.
But the look in his eyes—calculating, amused—suggested his interest in the Dowager Duchess was far from casual.
Serena lightly tapped her fingers against the desk, her expression pensive. With a sigh, she closed the book in front of her. The Prophetess—a story she had written and rewritten in her mind—lay silent. She had read it eight times, each time hoping inspiration would strike for the fourth volume. But the words refused to come.
The first three volumes had become bestsellers, praised for their mystery and vision. Yet now, her mind was an empty field with no path forward.
Just then, Dyanne entered the study, arms full of letters. "Your Grace," she said with a grin, "just look at how many invitations have arrived. Everyone seems to want you at their tea parties."
Serena smiled faintly and took the bundle, her eyes quickly scanning the seals. One in particular caught her attention—a delicate ivory wax stamped with a familiar book emblem.
"Ah… this is from Daliah." Her mood visibly brightened as she broke the seal.
She unfolded the letter and read aloud:
Dear Serena,
I've heard about your boutique—how exciting! I'm looking forward to visiting it soon, so you'd better prepare a discount for me.
More importantly, I would like to see you. May I come to your estate?
There's something I wish to discuss with you. It's quite important.
With love,
Daliah
Serena stared at the letter for a moment. Daliah rarely asked for meetings unless something truly mattered. She dipped her quill into ink and swiftly penned a reply. Once finished, she folded the letter, sealed it with her emblem, and handed it to Dyanne.
"Send this to Daliah," she instructed calmly. "She'll be visiting tomorrow. I want everything to be prepared perfectly and everyone in the annex to welcome her properly."
Dyanne bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Grace. I'll see to it personally."
The next day, the annex buzzed with servants running here and there, the butlers handling the heavy work while the maids delicately arranged the guest room, prepared the refreshments, and ensured every corner of the annex gleamed with perfection.
By late morning, a carriage rolled in. Serena stood at the entrance, accompanied by Aiden and Ashley, her expression serene as always.
As soon as Daliah stepped out, her eyes lit up. "Serena!" she exclaimed and rushed forward, pulling her into a warm embrace.
Aiden blinked in surprise, and Ashley's brows lifted slightly. Serena was known for declining countless invitations from noblewomen, keeping herself distant. Yet here she stood, smiling—genuinely.
The two exchanged a glance and then a quiet smile of understanding. Daliah must have been someone truly precious to Serena—someone who had once offered her warmth when she needed it most.