Outside the gate of the palace, a special seat for the Empress was prepared in public, along with a guillotine and gallows. Crowds swelled beyond the palace walls, gathered to witness the public execution of those found guilty of treason.
The palace gate opened the the criminals walked in a line with their hands tied as they head to the gallows. People murmured and throwed eggs and rocks at them.
"Traitors!"
"Die!"
The crowd shouted in anger.
The Empress emerged, flanked by knights, Duke Vane, and a hooded woman. The crowd fell to respectful silence as she took her seat. The herald stepped forward onto the gallows, unrolling a scroll.
"After an extensive investigation, these nobles have been found guilty of conspiring against the crown and aiding in the late Emperor's death. They are hereby sentenced to death by hanging."
"That's a lie! We're being framed!" one of the viscounts shouted, struggling against his chains.
"Silence!" a soldier barked, striking him in the leg. The man collapsed with a grunt.
Ropes were placed around their necks. Moments later, their bodies swung lifeless in the air.
Then came the higher-ranking traitors, they were set to the guillotine.
The herald read their crimes and sentence.
"Sir Garran D'Sharn, former Knight-Commander, led his forces in aid of former Marquess Rue Mallory's rebellion. His punishment is beheading."
Some in the crowd jeered, while others watched in shock. Sir Garran had once been a hero.
"Lord George Mallory, you knowingly funded Rue Mallory's treason. Your sentence is also beheading."
Murmurs and tension rippled through the people, after all these two helped in establishing the empire after the emperor took the throne.
The Empress observed the shifting mood of the crowd. This might cause rebellion in the future.
"Hold," she commanded, raising a hand. "I wish to speak with Sir Garran. One last time."
She descended from her seat and approached the kneeling knight.
"I still find it hard to believe you're guilty. You were like a brother to the Emperor."
She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and leaned in, whispering, "It's time. Make sure you include the old man, too."
"I want to see my wife," Garran demanded under his breath.
The Empress looked toward Duke Vane and gave a subtle nod. He stepped forward, removing the hood from the woman beside him.
Sir Garran's breath caught.
"I'll let her go," the Empress whispered, "once you do what I've asked."
His eyes lingered on his wife's face. He swallowed his grief.
The Empress stood and addressed the crowd.
"I shall give Sir Garran a final chance to speak the truth."
She turned to him. "Tell us. Did you kill the Emperor?"
Silence.
Sir Garran lifted his head. "It's true that I helped subdue the palace guards... but I wasn't the one who killed His Majesty. It was Marquess Rue Mallory."
Gasps and shouts erupted.
"And with Lord George Mallory's help, we executed the plan smoothly."
Rocks flew from the angry crowd. They were pelted mercilessly.
Sir Garran turned his head toward the elderly lord beside him.
"I'm sorry, my lord," he whispered.
The old man closed his eyes in silent resignation.
The soldiers forced Garran to the guillotine. As he placed his neck beneath the blade, the Empress leaned close once more.
"I'm sorry. I lied."
His eyes widened in confusion. He followed her gaze to where his "wife" stood.
His eyes widened in horror as the woman's face change, her illusion fading. She was not his wife.
Before he could react, the blade dropped.
His head fell cleanly into the basket below.
The Empress dropped his wife's ring after it.
"You'll be able to see your wife now."
She moved to face the old lord.
"Any last words?" she asked.
"The heart bears the curse the hands have earned," the old man said calmly.
She arched an eyebrow. "Another one of your riddles?"
"It's a saying from Dostani. The karma that we've earned, good or bad, goes to the one we love. And for you, Your Imperial Majesty, that would be your son."
The Empress's face remained unreadable.
"I'll make sure it never reaches him," she said flatly, then gave the signal.
His head joined the other.
Just then, the herald rushed to her side, whispering urgently.
She raised her hand. The crowd fell silent.
"I bring news. The Dostani Kingdom has attacked our border. They believe the Empire weakened with our Emperor and Knight-Commander gone."
She stood tall, voice resolute.
"But we are not weak. We have knights, we have mages, and we will show them what happens when they test our strength."
The crowd cheered.
"We will bring death to their doorstep!" the Empress roared.
The crowd roared their approval.
The Empress turned to the mage standing beside Duke Vane. The mage raised her staff. Lightning gathered into a sphere, then shot into the sky.
In an instant, daylight vanished, plunging the square into momentary darkness.
Far away, near the Empire's borders-
"It's the signal, my lord!" a knight cried as he rushed into the command tent of Duke Avaris.
Duke Avaris stepped out, staring at the sky as the darkness flashed and faded.
"To your horses!" the Duke commanded.
Every knights and soldiers rode their horse and draw their sword.
"Glory to the empire!" Duke Avaris shouted and led the knights to the border.
At that moment, the dark mages that were stationed in different parts of the border also started attacking once they saw the signal.
"Well done, Elery. You've improved a lot," the Headmaster said, her voice calm yet proud.
Elery, still catching her breath looked at her hands with a mix of awe and satisfaction. Mastering the Second Sight had not been easy, but she could now see and feel the presence of living things even animals.
"You're ready for the next step."
"Which is?" Elery asked, curious.
"You'll find out soon. Just make sure you're always prepared."
Elery gave up pressing for answers. She is used to the Headmaster's cryptic style by now. She gathered her books, ready to leave for lunch, but paused when the Headmaster spoke again.
"Do you know how to dance?"
Elery blinked. "I haven't attended many parties, but yes."
"Good. You should start looking for a partner," the Headmaster said absently as she scribbled something onto a parchment.
"Why?"
The Headmaster did not answer and just waved her hand dismissing her.
As Elery walked down the hall, she spotted Greta hurrying toward her.
"Lady Elery! I've come to pick you up. Sir Lucian has reserved us seats in the hall."
"Alright, let's go."
The dining hall was more crowded than usual. A particular table was swarmed by curious and giggling students.
As they drew closer, Elery realized who was at the center of it all. It was Lucian, cornered and looking flustered.
"I'm sorry, ladies, but I won't be attending the ball," Sir Lucian said, clearly overwhelmed.
He caught sight of Elery and immediately stood, walking toward her with visible relief.
"Someone's popular," Elery teased as he joined them.
"They were asking me to be their escort to the ball," Lucian muttered, guiding them to their table, where lunch was already waiting.
"What ball?" Elery asked as she sat down.
"Do you remember Lady Bridgette? The one who complained about the curriculum on the first day?" Greta began. "She's been begging the Headmaster to approve a welcome ball for new students, but kept getting rejected. But thanks to Lord Rue and Sir Lucian's sudden arrival, she finally got what she wanted. The Headmaster couldn't say no this time."
Elery glanced at Lucian. "You should go."
"That's not why I came here," he said nonchalantly, digging into his meal.
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to enjoy yourself."
As they ate, Elery suddenly felt a sharp gaze on her. Looking across the hall, she met the eyes of a woman glaring at her. The woman sat stiffly at a nearby table, her expression dripping with disdain.
"Elery!" Lord Edric appeared, panting slightly, and slid into the seat across from her.
"Lucian, you should've waited for me!"
"There wouldn't be any seats left if I had to wait for you to finish talking to every woman in the hall," Lucian replied dryly.
"Ahem!" Edric cleared his throat awkwardly and glanced at Elery. "I already turned them down. There's someone else I want to escort."
He straightened up, face turning red.
"Elery... would you allow me to be your escort to the ball?"
She felt all eyes shift toward her. But it was the glare of the woman across from them that bit into her attention.
"What's her problem?" she thought as she glanced at her.
"I won't be attending," she said casually, continuing to eat.
"What?!" Edric, Lucian, and Greta chorused in shock.
"Why not? This is your first big event here. Everyone's expected to go," Greta said.
"She's right. If you're worried about a dress, don't be," Lucian added. "Mother gave us more than enough money to fill your closet."
"Or I can send a tailor to make your clothes," Lord Edric offered.
"It's not that. I have something else to do. I just can't attend."
"But still-"
"Edric," Rue interrupted as he arrived behind him, "someone's looking for you."
He gestured toward the entrance where a group of girls eagerly waved at Edric.
Lucian smirked. "Seems like you won't be escorting my sister after all."
Edric groaned, standing up reluctantly. "Excuse me for a moment."
As he walked off, Rue took the vacant seat and began eating in silence. The dining hall continued to buzz until the woman across the table suddenly stood and approached.
"Excuse me, my lord," she said sweetly. "I'm Bridgette Avaris. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She curtsied gracefully.
Rue did not look at her and just continued eating. "How can I help you, my lady?"
Her smile twitched. The way he ignored her visibly irritated Bridgette.
How dare you! You low-born bastard, she seethed inwardly. You're just the son of some noble whore. If it weren't for your face I woudn't even ask you.
"I'm looking for an escort to the ball. Would you... consider attending with me?" she asked, batting her lashes.
"Sorry, my lady. I will not be attending," Rue replied curtly.
"Why not?! Please reconsider. Attending with me would improve your image," she said louder, attracting curious glances from nearby tables.
Rue finally looked at her, frowning. "And why would I need to improve my image? I did nothing wrong. Besides, weren't you the one spreading rumors about me? So why would you want to be seen with me?"
Bridgette was caught off guard."I-I don't know what you mean. Besides, if you were truly innocent, wouldn't you try to clear your name? You should be glad I ask a criminal like you to be my escort."
Splash!
Gasps echoed through the hall.
Everyone turned to see Elery standing with a now-empty glass in her hand. Water dripped down Bridgette's face, soaking the front of her dress.
A stunned silence fell.