" Speak. " Albrecht took a steady breath. " On the day the fire consumed Celestria Palace... among the deaths, we found the corpse of an assassin-slain by Princess Myrrh Celestia herself. " He paused, his throat tightening.
When Castillion heard that, he felt a sharp anguish. Because he saw his daughter murder the assassin that night.
" Upon examining the body, we discovered a mark burned into his arm-the same sigil as the wax seal connected to the Empress. " Castillion's expression darkened, eyes narrowing with dawning realization.
" I know what you are thinking, Your Majesty, " Albrecht continued solemnly. " The Empress's faction-or perhaps the Empress herself-intended for the young Princess to die. " He swallowed hard before finishing.
" They knew you would rush to Celestria Palace the moment her life was in danger. It was a trap designed for both of you. From the very beginning... Her Majesty planned for you and the Princess to vanish together. " Castillion's hand clenched, trembling slightly as he forced himself to breathe. His anger surged like a storm beneath the surface, threatening to break free. Yet his face remained composed
" Lord Albrecht Ciuz Zenodoros, High Justiciar of the Empire of Vailenor. " he said at last, his tone cold, measured and authority, " seize every traitor who sides with the Empress and the Crown Prince. Move silently. No word of my command must reach the court or the Nobles. Let the Empress believe she has won. But the moment she calls for a royal council in the throne room... " -his eyes hardened- " ...I will pass judgment myself. "
" Your Majesty, your command will be obeyed, " Albrecht replied firmly. " The operation will be clean. I already know who stands with her Majesty. " Castillion gave a slow nod of approval.
" Then go. I will await your report. " His voice carried the finality of a command.
" I have received your order, Your Majesty, " Albrecht replied, his tone low and respectful.
He rose from his kneeling position, bowed deeply, and stepped back three paces in solemn formality before turning his back to the Emperor. Without another word, he departed the chamber, the sound of his boots fading into the vast silence of the hall.
******
Madame Loula observed in silence as Princess Myrrh balanced a teacup upon her head. Her back was straight, her breathing soft, her every step measured with elegance. The porcelain barely trembled.
" The lesson for today, Your Highness, " Madame Loula said, her voice calm yet edged with gravity, " is the Discipline of Emotions. " She walked closer, her hands folded neatly before her.
" With every balance, composure must reign. Grace is not found in stillness alone, but in the calm that steadies it. Always remember, Princess-carry yourself with dignity, and let elegance be your virtue. " Myrrh listened to Madame Loula's teachings without a flicker of emotion. In all the months of her tutelage, the instructor had never once seen the Princess smile. Myrrh's demeanor was always calm, composed-an image of poise carved from silence.
Madame Loula regarded her with quiet contemplation. " Your Highness, " she began softly, " even when you wear elegance like a crown, remember-grace is not coldness. " She stepped closer, her tone gentle but instructive.
" Sometimes, a smile is needed. Not one of joy, but of serenity. The court will always watch you-the nobles, the ladies, the ministers. Every movement, every breath will be measured. So, smile-moderately. Let them see warmth without invitation, and restraint without distance. " Madame Loula moved closer, her heels gliding softly against the marble floor. The morning light fell through the tall windows, bathing the chamber in pale gold. Myrrh stood still, the teacup still balanced upon her head like a silent crown.
" Now, " Madame Loula began, her tone gentle but precise, " I will teach you how to smile. " She smiled softly after speaking, but Myrrh's expression remained unchanged. A faint crease formed between the Princess's brows.
" What's wrong with my expression? " she thought, the protest rising quietly within her. Yet she swallowed it back, composing herself, and curved her lips in a slight, restrained smile.
" There are many kinds of smiles, Your Highness, " Madame Loula continued, her voice steady, her gaze unwavering. " Each one is a message-spoken without words, yet louder than any proclamation. " She folded her hands neatly before her.
" Allow me to demonstrate. " She said.
Her lips curved faintly-calm, serene, unreadable. " This, " she said, " is the polite smile. Used in greetings and formal assemblies. It conveys respect, but no emotion beyond that. You offer it to nobles you neither trust nor dislike. "
Then her eyes softened, though her posture remained composed. " This, " she went on, " is the courtly smile. It must appear gracious-warm enough to charm, distant enough to protect. The secret lies in the eyes: never too bright, never too weary. This smile is your mask in the ballroom, your virtue in council. "
Finally, her expression dimmed into a subtle melancholy-barely a curve of her lips, yet deeply human. Her voice lowered. " And this, " is the masking smile. You will wear it when you are wounded but must not show pain. When your heart trembles, but your crown must not. It is the smile of Empresses/queens who have learned that the world does not weep for pain. "
Madame Loula approached and gently lifted the teacup from Princess Myrrh's head. She looked at the young princess with a soft but serious gaze.
" Learn and remember what I have taught you," she said. " When the time comes for you to attend the banquets, these lessons will protect your dignity-and the Emperor's honor as well. " Her tone carried affection, yet behind her eyes lingered a quiet sadness.
But in Myrrh's mind, her words took on another meaning.
" I cannot bring shame upon myself... or upon the dignity of Vailenor? " A bitter thought crossed her, sharp and fleeting. " Are you joking? " she wanted to ask-but instead, she merely smiled and curtsied gracefully.
" Thank you for your guidance, Madame Loula, " she said, her voice calm and formal. " I've learned a great deal today. Do not worry, I will study your teachings diligently. "
Madame Loula's lips curved into a gentle smile.
" That is good, Your Highness. In our next session, I shall expect to see what you've mastered. " She curtsied, and Myrrh mirrored her with perfect precision. Both women rose in unison, their movements a mirror of elegance.
" I shall take my leave now, " Madame Loula said softly.
A faint smile touched Myrrh's face. " Have a safe home, Madame Loula. " Madame Loula bowed once more, stepping back slowly-each motion deliberate, dignified-before turning away. Her footsteps faded into the distance until she vanished beyond the doorway.
******
Princess Gwenyth Caliste sat beneath a marble gazebo surrounded by blooming roses and neatly trimmed hedges. A few steps away, Queen Astoria was gathering sprigs of lavender and jasmine. When her basket was full, she walked toward her daughter, who was quietly reading.
Gwenyth looked up from her book as her mother placed the fragrant blossoms into a vase filled with water.
" Mother, aren't you ever tired of the scent of flowers? " Gwenyth asked curiously.
Queen Astoria turned to her with a gentle smile.
" No, my dear. These flowers only bloom once each spring-and you said yourself how sweet their fragrance is. " Gwenyth smiled faintly and returned her gaze to the pages before her. Yet, after a moment, something seemed to cross her mind.
" Mother, " she said, eyes still on her book, " you mentioned we would have tea together today-and that you invited Princess Myrrh Celestia, my sister? " Queen Astoria paused in her arranging and nodded.
" Yes, that's right. That's why we're here in the garden. I know Princess Myrrh Celestia loves flowers-before her palace was destroyed, the gardens there were filled with the most fragrant blooms. " Queen Astoria replied softly.
For a moment, silence lingered between them. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the faint hum of bees circling the flowers. Then Gwenyth spoke again, her voice hesitant.
" Mother, " she began, " is it true what I heard from my maids-that the Empress slapped and shouted at my sister, myrrh. in front of Father? " Queen Astoria paused, glancing at her daughter before answering quietly.
" Yes, that is what I heard as well. " She replied calmly.
" But, Mother, " Gwenyth continued, her tone more anxious now, " it wasn't only that. I read in a tabloid that Father has gone mad. They said he quarreled with the Empress, and Brother Casimir sided with her-his mother-instead of trying to calm them. " Her words came quickly, one after another, betraying her worry. Queen Astoria shook her head slowly.
" Do not believe everything you hear, Gwenyth, " she said firmly. " Rumors often twist the truth. And be careful, my dear-speaking ill of your father, especially such things, could bring grave consequences if his allies were to hear of it. You must never repeat that again. " Gwenyth lowered her gaze and nodded in understanding.
Queen Astoria returned to arranging the flowers, the gentle rhythm of her movements restoring the calm of the garden. Moments later, her lady-in-waiting approached and curtsied.
" Your Majesty, My Queen. Princess Myrrh Celestia has arrived. "
" Bring her here, " Queen Astoria instructed. " And tell the head maid to bring tea and sweets. " Queen Astoria command.
A gentle breeze swept through the garden, carrying the scent of lavender and jasmine across the marble gazebo. The sun rested high above, its golden rays spilling through the white silk curtains that draped gracefully along the pillars.
Moments later, soft footsteps approached along the gravel path. Princess Myrrh Celestia emerged from between the rose arches, her presence as serene as the breeze itself. Her gown was woven from delicate champagne-gold lace, shimmering softly beneath the noonday light that filtered through the garden's blossoms. Intricate embroidery—patterned like blooming vines and celestial petals—traced each fold of the fabric, lending her an almost otherworldly radiance.
The bodice was finely fitted, accentuating her young slender form with quiet regal poise, while the long, sheer sleeves added an air of refinement and purity. The wide, flowing skirt swept gracefully across the marble path like a field of starlit flowers—elegant yet modest, reflecting her royal bearing. And her delicate crystal headpiece rested upon her soft wavy black hair, the gems catching the light like morning dew. No necklace adorned her neck—only simplicity that spoke more profoundly of dignity.
Queen Astoria rose from her seat with a warm smile.
" Myrrh Celestia, my dear, it's good to see you, " she greeted fondly.
Myrrh curtsied with grace. " It is always an honor to be invited, Your Majesty. The garden is as lovely as ever. "
Princess Gwenyth Caliste closed her book and stood, offering a gentle smile. " Sister, " she said softly, " you arrived just in time. Mother has prepared tea for us. "
The head maid appeared soon after, followed by attendants bearing silver trays laden with teapots, fine porcelain cups, and plates of honey biscuits and fruit tarts. The air filled with the comforting aroma of freshly steeped Earl Grey and sweet pastries.
" It has been some time since we've shared tea together, " Queen Astoria said, her voice calm yet tinged with wistfulness. " I am grateful that today grants us such peace. "
Princess Myrrh Celestia smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on her sister.
" Yes… peace is rare these days, " she replied, her tone thoughtful—almost distant.
Queen Astoria watched Princess Myrrh Celestia closely as she took a delicate bite of a fruit tart. When Myrrh noticed a queen Astoria's gaze, she lowered her hand and looked down meekly. For a moment, silence hung between them, their eyes meeting across the table.
" I can hardly believe the Empress raised her hand against you, " Queen Astoria said at last, her voice laced with sorrow and concern.
Gwenyth turned to her mother, then back to Myrrh, her expression softening. " It's true, isn't it? Even now, the swelling on your cheek is still visible. " She reached out and gently took Myrrh's hand. " What happened? Why would the Empress do such a thing? " Her questions came with genuine worry, one after another.
Myrrh hesitated, her gaze falling to their joined hands. For a moment, she wanted to pull away her hand, to hide the disgust that betrayed her composure. Lowering her head, she brushed her fingertips against her cheek, as if to quiet its lingering sting.
" To be honest, " she began softly, " I do not fully understand it myself, Your Majesty… Sister. I merely asked that the Empress and Brother Casimir leave the Emperor's chamber for a while so father could rest. But it seems my words displeased the Empress and brother Casimir as well. " Her voice wavered. She looked up briefly, her eyes glistening with restrained pain.
" I did not mean any harm… yet she struck me. " Queen Astoria and Princess Gwenyth exchanged a pained glance as Myrrh's composure began to crumble. Tears welled in her eyes, shimmering like dew before they fell.
Myrrh quickly averted her gaze and bowed her head. " Forgive me, " she whispered, her voice trembling. " I did not mean to show such weakness before you. " Taking out a handkerchief, she dabbed gently at her tears, her movements delicate and quiet—like a flower.
" Oh no, no, my dear, " Queen Astoria said softly as she rose from her seat and went to Myrrh's side. She wrapped her arms around Myrrh in a gentle embrace. " Do not think of it that way. There is no weakness in your tears. " Astoria drew back slightly, her expression filled with sorrow.
" I am deeply grieved by what the Empress has done to you. You acted with kindness, yet Empress Miliani chose to see it differently. " She brushed a strand of hair from Myrrh's face.
" Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty… and thank you as well, Sister, for your concern, " Myrrh replied gently. " I feel better now. Please—let us not dwell on yesterday. The tea is far too delicious to be spoiled by pain. " Gwenyth smiled faintly at her sister's attempt to lighten the mood.
" When you are sad, Myrrh, you may visit me anytime at my palace. You will always be welcomed there—and at Mother's as well, " she said, her voice soft and sincere.
Myrrh met their warm gazes and smiled in return, the heaviness in her heart easing for a moment. Her quiet smile brought one to Gwenyth's lips as well.
The three continued their tea for a short while, the conversation light and calm, until the lady-in-waiting entered and leaned close to whisper something to the Queen. Queen Astoria nodded and looked toward her daughter and myrrh with a composed smile.
" I must take my leave for now, " she said. " Guests have arrived, and I must greet them. " Both Myrrh and Gwenyth rose from their seats and curtsied gracefully as their mother/Queen departed.
Once the Queen was gone, Gwenyth turned to Myrrh. " Sister, I should be going as well. I have matters to attend to, " she said.
Myrrh nodded politely, and they curtsied to each other once more, straightening in perfect postures.
" Would you like me to walk you out? " Gwenyth offered kindly. Myrrh shook her head with a gentle smile.
" That won't be necessary, Sister Gwenyth. My personal maid is here with me. Please, go ahead—I think I'll stay a little longer and admire the flowers. " Gwenyth nodded in understanding.
" Very well then. Take care, Myrrh. " With a final smile, she turned and walked down the garden path, her footsteps soft against the gravel until they faded into the distance.
Left alone within the marble gazebo, Princess Myrrh Celestia listened until no footsteps could be heard. When the garden fell completely silent, she sat down once more and reached for a stem of lavender from the vase at the table's center. She brought it close to her face, inhaling its delicate scent before smiling faintly.
Setting the lavender gently back in place, she lifted her teacup and took a small sip. The flavor had cooled, but she didn't mind. For several quiet minutes, she simply remained there—watching the flowers sway softly in the breeze and the small birds that fluttered down to peck at the grass.
Eventually, when she felt she had lingered too long and noticed that her tea had grown cold, Myrrh decided to leave the garden. The corridors she entered were still and empty; not a servant nor a courtier passed her by.
As she walked through the long, quiet hallway, the faint murmur of voices reached her ears—three in total: one belonging to a woman, and two to men. She slowed her steps, careful not to let the sound of her heels echo. The voices came from a nearby chamber, and from the tone of their conversation, she recognized it as the drawing room, where they often received guests.
" Ah, this must be the guests Queen Astoria mentioned earlier, " she thought to herself. She had no desire to eavesdrop—yet something in the man's tone made her pause.
" Your Majesty, " the man said, his voice low but firm, " if the letter you sent me is indeed correct, then we must prepare. I am certain the Emperor is furious with the Empress. And when the Empress loses her position, I have no doubt—you will take her place, and your son shall become the Crown Prince. " Myrrh felt the calculation and hunger for power threaded through his words. She pressed herself a step closer to the door, unseen, and listened.
" My son, Duke, " Queen Astoria replied softly, " you know I have no other child but Gwenyth Caliste. "
" Astoria, " the man snapped, impatience and urgency sharpening his tone, " do you think a daughter is enough? Think, Astoria. If you would be Empress, you must ensure a son is born to you. "
" Do not raise your voice here, " she said, cautioned quietly. " You are still in Vailenor. If anyone overhears, both you and the Duchy of Arqadeth could suffer. Consider this a warning. " She said.
To be continued.....