CHAPTER #31:The moon reflection.

I returned to my room lost in deep thoughts. Frustrated I rolled over the soft bed. It was cozy and comfortable. The fort's walls were constructed in such a manner that it was warmer in winters and cool during summers.

The walls were so sturdy as proof that the palace was still intact for more than two thousand years.

Unable to sleep I got out of bed and walked out into the balcony to get some fresh air. It was a full moon night and the moon mercifully showered the bright light upon the dark sleeping world.

My gaze fell upon the moonlit garden. Considering the area it covered anyone could tell it was imperial property. However, the most significant entity was the ivory statue of a gigantic dragon with a lady taming it with grace. It looked very much alive. The eyes of both the dragon and the lady reflected the moonlight.

I was unable to have a proper look since a cloud out of nowhere appeared and blocked the silver light. I felt a slight sensation of pain in my head. After a moment the light shone down once again and to my surprise there stood a woman.

There was only one person in this fort currently who had such a graceful posture.

"Adrielle?" I squinted as I tried to confirm her sudden appearance.

Yes, it was she who stood in front of the grand statue. Her guise was different from what she usually appeared to be.

The faint silhouette of two pairs of forewings on her back reflected the moonlight but glowed purple at the ends as if absorbing the light as a source. So was her black hair from the ends. She wore something that looked like a sleeveless elven robe that was similar to ancient Greek attire back from my world. Though her eyes closed it wasn't a sight to behold. Tears slowly trickled down her rosy cheeks as she mouthed something that I couldn't hear.

The wind blew stronger than before. Her hair fluttered like silk in the breeze. Before I realized it she was looking at me who was on the third floor of this old palace. She was the second person after my mother who had intimidated me.

Before I could react she flew to my balcony and glared at me.

"Should I know why a young lady like you is up in the middle of the night?"She towered over me as the wings faded away in thin air.

"I-I couldn't sleep." I stammered nervously.

She raised her brow raising a concern if I was homesick.

She sighed heavily implying that I was just another pampered kid.

"Let's go inside. I'll stay with you till you fall asleep."She gently held my hand and led me into the room. Although she was a strict and cold person, her hand was warm and more beautiful than mine. Her skin looked like it was radiating its light.

"Can I ask you something?"I implored a question.

"What is it?"She asked as she tucked me into the bed.

"The statue in the Imperial garden...what does it symbolize?"I looked at her with curiosity.

There was yet another long silence. She tightened her grip and bit her lower lip. A sudden feeling of grief and guilt overwhelmed her and her body trembled slightly.

"Let's talk about it some other time."She got up and left the room.

-------------------

The next morning I was greeted by three maids who were appointed by Adrielle to be my ladies in waiting.

They wore traditional elven robes and jewelry unlike the common maiden attire from the empire and had pointy ears, and black hair just like Adrielle's but silver eyes, unlike her amethyst eyes that illuminated at night.

Judging by their elegant behavior they seemed to be from prestigious households.

"All done!"One of them exclaimed in delight. She had a cheerful demeanor.

"Does she not look like the young lord and the lady?"

"Shh~!You know that it is forbidden to mention them."Another quite timid maid tried to stop her from talking in front of me.

"Ina! Elya!... I'd rather you watch your mouths while her majesty is around."She silenced the maids once and for all.

"Her majesty?"I furrowed a brow-raising question as they nervously looked at each other.

"Are you talking about Adrielle?"I inquired once again.

"How preposterous of you to address her majesty-?"

-"There!"My eyes widened in excitement.

"Lydia!"They frantically shut her up by covering it up with their hands.

She suddenly gasped and became quiet as a church mouse. I could see the growing anger as she turned away her head in guilt. She knew that she was foolishly trapped in my scheme.

I sighed and crossed my arms and began to speak as calmly as I could.

"Look here you...Lydia? You know now that it's too late to go back. So why don't you obediently answer my questions? I'll keep it a secret about everything that happened in exchange."I offered them a decent agreement.

I noticed now that she was out of options to deny any further. At the same time, she was hesitant and answer trembling in guilt.

"Are you threatening us?"They glared at me.

"Oh, how could a mere noble child like me threaten an honorable adult lady in waiting like you who is chosen by her majesty?" Smiling sarcastically I looked at their chaotic faces.

-"She's playing with us! We who belong from esteemed elven lineages?!"

"What do you want?"She demanded the reason for questioning them.

Frustrated I sat on the chair and closed my eyes.

"I offered a pretty good deal. I don't seem to understand why you all are hesitant to speak up...Unless you target me for being a human."I coldly stared at them.

They backed away instinctively.

"Her eyes are glowing!The moon's reflection?"

"Isn't that the sign of the rebirth of the dark elven princess?"

"You don't mean her majesty's daughter?"

"Who dares to target who in my presence?"

They all bowed down in fear.

"It's an honor to have your presence, my lady."