Chapter 3

The Luminous Empire.

Built upon a vast and fertile land, it spans one-third of the whole map of the continent.

A country of long history, our nation has continued to grow through the excellent leadership of the Imperial Family. It has prospered long due to our connection to the church of the Great Goddess, Gaia.

The Imperial family has reigned for many centuries under healthy relations with the church. We, their subject, have continued to garner much respect towards their leadership.

This, of course, is due to the Imperial family's unbiased view of their heirs.

Every heir is chosen through their skills, through their competence to take over the crown and sit upon the throne.

Neither the purity of blood nor do their gender matter. What matters is their achievements, their ability to make good decisions, whether they are capable of leading an army, and their capacity to lead a crowd.

The current monarch, Empress Evangeline Diana Luminous, is a master of both.

Having taken the mantle of Empress at the young age of twenty-five, she is seen as the very object of admiration. Her militarian army is next to none, and her benevolence towards her subjects surpasses the norm.

That is not to say she is a warmonger, nor is she a saint. The Empress is someone who has mastered the way to balance both sides. She is someone capable of protection and someone capable of rational decisions.

Someone capable of anger and kindness; she is a Ruler and a Human Being.

To me, she is someone I've adored for the longest time.

"Greetings to your Majesty. May you forever illuminate the sky." The moment she stops before us, the two Princes greet her first- starting us off.

"May your Majesty illuminate the sky." Rosanna and I follow. Our greetings are shorter for the Princes (who are higher in rank) who have already greeted her.

No one else follows, for it is rude to speak when the Empress hasn't approached, nor has she addressed them.

"We were unaware that you would be attending tonight, Mother," Cyrus speaks up, representing us all.

"Yes. Well, I've found some time to show my face briefly, and yet the moment I enter, there seemed to be a commotion." The Empress speaks with a regal air of authority, such that even Rosanna refuses to utter a word. "Now I believe I've asked a question, but now I've more. Crown Prince, would you care to enlighten me? Why is Lillian covered in wine?"

"Mothe-"

"Your Majesty," -I cut in before he can respond entirely- "if I may be excused for my rudeness. I wish to speak as the victim."

I can't allow Cyrus to explain the situation. I can only imagine just how the situation will escalate if I do.

If I do, then surely there will be a long back and forth, which will end in the condemnation of Rosanna. It's one thing if she happened to hit me physically, but all she did was pour wine over me. She ruined my hair and dress in front of so many people, but I'm not hurt.

She may be arrogant and prideful, but she doesn't deserve to be crushed for something so petty.

Most of all, I just want to rest now.

My head is starting to pound, and my knees are starting to shake.

I want to go back, strip myself of this heavy dress, and lay in bed.

I really want to get out of these shoes!

"… Very well. Cyrus, help her up."

I nearly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Yes, Mother."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Cyrus has not once let go of the arm upon my shoulder, and he offers me his other hand. I take it and allow him to help me to my feet.

I wasn't kneeling for very long, but my legs are shaking.

I look up once I have a straighter posture, and I turn my gaze to The Empress.

The Empress is truly beautiful and regal, with fair skin, long wavy locks of blonde hair, and purple amethyst-like eyes. Her posture is perfectly straight, and her expression gentle yet stern.

If Cyrus were a woman, he would be the spitting image of her.

"Speak." Her Majesty urges him, her tone growing softer but curt once she takes in my entire appearance.

"… Your Majesty, the truth is, it appears I am at fault for this incident, and I ask for forgiveness."

My words startle all those around us. The arm still held around me grows tighter, and the crowd still knelt have begun to mutter.

A short glance, and I see Rosanna's grip tighten on her fan.

Cyrus seems appalled. "Lillian-"

"Elaborate." The Empress says, keeping Cyrus from interfering.

I nod my head and continue, "Lady Rosanna approached me while I was resting my feet. We had a short conversation, but it seems my words have offended her… and this is the consequence of my careless responses."

I then turn my head to look at Rosanna. "And should Lady Rosanna wish for it? I will give her an apology for my carelessness."

No, I don't think I've done anything wrong. I believe that she should apologize for pouring wine onto me, but I won't.

If it will get me out of here faster, then I don't care for my pride. I can squash it down and bow my head if I must.

Rosanna purses her lips. She looks like she's about to say something, "I-"

"Enough." but the Empress interrupts. "I understand the situation now, and I believe Lady Rosanna has dealt enough against your carelessness without receiving your apology, Lillian."

"Very well, Your Majesty." I bow my head, and as I do, she approaches me.

With a gentle touch, she holds my hand and regards me with a softer gaze. “... I’m sure you’re eager to get cleaned of the wine. Cyrus, take her home.”

It worked. Finally, I can get out of here.

Cyrus is quick to nod, rather eager to help me get away from all the eyes that watch us. He walks past them while leading me, and both the Captain of the Knights, and the Head Chancellor bow their heads. He takes me to the entrance, where the servants open the door so we may pass, and then close it behind us.

Before they shut, I hear a bit of the conversation echoing in the ballroom.

“Mother, if I may? I would like to escort Lady Rosanna back to her home as well. I’m sure she’s rather agitated by what has occurred.”

“Very well, Callisto, you may do so as well.”

I look over my shoulders, my chest tightening at the image of Callisto bringing Rosanna back to the Garnet Estate.

Before the doors completely shut, I lock eyes with Rosanna… and I see the burning fire of disdain clear within her eyes.

~~~

“I don’t understand why you didn’t allow us to take control of the situation,” Cyrus complains as we step out of the carriage and take our time heading up the staircase to the Opal Palace.

Opal Palace, named after the Duchy of Opal, is a separate palace named after, and gifted to, the beloved consort of an Emperor seven generations ago. Despite how long ago it was, the building continues to embody the Emperor’s great love. Regarded as the most beautiful palace, it was a palace usually given to the most well-loved consort of every Monarch.

This has been my home since I was five years old.

“I’m sorry, but I was tired, and I just wanted to go home.” I apologize. “And it’s only wine, Cyrus-”

“Only wine?” He sounds absolutely scandalized. “Lillian, she did that to you in front of so many people! All while you were alone and defenseless!”

“It is only wine.” I repeat myself to him.

“And what of the next time? Or the time after that? She has been tormenting you over and over with every chance she can take, and for what reason? Nothing!” He complains some more.

I wonder if I should spell it out for him. It’s not as though I don’t understand how Rosanna must feel…

“Cyrus…” I breathe a sigh, calling him by name- after all, we’re all alone until the servants rush over to collect me, utterly unprepared as I’ve arrived home far too earlier than expected.

“Lillian, you don’t deserve to go through this. If you left it to Mother and I, we would do everything to make sure she doesn’t bother you again.” Cyrus is frowning, his worry is understandable, but I stay firm in my decision.

She hasn’t harmed me in any way, and so I will not harm her back. I am annoyed, sure, but not in pain.

So I ready my mind, and I give him the perfect reason not to go through with his plan. “And then what? The Empress wouldn’t have done a thing to punish her. Doing so will only lead to bitter relations with the Garnet Duchy.” I remind him, causing him to flinch back.

“Both you and her Majesty need the support of the Garnets. What would happen if you were to lose it over something so petty?”

Cyrus frowns, looking away from me, but I gently hold the hand that has been helping me up the stairs. He knows I am right, I can see it in the way he stays silent but frustrated.

“I’m not hurt, Cyrus.” I give him a sweet smile, one to show him that I’m perfectly fine.

He’s finally convinced, and he smiles back, but the smile gives way to determination. “Alright, but on the day she truly does, I won’t be holding back against her.”

I nod in semi-defeat. “Very well, Your Highness,” I say his title with a teasing tone.

He smiles at me fondly, and as we hear the footsteps, he pats me on the head gently. "I have to return to the venue and see what happened to the event." He tells me.

I nod my head, and with a gentle gaze, I urge him to go on without worrying for me.

The door to the Palace opens, the head butler comes out to retrieve me, and Cyrus gives my hands one last squeeze of comfort before he leaves.

I watch as he walks back to the carriage with a leisurely stride, but he never once turns around. Possibly confident in how well I will be taken care of by the servants of my Palace.

Unrequited love is an excruciating thing, and human beings are all very sensitive creatures. A single stab of pain will have them flinching, retaliating, or simply sinking.

You are either honest towards your own heart, or you don a mask of indifference and hope the bandages cover the wound.

This is especially the case for most women, and most men are blind to our complicated mechanisms.

"Milady, please get inside. I will have someone ready the bath immediately."

Closing my eyes, I turn around and head inside.