CH 32 : Whisperstone

As they settled in the cozy break room, Kieran eagerly unpacked a small, ornately carved box and placed it on the table. The box was filled with an assortment of jewelry pieces like rings, pendants, and bracelets. Each inlaid with vibrant, shimmering stones.

Emilia carefully pulled out a silver ring with an azure-blue gemstone that gleamed under the light. The stone seemed almost to pulse, casting a faint glow that caught her immediate attention.

"This is the Whisperstone," Kieran explained, watching Emilia's fascination.

"It's incredibly rare, from the remote mountains of the East. Those who wear it find their sense of hearing heightened beyond normal human capability, allowing them to hear even the softest whispers from great distances."

Emilia's fingers lightly brushed over the ring, feeling a cool energy radiating from the stone. She already had the unusual ability of reading minds in close proximity, but this ring would amplify her senses further, making her ability more formidable.

Intrigued, Emilia asked, "How does it work? Is there a limit?"

Kieran nodded thoughtfully. "The stone responds to the wearer's intentions. The clearer the desire to hear, the stronger it becomes, though it requires focus. There are stories of people using the Whisperstone to pick up conversations from miles away."

Dorian, who had been listening with a slight smile, added, "It would be very beneficial for you, Crown Princess. Imagine the advantage you'd have, especially in the palace."

Emilia's eyes flickered with realization. "This could be invaluable for certain…delicate tasks."

Kieran smiled, pleased with her enthusiasm. "Then I'd like you to have it. Consider it my way of supporting you."

Emilia hesitated, feeling the weight of Kieran's gift. "This is…beyond generous, Kieran. Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Kieran replied. "I have a feeling it's found the right owner."

As Emilia slipped and adjusted the ring on her finger, she could almost sense her hearing shift, becoming attuned to the faintest sounds around her. The rustling leaves outside, the distant laughter of the palace servants, all seemed to blend together, yet she could distinguish each sound individually.

Kieran noticed Emilia's focus sharpening, and with a knowing smile, he leaned in slightly. "The key to using the Whisperstone, Crown Princess, is to narrow your focus. There will be countless voices all around you, but if you concentrate on one voice or thought, the others will fade into the background."

Emilia closed her eyes, focusing intensely on the sound as Kieran had instructed, letting her heightened senses hone in on the voices drifting from the kitchen. She could almost feel herself transported into the room, where Isabella and Lia were standing by the preparation table.

Isabella's tone was sharp and laced with an almost gleeful malice. "Honestly, Lia, how can you be so oblivious?"

Isabella sneered, her voice dripping with mock concern. "The Crown Prince has been spending all his time with Selene, yet you still believe in that fairytale romance between him and the Crown Princess? Open your eyes! Selene is his secret lover, and everyone in the palace knows it."

Lia didn't look up from her work, her jaw clenched as she chopped fruits for the dessert, refusing to give Isabella the reaction she was fishing for. "I'm not interested in palace gossip, Isabella. And I don't care for your stories. I have work to do."

"Oh, but this isn't gossip." Isabella's voice lowering but still vicious.

"You know, I almost pity the Queen. Trusting so deeply in that farce of a union. Crown Prince and Crown Princess pretending to be in love for the public, while they can barely stand each other behind closed doors. And poor Crown Princess, looking like a fool while Selene waltzes around as if she owns the Crown Prince."

Lia's chopping suddenly halted, and Emilia could almost feel the tension building in the room. A spark ignited in Lia's demeanor, her grip on the knife tightening.

"Isabella," she said, her voice steady but with a dangerous edge. "You'd better be careful with your words when talking about the royal family. The Queen, the Crown Prince, and Crown Princess, your petty gossip is of no concern to them."

But Isabella wasn't finished. Her smile twisted, smug and taunting. "Suit yourself, Lia. But don't be shocked if this birthday celebration is the last one for our Queen. She's aging, and there are rumors. Strong rumors. That by the end of it, she'll be quietly removed from the throne."

That did it. Lia slammed down the knife and, in a swift motion, closed the distance between them. Before Isabella could react, Lia's fist collided with her face, sending her stumbling back with a sharp gasp of pain.

Isabella clutched her cheek, glaring in shock. "You… You dared to…"

"Yes, I did," Lia cut her off, voice blazing with anger.

"Because I won't stand by while you spew poison about those I believe in. The Queen, Crown Prince, Crown Princess, they've earned my loyalty, and I'd sacrifice anything for them. Unlike you, I have faith in people worth following."

Isabella's sneer faded, but her eyes narrowed in defiance. "You're a fool, Lia. Loyalty to those who don't even notice you? And you think they'll care about your sacrifice?"

Lia stood her ground, her gaze unyielding. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps they don't notice. But I do this because I believe in them, not for their recognition. That's the difference between us. And that's why, no matter how much you try, you'll never understand."

For a moment, there was only silence, heavy and charged. Then, without another word, Isabella turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving Lia standing there, her expression a mixture of resolve and frustration.

Emilia's heart swelled with a complex mix of gratitude and guilt. She hadn't known how deeply her servants cared or how fiercely Lia would defend her in her absence. When her focus on the voices faded, she found herself back in her own surroundings, the intensity of the kitchen scene still vivid in her mind and she opened her eyes.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow across the room, Kieran rose from his seat, a hint of reluctance in his expression.

"It's been a pleasure, Your Highness." He said, bowing slightly to Emilia with a gentle smile. 

"Thank you for taking the time to indulge my curiosity and for letting me share some of my prized collection with you. I hope the Whisperstone serves you well."

Emilia returned his smile, fingers grazing the stone he had given her. "It was a pleasure to have you here, Kieran. You've opened my eyes to a few new things today."

Dorian placed a friendly hand on Kieran's shoulder, nodding. "I'll accompany you back. It's only proper that I see you safely to the carriage."

As the two men prepared to leave, a courtier dressed in the Queen's colors approached, bowing low. "Your Highness," he addressed Emilia respectfully, "Her Majesty the Queen has requested your presence."

Emilia's brow arched with surprise, but she nodded, gracefully accepting the invitation. "Thank you. I'll come at once."

With that, she turned to Kieran and Dorian, who had paused at the doorway. "Thank you both again," she said, giving each of them a nod.

Dorian caught her gaze, his eyes lingering for a moment. "Best of luck, Emilia. I'm sure whatever it is, you'll handle it well." There was a warmth in his voice, a gentle assurance that made her smile.

Emilia gave a brief, reassuring nod and followed the courtier toward the Queen's quarters. As she walked, her mind raced with curiosity and a slight touch of nervousness, wondering what the Queen might want to discuss. The Whisperstone in her pocket was a comforting weight, a reminder of her growing list of allies and insights.

When Emilia arrived at the Queen's palace, she was greeted with a warm embrace and a smile that seemed to hide a deeper intent. As she pulled back, her gaze caught Countess Evelyn standing nearby, her presence a quiet yet unmistakable addition to the meeting. The Queen, noticing Emilia's surprised glance toward the Countess, was quick to explain.

"Ah, I understand this might be unexpected." The Queen began, her voice gentle yet firm.

"I invited the Countess today to discuss preparations for the upcoming celebration. Given how close we are to the event, and knowing you'll be hosting a guest, I thought it would be wise to have her insight. I hope you don't mind my taking this liberty, Crown Princess."

Emilia shook her head, offering a polite smile. "Not at all, Your Majesty. I welcome any help with open arms."

The Queen nodded, pleased, but Emilia sensed there was something more behind her words. The Queen hadn't summoned her just to talk about the celebration, there was another matter she wanted to broach, and keeping the Countess present only confirmed that this wasn't merely about party planning. She braced herself as the Queen finally spoke again.

"Crown Princess, there's been some…unrest in the palace lately, as I'm sure you're aware," the Queen said, her eyes briefly meeting those of the Countess.

"Rumors regarding your relationship with the Crown Prince have spread, and with my birthday celebration so near, it is crucial we prevent these whispers from casting a shadow over the royal family."

Emilia's heart sank slightly, but she kept her expression neutral, understanding the gravity of the situation. The Queen's words weren't a reprimand, rather, they were an acknowledgment of the palace's pressing issues and perhaps, an invitation to a solution.

Emilia replied calmly, "I understand, Your Majesty. The weight of this talk is not lost on me, and I can see how important it is to quell these rumors before they gain further traction."

The Queen shared a brief, knowing glance with the Countess, and then turned back to Emilia. Her expression softened, but her tone was resolute. "We have a suggestion."

She began, voice low yet steady. "The Countess and I have already discussed it and believe it may offer a solution to this… speculation surrounding you and the Crown Prince."

Emilia's curiosity piqued. She watched the Queen, waiting for her to continue.

"How about you two prepare to secure the kingdom's future?" the Queen said, her tone direct yet oddly tender. "I believe it is the perfect time for you two to bring forth a successor."

Emilia's breath caught slightly, her mind racing. This was not what she had anticipated. A child, a kingdom successor. The Queen's words held both expectation and a deep-rooted sense of duty. Countess Evelyn nodded in agreement, her gaze warm and encouraging as she observed Emilia's reaction.

The Queen reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Emilia's shoulder. "I know this is not something we can rush, but given the situation, it may bring stability to the rumors and perhaps, Crown Princess, it will bring you two closer. After all, nothing solidifies a bond more than building a future together."

For a moment, Emilia hesitated, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions and the enormity of what was being asked. "Your Majesty, I… I didn't realize you had such hopes for us so soon."

The Queen's gaze softened further, a maternal kindness shining through. "Crown Princess, I trust you. I've seen your dedication, not just to the Crown Prince but to the kingdom. You have become more than just my daughter-in-law. You are family, and I want to see you thrive, both as a leader and as a mother."

Countess Evelyn chimed in, her voice calm but firm. "My lady, if this is a step you're willing to take, know that you will have my full support. I will stand by you in this journey, as both your confidante and advisor."

Emilia took a deep breath, her mind swimming with the implications. She felt the weight of her responsibilities anew but also a sense of affirmation from the Queen and Countess, who were clearly on her side.

Finally, she nodded, giving both women a small, determined smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty, Countess. I will give this careful thought. If this is the path to securing a future for the kingdom, I will do my best."

The Queen squeezed her hand, her smile warm and proud. "That is all I ask, dear. We will be here for you every step of the way."

***