chapter 10 - unexpected guest

The morning sunlight cast a warm glow upon the lush foliage of the trees, while the fragrant scents wafting from the garden filled the air. The expression of the servants brightened upon receiving the encouraging news that had arrived early that day. The crown prince's residence was near the queen's palace, which buzzed with anticipation for his return. The Queen Dowager took charge of the preparations for this long-awaited event, which she had eagerly anticipated for several years. Anastasia, having emerged from her seclusion, appeared in high spirits as she assisted the Queen Dowager. As time passed, the sound of the crown prince's carriage became discernible from a distance. The Queen Dowager awaited his arrival in front of the garden, accompanied by servants and concubines. Anastasia stood beside the queen, holding a bouquet of beautiful flowers, while Princess Charlene, positioned on the opposite side of the Queen Dowager, maintained a warm smile, intentionally ignoring the queen.

The golden carriage approached the lush garden, escorted by a proud contingent of knights clad in shining armor, their presence radiating an air of authority and protection. The sun glinted off their polished shields as Braian Rudolph, the sub-commander and a figure of respect among the ranks, gracefully dismounted from his horse and stepped forward to open the ornate door of the royal carriage.

 A small child emerged, taking careful steps down the carriage's steps, and walked with purpose toward the gathering of individuals who had been waiting in anticipation for hours. The child was striking, with pale skin that appeared almost ethereal, dark black hair cascading like a silky curtain, and deep black eyes that held a flicker of wisdom beyond his years. Despite his diminutive stature and doll-like appearance, his somber expression hinted at a weight he carried, contrasting sharply with his delicate features.

"Crown Prince, welcome back home!" exclaimed the Queen Dowager with her voice full of warmth and affection. She knelt, enveloping him in a loving embrace that spoke volumes of their bond, while her face broke into a broad smile that illuminated the surrounding area. The crown prince's small hands reached out, responding by wrapping his arms around her, embodying the innocence and love of a child. Anastasia, standing nearby, stepped forward to present a vibrant bouquet. Her face glowed with sincerity and happiness.

 "Welcome back home." She said with a smile. The delicate petals were a vivid contrast to the green surroundings, and the sweet fragrance filled the air, enhancing the joyful atmosphere of the moment. Crown Prince Cassian lifted his gaze to meet the queen's eyes, noticing her beaming expression.

"I missed you so much, Cassian," Princess Charlene exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm embrace that effortlessly drew his attention away from the queen. Anastasia stood there, frozen in place, her small bouquet clutched tightly in her hands as the crown prince was greeted with open arms by the rest of the gathering. The Queen Dowager and Princess Charlene gracefully led Cassian to his lavish quarters, leaving Anastasia feeling isolated and adrift from the lively group.

Anastasia sat at the ornate dining table, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the tablecloth as she observed the individuals around her. A modest yet elegant dinner had been arranged to honor Cassian's long-awaited return, with candles flickering softly, casting a warm glow over the room. Her gaze drifted to the child seated next to his grandmother, his face marred by a troubled expression that tugged at her heart. The king sat at the head of the table, exuding a commanding presence, with Anastasia to his left and Queen Dowager Elizabeth to his right. Both of them were unusually quiet. A few officials and royal family members were also at the table. Princess Charlene, positioned close to Cassian, radiated warmth and charm, her laughter ringing like music amidst the tension. Meanwhile, the emperor sat in silence, his stoic demeanor casting a shadow over the table, highlighting the palpable emotional distance between father and son.

Demetrious exhibited a complete indifference toward Cassian until the king finally exited the grand hall alongside a group of officials. Elizabeth stood near the crown prince as a protective barrier for Cassian as several individuals approached him to engage in conversation. Meanwhile, Anastasia observed the scene from a distance, feeling isolated in a corner of the lavishly decorated room. The ten-year-old interacted with the attendees with a surprising level of composure and maturity. Yet, the queen couldn't help but see him as a lost puppy, yearning for the freedom to escape scrutiny and the pressures that surrounded him.

Princess Charlene lingered closely beside Cassian, embodying a maternal figure as she engaged in light conversation with others, her hand gently patted on his shoulder time to time. This tender scene provoked feelings of indignation within Anastasia, who felt increasingly like an outsider in the unfolding situation, invisible to those around her.

As the hours passed, the queen excused herself from the dinner party, traversing the ornate corridor that stretched ahead. Overwhelmed by the behavior of others and their stares, she found the journey from the opulent dining area on the second floor to the staircase to be a long and arduous one. As she moved through the intricately adorned hall, her thoughts swirled in a chaotic dance, preoccupied with the emotions and tensions of the affair. Suddenly, she heard her name called, pulling her from her reverie. Lord Sebastian, clad in a tailored black suit that accentuated his characteristic handsomeness, stood before her with a respectful posture.

"Your Majesty," he greeted her with a courteous bow of his head.

"Are you leaving?" he asked. His smile was warm, yet Anastasia felt an unexpected mix of surprise and irritation inside, memories of the past day flooding her mind. Sebastian, noticing her silence, seemed slightly perplexed but kept his smile intact as he patiently awaited her response.

"Your Majesty…" he gently prompted, but she remained silent. Frustration was evident in her clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.

"Do you have something to say to me?" he pressed, observing her flushed cheeks and pouting lips, an expression he found oddly endearing. his fingers wanted to touch them.

"You are late," she finally said, her voice cool as she broke the strained silence.

"I apologize. I was engaged in an important meeting that took longer than anticipated," he replied, his tone earnest and sincere.

"Then you should go. The crown prince will likely return to his chambers shortly," she asserted, the firmness in her voice making him feel wronged.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he acknowledged, bowing his head slightly as she began to turn away, a gesture that felt dismissive.

"Your Majesty," Sebastian called after her, with a voice of hesitation and urgency. She paused, turning to face him once more.

 "My queen, I…" he started, taking a step closer and looking down at her with an intensity that made her heart race.

"It was not me," he stated, his expression suddenly serious.

"I did not inform the king about the events of that day."

"What do you mean?" Anastasia inquired sharply, feigning confusion as a knot of tension formed in her stomach.

"The day you visited the church. I did not disclose what happened there to anyone," he elaborated, his gaze unwavering.

Anastasia clenched her fingers into fists, frustration bubbling to the surface as she locked eyes with him defiantly.

"It is true. It was not me," he retorted, his voice laced with desperation.

"Then who was it?" she asked, a mocking smile teasing her lips, though her eyes betrayed her seriousness.

"Your Majesty, someone is observing you closely. That is all I can disclose at this moment." Sebastian spoke candidly, the gravity of his words hanging between them.

They held each other's gaze in tense silence for several moments, the atmosphere thick with unspoken questions and unresolved feelings. Eventually, Anastasia turned to walk away, refusing to give him any further acknowledgment.

As she departed, Sebastian stood rooted in place, his heart weighed down by concern as he watched her retreating figure. The rumors swirling around the palace had begun to take a toll on him, filling him with an unsettling mix of anxiety and gloom. He longed to see the queen again, to reassure himself that she was truly all right. With a heavy heart, he watched her from the second floor until she stepped outside the palace doors, leaving with her maid, his worries trailing behind her.