Unexpected Escape

Lucien stood stiffly, his small hands clenched at his sides, trying his best to keep his posture straight. The lesson on noble etiquette had begun, and today, his mother was teaching him how to properly bow and carry himself with grace.

It wasn't the first time he had learned this—countless tutors had drilled it into him before. But unlike them, his mother never raised her voice, never struck his hands when he made a mistake.

Instead, she simply sighed softly, then gently repositioned him.

"Like this, Lucien," Diana murmured, moving his arm slightly. "Your posture should be firm but not stiff. Try again."

Lucien did as he was told, bowing carefully. He wasn't sure if he did it right, but when he peeked up, his mother was smiling.

"Better," she praised.

Lucien blinked, his heart skipping a beat.

She was proud of him?

It was such a small thing, but it felt… warm. Different from what he was used to.

He didn't quite understand why, but he liked it.

They continued for a while, Diana correcting him whenever necessary, her voice always patient. At one point, he nearly tripped trying to step backward in a dance form, and she chuckled.

"I almost thought you'd fall, but you caught yourself well," she said, amusement in her golden eyes.

Lucien ducked his head in embarrassment, but he felt oddly happy.

His mother was different now.

She didn't seem cold or distant. She stayed beside him, laughed when he made mistakes, and reassured him when he hesitated.

And—

She kept saying, We'll fix your body soon.

Lucien wasn't sure what she meant.

He knew he was weak—his body always felt heavy, sluggish, like he was wrapped in invisible chains. But it had always been that way.

Could it really be changed?

Still, he didn't ask.

Instead, he simply followed her instruction, determined to do better.

Finally, after what felt like forever, he managed to execute a proper bow.

Diana clapped her hands together lightly. "Perfect."

Lucien felt his chest swell with pride.

But before he could say anything, there was a knock at the door.

Ellise, his mother's ever-loyal handmaid, stepped in with a troubled expression. She bowed quickly, then spoke in a sharp voice.

"Your Majesty, the tailor has arrived."

Diana raised a brow. "Already?"

Ellise hesitated. "Yes… but there is an issue."

Diana gave a slight nod, silently telling her to continue.

"The tailor said they will be occupied with making the imperial family's clothing for the upcoming banquet."

Lucien, still catching his breath from training, didn't fully understand at first. But then he noticed the way his mother's expression shifted.

Ah.

They meant the other imperial family.

The Empress and her son weren't included.

That meant no new clothes for them.

Lucien hesitated, fingers curling into his sleeve.

Does that mean… no new shirt?

Diana didn't react much. She simply nodded, her golden eyes unreadable. "I see."

Ellise, however, was clearly fuming. "Your Majesty—"

"It's fine," Diana interrupted smoothly. She smiled faintly. "It's just clothes."

Ellise looked like she wanted to argue, but before she could, Diana suddenly stood up and stretched.

Lucien watched as she moved to the wardrobe and pulled out two cloaks.

Then, to his utter confusion, she threw one over him.

"M-Mother?"

Diana hummed as she fastened her own cloak, then turned to Ellise with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"I suppose we'll have to go shopping ourselves."

Ellise paled. "Y-Your Majesty, you cannot—"

Diana ignored her, instead crouching in front of Lucien and pulling him into a hug.

Then, before he could even process what was happening—

She jumped out the window.

Lucien let out a tiny gasp, gripping onto her cloak tightly as the air rushed past them.

But his mother landed gracefully, her movements swift and precise.

Lucien's heart pounded. His mother had always seemed delicate, refined—but now, in the dimming light of the late afternoon, she looked like something else entirely.

Something strong.

She adjusted her hold on him, then glanced up at the window, where Ellise was now leaning out, looking absolutely horrified.

"Y-Your Majesty! At least take the carriage—!"

"No need," Diana said cheerfully. "We'll be back before Raizel arrives."

Ellise groaned in frustration, but she knew there was no stopping her mistress once she had made up her mind.

Diana shifted Lucien slightly, making sure he was secure, then started moving.

They weaved through the palace corridors with practiced ease, slipping through a hidden passage that led directly into the central city.

Lucien, still nestled in her arms, glanced up at her.

"Mother…" he hesitated. "Is it okay?"

Diana smiled down at him. "You mean sneaking out?"

Lucien nodded hesitantly.

She chuckled. "The capital is safer than anywhere else in the empire. A little trip won't hurt."

Lucien remained quiet for a moment, then carefully leaned against her.

His mother was warm.

He liked it.

As they reached the streets of the capital, Diana finally set him down, taking his hand in hers.

"Let's get you something nice to wear," she said. "And maybe something sweet while we're at it."

Lucien's eyes widened. "Really?"

Diana squeezed his hand lightly. "Of course."

Lucien stared up at her, then nodded quickly, his small fingers tightening around hers.

Maybe his mother had changed.

But somehow…

He didn't mind it at all.

---

Diana walked through the bustling streets of the capital, one hand holding Lucien's while the other absentmindedly brushed against the fabric of her cloak. The evening air was cool, filled with the scent of baked goods and sizzling meat from street vendors.

Lucien, walking beside her, was unusually quiet.

She glanced down at him.

His gray eyes flickered between the various stalls, and every so often, he would slightly tug at her sleeve before quickly letting go, as if hesitating.

Diana chuckled softly.

"Do you want something, Lucien?" she asked knowingly.

Lucien immediately shook his head. "No, Mother."

She raised a brow.

Then, without another word, she stopped by a street vendor selling candy haws. The old man behind the stall smiled when he saw her.

"Ah, good evening, my lady! Would you like some?"

Diana hummed, then turned to Lucien. "Which one do you want?"

Lucien hesitated, his small fingers curling slightly in surprise. "I—I don't need it."

Diana rolled her eyes playfully.

"I didn't ask if you needed it. I asked which one you wanted."

Lucien blinked, then slowly pointed at a skewer with bright red, glossy hawthorns.

The vendor chuckled and handed it over.

"Two, please," Diana said, taking out a silver coin.

She handed one to Lucien and took a bite of her own, savoring the sweet, tart taste.

Lucien hesitated before nibbling on his. The moment the sugar hit his tongue, his eyes widened slightly.

"…It's good," he mumbled, chewing slowly.

Diana smiled.

The two of them continued walking, Lucien nibbling at his treat while she led him through a series of winding alleys.

It had been years—no, a lifetime—since she had last been here, but she still remembered.

This place, a small, rundown shop, would one day become the most sought-after tailor in the empire.

A hidden gem.

And at the center of it was Natalia, a woman with embroidery skills that bordered on divine.

In Diana's past life, Natalia had embroidered the legendary phoenix coat worn by the Emperor during an imperial ceremony. But it wasn't Diana who had discovered her.

It was Liliana.

Diana's golden eyes darkened slightly at the thought.

Not this time.

This time, she would secure the talent first.

As they approached the shop, Lucien hesitated. His fingers tightened around her hand.

Diana found herself smiling.

In her past life, she had spent twenty years as a noble lady, ten years as a foolish Empress, and seven years on the battlefield. A lifetime of rigid etiquette, betrayal, and war.

Now, she was doing something unthinkable—walking the streets like a rogue, dirt clinging to the hem of her cloak, analyzing muddy footprints out of habit, her senses alert even in a supposedly peaceful city.

She had changed.

Perhaps too much.

"Mother," Lucien's soft voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Hm?"

"Are we really buying clothes from a commoner shop?" he asked hesitantly, licking the syrup off his fingertips.

Diana chuckled, ruffling his black hair. "Yes, we are."

Lucien frowned slightly, as if unsure. "But noble clothes are usually made by the imperial tailors..."

"That's true," Diana admitted. "But talent isn't found only in noble houses, Lucien. Everyone has their worth, regardless of their birth."

Lucien nodded slowly, his grey eyes thoughtful.

She had been teaching him this lesson subtly—nobles often overlooked the true value of people simply because of status. She would not allow Lucien to grow up blind like she once had.

Diana didn't miss it.

She glanced at him, then, without a word, lifted him into her arms.

Lucien stiffened in surprise, but after a moment, he leaned against her, his body relaxing.

She smiled slightly before knocking on the door.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, it creaked open.

A middle-aged woman peeked out, her expression tired, as if she had long given up on expecting customers.

When she saw them, her eyes flickered with curiosity.

Diana stepped inside without hesitation, setting Lucien down gently.

The interior was cramped and dimly lit, but bolts of fabric and unfinished garments were neatly arranged along the walls.

Natalia, still standing by the door, cleared her throat.

"Welcome, my lady," she said politely, though there was a hint of wariness in her tone. "I must say, I rarely receive noble customers here."

Diana smiled. "That's a shame."

Natalia blinked, caught off guard.

Then Diana continued, "I need new clothes, but not a dress."

Natalia's brow furrowed slightly. "Not a dress?"

"Yes. A tailored set—resembling a man's uniform but refined. And I want a matching set for my son."

Lucien perked up slightly at the mention.

Natalia, on the other hand, looked completely stunned.

"A noblewoman in pants…" she murmured, rubbing her chin. "That's unheard of."

Diana raised a brow. "That's why I came to you."

Natalia stared at her for a long moment. Then, her lips curled into a grin.

"Well," she said, stepping forward. "I do enjoy a challenge."

She led them to a small fitting area, quickly taking Diana's and Lucien's measurements while occasionally muttering to herself.

Then, suddenly, she stopped.

"…What's your preferred embroidery?"

Diana thought for a moment.

"Something subtle. Elegant but not excessive."

Natalia nodded slowly, her eyes gleaming with an idea.

"I see… perhaps roses," she murmured, sketching on a scrap of parchment. "Golden thread against a deep contrast. Something formal yet casual…"

Diana smiled.

Even now, before fame had touched her hands, Natalia was already a master.

She reached into her cloak and pulled out a pouch.

Then, without hesitation, she placed ten gold coins on the counter.

Natalia's eyes widened in shock.

"This is—this is too much!" she stammered. "For just two sets of clothes—"

Diana tilted her head. "It's your worth."

Natalia's hands trembled slightly, but then she exhaled, nodding.

"…One week. I'll have it done."

Diana nodded. "I'll be back, then."

As she turned to leave, Lucien bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Madam," he said quietly.

Natalia blinked. Then, slowly, she smiled.

"You're welcome, young lord."

*****

Meanwhile, back at the palace…

Raizel Hinsdale sat in the Empress's office, his sharp blue eyes staring down at Ellise, unimpressed.

Ellise, standing stiffly before him, shifted uncomfortably.

"…S-Sir Raizel—"

"She snuck out?" he asked, his voice calm.

Too calm.

Ellise swallowed.

Raizel closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.

This wasn't the first time his sister had disappeared without a trace, but now she had taken his nephew as well?

He knew Diana had changed.

The way she moved, the way she analyzed people, even the way she carried herself—it was different.

She wasn't the same noble lady who once walked the palace halls in fine dresses and delicate shoes.

Now, she was someone who could slip in and out of places without being noticed.

Like a rogue.

And that terrified him.

Raizel finally opened his eyes, leveling a cool gaze at Ellise.

Raizel rubbed his temple. "Not only does my sister disregard security, but she now takes Lucien with her?"

Ellise looked down. "I… I tried to stop her."

"Did you?" Raizel asked dryly.

Ellise bit her lip.

Raizel sighed heavily, leaning back against the chair. His silver hair shimmered under the soft glow of the lanterns, his deep blue eyes narrowed in frustration.

Lucien was not an ordinary child. His body was weak. His identity as the Emperor's son—albeit neglected—was still a matter of concern.

And yet, his sister thought nothing of sneaking out with him?

"When will she be back?"

Ellise hesitated. "Before you arrived, she said."

Raizel sighed.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Diana.

It was just—

He was tired.

Tired of worrying.

And more than anything…

He was tired of being flabbergasted by his own sister.