28 : the first night

Arrival at the Palace

As soon as the royal carriage stopped in front of the main entrance of the Valerian Palace, a servant opened the door with a polite bow. He offered his hand to Irene, but she completely ignored him—as she always did—and stepped down calmly and steadily on her own, without waiting for anyone.

Lucas entered first without uttering a word. His steps were swift, as if he were fleeing from something… or from her. He didn't even glance back. Moments after he disappeared down one of the corridors, the sound of poised heels echoed behind her.

It was Queen Elizabeth.

She approached until she stood beside Irene, glancing around with a faint sigh before saying in a soft voice that tried to conceal concern:

"Where did Lucas go? Wasn't he supposed to accompany you upstairs?"

Irene replied calmly, her eyes scanning the high pillars of the place:

"I don't know… he walked in before me and didn't speak."

The queen stared at her for a moment, then sighed and gently patted her head. Irene wasn't used to such affectionate gestures, so she tensed slightly, but quickly composed herself.

The queen offered a faint smile:

"No matter… come, I'll escort you to your chambers."

---

Inside the Suite

The suite was lavish, fit for royalty—larger than any room Irene had ever stepped into. The floor was white marble adorned with intricate patterns, and the velvet curtains floated gently in the golden sunlight, filling the room with warmth and serenity.

Queen Elizabeth opened her arms as if to present the place:

"I oversaw everything myself. If there's anything you don't like, feel free to change it, my dear."

Irene responded in a calm tone, not impressed but respectfully polite:

"It's perfectly suitable. Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

The queen took her leave after bidding her well, leaving Irene with the maids. They helped her bathe and change clothes, styled her hair softly, and dressed her in a silky white robe embroidered with delicate designs.

---

The Calm Before the Storm

Irene sat on a sofa near the window, her hands clasped in her lap, eyes drifting between the corners of the room… and the faces she'd encountered throughout the day.

Each person she had met was a piece of a greater puzzle she was carefully assembling in her mind. From the king, to the prince, to Frieda, to that nobleman Louis… each one carried a secret, or perhaps an opportunity.

She began to categorize them, analyze their relationships, and think: Who could be manipulated? Who should she befriend? Who should be avoided? And who… should be taken down?

But before she could finish her mental map, sleep crept in. Her head gently leaned back against the sofa, and she sank into a heavy slumber unlike anything she'd felt before.

---

Nightfall

Around midnight, the door creaked open without a knock. Lucas entered, staggering, reeking of alcohol. He was silent, his eyes hazy, empty of expression.

He approached the sofa and stood before her for a moment. He looked at her tired face… then let out a faint sigh and walked to the bed without a word. Fully clothed, he lay down and drifted off to sleep.

It was supposed to be their wedding night… yet not a word was exchanged, not a touch, not even a glance. It was as if they lived in two separate worlds.

---

Dawn

At five in the morning, Irene opened her eyes. She hadn't slept well, but she was fully awake. She rose quietly and looked toward the bed… Lucas was still sound asleep, face buried in the pillow.

She didn't care.

She walked silently to the window, gently drew back the curtains, then stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the gray sky slowly igniting with the color of sunrise.

She thought to herself:

"My wedding night… still hasn't happened."

Then she closed her eyes and added silently:

"Perhaps it's for the best. I don't want children complicating my plan… I don't want anything tying me to this hollow world."

She sighed, then considered with worry:

"Maybe I should talk to him about postponing children. I need to think carefully about how to tell him in a way that won't backfire. Hopefully he agrees… If not, I'll just ask someone to get me the right contraceptives."

"But the most important thing now is earning allies."

---

Hours Passed

She remained seated until a soft knock came at the door. One of the maids called out:

"May we enter, Your Highness?"

Irene rose, walked to the bed, gently removed Lucas's shoes, then pulled the blanket over him. He stirred slightly, looked at her briefly, then drifted off again.

She turned to the maids and said:

"Yes, come in."

They entered and began preparing her like a proper newlywed bride. They fixed her hair and dressed her in a simple satin gown. One of them then informed her kindly:

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth invites Your Highness to join the family for breakfast, if you wish."

Irene nodded without hesitation:

"I'll go."

---

Breakfast Hall – The Morning After the Wedding

Irene entered the royal dining hall quietly. Everyone welcomed her, and she offered a gentle greeting before sitting in the seat prepared for her, directly across from Lucas's parents.

Elizabeth smiled calmly:

"I hope your first night passed peacefully."

Irene answered politely, her expression composed:

"Yes, everything was perfectly arranged. I'm grateful for the warm reception."

Richard, Lucas's father, spoke in his stern voice and sharp gaze:

"Reception is one thing… adapting to the family is another."

Irene looked directly at him and replied without hesitation:

"I understand. But I'm here to adapt… not to complain."

The family exchanged subtle looks—her response left a quiet, lasting impression.

---

After Some Time, as They Got to Know Irene

Violet, who had been quietly observing with her curious eyes, suddenly leaned toward Irene and asked:

"But tell me, Irene… what was your education like?"

Irene looked at her and gently ran her finger along the rim of her teacup as she replied:

"I received private tutoring under the best instructors in Iscard—personally chosen by my father. But I selected the subjects myself. I was always drawn to politics, economics, and history. It wasn't forced… it was passion."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows with admiration:

"Unusual choices for a young woman… especially one raised away from the spotlight."

Violet laughed:

"Oh, if it were up to me, I'd choose dancing and the arts instead of politics—those council meetings are boring enough as they are!"

Irene chuckled lightly:

"I don't blame you. Everyone has their preferences. But I always found beauty in analysis… not dresses, and in speeches… not songs."

---

At that Moment, Richard Spoke, Lowering His Spoon Deliberately

"The truth is… women's interests tend to be shallow—parties, fashion, and chatter. I rarely see any who concern themselves with matters that weigh on men's minds."

A brief silence fell.

But Irene didn't flinch. She looked at him calmly and said:

"Perhaps because many were never given the chance. Or maybe… because society only listens to women when they say what it expects them to say."

She smiled gently and added:

"But some of us don't like being predictable."

Richard studied her words, then responded in a tone that was almost respectful:

"That's a fair deduction. Hard to argue against logic."

Irene responded at once:

"I was fortunate that my father supported my choices. He even allowed me to assist him at times with matters of the kingdom—it truly made me happy. I'm very grateful to him."

It was a carefully calculated message—subtle yet deliberate. A strategic move, just as she had been taught in Iscard.

---

At That Moment, Violet's Expression Softened. She Looked at Irene with New Eyes

"Oh… you're nothing like anyone I've ever met. Lucas is lucky to have you."

Irene didn't reply. She merely offered a soft smile and took another sip of tea, while her thoughts whispered inside her:

"Step one… the rest is coming."