Chapter 24: The Serpent's Gift
The booming orchestral music, instead of soothing her anxiety, only exacerbated Shapira's racing heart. This was her first night standing amidst the Astellian palace's bustling crowd as Prince William's fiancée, no longer a servant. The magnificent ballroom, adorned with glittering crystals and fragrant garlands, felt like a grand stage where she was the unwilling center of attention. Every pair of noble eyes, which had previously seen her only as a shadow, now stared intently, filled with curiosity, suspicion, and often, disdain. The scent of luxurious perfume lingering in the air felt suffocating, mingling with the thick stench of tension.
William stood tall by her side, an invisible shield always ready to protect her. His familiar cool aura now became a comforting protection, yet Shapira could still feel the weight of those gazes pressing down on her shoulders. She tried to return the smiles of a few friendly faces who occasionally dared to approach, but most interactions felt bland and filled with cold pleasantries.
"You look captivating, Shapira," William whispered, his strong fingers gripping her hand beneath the satin fabric of her gown. The touch conveyed a warmth that eased some of the tension within her.
Shapira looked at him. "I feel like a fish among sharks, William. I don't know what to do or say."
The Astellian Prince offered a faint smile. "Just be yourself. Sincerity is worth more than all the pedigrees and palace etiquette. And remember, you're not alone. I'm here." He tightened his grip on her hand.
An elderly noblewoman in a red velvet robe approached, her eyes scrutinizing Shapira from head to toe. "So, this is the girl who has stolen our Prince's heart," she said, her voice sounding like clinking shards of glass. "My name is Lady Elizabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you, even if under … unique circumstances."
Shapira curtsied slightly, trying to offer her best smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Lady Elizabeth."
Lady Elizabeth gave a soft snort. "I hear you have a beautiful voice. Do you plan to entertain us tonight? It would certainly be delightful to hear that famous Soul Song." There was an implied note of mockery in her words, as if daring Shapira to show off her 'magic.'
William stepped forward, partly shielding Shapira. "Lady Elizabeth, I believe Shapira is not here to perform. Tonight is a celebration of our engagement, not a private stage." His tone was firm, surprising Lady Elizabeth slightly and causing her to take a step back.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness," Lady Elizabeth said, smiling sardonically. "I was merely suggesting. After all, Astellia needs entertainment, especially in difficult times like these. But I understand. Perhaps your fiancée is too 'precious' to be displayed." She turned, joining another group that was spreading whispers.
Shapira felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I can't do this, William. I feel like everyone sees me as … as a threat."
"They see what they want to see," William reassured her. "But I see your true self. And that's all that matters."
Amidst the seemingly endless crowd, Isabelle appeared. She wore a luxurious emerald green gown, highlighting her fair skin. With a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes, she approached Shapira.
"Shapira, how lovely to see you," Isabelle said, her voice soft and friendly, a stark contrast to their previous encounter. "You look … stunning tonight."
William stiffened slightly beside Shapira, his eyes narrowing as Isabelle drew near. Shapira felt an uncomfortable pull within her, an urge to reject the woman's presence.
"Thank you, Isabelle," Shapira replied, trying to sound polite.
Isabelle held out a beautiful, small, silver-engraved box. "I know this is sudden, but I wanted to give you a small engagement gift. As a token that I … I support you and Prince William. May this be a new beginning for all of us." The small box was intricately carved, displaying a motif of blooming lotus flowers. A faint scent of jasmine wafted from within the box.
William observed the gift with a wary gaze, for a moment considering stopping Shapira. However, Isabelle's smile was too perfect, and William knew that refusing the gift in public would only complicate the situation. It would give Isabelle more ammunition. Shapira, overcome with awkwardness, took the box. The jewelry inside appeared to be a silver necklace with a moonstone pendant that emitted a soft glow.
"This is exquisite, Isabelle," Shapira murmured, surprised by the jewelry's beauty. The moonstone pendant felt cold as she touched it. She sensed a faint power, but couldn't yet identify it.
"It's a moonstone from the Drakon Mountains," Isabelle explained, her eyes glinting slyly. "Legend has it, the stone brings peace of mind and strengthens intuition. I hope it helps you through difficult times."
"Thank you," Shapira said sincerely, feeling a little touched by the unexpected kindness. She glanced at William, who still maintained a suspicious expression.
"I must go now," Isabelle said, glancing at William, who remained unmoving. "Enjoy the party, Shapira. May happiness always be with you." She curtsied briefly, then turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a sharp jasmine scent.
William turned to Shapira, his expression serious. "Don't wear that necklace yet, Shapira. Something isn't right. I don't trust Isabelle."
Shapira looked at the pendant, then at William. "But… she seemed sincere. And the necklace is so beautiful."
"Appearances can be deceiving," William insisted. "Just keep it. We'll investigate it later. I don't want anything to harm you."
A shadow flickered at the edge of Shapira's vision. Someone in a simple black robe, blending in with the crowd of servants, yet whose glass-like eyes emitted an unusual coldness. The gaze was like a piercing ice blade, sending shivers down Shapira's spine. The figure didn't turn to her, but Shapira felt she was the subject of a sinister focus. She felt a chill creep up her back, as if someone was watching her from close by, planting a deep unease within her. William, preoccupied with other nobles vying for his attention, didn't notice the mysterious figure's piercing stare.
William suddenly pulled Shapira closer, embracing her waist. "Are you alright?" he whispered, feeling Shapira tremble slightly.
"I … I just feel like something is strange," Shapira murmured, trying to dismiss the earlier cold gaze. "Like someone is watching me."
William looked around. "It's normal. All eyes are on you, Shapira. You are Astellia's future empress. But I won't let anyone harm you. I won't." His words were a promise, a vow spoken with full conviction.
The night ended with Shapira feeling more exhausted than she had during her days of servitude. The dance party, instead of alleviating her worries, only added to the burden on her shoulders. When she returned to her room, William escorted her to the door, ensuring she felt safe.
"Get some rest, Shapira," William said softly, kissing Shapira's forehead. "Tomorrow we'll talk about the necklace. Don't worry."
After William left, Shapira took off her luxurious party gown, then placed the silver box containing Isabelle's moonstone necklace on her bedside table. However, curiosity gnawed at her. She picked up the necklace, the moonstone pendant felt very cold at her fingertips. Hesitantly, Shapira wrapped the necklace around her wrist, thinking she just wanted to try it on briefly before putting it away.
As soon as the moonstone pendant touched her skin, Shapira felt a strange, cold sting, followed by a faint warmth that spread throughout her body. A wave of energy, gentle yet potent, crept along her nerves. She immediately removed the necklace, but its effect was already palpable.
She lay down on her bed, trying to close her eyes. However, sleep wouldn't come. Her mind wandered, recalling Lady Elizabeth's sharp gaze, Isabelle's sweet smile that hid something, and the cold eyes of the cloaked figure she felt watching her.
When Shapira finally fell asleep, she was trapped in a strange and terrifying dream whirlwind. She wasn't in her room, but in a rose garden she had once seen in a faint vision of Princess Anya. Dark red roses bloomed everywhere, but each petal seemed withered, covered in an unnatural frost. She wore a familiar white gown, a dress Anya had once worn. The sound of an ancient, beautiful, but sorrow-laden song echoed in her ears.
A beautiful woman with black hair and grey eyes, just like herself, appeared before her. It was Princess Anya. The Princess's face was filled with profound sorrow. "They betrayed me," Anya whispered, her voice hoarse and tear-filled. "He betrayed me … I loved him …."
Shapira tried to reach for her, tried to ask who had betrayed her, but Anya's hand passed through her body like mist. Suddenly, the rose garden scene shifted. She saw a horrifying scene, blood dripping from a cracked golden crown, splattering onto a white marble floor. A man's cruel laughter echoed, piercing her eardrums.
"You will never escape your destiny, Anya!" the laughter boomed, but Shapira couldn't see the man's face. Only his eyes were visible, glass-like eyes that emitted a terrifying green glint. They were the same eyes as the cloaked figure she'd felt watching her at the dance.
Anya screamed, her voice transforming into a piercing, mournful song. The song awakened a power within Shapira, a violently trembling force, urging out from every cell of her being. The blood from the cracked crown formed a puddle that slowly spread, nearing her feet. Overwhelming nausea and terror gripped Shapira. She wanted to run, but her feet felt rooted to the spot.
Suddenly, another voice emerged in her dream, William's voice, faint but full of anguish. "I won't let history repeat itself …."
Shapira woke up gasping, her heart pounding like a war drum. Cold sweat drenched her entire body. The night in her room felt dark and oppressive. She stared blankly at the ceiling, the shadows of blood and cruel laughter still lingering in her mind. Isabelle's moonstone necklace, which she had wrapped around her wrist, now felt hot, as if emitting an invisible energy. Was her dream a result of the stone's power? Or was it a warning? An echo from the past now demanding to be heard. Shapira knew the threat she felt was far more real than she had imagined, and the dark game Lucian had begun to play had seeped into her soul, twisting the line between dream and reality, truth and lies. She now held a small piece of Anya's destiny, and the suffering of the past Princess was beginning to become her own.