Delythena's POV
The next day, I had just woken up, and I had overslept a bit, so it was already late in the morning when I got up.
I stepped out of my room and noticed that everyone seemed extremely busy and in a rush.
What's going on?
"Tia" I called out to the personal maid Zadkiel had assigned to me.
"Yes, Lady Delythena?" she responded quickly and hurried over to me.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"The daughter of the Duke of the North is arriving" she replied, which made me furrow my brows.
"Daughter of the Duke?" I asked, confused.
She nodded. "Yes, Lady Feyaline Armethist" she said.
That piqued my curiosity since I wasn't familiar with that name.
"Why are they coming? What's this all about?" I couldn't help but ask.
"The Obsidian Citadel Kingdom and the Duke of the North's estate have an alliance. The Duke and his daughter will be staying here temporarily for official matters" she explained, and I nodded in understanding.
A few hours later, the expected guests finally arrived. Tia and I were in the garden at the time, but we had a clear view of the entrance and saw them arriving.
From one of the carriages stepped down an older-looking man, refined and dressed with elegance likely the Duke that Tia had mentioned. Right behind him came a young woman with long, straight black hair. She looked composed, graceful... and must be the daughter Tia was referring to.
"They are the father and daughter from the North, my lady" Tia said, and I gave a small nod.
"Are they well-known?" I asked.
"Yes, very. In the North, they are the wealthiest and most powerful" she replied, making me glance back at her with growing curiosity.
"What kind of powers do they have?" I asked, genuinely curious about what kind of abilities those people held.
"The Duke possesses Earth" she explained. "While his daughter holds both Water and Earth."
Her words intrigued me and confused me at the same time.
I've always wondered... why are there so many people who possess the same elements, even though each element is supposed to have only one true master? I thought to myself.
I really need to find the Book of Truth... only then will my questions finally be answered.
"Tia, do you know anything about powers?" I asked her, not even sure why I bothered to ask.
"Not much, my lady, but a little... I've read a few books since I really love reading books" she replied.
"Is it possible for multiple people to possess the same element?" I asked.
She paused to think. "Based on what I've read, people can possess the same type of element, but only one can truly own it."
"What do you mean?" I asked again, needing clarity.
"People can have similar powers, but with limitations. It's like they're only borrowing it" she explained. "The true owner is what they call the Master of the Element Spirits or a Supreme"
That actually made a lot of sense and brought me a bit of relief, knowing that I was the true bearer of those powers.
"What does it mean in this world to be the strongest of all?" I asked her.
"According to what I read" she said, "Only someone who possesses omni power is considered the most powerful of all."
"Then why is Zadkiel considered powerful?" I asked.
"Because he's the Supreme Ruler, and he possesses Fire the rarest element a person can have" she answered, and I nodded, remembering that she was right. "And also, no one knows yet who possess the omni power so, that's why the supreme ruler is the one considered the most powerful" she added, which makes sense to me.
So, I'm the most powerful? Or not?
A few moments later, in the middle of my conversation with Tia, a maid arrived.
"Lady Delythena, the Supreme Ruler is requesting your presence" she said.
I wonder why. I stood up with Tia and we headed inside.
When we arrived at the lobby, Zadkiel was there with the guests, along with another woman who seemed to be the maid of the Duke's daughter.
They all turned to look at me as soon as I entered.
Now I hate attention.
"My lady, this is Duke Eric Armethist and his daughter, Lady Feyaline Armethist" Zadkiel introduced me to the guests.
"Good morning, I'm Delythena Grimaldi. It's a pleasure to meet you" I greeted them formally.
"Oh, the daughter of a Grimaldi?" the Duke asked with a smile, and I nodded in response.
Beside him was his daughter long, straight black hair and striking violet eyes. She looked me up and down with her brow raised.
"And why is this woman here?" she said bluntly. "As far as I remember, Supreme Ruler Zadkiel isn't married yet."
"She is my future—"
"I'm his friend, temporarily staying here for a business matters" I cut Zadkiel off before he could say anything that might stir up more drama.
Zadkiel looked at me, clearly not pleased that I interrupted him, but he didn't say anything. Meanwhile, Feyaline gave a slight smirk not a friendly one, but one full of arrogance.
"Ah, is that so?" she replied. "I thought you were someone else."
"Feyaline" her father interjected, his tone more serious. "Be respectful."
She fell silent, but the scrutinizing look in her eyes didn't fade.
"I called you here to introduce Delythena" Zadkiel continued. "Since you're staying here, you can talk to her if you want someone to talk to" Zadkiel said, looking at me.
Me?
Feyaline looked at him, clearly unimpressed. "I already have my own maid. I don't need a caretaker" she replied coldly.
"She's not a maid. She's a special guest" Zadkiel said firmly and seriously.
I didn't like this woman, and I knew she didn't like me either. The tension between us was undeniable, and it was clear that neither of us was interested in pretending to be friendly.
Feyaline gave me another cold glance before turning away, clearly uninterested in any kind of conversation. I sighed, knowing that this wasn't going to be easy.
"I'll have your quarters prepared. You and Lady Feyaline must be tired from the journey." Zadkiel said.
The duke nodded politely. "Thank you, Supreme Ruler. We appreciate the hospitality."
Feyaline didn't say anything, just glanced around the palace like she was already judging everything.
"I'll have someone escort you both to your rooms" Zadkiel added, then signaled one of the guards nearby.
Before they left, the duke turned to me. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Delythena."
"The pleasure is mine, Duke Armethist" I replied with a light bow.
As they walked away, Feyaline gave me one last look sharp and unreadable before turning her back and disappearing around the corner.
"Are you alright?" Zadkiel suddenly asked once they were gone.
"Of course" I replied.
Although I didn't like that woman, she didn't really bother me. I've dealt with far worse before, so whatever attitude she had it was nothing I couldn't handle.
"My lady, I'll have to leave you for now. The duke and I have some matters to attend to" he said politely.
"You don't need to explain yourself to me," I replied casually.
"I just want you to know what I'll be doing... and where I'll be" he said, looking at me with that familiar seriousness in his eyes.
I just nodded and looked away, not wanting him to notice that, somehow, I appreciated his effort.
"Alright" I replied briefly.
He gave a slight smile. "I'll see you later then, My lady." Then he walked away.
I was left alone in the hallway quiet, but my mind was full of thoughts. Despite everything, I couldn't deny it... the world I was moving in was slowly becoming more complicated.
I've been in my room for almost two hours now, just reading a book, and honestly, I'm starting to get bored. It made me think about the mortal world how nice it would be if there were at least some gadgets or internet here to keep me entertained.
I sighed and closed the book. I stood up and walked to the window. From here, I could see the vast garden of the palace peaceful, beautiful, but somehow, it felt lacking.
"Maybe I need to do something else" I muttered to myself.
I glanced around the room, unsure of what to do next.
I left my room and made my way down the hallway. The palace was quiet, with only the soft sound of my footsteps echoing. As I reached the door leading to the garden, I took a deep breath before stepping outside.
The air was fresh, and the flowers in full bloom added a pleasant scent to the atmosphere. I walked slowly, taking in the surroundings. I had been spending more time in the garden lately, but I couldn't help it this place was so beautiful, and it was far from the people inside the palace. It offered me the peace and quiet I needed to clear my mind.
I found myself sitting on one of the benches, staring at the flowers and the calm water. For a moment, everything felt still and serene, a sharp contrast to the chaos and questions running through my mind.
"I want some alone time in this place, so you can leave now."
I glanced towards the entrance of the garden and saw Feyaline approaching.
"I just got here" I said casually.
She raised an eyebrow. "I just got here too, and I want some peace and quiet."
"Why should I listen to you?" I replied, trying to stay composed.
She smirked. "Because you're just a friend, and I'm Zad's future wife."
I was taken aback by her words.
Future wife? Zad?
"You didn't know?" she asked, grinning. "When we were kids, our parents made an agreement when they were still alive that Zad and I would get married."
I didn't know how to react to that, but there was a strange feeling of frustration rising within me as I listened to her. I tried to keep my composure, but the news hit me harder than I expected. I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way.
"So that's it?" I asked, my voice a little sharper than I intended. "Just because your parents said so, you're going to marry him?"
She looked at me with a smirk, clearly enjoying my reaction. "It's not just that. You should know by now that things like this aren't just up to us. It's about duty, alliances, and what's best for our families. Zad's role in all of this is to ensure peace, and I'm his partner in that."
"You should know your place, dear. Don't get too attached to something that's not meant for you." She said.
"I don't claim anyone else" I said casually, though my irritation was clear.
"Just leave this palace, you're not meant to be here" she said, slowly walking closer to me. "Don't you dare get close to or approach Zad, because he belongs to me," she added, her sharp eyes glaring at me.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm despite the rising anger inside me. "I don't care what you think," I said, meeting her gaze with as much intensity. "I don't need to prove to you what my relationship with zadkiel is."
"How dare you call him Zadkiel, don't you have any respect?" she asked, irritated.
She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as if processing my words, but then she sneered. "We'll see about that. I won't let anyone, especially someone like you, get in my way."
I raised an eyebrow, unbothered by her irritation. "I don't owe you an explanation" I said calmly, trying not to let her words affect me. "If I have respect, it's not for you to dictate how I call Zadkiel."
She glared at me, her fists clenched, but I could see the frustration in her eyes.
I was slightly surprised when she suddenly summoned a large tree root and wrapped it around my body.
She smirked. "Delythena, right? Make sure you know who you're messing with" she insisted, her tone sharp.
I didn't want to entertain this woman, knowing that Zadkiel might have something to say if I hurt his guest, the witch.
"Can you stop? I really don't have the energy to waste on you" I said, but she only tightened the grip of the roots around my body.
She smirked, "I'm just teaching you a lesson so you learn and know your place" she said.
"Lady Delythena!" We both turned to see Tia rushing over. "Lady Feyaline, please let go of Lady Delythena" she pleaded.
"And who are you to tell me what to do?" Feyaline raised an eyebrow, questioning Tia.
"There are people watching, and they might get the wrong idea" Tia said, gesturing to the workers nearby in the garden.
Feyaline gave me a sharp look before releasing me.
"Remember what I said, Delythena" she remarked coldly before walking off.
I placed a hand on my body, feeling the pain from where the roots had constricted.
"Lady delythena, are you alright?" Tia asked worriedly, moving closer to help me.
"I'm fine" I replied.
"Why didn't you fight back?" she asked.
"I don't want any trouble," I simply said.
Tia seemed to understand and nodded silently, but I could sense she wanted to say more. I wasn't in the mood for a long conversation, so I walked towards the garden, trying to shake off the tension that Feyaline's presence had left behind.
As I took a deep breath, I couldn't help but feel that the situation with Feyaline was far from over. Something about her didn't sit right with me, and I knew it was only a matter of time before we clashed again. But for now, I needed peace—away from her and everyone else.
"Lady delythena, if you're not busy, may I bring you some tea?" Tia offered, breaking my thoughts.
I smiled weakly, grateful for her kindness. "Sure, that would be nice."
As we walked back inside, I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was just beginning.
We walked in silence back to the palace, the weight of the encounter with Feyaline lingering in the air. As we entered the lounge, Tia gestured for me to sit while she prepared the tea. The quiet atmosphere inside was a stark contrast to the tension I felt earlier.
Tia placed the tea in front of me and sat down, watching me closely. "Lady Delythena, are you sure you're alright? You seem... troubled."
I sighed, taking a sip of the tea, its warmth soothing my nerves. "I'll be fine. Just... not a fan of unnecessary drama" I replied, looking out the window.
"Lady Feyaline is really known for having a bad attitude" she said quietly.
"Really?" I asked, looking at her seriously.
"Yes, for a long time. She's been like that. She's very..." she trailed off, unsure how to describe her behavior. "She's very manipulative and has a way of getting what she wants, no matter the cost," Tia continued, her voice low. "It's not just you, Lady Delythena. She's done this to others before."
I leaned back in my chair, processing her words. "I see... So, she's not just trying to intimidate me, she's trying to control the situation."
"Exactly" Tia said, her eyes filled with concern. "But you don't have to let her. You have your own power. You just need to trust yourself more."
I nodded, a small sense of determination building inside me. "I won't let her win. Not like this."
Tia smiled softly. "Good. You're stronger than you think."
I took a deep breath, feeling more certain about the path I needed to take. "Thanks, Tia. I appreciate you being here."
"Always, Lady Delythena" she replied with a reassuring smile. "Now, get some rest. You'll need your strength for what's ahead."
The next few days passed quietly, but I could sense the tension building in the palace. Lady Feyaline's presence became more noticeable. Whenever Zadkiel wasn't around, it was as if she acted like the queen of the palace. She tormented the people in the palace, scaring them when they didn't obey her orders. Not a single one of them dared to fight back or report her, for they were all too afraid.
I watched from the sidelines, unable to understand how one person could instill so much fear in everyone. Her actions felt like a constant reminder of her power, and it made me wonder just how far she was willing to go to secure her place in the palace.
One afternoon, as I wandered through the halls, I overheard some whispers from the servants. They spoke of her cruelty, how she would belittle them for the smallest mistakes, and how even the guards had begun to avoid crossing her path.
That's why Feyaline is acting that way in the palace. Since Zadkiel and the Duke are temporarily away, she took over and is pretending to be the queen. She probably thinks no one will notice or speak against her while they're gone.
Days passed, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. Every time I passed by the halls, I would overhear whispers of fear and frustration from the palace servants. It was becoming unbearable for them under Feyaline's rule, and I could see the stress in their eyes. Her behavior was getting worse, and I knew something needed to be done before it went too far.
One afternoon, while I was walking through the garden to clear my thoughts, I overheard a conversation between two maids.
"Have you heard? Lady Feyaline threatened to have someone thrown into the dungeons for speaking out of turn."
"Yes, I heard. She has no respect for anyone here. It's like she's already the queen" the other maid replied in a hushed tone.
I couldn't ignore what I was hearing. Feyaline's actions were beginning to cross a line. I decided that I could no longer stand by and do nothing. I had to confront her, but I also knew it wouldn't be easy.
I walked through the halls of the palace with a sense of determination. As I passed by the familiar corridors, my thoughts kept racing. Feyaline's behavior was getting worse, and I knew I couldn't let it continue. I needed to speak up, but I also had to be strategic.
When I reached the grand hall, I saw her standing with an air of authority, giving orders to the servants. Her smug smile only fueled my irritation.
I approached her, my steps firm and calculated. "Lady Feyaline," I called out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the frustration bubbling inside me.
She turned to face me, an eyebrow raised in mock curiosity. "Ah, Lady Delythena. What is it now?"
I crossed my arms, holding her gaze. "Your behavior is out of line. You can't just walk around threatening people and acting like you own this place."
She laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the vast hall. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it? You're nothing but a guest here."
"I'm not just a guest" I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension. "And I won't tolerate this any longer."
Feyaline's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But don't forget your place."
For a moment, there was a tense silence between us. Then, with a dismissive wave of her hand, she turned away. "We'll see about that."
I watched as she walked off, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
I'm in my room now, looking for clothes to wear.
"Tia, where are my other clothes?" I asked Tia, who was cleaning the floor.
"Ah, Lady, I've already washed some, but I'll get them since they're dry now" she replied, and I nodded.
While I was waiting for Tia to return, someone suddenly knocked quickly, and when I opened the door, a maid from the palace was standing there.
I looked at her, confused, as she was out of breath. "Lady Delythena, Tia is going to be executed by Lady Feyaline," she said.
My eyes widened in shock at what she had just said.