Narrator Pov's.
Since the incident at the Celestria Palace, two weeks had gone by. At once Emperor Castillion commanded that no more efforts be made to put out the fire, since it was useless. The servants soon received his command. Before it totally went out, the Palace fire burned for two days and one night. That is the size of the Celestria Palace of Princess Myrrh Celestia. On that same morning, the royal guards assembled to enter Celestria Palace's inside and recover the dead servants of Myrrh Celestia who had been lost there.
When all of the remains were discovered from inside of the palace, the death toll had risen to fifty. Because their entire bodies had been burned, they determined who was female and who was male based on body shape: twenty female servants, ten servant children, and twenty male servants. That is how they were recognized, yet all of the victims had stab wounds in various parts. Everyone who witnessed the deceased's bodies was terrified. People called the perpetrators monsters because they didn't spare even children.
The attention of those present was drawn to the coming of two carriages, and as they came to a halt, the people inside dismounted at the same time. The Archbishop and their Princess, Princess Myrrh Celestia, were dressed in mourning dress and a black veil with a black floral design, with rosary beads in her right hand.
The crowd lowered their heads as they approached, and the Archbishop made the sign of the Cross when he saw the remains of the deceased. He muttered something to Princess Myrrh, and she let the Archbishop do what he wanted.
The old Bishop approached the dead and opened the holy book he was carrying to pray over it before burial.
" O Silent Keeper of the death,
who weighs the breath of Emperors, kings and beggars alike,
turn now Thy gaze upon these halls of sorrow.
If mercy be denied to the living,
grant it swift to the dying.
Spare them the long cruelty of waiting,
the gnawing pain of a world already lost.
Let their eyes close as dawn upon still waters,
let their hearts cease as gently as falling snow,
and may their last sigh carry them
to Thy embrace beyond the death.
Do not let them wander, forgotten and broken,
in the corridors of this castle.
Celestria's palace stones have drunk enough tears and blood.
Let them be rest
Let death be holy
let death be kind
let death, at last, be blessed upon the death of the children, A daughters, A mothers, and a fathers be rest in your hand mercy."
After the prayer, people who had lost their fathers, mothers, and children burst into tears. Despite the fact that everyone was in tears, Princess Myrrh Celestia felt no sadness, which she should have felt after spending so much time with the people who died. Her eyes did not well up with tears, but her lips grinned joyfully behind the hidden Veil on her face.
‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡*‡
Myrrh Celestia woke up early and rang the bell next to her bed. . . Someone knocked on the door and spoke.
" Princess Myrrh Celestia, I am entering now. "
Myrrh sat up in bed when the head maid entered carrying a glass of lemonade and a pitcher with rose oil.
After drinking her warm lemonade, Myrrh rose up and went over to the silver steel basin. Myrrh cleansed her hand slowly with water scented with rose oil. After that, she washed her face and was given a fluffy towel to wipe the water away from Myrrh's face.
" Your Highness, your bath is ready. "
Myrrh simply nodded to the head maid and headed toward the marble bathtub. As she walked in, the four female servants bowed and began to undress her.
After she was bathed, the female servants began dressing her, styling her hair, and adding decorations to her hair.
After a long time getting dressed, she rose up from her chair and gazed in the large mirror, seeing her full outfit. The fabric has a smooth texture and a thin covering of sparkling sequin-like crystals that make it glimmer in the sun. It's a fitted dress with long sleeves that has been adorned with glittering accents. It has a high collar that adds a classy and traditional touch. And the same red flower headdress that decorated the gown she was wearing, which fit Myrrh even better...
* * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *
When Myrrh arrived in her father Castillion's chamber, the door opened and Queen Astoria Delyht y Vailenor, Queen of Vailenor and mother of Princess Caliste Gwenyth, emerged. Myrrh was not stunned to see the Queen, so she greeted her with a calm and graceful deep bow curtsey.
" May Your Majesty's reign be ever blessed. " she said..
" You may stand now, Your Highness, Princess Myrrh Celestia. " Myrrh carefully straightened herself from her bow, not looking into Queen Astoria's gaze.
" Your Highness, please pay me a visit at my palace so we can have tea time with your elder sister, Princess Caliste Gwenyth. " Queen Astoria said that to Princess Myrrh Celestia while looking at her, but Myrrh's gaze did not meet the Queen's.
" Yes, Your Majesty, I shall pay you a visit. If feasible, I shall pay you a visit tomorrow at noon, Your Majesty. " Queen Astoria simply smiled and held Myrrh's right hand.
" I will await your arrival tomorrow, Your Highness. " Myrrh Celestia bowed deeply again and let the Queen leave. Once the Queen had left, she straightened her body and smiled without emotion, telling her female companion to knock. When the companion knocked, the door opened, and Myrrh noticed Castillion seated on the bed, looking at her and motioning for her to come closer. She approached her father Gracefully Curtsey.
" Glory and long life to Your Imperial Majesty, Sovereign of the Empire, Light of the Vailenor Empire. " Castillion smiled as he looked at his daughter, Myrrh.
" Rise, my dear child. " Myrrh obeyed and straightened her back...
" Good morning, Father. How do you feel? Do you not feel any pain anymore, Father? " Myrrh's question, which Castillion saw, was both gentle and full of concern, but to Myrrh, that question had a different meaning.
" I don't feel anything anymore, dear child. Are you still thinking about what happened, Celest? " Myrrh shook her head and replied.
" Father, the truth is that what happened continues to haunt me... " After saying that, she sat on the chair beside the emperor's bed and held Castillion's hand.
" But I'm wondering how I'll fulfill my commitment to become the High Knight of Vaelinor if I focus on what might happen. It would be a waste of my time to let it affect me... " Castillion also held myrrh's hand and asked.
" Do you still want to continue your training, my child? You know the Vailenor Empire is enough to protect you and you won't need to continue your training. " When myrrh heard that, she looked at her father.
" Father, you are aware that my personal guard, whom you appointed to me, has failed in his duties. He failed to keep me safe. . . If he had been there at the time, I could have gone out, and no one would have killed before the fire began. " Myrrh lowered her glance to Castillion's right foot before returning her gaze to their hands clasped together.
" You wouldn't have had to rush in to rescue me. . . He didn't even help us get out, and he still had the arrogance to apologize to me at the time. He has no sense of shame. " Castillion frowned at Myrrh's words.
" Ralston Everhart approached you? " Castillion asked, and Myrrh nodded.
" Yes, as I was getting into my carriage, Father, Lord Ralston came to me and asked for my pardon that night. But I made it clear that he would no longer be my personal guard that night." Castillion discreetly smiled as he heard Myrrh's complaint, and he squeezed her cheek.
" You did the right thing, Celest. Let me handle the rest. " He said.
" Father, you need to rest... You have many ministers, and brother Casimir why don't you have them work on other things? " Castillion looked outside and spoke on what Myrrh had stated.
" Yes, I have my Ministers and councilors and your brother... But I am the emperor, I cannot allow this because the moment I rely on them, they will have eyes and rebellion will occur. " Myrrh pleased at what Castillion said.
" I understand, Father. " Myrrh rose from her seat and curtly bowed.
" I am staying too long, Father. I need to leave soon because my etiquette class is about to begin. . . Madame Loula may chastise me if I arrive late. " Myrrh said.
" If that's the case, you should go to class first. Another thing to remember, Myrrh Celestia: your teacher has no authority to abuse or mistreat you. If your teachers treat you unkindly, then come to me and tell me. Do you understand, Celest? " Myrrh gracefully covered her lips with her hand and chuckled at what her father said.
Such nonsense, myrrh thought " Father. If that's the case, everyone will assume I'm my father's favorite Daughter... Do not worry, Father. After my lectures are finished, I'll return and bring you some aromatic flowers.. " After that, Myrrh hugged Castillion and departed..
Castillion's gaze followed his daughter as she exited, and then shifted to his Butler, who had just entered with tea, placed the tray on the marble table near the window, and bowed curtsey.
" Your Majesty, Glory and long life to Your Imperial Majesty.. "
" What did the Princess Guard do on the day of the accident? Where did you see him, Porter? " Castillion asked his butler seriously, so Porter bowed again and spoke.
" Most Holy Majesty, This servant will answer your query... Lord Ralston Everhart abruptly came to my side that night and grabbed my collar, wondering what had happened, but I had no idea... I reprimanded him that night, but that only made matters worse. . . He did not aid us; instead, he harmed the unfortunate young servant... Our Crown Prince, as well as the Crown Prince of Octavian, Your Majesty, witnessed it.. " Butler Porter answered the question honestly.
Castillion looked seriously at his Butler and nodded..
" Summon the Minister of Laws and inform him that I have ordered Everhart's removal from his post as Knight Captain and his ten year imprisonment. His Lordship title, as well as any other Vailenor Empire property, shall be revoked. He will have his small fingers chopped off, and he will no longer be able to wield the Sword of Vailenor. " Castillion's judgment of the Knight Captain of Vailenor
" As you command, Your Majesty. " Butler Porter bowed before leaving the emperor's chamber.
After his Butler left, he unfolded the blanket and looked at the wound on his thigh and leg that wasn't healing and was already infected.
He tried to move it in bed, but it closed its eyes because of the agonizing discomfort. Sweat was flowing off his brow, and he was breathing deeply.
Even though he was in pain and his eyes were welling up with tears, he continued to try to move until his foot hit the cold floor. He took a deep breath and tried to stand up, but failed, and his groaning screams became louder, so the royal guards outside his chamber heard him and were at a loss for what to do.
However, one of the royal guards could not stand it and entered. . . When he saw his emperor bleeding from his right leg, it was horrible. . . It's like rotten flesh. He immediately went and met the Royal head maid, whispering to her to get to the Royal physician..
* * * * * * * * *
The Royal physician and his two apprentices walked quickly, following the head maid toward the emperor's chamber... The head maid said nothing but to follow her, and the emperor needed his service right now.
Upon reaching the outside of the emperor's chamber, the royal physician saw the head maid nod and speak.
" Your Majesty... the Royal physician has arrived. " The two royal guards opened the double doors and let in the Royal physician and the two apprentices with him, then closed the doors. The head maid tried to enter as well, but the two royal guards stopped her with their spears.
" You are not allowed to enter, royal head maid. You will remain here and await orders. " After the royal guard said that to the head maid, she gave a polite bow, stepped aside, and took five steps back to distance herself from the royal guards.
Soon after, the apprentice came out and told the Royal guard that she needed a head maid. A royal guard turned to the head maid, who was five steps away from him, and called out. Upon hearing this, the head maid immediately approached the Apprentice.
" Bring the salt-boiled water, cold water, vinegar, aloe vera, and clean linen here. " Upon hearing the order, the headmaid immediately left as well, and the apprentice entered inside.
The royal physician reexamined its severe wounds; Castillion was also pale and his lips were dry.
The royal physician respectfully removed the blood soaked linen cloth at his thigh and his lower calf, using silver tweezers and linen cloth soaked in rosemary and wine. He examined the leg: the skin was dark in some areas, there was an infection below the knee, and a large rotten wound on the thigh. The royal physician blinked several times and swallowed his own saliva.
As the royal physician was cleaning Castillion, the door opened and his Butler arrived. He approached, caught a glimpse of the emperor's wounds, then averted his gaze and bowed.
" Your Majesty, I have completed your orders. The high councilor also sends word that he will visit you to speak with you. Your Majesty. " Castillion did not respond because he was dazed from his wounds, which were worsening and hurting so severely that his entire body was shaking...
" .... Apologies. Your majesty, but I need to put the linen cloth in your mouth as treating your wound will cause you more pain. " Butler Porter looked at the Royal physician at what he said and spoke.
" Can't you let our emperor rest for a while? Look at his cond- "
" Enough!! Do it. " Castillion said that, trembling, which further frightened those present. Everyone fell silent, and the Royal physician bowed and turned to his two apprentices.
" Please, Your Majesty, please endure. I will count to three and breathe. " After the royal physician counted to three, he bit the linen cloth, his face turned pale, he trembled, tears began to well up in his eyes, and his hands clenched tightly. The apprentices quickly grabbed Castillion's hands, and Butler Porter also held onto his other leg.
" P-please, Your Majesty, bear this for the s-sake of the Vailenor Empire. " Butler Porter's voice begins to crack because his emperor is in pain.
AHHHHH—AHHHH—ahhhhhh—AHHHHHHHHH—
The linen handkerchief in his mouth was wet and bloody from his unconscious biting, which scraped the bottom of his lip. His terrible scream, as if thousands of daggers were cutting him, shattered the silence of the Chamber's halls: Aaaahhh—AHHHH—AHHH—ahhh... Each echo returned sharper than previous ones. The gleaming pillars seemed to mock his agony. He was dizzy and started to be delusional..
S-sera-phinia!!! Unconsciously, he called the former Empress, which surprised Butler Porter. . . Because he knew it was forbidden to say her name.
Castillion saw its shadow. No longer soft, no longer sad—its presence is sharp, mocking, its beauty laced with poison and hatred.
" Castillion... " Her voice echoed to his mind
" You cry like a child left in the dark. . . Hmmm . . Is this the man who wore the Dignity of Vailenor Empire? " She questioned him.
" Is this the conqueror. . . the emperor feared? " Her questions began mocking.. " SHAMEFUL!!! " Her voice echoed and drove Castillion even mad.
On the other hand, the people around him didn't know what was happening to their emperor because it seemed like he was going crazy. And to those who held him and forced him to release himself, his old Butler was already being kicked by him, and the Royal physician couldn't keep up with the treatment because he might get hurt.
" Do something physician!!! " Butler Porter is starting to panic..
Her laughter rang out across the room as quickly as shattered glass. It was caught by the walls, multiplied, and the entire hall laughed at him:
" HAHAHA - HAHAHA - HAhaha- "
Castillion trembled forward, tears of anger and pain burning in his eyes. " Do not mock me, Seraphina. I loved you more than anyth- "
" You loved yourself, " she said softly, her expression a harsh reflection of the woman he once adored.
" You adore your lady whores, your empire, your throne, and crown. Me? I am your sole gem, the one you boast about to everyone, yet when my shine fades, you dismiss me as useless..." She approached Castillion, embraced him, and held his face, her long nails digging into his skin. " Have you forgotten Castillion? " She asked him with furious anger.
People in the room heard him argue with no one, his voice turning into a shout:
Lies!!! Lies!!!!
" If you think the emperor is mad, think again... He has deluded himself. " People inside the chamber turned around, and it was the high councilor, Crown Prince Casimir, and Empress Miliani Yaria who spoke those words with surprise in Empress Miliani's eyes and a hint of fear..
Empress Miliani walked toward Castillion's bed, and when she got close, she sat on the bed and wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, even tho he was still thrashing.
" No—no—please—Seraphina! " When Empress Miliani heard the former Empress's name, she looked surprised... She gazed at the Royal physician, then back at the high councilor, and finally at her son, Casimir.
" Why, why are you calling her name? " She asking in her thoughts. " I thought you don't love her? So, Why did you call her name? Like you are begging.. To see her ... Again. "
" Royal physician, what did you do? Why don't you calm the Emperor down?!! " Empress Miliani shouted angrily.
To be continued.....