A young woman entered the royal palace of Eldoria, her steps light yet hesitant. Excitement fluttered in her chest, but she forced herself to breathe deeply and steady her nerves. Just as she crossed the threshold, she felt a pair of eyes on her. Looking up, she caught the sharp visage of a man with black hair streaked with grey staring down from the balcony.
Startled, she bowed quickly before continuing inside. A maid led her through the winding halls until they reached the palace parlor.
The woman set her bag neatly in the corner and allowed her gaze to wander. The portraits of Eldoria's past rulers lined the walls, their painted eyes piercing her soul with stern judgment.
"Beautiful," she whispered, almost to herself.
She turned away from their gazes and drifted toward the piano. Her fingers hesitated at first, but soon a gentle melody filled the parlor, the notes weaving together in a haunting, elegant harmony. Half an hour slipped by before she felt another presence behind her.
She turned abruptly and gasped. The Princess of Eldoria stood there, golden hair loose around her shoulders, blue eyes shimmering in the sun.
"My Princess!" The woman quickly bowed. When she rose, she was momentarily speechless at Sera's beauty.
"You play beautifully, Miss…" Sera paused, realizing she did not yet know the woman's name.
"Miss Thalebrook," the young woman replied with a smile. Her brown eyes lingered on the Princess, admiration softening her features. "I am grateful for your kind words."
Sera returned her smile warmly. "Forgive me for startling you. I did not wish to disturb you, because your playing was too lovely to interrupt." She moved to one of the high-backed chairs and gestured for the governess to sit opposite her.
"I was expecting Miss Connor, my former governess. I was surprised to see you here instead," Sera said, curiosity coloring her voice.
"Miss Connor had… some difficulties arriving," Miss Thalebrook explained smoothly. "I was called to substitute in her stead."
Her keen eyes studied the Princess carefully—the way Sera smiled, the graceful way she handled her teacup. A small, prideful smile tugged at Thalebrook's lips.
"I know we have just met," Sera began cautiously, "but would you by any chance know whom I am to marry?"
Thalebrook's smile softened. "Unfortunately, I do not, Your Highness. But I am certain he must be a man of honor, worthy of you."
Sera's lips tightened into a faint, brittle smile. She had expected no answer, but hope still ached in her chest.
"Now then," Thalebrook said briskly, straightening her posture. "Our first lesson will be on tea-making."
Sera sighed, her gaze drifting past the governess to the floral wallpaper behind her. The intricate, twisted patterns made her dizzy if she stared too long.
"Are you well, Princess?" Thalebrook asked, concern flickering in her tone.
"Yes," Sera replied, masking herself with a smile.
While Sera endured her new lessons, the palace courtyards swelled with activity. Carriages arrived one after another, each grander than the last. Nobles stepped out with haughty expressions, their silks gleaming in the sun. They nodded curtly to one another, forming little circles of whispered conversation.
"Have you heard? Earl Reggie's second son has passed the ministerial examinations. Soon, he will be made a mayor," a flamboyantly dressed woman announced, her bright red lips curving with pride.
"I heard," a young man replied, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "The Earl grows too powerful. His Majesty himself has invited him to dinner."
Their gossip carried into the glass court, where the sun's warm rays poured through crystal walls. Courtiers filed to their glass benches along the eastern and western sides, murmuring quietly until the sharp clicks of a wooden cane silenced them.
A tall, lanky man entered. His black hair, neatly combed back, gleamed faintly with age. Fine wrinkles creased his smiling face.
"Earl Reggie," the flamboyant woman cooed, eyes lighting up as she seized the chance to greet him first. "You've become even more elegant."
"You flatter me, Lady Aurora," Reggie replied with his usual polite smile. "I did not see you at the banquet."
She fluttered her lashes, drawing envy from many. But no one dared to criticize aloud—not when it came to Earl Reggie.
Lady Aurora opened her mouth to respond however, Earl Reggie cut her, leaving her awkward.
"Another time, Lady Aurora," he said dismissively, moving toward his seat near the mural steps below the throne. His power preceded him, and he savored every ounce of it.
Then came another sound—measured, deliberate footfalls. Silence fell again. Everyone rose, bowing their heads in unison.
Minos entered, clad in formal red. His chin was slightly raised, his steps steady as he approached the silver throne just below the King's.
"The Court greets the High Steward," voices rang together. Even Earl Reggie rose at the last moment, inclining his head slightly.
Minos ignored the courtiers, his expression smooth as glass. Settling into his seat, he gestured.
"This marks the two hundred and fortieth court session, in the presence of High—"
The herald was interrupted by the creak of the glass doors opening again. All eyes turned.
A figure strode in—tall, composed, his long strides commanding silence. Garran entered the hall.
"The Court greets the Crown Prince," voices thundered, though unease tinged the air.
Garran's calm smile betrayed nothing. Sunlight caught his pale blue eyes, making them glint like ice. The courtiers watched, stunned.
"This marks the two hundred and fortieth court session, held in the twentieth year of King Hendrick's reign, in the presence of High Steward Minos and Crown Prince Garran," the herald announced.
Shock rippled through the court. Why had the Prince chosen today, of all days, to appear? And why was his eyes glistening with that color?
"Congratulations, Your Highness," Earl Reggie said smoothly, his smile gracious but probing. "I had no idea you had broken through. I would have come bearing gifts."
"Thank you, Earl Reggie. I have only just broken through and have yet to stabilize my rank," Garran replied calmly.
The hall erupted in whispers. The Crown Prince's breakthrough was monumental—yet no celebration had been announced. Why had such news been hidden?
The courtiers turned, expecting Minos to speak. But the High Steward's face remained impassive. With a glance at the herald, he signaled for the agenda to begin.
Earl Reggie smirked faintly before hiding it. He had seen enough. The tension between Crown Prince and High Steward was real, and it was ripe for exploitation. Others sensed it too.
As the sunlight sharpened against the crystal walls, the air grew heavy with unspoken ambitions. The game of power had shifted, and every courtier present felt it.
"The matters to be debated on today are as follows; the border conflicts in Drelgarde, the uprising in Thalebrook, famine in Gingerst…"
The booming voice of the herald went on and announced the agenda for the day.
Garran frowned slightly when he heard the town he was in charge off being mentioned.
'Can't that fool do anything right? Why didn't he tell me about this.'
He raised his and looked up at the crystal clear glass as though mourning his misfortune to the sun.
"Just when I thought I had gained leverage," he muttered to himself and soon enough Minos's voice echoed through the hall.
"Drelgarde conflicts? I don't think I have received a report on that."
Minos stated, his brow arched up.
"I am sure the Prince has his own reasons for keeping it secret, right My Prince?"
Earl Reggie stated, shutting up the murmurs which rang out.
Garran's smile grew forced at the moment and he silently cursed the Earl.
He could have simply said he didn't hear about it however the Earl had already jumped in and made it seem like he knew about it and purposely kept it a secret and that would not go well.
"Drelgarde is a fortress and even when a hole is made, the High Steward has to be made aware, so I don't support you on that, Earl. Nevertheless, the Commander has not even yet spoken and we are assuming, so what do you have to say, My Prince."