"Well, we have been invited to the Royal Imperial Palace to discuss Ophelia's marriage to the Royal King," Queen Faeloria announced, lifting her chin proudly.
Princess Ophelia's expression shifted immediately, her eyes sharpening with arrogance.
Faye and Celeste exchanged stunned looks.
Ophelia secretly smiled, pleased by their reaction.
"And it is tomorrow," Queen Faeloria continued. "So you will create the most exquisite gown for my daughter. Something worthy enough to catch the royal king's eye."
Celeste's heart sank at the words.
"And I want it finished before morning," the queen ordered.
"Yes, my queen," Celeste bowed.
"You may leave."
Faye and Celeste hurried out of the hall.
"I still can't believe she's marrying the royal king with that attitude," Faye muttered once they were out of earshot. "She's lucky. Every woman in the underworld dreams of this match. How did she get him? Hmph! Maybe the king is arrogant too. Celeste, what do you think?"
But Celeste didn't respond. She walked in silence, eyes distant, thoughts heavy.
Her heart tightened. Always making her create gowns for the princess without any rewards
Pain stung deeper than she expected.
"Celeste! Hey...Celeste!"
Faye shook her gently, pulling her back from her thoughts.
"Did you not hear me at all?" Faye asked, both of them stopping.
"I'm sorry… I was lost in thought." Celeste exhaled. "Please tell my parents I won't be coming home tonight."
"Oh...sure. I'll do that for you. But after that, I'm coming back to stay with you." Faye smiled warmly, as if reminding her she wasn't alone.
Celeste returned the smile.
They walked until their paths split...Faye left the palace heading to Celeste's house while Celeste continued alone through the palace corridor.
****************************************
Riding atop Cornelius, Malum made his way to the royal palace.
Inside the grand hall, Malum strode forward with an aura that made the air feel heavy.
Viktor bowed the moment he saw him.
"Milord."
Malum walked past without acknowledging him, taking his place on the throne.
He rested his left hand against his chin, his gaze dark, calculating.
Who dares think they can strike me with heavenly fire?
The thought simmered like a blade warming in a forge.
Viktor stepped forward again. "Milord."
"Viktor," Malum said quietly, "today they dared to attack me with Heavenly fire."
Viktor's head snapped up.
"Heavenly fire? Milord… that's impossible."
"So I believed." A cold smirk tugged at Malum's lips, predatory, humorless.
"It appears someone wants to prove us wrong."
His voice dropped into something far more frightening.
"They killed all my men, Viktor. And whoever dares step into the devil's den…"
Malum's eyes glowed with lethal intent.
"…will learn what true wrath feels like."