Seraphiell
It has been two days since my talk with father, and I am not quite ready to bring up the topic again. My pen glides over the parchment as I try to draw something from a distant memory. A flower. One with petals that appear to shrivel. I can't put a finger on where or when I saw it. Perhaps it was simply a dream. But if there is one thing about it of which I am sure, it is breathtaking. Those crooked petals are ethereal and elegant. Such an irony.
I glance at the stack of state affairs I just worked out and have to cross check. My mind wanders back to days in my childhood spent in father's study, watching him work. Only now am I grateful for the experience.
"My lady, you must prepare to go to the Salvator manor this evening!"
I look up to see Cindy, my maid being a worrywart as usual. "Oh, dear, your fingers are all stained with ink! I'll draw a bath." She scurries off to the bathroom. Truth be told, I would much rather spend the entire night working here than at Duchess Salvator's birthday ball. But I don't want any uncouth rumours spreading. Not that I am concerned, but declining at such a time would be against etiquette. Even though an invitation to 'the royal family' is actually an invitation to Theodore, He shunned his responsibilities and asked that I go in his stead. Heaven knows what he is doing that is making him too busy to attend it himself.
After a bath, I don a white, gold and burgundy ball gown, Aetherwyne's official colours and allow Cindy to style my hair. On my head is a tiara decorated with garnet. I leave my room to be greeted by Lucas. He scans me over, then looks away nervously. "Um, good evening, princess."
Perhaps he is still wondering about what made me cry. But he was fine yesterday. Maybe he is feeling unwell. I reach out to put my hand on his forehead to feel his temperature.
"Are you alright, Luca-"
"Your highness! What are you doing?" He jumps. Perhaps he is more energetic than I thought. "I apologise; I thought you might have a fever."
"N-not at all. I promise I'm fine." He gestures for me to start walking. "We must leave now, or we will be late."
"I think that's the whole idea, Lucas." I laugh. We leave the palace and sit in the big, white carriage with the imperial family's crest boldly engraved on it. A phoenix the colour of the four elements, red, green, silver and blue in a burgundy backdrop with gold embellishments. I look at Lucas, dressed in a cordially in a suit and tie but not forgetting the sword to strap his sword to his hip. He stares out of the window, his silver hair glowing in the moonlight. No, it puts the moonlight to shame. His hair colour changes when he's using magic, and he's cast a protection spell on me. He's handsome. No, beautiful would be a better fit. "You're quite the looker, aren't you, Lucas?" He looks at me, and as the realization sets in, his face begins to flush. "Don't tease me like that, your highness!" He looks away from me. "Really? But teasing you is my favourite thing to do!" I smile. He sighs through his nose. Everyday I can't help but wonder how he is the strongest night in the empire. He's from Valeon, a vassal state, from a clan called the 'Kurai'. They are known for their cold heartedness and valour during war, but Heaven knows how this shy pup fits into that description. The carriage halts, ripping me from my thoughts. He climbs down as offers his hand to help me. We tread through the front garden, and I cannot help but admire the duke's manor. It is serene and beautiful, as expected. The butler welcomes us in and escorts us to the entrance of the ballroom. Before the doors are opened, our presence is announced. "Her highness, Princess Seraphiell Atheril de Ezer Aetherwyne and her knight, Sir Lucas of Valeon!" Lucas chuckles under his breath. I am reminded of how he used to complain about royal names being a real mouthful when we first met. "I know what you're thinking." I glance at him.
"Whatever do you mean, your highness?" He smiles. As the doors open, I wipe the amusement off my face and raise my head. I remember my mother's faint voice,
The only way you can gain respect in this empire is to walk as though every grain of sand belongs to you. I am sure it is why my father was so in love with her.
Everyone courtesies and choruses faintly, "Greetings to the star of Aetherwyne." Every head is slightly bowed, every head but one. The only one they would properly courtesy to. Theodore. My eyes meet his blue ones. Blue ones that I need to gouge out one of these days. I'm all but certain that if looks could kill, the grim reaper would have one more soul to harvest. Why on earth would he tell me to come in his stead if he was going to attend?! The invitation was to a single member of the imperial family!
I compose myself and walk into the ballroom. I can feel all the judgemental eyes on me. But the last thing I am is bothered. They cannot speak a word of what is on their minds to my face. "Princess Seraphiell, lovely to see you here!" Duke Regard grins widely. Hearing my name from his mouth makes me want to gag. But I cover half my face with my hand fan and reciprocate his tone. "Same. I simply couldn't help myself, I just had to wish the duchess a happy birthday."
"Ah, she is in the powder room right now. She will come to greet you shortly." She can take her time. I'd rather not meet her at all.
"Of course, I am just dying to see her."
The old man gawks at me and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes begin to show as he gives me a creepy smile. House Salvator is known for its healing and vitality magic, but I suppose even a fountain of youth cannot cover up the rotting of an old, shameless man. Rumours say he has a terminal disease. I hope it is an STD from all his womanizing.
"Princess, I don't believe you have met my son, Claude. It must be because you are yet to officially make your debut into high society. I think you two would make a good pair."
Good pair, my foot. You just want royal blood in your family. I guess you can't totally blame him, the sole purpose of a princess is to serve her family then be married off. "Hello, sister. You have been scarce lately, haven't you?" Says the imbecile who disappeared for two weeks only to show up today! "I've been busy with imperial duties, don't mind me." I smile sweetly, but I am certain it doesn't reach my eyes.
"If you had the time to attend a ball, then I'm sure you are freer than you think."
He had the audacity to say that to me. Wonderful. I want to put a knife to his throat. Lucky for Theodore, the duchess finally shows up. "Oh, dear! Princess Seraphiell, I didn't expect to see you here!" Yes, me neither.
"Oh, you know I can't pass up an opportunity to see you!" I deserve an Oscar. "Most of my guests said this was their first time seeing you. Must be because you haven't had your debutante." I know exactly where this is headed.
"Well, his majesty must be preoccupied, you know how it is." The duke bats his yellow eyes. "He needs to concentrate on his future heir."
Theodore smirks. I could kick it off is face. "What makes you think the princess can't take the throne?" Theodore asks. There is mockery in his tone.
"A proper noblewoman is to learn to care for her home and to hone her fingers for embroidery. Not rule an empire." The duke sips his wine.
"Yes, and magical power is required for such a daunting responsibility." The duchess fires. There it is, just what I have been waiting to hear. Women typically have less of an affinity for battle magic, and more for healing and defensive magic. And as far as the rumours are concerned, the princess cannot even cast a dusting spell.
"Wasn't the first empress a woman? She was said to have possessed the most mana recorded in history." I wait to hear his reply. And the shock I get afterwards leaves me speechless.