The exquisite, ornate glass and crystal chandelier glinted from above, lighting up the banquet hall. Wide grin is drawn on the guests' faces when the music became lively, lifting their moods. I held Kathrynne’s hand as I escorted her to the center of the banquet hall. We exchanged one step to another, our movements full of gracefulness, and a grin was written all over her face as we danced, full of enthusiasm.

“It’s good to see you’re enjoying all these,” I recognized, and her facial expression lightened.

“Of course. It’s our wedding celebration. How can I not be happy?”

“I was thinking you were upset since I didn’t join you in our shared room for the wedding night. Aren’t you mad at me?”

“No, it’s okay. Everything’s overwhelming because we’re not used to each other yet. There’s no need to rush.”

She can’t possibly think that the room meant to be hers is occupied by someone else, didn’t she? People shouldn’t be this polite.

“Are you aware that I have a special guest in the crown prince’s palace? And I made that person stay in the crown princess’ chambers?”

She kept her lips sealed, and didn’t show plans to speak up. At this point, things should be obvious already, but she’s pretending to have a blind eye. I don’t understand it. Is she ignoring the idea of me having another woman because she didn’t want to ruin our wedding?

She cannot continue to be like this forever. As an empress, she must learn to be assertive and confrontational. I had anticipated that she would have been groomed for the role of an empress, but so far, I have not seen any evidence of such training in her behavior.

The guests started joining us as we dance, each having partners of their own. I scanned the crowd hoping to see the real woman I wish to marry, and I spotted her having a dance partner – the Grand Duke of Heryozona Eskal, Raleigh Von Laszlo. Do they know each other?

Despite my best efforts, I found myself drawn to watching them dance. Even as I kept them within my line of sight, my body instinctively moved in rhythm with Kathrynne. I had mastered the dance to such an extent that I could perform it effortlessly, even without giving it my full attention.

The sight of Thyra's smile as she gazed into the eyes of the grand duke was a sight that caused pain in my heart.

So, this is the sensation of witnessing someone you hold dear in the company of another. As they danced, I noticed their lips moving in conversation. Guiding Kathrynne and myself closer to Thyra and the grand duke, I attempted to eavesdrop on their exchange. However, despite being able to hear their voices, I was unable to understand the language they were speaking.

Now that I think about it, the duke has the features of a Eurhyian – and his looks remind me of Marquess Jarvis. The grand duke and the marquess both possess ivory hair and purple eyes. A normal citizen of Eskal doesn’t have that appearance – they usually have black hair, brown skin, and amber eyes. But the duke looks far from that. It's not my first time seeing him, but it's my first time giving him full attention.

Our eyes met, and in that moment, the grand duke acknowledged my presence with a subtle nod. His response was accompanied by a cold smile, leaving me with a sense of intrigue and curiosity.

The Grand Duke of Eskal has earned a reputation for being a man of few words and a volatile temper, which is likely why he has yet to choose a duchess. It is difficult to imagine that he would entertain the idea of considering Thyra. His uncharacteristically good mood unsettles me, especially as he deliberately prevents Thyra from facing me. Is he doing that on purpose?

“Your Highness?” Kathrynne’s voice pulled me back to my senses, and without saying further, I let go of her hands and walked out of the banquet hall, leaving her alone … again.

As the image of Raleigh and Thyra dancing together flashed in my mind, I couldn't help but clench my fists tightly by my side. While I understand that I should be happy for her enjoyment, I must admit that a selfish part of me longs to see her radiant smile directed towards me alone.

“My, my. Look who’s here,” I raised my head to see who spoke, but I realized that the voice was from behind. I turned to see the person – Her Imperial Majesty, the empress.

She's holding a glass of wine between her fingers and looks at me with amusement as if something’s funny.

“Did you get tired of dancing, or you got upset about seeing her dancing with the isolated grand duke?” she chuckled as she examined me from head to toe. “Ah, clenching the fists. Now you know how it feels to see someone you love with someone else. Do you have any idea how she felt when she was watching you at your wedding ceremony? She did the same thing. I noticed her clenching her fists and gritting her teeth. That’s only fair, don’t you think? It was you who hurt her first. The lady deserves to be happy.”

My eyebrows furrowed in disbelief as I gazed at her. How could she find amusement in such a situation?

However, as her words sank in, I came to a realization – Thyra must have been going through a difficult time lately. She admitted it herself. She loves me, and witnessing me with someone else must be agonizing for her. The consequences I am facing now are simply the result of my own choices.

“I told you countless times to be wise with your decisions because you'll be the next emperor. Did you listen? No. I haven't known Thyra for long but I did get an idea of what she's like in our conversations. Frankly, she’ll make a better empress. I won’t resent you for having eyes for her. She may not be a red diamond Izavene coming from the Chavalleve or Ashleigh family, but she’s the last alexandrite Izavene. I’m at fault because they all disappeared. But if she’ll have a child, the line of Alexandrite Izavenes will be born again. I’m not against that. If I were you, I’ll protect her like she’s the most valuable gem I have left,” The words from the empress had weight. If Thyra can be the empress, then what should I do with Kathrynne? I can’t simply divorce her right after marriage. If I’ll do that, she’ll be the first empress in history who’ll be divorced. It will only tarnish the reputation of us both, especially mine.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“You should’ve fought for the one you truly love. If you love her, you’ll do anything. But you accepted things the way they are instead of consulting me. Have you forgotten that I can twist anything as long as it’ll be for you? I didn’t want her to be a mistress, but I could’ve made her the empress consort at least, and she’ll be the first empress consort in the Ruivenfiere empire’s history. Kathrynne can remain as the empress regnant. Then I’ll be the dowager empress. Get yourself together, Azriel. This is the exact reason why I'm not letting you rise as the emperor yet. Your decisions are reckless. The princess of Eurhyia deserves better treatment. I don’t know what’s between her and the duke, but they sure just met each other. Do something before things escalate. The duke may be cold-hearted, but people change significantly when they’re with the person they love.” She added. I looked down to avoid her eyes and remembered what happened when I got drowned out of the blue. Augustus Cal Chafelon, the king of the aquamarine Izavenes who lives underwater told me about his plans.

"Do you know about aquamarine Izavenes?" I asked, my voice filled with concern. "There was a moment when Thyra and I were away from Marrossi, and I found myself unexpectedly pulled into the water. It was then that I encountered aquamarine Izavenes for the first time. They revealed their intention to bring about an end to everything. However, they explained that they require a gem from an alexandrite Izavene to fulfill their plan. If it is indeed true that Thyra is the last remaining alexandrite Izavene, she will be in grave danger once the aquamarine Izavenes discover her true identity."

The empress's expression darkened, and without a word, she turned away from me and began walking. It was clear that she expected me to follow her.

We walked in silence for a few minutes until we reached her study in the southern palace.

“So, you met them already,” she sat down on her chair behind the desk, and I remained standing across her desk. “I still don’t know how to get rid of the aquamarine Izavenes. I can’t go underwater, because it’ll easily kill me. If the crown of Ezrania can be stolen at least, we can remove all the gems before it gets completed. Can you see how important Thyra is now? If people find out about her, she’ll be a major target. If she won’t be with you, you'll never know what can happen. That's why I'm saying that you should protect her like she's the most valuable gem in the world because she literally is. If they take her, the entire empire will fall into ashes. It’s the end for all of us. She’ll be a perfect empress consort, but with her in the spotlight, she'll be an easy target. But if she'll be far from Marrossi, Heryozona Eskal would be the safest place for her because the empire gives little attention to the grand duke. Nobody would think that –”

“Enough of the grand duke already!” I fired back, and I held my head as I see how critical the situation is. Whether Thyra and the grand duke are just friends, she will still be safer there. If I’ll keep her here, she’ll be in danger. Eurhyia isn’t the most welcoming place for her either.

I find myself unable to determine Thyra's fate. It is a decision that she must make for herself once she is aware of all the aspects of the problem. Currently, she is only aware of the war concerning Hervouet, but remains unaware of the greater scheme involving the aquamarine Izavenes.

In this battle, not everyone can win. The ending will depend on her. Should I tell her about these things?

The night is still young, but my head already feels like it’s going to crack, and my heart feels like it’s shattering into thousands of pieces.

How can real joy be this far? I don’t want to lose her. But how can the best solution look like the most terrible one?

“I think it’s time for you to know the untold history about how we Izavenes existed. Augustus probably told you parts of it, and it will be important for you to –”

“Not now, mother,” I ran my fingers into my hair as I continued. “This isn’t the best time for it.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

The banquet concluded at 10 in the evening. As soon as I arrived at the crown prince's palace, I wasted no time and headed straight to her room. I knocked on the door, knowing that there were numerous matters we needed to discuss.

She opened the door, and let me enter without question.

“Congratulations on your wedding. I should’ve told you that yesterday,” she said directly, and I know she meant it.

“Are you mocking me?” I asked, and I felt blood rushing in my veins. She’s the last person I want to hear that from.

"No, but you're giving another meaning. Why will I mock you?" she replied, and sat on her bed, her hands both beside her, supporting her weight. "Oh, I have something important to tell you. You have good timing coming here."

Why am I having a bad feeling about this?

“Say it,” I want to hear it, but I also didn’t want to. I’m being too restless about all these.

"I have to leave tomorrow. Tomorrow would be the parade with you and the dukedoms. I don't have to be there because I can't join anyone anyway. It's better to lay low since I can't publicly announce who I am. The Grand Duke of Eskal told me that he heard the nobilities talking about me during the wedding ceremony. Some asked Her Majesty who I am to sit next to her in the front row, but she decided not to satisfy their curiosity. If I’ll stay here, more rumors would spread around. Jarvis did say that my brother, the king, isn't in a good mental state. I know how to help him in my way, and only I can do it. So, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." She explained, and just as I thought, it was something I wouldn't like to hear.

"You're using that as an excuse because you're jealous and you don't want others to think less of you, right?" I held onto her arms, even though she was seated. However, she only responded with a cold gaze, showing no trace of surprise, as if she had anticipated my reaction.

"Please don't jump to conclusions," she pleaded. "I spoke honestly, and you don't need to worry about me not returning because I will. I will fulfill my promise to assist you, and I will continue working towards that goal even while I'm away. I will gather people to support you. Please trust me on that. Earlier, I established a connection with grand duke, and although he may not be fully aware of everything yet, I can leverage that connection to help establish more alliances. If you don't mind, please unhand me. It's starting to hurt." Her eyes narrowed as she stared at me, and only then did I realize how tightly I was holding onto her.

I immediately let go, realizing once again that she had made plans without including me. She wasn't seeking my approval because she had already made up her mind.

She’s not wrong. If she’ll stay here longer, it will cause issues, especially because I just got married. It is indeed best for us to part ways for a while even if I’m against the idea.

“I’ll … respect that. Tomorrow evening, I’ll bring you to the hidden passage between Eurhyia and Marrossi. It’s a floor-length mirror, and that’s also how it appears on the other side. Once you stepped in there, you’ll find yourself in Queen Corianne’s room. I’m not sure exactly why that exists but I discovered it by accident. I knew because I entered it once and saw Queen Corianne. The passage is located in the locked room in the basement of the southern palace. However, that passage isn’t always open. It only opens when it’s the new moon, which I assume would be tomorrow.”

She nodded. Her gaze is devoid of emotions, which is exactly how she looked at me when we first met in the forest.

“If that works, then I’ll go for it. It’ll be more efficient that way. Please keep the dresses you gave me. I’ll use them when I return. Is there anything else?”

I despise it when she speaks in such a manner. I have no grounds to complain since I know I have already hurt her deeply. She is acting cold and guarded as a defense mechanism.

"N-Nothing," I replied, feeling disappointed. This is not the appropriate moment for her to learn about everything. The tension is already high, and I do not wish to exacerbate it.