I want to leave this wretched place, but where would I go? The Academy seems like the only place I could go for some form of shelter, but the holidays start tomorrow. Maybe they won’t open their gates for me.
I hurry to the gates and see a pair of guards on lookout. They seem more heavily armed than before.
“Let me pass.” I order, but they do not move.
“Sorry, by King’s orders, you must stay in the perimeter.” I grab the man by the shoulder pads. I shake him, my expression painful.
“Please!” The other gently grabs me and I fall on my knees. They stand there, confused. I sob fervently. I can’t stop the tears from spilling. I feel dehydrated. I feel sick. I feel like I’m going to pass out from the overwhelming sorrow.
One of the knights kneels and lifts my chin up. His metallic gloves’ cold caress wakes me from the frenzy. “It must be hard, Your Highness. Do you have anyone you trust to talk about it all?” His voice is innocent, caring. I know he means well. So, I can’t bring myself to push him away. I shake my head slowly. He sighs. “I’m sorry.”
His colleague helps me up and brushes the leaves from my skirt. I manage to smile and bow. “I’ll leave you be. Sorry for the disturbance.”
It was a stupid thing to do anyway. Deep down I knew there was no way they’d let me go. The king has absolute power here. I start to wonder. How will I be crowned, when he doesn’t trust me ? My heart is full of worry as I walk through the gardens. I stop by an old oak. I sigh and slide down to the ground.
I look at the cloudless sky and wish for the stars once more. Maybe if I do it often, someone will hear me. Right then, I hear a rustling of leaves in the distance. I’m paralyzed, too scared to move. I wait until the servants pass. But they do not approach me - I only hear two voices.
“Now we wait for orders.” A grating male voice.
“They’re done for. I hear from servants. The king’s losing his mind and the queen is terrorized. It won’t be an issue.” Gravelly and breathy, male too.
“Follow goddamn orders, Kaytus.”
“I saved innocent lives, risking my own cover, yes. But these servants didn’t deserve to die.”
There’s a choking silence between the two before the conversation resumes.
“Trust me, Drys. As soon as August knows how badly we kicked them, he’ll signal the green light. The palace will be ours.”
I wish it was all a dream. I take it all back, I don’t want to learn more. I don’t want to know. Taking the castle? They’ll attack again and this time it will be final? They’re seriously planning a coup d’etat. A shiver spider crawls to my nape.
“Will you shout about it? Shut up! We might be seen together. Not good for our cover, is it?”
“I won’t need it. Nobody suspects me, not with all the chaos.” I can hear the smile on his face. I burn from raw hatred. My fingers clasp together and I can’t breathe. I hold it in a little longer, to get more information, just a little more… “The crown princess is as terrified as them. She won’t be a problem.”
“Not following your goddamn orders killed her shadowguard,” I try not to gasp. “You better pray she is terrified.”
There’s silence. “Yesterday I learned something. Something you might find useful, Kaytus.” The other man grunts. “She has magic. Went to the academy and completed the Apricus course. Do you know how hard it is? If she ever decides to go batshit crazy and seek revenge, we’re done for.”
I feel something blooming. A certain idea that was brought to me on a silver platter. I would have never thought of this. Revenge. Yes, I wanted revenge. Besides, East was wrong. They are not Fae hunters, they are people scheming against the government, committing the highest level of treason. Their goal is not to eradicate Fae, but to destabilize us.
“That doesn’t scare me. Now go, before August decides to call the operation off,” I hear rustling of leaves and hold my breath, hoping the man won’t go this way. Luckily, they go the opposite way.
I leave, as discreetly as I can and come back to the gates. The knights seem surprised to see me walk clearly in their direction. “I just overheard a conversation between two men. Didn't see their faces, only voices. They’re from the revolution, they’re in the castle,” I whisper. “You must track them down, one of them left this way,” I pointed to the left of the greenhouse.
One of the knights, the one who told me he was sorry, glares at me. I take a step back. “This is just ridiculous. You can’t leave, Your Highness, now go back.”
“What?..” I turn my head to the side. “I don’t want to leave, there are spies there!”
“It’s a very childish and stupid manner to make us leave our post, Your Highness.” The other speaks. I huff in disbelief.
“Are you serious? One of you can stay here!” I point to the greenhouse. “The other must go investigate!”
They glance at each other and the first one, taller and a bit more muscular clears his throat. “I’ll check. But you - return to your chambers,”
I glare at him but silently agree it’s the safest option. If what the spies said is true, then we are all in danger. This Kaytus was right, my family is terrified and cowers under pride and delusion. I'm powerless against the king’s orders. Except for the magic part. But throwing flames and conjuring forest spirits won’t solve this riddle. I must use my wits, not whatever gift Nature blessed me with.
I go to bed with a clear idea. I must take out the old books on magic and prepare myself. I must find time between the celebrations to recall the past lessons.
Maybe, just maybe, Father will listen this time. Maybe, he’ll believe when I say a coup will happen soon, and if we don’t do anything, if we don’t thoroughly search for spies and this leader of theirs, August, we’re all as good as dead. Just like Mother’s family. Maybe it’s time to remind them of what happens when another royal family doesn’t listen to their people.
As I close my eyes and try to sleep, tears start bubbling. I cry hard into the pillow, wetting it. I miss West, I miss our talks, I miss his everlasting chilly presence. For some time I lived in a fantasy that he was alive, but I think deep inside I knew he was gone the minute the guards took him away.
Then, my mind jumps to the guards at the main gates. Why did I tell them about the spies? What if they were spies too? I ignored West’s warning. I’m just a pathetic stupid girl. I need to be more careful, less obvious to the outside world. I know one day they’ll come for me too. The spy named Kaytus disobeyed his orders to kill West. Why? What were his initial orders? Too many questions, too little answers. With their voices echoing in my mind, I fall into dreamless sleep.
The next day’s light slithered through the curtains and woke me up. Auretta was already banging on my door, with clothes at the ready. Seamstresses worked hard for days on end to create the dress for the first day of Autumn Equinox.
A clothing hanger keeps the dress upright, as Auretta shows it off, explaining the intricate details. It’s incredibly beautiful - even with everything going on, I cannot ignore it. The base is thin fabric, each millimeter is a tiny orange gem, black hem, transforming into a vivid orange. There are many layers, each filled with gemstones, but very light to the touch. I run my fingers through it - I can feel the bulbs, perfectly round. The bust is designed as a voluminous flower, transforming into thin branches, going to the neck. Tiny yellow leaves grow from the red branches surrounding the neckline and the nape.
“Do you like it?” Auretta asks and I nod, smiling.
“Help me put it on. Do they come with matching shoes?”
“Indeed.” Three maids enter my chambers. One is bringing the shoes, resembling leaves on autumn grounds, the same color palette and accents as the dress. Another is holding a box of make-up and the third one, a satchel of brushes and rollers for my hair.
I sit on my low round chair and let the girls do their work. I look into the mirror, and notice the black circles and chapped lips. My eyes are a bit bloodshot too. I do not recognize myself. I’ve always been profoundly tired, but West helped me get through it all. I was never sad alone.
The girls prepare my face. Moisturizing, before applying dark brown and orange eyeshadow and liquid lines. I have to close my eyes to let it dry. One of the girls applies color to my cheeks and my lips. My hair is brushed and curled into two buns, letting the rest fall on my naked shoulders.
I let go of my night robe and stand naked, while the girls fuss around with the dress. I step inside, after putting on fresh undergarments. It hugs my body pleasantly and I am proud of the reflection. This is a woman I’ve always wanted to become - I look so much like Mother, when she was younger. Although I’m sure paintings in the palace do not do her justice.
I step into the shoes, they make me taller, my legs leaner. I turn around to see myself from every angle. One of the maids sprays perfume all over me and I smile.
“You can leave.” I nod absentmindedly.
As the door closes and silence falls over the room, I find myself thinking of the night before. The spies, right under our noses, scheming, so sure of themselves. It is an advantage I could use - when the enemy underestimates you, you have the upper hand if you play the cards well and do not reveal yourself as a worthy opponent right away. I am not a worthy opponent just yet, but I’ll get there.
I’ll have to play double agent for the holidays, somehow juggling the celebration, meals and training at the Academy. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak past the guards, if I learn the invisible cloak ability West used. Sadly, I don’t know if it’s a Fae specific magic, or if humans can use it too.
I hear bells ring outside and go downstairs. In the foyer, our butlers gathered, as well as the lady maids. I nod at them and search for my family. Most importantly Father, who is speaking to a servant. The male servant bows and leaves the king. I take this opportunity.
“Your Majesty,” I announce my presence and he turns around.
“Norella, you look stunning,” he says, in his usual uninterested tone.
“The dress is indeed alluring.” Mother steps in, wearing a rather bleak outfit, compared to me. I try to pay it little to no mind, concentrating on the big chandelier above us.
“Norella, what a nice dress, I knew the seamstresses would not disappoint. I’ve ordered it for this special occasion.”
“What special occasion?” I ask, smiling. It hurts to act like nothing happened yesterday. It hurts to see she doesn’t seem to care.
“You are of age, and it is your first Autumn Equinox by our side as the heir!”
Father glances at Mother and clicks his tongue, leaving us alone. My gaze follows him unwillingly. Oh? Did the word heir put him off? That is a very bad sign. I feel panic rise. Mother grabs my hand and shakes it lightly. Her fingers are warm, unbearably so. I pull my hand away immediately.
She gulps loudly, looking back at Father, who is already speaking to other servants, probably giving orders. “Do your best to look presentable, please.”
“Have I ever been not presentable, Your Majesty?” The last words come out venomous. She blinks, hesitating. Then takes a big breath and shakes her head. The curls on her head bubble with her sudden movement.
“No, you have never been anything but perfect, daughter.” She leaves me, heading to the gardens that were being transformed to hold a large amount of people. Originally, these holidays are for everybody, no matter how poor or rich you are. These traditions have been upheld for a long time - but now, at least in Malachite, only the nobility are invited to the palace. Others can join outside and have their own celebration, mimicking ours. We are the example they must follow to win our favor. However I am curious what kind of favor Father spoke of. We haven’t used the power to make a family name noble for a hundred years.
The injustice of it never crossed my mind. It was… normal. But now, after hearing of the unrest in the kingdom I start to wonder. Are peasants sad they cannot enter the palace? Is the working class annoyed by our majestic celebrations? Why would they? They have their own celebrations, and I’m sure they are very happy…
I’m thrown away from my mental maze by a servant, pushing into me. The small man’s face is of pure horror, as he bows again and again, apologizing for the hundredth time for running into me. I raise my eyebrows and put my hands up in a defensive manner.
“It is fine, no harm done.” The poor man bows again, his silky hair whooshing from up to down. “I’m in the way.”
I stand aside, letting the servants do their jobs. I find calmness in the courtyard, not used for the banquet. I breathe in the crispy air of early morning and am mesmerized by the fountain. Mythical creatures are engraved on it. Griffons and snakes with wings, such curves, such mastery. For a moment, it pulls me away from the nightmarish reality and I feel at peace.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
For a second I imagine West hiding in pines’ shadows. I can nearly feel his chill and magnetism. It pulls me in, promising a thrill I’ve never felt before. I touch the water, it’s freezing but does not hurt. Suddenly, I feel the grass under my feet as if I were barefoot in a meadow. I feel the breeze embracing me. And for a moment, I smile. It is a pure smile, there is no fatigue, no worry, no anguish.
“Guests will be arriving at midday. You still have time to practice your dances and speeches, if you wish to speak.” It’s Father, and beside him stands Rigel. My brother is dressed in a charming blouse with leaf designs and gold straps around his shoulders, holding his brown pants. He would look like a prince he is, if not for the everlasting scowl on his face. He doesn’t smile when he sees my dress. He huffs and crosses his arms.
“Will you speak publicly after such a display yesterday? Aren’t you embarrassed?”
“Why would I be embarrassed by searching for the truth?” I snap back, straightening my posture. “Yes, Father, I’ll go practice in the music room in the meantime.”
I leave the premises quickly, nearly running to my chambers. I grab a backpack where I can store books about usage of magic in the military and on healing. Some books on Fae too. I must develop my skills, because at this point in time, they are worthless. Too much knowledge and your brain tends to forget what you learned the day before. It’s been years since I’ve started the Apricus course. It’s time I refreshed my memory.
In my Equinox dress, I leave through the kitchen's back door. I sneak around the large trees, hoping I don’t cross any family members. Spica could be waiting somewhere, ready to destroy my plan. I find it quite easy to move around in this dress.
Once at the gates, I wait until the guards look away to pass through. I hurry to the Academy, thankfully it is just across the street. My heels clank against the pavement, but I cannot risk taking any of the outfit off. If I must return to the palace instantly - I must be ready.
I had prayed to whoever listened for the Academy to be still open. The gates indeed open at my sight and I pass through the invisible barrier. I feel it checks my identity, and a wave of energy consumes me. It is a greeting.
There is no one in the halls. The place seems to be operating itself. I walk towards the largest library of Malachite. I am surrounded by the huge collection of old tomes on magical energy and its source. Every single book told the same story: nature gifted humanity with magic after the world war ended. It was a miracle, when the newborns shone with Fae light. They came out of the womb sparkling, sometimes wisps came to them too. However, the humans with magic were scarce. Too little, too rare, to be studied correctly. Fae people helped us back then, sent their scholars over here. Every country, Malachite included, received help to control the magic. We’ve been forever grateful and since then, magic was part of everyday life. Self-driven carriages, precious stones acting as long-distance communication devices... Electricity, its source being a globe in the capital, powered by the thunder magic. Heated water for our baths. It was all due to magic bestowed by nature. No scholar, Fae or human, knew why the spirits of nature gave it to us.
Passing through the hazard magic stall, I grab several tomes that explain how soldiers in other countries use fire and telekinesis to fight their battles. I was quite adept with fire, but it was too dangerous to use without runes. And runes were too long to be used in a fight. In battle you had to be fast, and the only way to win was to use your hands or a wand. And powerful wands were somewhat a rarity these days - the trees they were made of were nearly eradicated in the past. Talk about human greed. Fire burns through gloves if you use it long enough. Nothing can truly save you from its effects. I guess nature has created a balance.
Same goes for thunder and earth. When using electricity, you would be electrocuted at some point. But it could be used as a barrier too. When using earth powers, you would be surrounded by branches and spirits, paralyzing you after a long use. The only magic used by hands that was a safe option, was water.
Telekinesis was not an option for me. Only Fae could use it and rare were humans who conquered the power of moving objects with their minds. The book says if an untrained soldier uses telekinesis, their mind will become a blur and they’ll use their sanity in several following days. It was horrifying to look at the pictures of those who had tried and failed.
My eyes started to hurt. I’ve been here for only an hour. I have one last book to check. The one on post-mortem science. There is another field of magic, forbidden and frowned upon. Necromancy. I hoped, for a second, that Fae reacted differently to it. Unfortunately, there was no sane way of making someone come back to life. At least I tried. I would have never forgiven myself if I didn’t try to look for a way to bring him back. And as I closed the book, I shed tears, letting my mascara draw black lines under my eyes. A dangerous game to play, with the upcoming celebration. I could always ask for Auretta’s help, but that would be inappropriate.
***
With everyone so busy installing tables, chairs and decoration last minute, I manage to sneak back in easily. The first step was to talk to Father alone. He must listen. He might not take me seriously, but he must not ignore the conversation I overheard yesterday.
“I have valuable information,” I state, approaching him. We are under the trees, surrounded by statues of beautiful men and women, naked or nearly so, exposed to the sun and moon. If I’m not mistaken, it’s yellow corydalis climbing onto their bodies.
“What’s that?” He shoves his hand forward, his gesture merely insulting. I refuse to acknowledge it.
“I have information about the revolutionaries' plan, Your Majesty,” My voice is calm, even though I’m scared to the bone.“Will you listen?”
“Do not test my patience. Apparently a knight followed your ‘lead’ and found nothing at the greenhouse,” He speaks with a clear disgust in his voice. “I hope this information is better than a simple ‘I’ve heard’,”
I laugh, shocked. “Are you serious? You don’t believe me?”
“Tell me what you found,”
“The conversation I overheard yesterday… The men said they’re planning the final coup. Their leader, a man named August, is waiting for the right moment to strike.” At the mention of the name, Father’s eyes darken. His lips are a thin line. He breathes in.
“Oh? We are prepared. All is under control.” He says it with such certitude I want to tear my hair out. “The spies will be caught soon.”
“Is everything under control? Really? Tell that to the thousands of books that burned,” I snarl and turn on my heels. He doesn’t stop me. “Tell that to the Fae Queen you have secrets with.”
“Be nice and welcome the guests. Be useful.”
I curse mentally. I grab my hair and pull on it, starting to feel tears of anger this time, burning my eyes. Father wasn’t like this before. He was loving. For spirits’ sake he was nice. And now, as I started asking questions, actually being blown into politics on a random day, he treats me like a nuisance. Like I’m not his daughter, like I’m not even royal at all. I start to see where this could lead and I don’t like it.
I decide to ignore his demand and go upstairs, purely out of spite. If he won’t listen, nobody will listen. I forget, at times, just how much power a single word from his mouth has. I cannot stand being in his shadow when everything is clearly falling apart.
I head to his office one last time. Third time’s the charm.
I read through the letters, the scrolls, and find only numbers and fees. The commercial ministers are concerned. I didn’t know the economy was failing. I’ll come back to that. Now… That is a missive from Kurna. They want help with the crops. Apparently this winter will be hungry. They’re a neighboring country, why would they ask us? Their crops should be fine like ours. For a second, I doubt our crops are good. I’ve visited the farms. Crops were all right, I repeat to myself. They were fine, I’m searching for something that just isn’t there.
Anyways. There’s an old looking report that seemingly survived the fire. I glance at it and notice the name “Peregrine”. Again. The letter is crumpled and it’s really difficult to read but - each discernible sentence makes my stomach turn into knots. It’s a human traffic organization. Kidnapped and never seen again. The accord must be eliminated. It’s getting out of control. They’re growing. The group is very well organized and their whereabouts are still unknown. They’ve been laying low for the past few months, but the person writing this is concerned they are waiting for the right moment to strike. That would be way too big of a coincidence, if they waited for the monarchy to crumble to attack civilians.
My fingers shake as I put the papers down. Crazy! The world is going crazy. Or I am. Could Peregrine be working with this revolution effort? Do they know about the revolution’s plans? It is all somehow connected, but I am missing something. Again. I shake my head and slowly, softly clap my hands. Helps me concentrate.
I bite my lower lip and realize I’ve been here for long enough. I have to leave now, before Father locks me away for the Equinox. If I want to prevent an attack I need to be careful, a little cunning, a little lying.
As I return to the foyer, servants have started to dissipate to their working stations inside the castle, not pooled up in the same room as before. I sigh in relief. It’ll be easier to spy around if there are less eyes prying on my every move and sending the information to Father. He quickly learned of the guards' situation from the night before. They must answer to him every time something out of the ordinary happens - I suppose.
Maybe someone on the inside let the spy in? But who could it be? There are so many men working with Father, the minister of foreign affairs, some random ministers whose only concern is the gold in their pockets, and many many nobles. I try to remember something, but it doesn’t come. I stay, concentrated and angry, staring at the open doors, leading to the gardens. Then it hits me. The knight that replaced Sir Faxon after the tournament. Was that an accident, or was it a calculated injury? Still, Faxon died that day - he couldn’t have agreed to such terms. If the mole is the knight, how could he be chosen by a minister if he has no special knight training? That would mean minister Jenn is the mole, letting another rat inside. Shit. It kind of makes sense. It’s my only lead for now.
***
As suspected, an army of eager nobles wait at the gates. They’re all holding flowers, buckets and curious objects. Gifts for Nature, and us, who are regarded as high as Nature itself. It is self-assured of us to put ourselves on such a high pedestal, beside Nature. But the people chose to look up to us this way - and now we show excellence because we don’t have a choice, but to uphold the standards set centuries ago. Such is the design of royalty.
I greet the guests, shaking their hand and letting them fake kiss my palm. The rings on my fingers are large and shine with all the colors of the autumnal spectrum. Women smile and giggle as they see the queen, and men straighten up and nod seriously as they notice the king. Rigel and Spica stand together and look bored for their lives. I wish I could join them and be bored together, but I know they’ll just push me away again. Like countless times before.
I look at my shoes and shift my weight from my left leg to the right. I huff and puff as silently as I can as I fight the urge to take them off and run off to a field barefoot. It’s the perfect weather for that. Thirty minutes later, everyone is gathered in the gardens, and we pop the champagne and cider.
Drinks and music flow and I’m facing a choice. I could try to escape to the Academy to search for more material to study or I could act like a crown princess for once and dance with the guests, and enjoy the holy day as a whole. Nothing seems out of place. There are a lot of guards, swords and polearms at the ready. I feel safe. Maybe I could let go of my worries for some time and enjoy the festivities while I can.
I’m on my second glass of sweet wine, brought by a noble who traveled all the way to Celeste to purchase it. I miss going out to buy things. Maybe if West’s killer was not a revolutionary but a Fae hunter, I’d be able to get out and fill up the empty space with meaningless miscellaneous things. Instead, it is my duty to stay here and oversee that we are not attacked anymore.
I groan as I realize my thoughts keep returning to the same events, and I’m clearly unable to forget reality, not even for an hour. Suddenly, a tall man approaches me, his skin a pale yellowish tone and his eyes big, swollen a bit. Looks like he ate something he’s allergic to.
“Your Highness, let me introduce myself. I am Dayne of Star Waters, a town not far from Solen.”
My eyebrows raised, I swallowed the wine I forgot was there, and offered my hand. He lowers a bit, gently blows on it, and raises his eyes to look at me.
“Such a pleasure to see you here, I thought you were still at the Academy.”
“No, I’ve finished my degree. And it’s the Equinox, of course I am here, good sir.”
Small talk. How I’ve missed small talk. Greeting doesn’t count - you don’t share anything, you just stand there and look pretty and welcoming.
“How is your town doing? Everything alright?”
“Oh, yes, the new dam works perfectly. We are finally able to produce electricity without magic, well,” he stutters. “Without all of it being magic.”
“Then how does it work? I’ve never heard of the dam project!” I put my glass on the little table behind me and hold my hands behind my back, straightening my posture. He opens his mouth and hesitates before speaking.
“Water is released through the dam, spinning a turbine that is connected to a generator and bam! Electricity!” I laugh.
“And the magic part?”
“Generator is an object built specifically with the help of mages from the Academy. Unfortunately we have not yet mastered the art of building something with our own hands.”
“We must be grateful to Nature for giving us something as wonderful as this then.” I smile and he returns it. A woman appears behind him, sharing some facial features, her hair jet black and eyes as dark as coal.
“Your royal Highness,” she sounds like a foreigner. I lower my head in a sign of welcome. “My brother must be annoying you with all the dam talk, he doesn’t shut up about it.”
“No worries, my lady, it was I who asked about it in the first place.”
So that’s why he hesitated. Funny.
“Will you excuse us for a moment, Dayne?”
The man bows to me and leaves his sister and me alone. I take a sip from my glass, noticing it is nearly empty again. Time for a third one then.
“I’ve heard what happened, are you alright, Your Highness?” her question doesn’t bear harm, and yet I’m unwilling to answer.
“What do you mean? What have you heard?”
“Your bodyguard was assassinated!” she whispers, closing the distance between us. “And the library burning down… Such an awful chain of events.”
“Indeed.” I mumble, facing the trees on my left. The bark is chapped and wrinkled, some of it falling off.
“Forgive me, I simply wanted to be sure you were alright.”
“Have we met before? What is your name?”
“How silly of me, I haven’t introduced myself properly. My name is Seihn of Star Waters, older sister of Dayne.” She curtsies graciously.
“So, have we met before?” I press on.
“We have indeed. It was a long time ago, at the Summer Solstice of Yule 855.”
“Merely five years and I have completely forgotten you, I apologize.”
“You remembered something, it is still a great honor for me.”
We chat for a little while before she has to join her brother. My third drink is down and I feel completely unfazed by anything. I breathe in the air and join people dancing. It is a vivid dance, music is loud and people cheer, exchanging partners every two seconds. I laugh, clapping my hands.
From the corner of my eye I notice Mother staring at me. She seems erased from this event. People talk to her but she stays silent. She doesn’t dance or drink, she is static, like one of the statues decorating our royal greenery. It feels as if climbing plants would soon overtake her completely, enveloping her in their tight embrace once and for all. It is sad to see her this way. She is still my mother. But she married Father and Father is a cowardly, lying man. She pays for her error this way, I suppose. So I do not approach her, because she does not approach me. And maybe it is for the best.
“No, Mother, West’s death was not ‘for the best’.” I repeat her words, those that struck a pain in me I cannot spit out. It’s stuck in my throat like old sickness and no matter how much I drink or dance, I still cannot get it off my mind.
The first day of celebration comes to an end. Guests leave, one by one, and I barely keep my balance as I stroll through the gardens. Nothing happened today either. Maybe Father did indeed stop the revolution before it could attack us. Maybe I should trust him… Maybe I am not made to be a spy or a fighter, or anything that spy theorized. I’m not a vengeful spirit, I am merely human and a grieving one at that.