Just as they were about to open the final page, a knock echoed through the room, shattering the spell the diary had cast over them. They hurriedly concealed the worn leather book beneath the pillow, their hearts pounding in unison. With a nervous tremble in her voice, Iris called out, "Uh, yes. Come in." The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing Browny's polite face. "Princess Iris, it's well past your bedtime. You should now retire. Princess Aylin, Harlin and Elina, you all should also seek your rest. It's late and you've had a long day. The moon is high, and the night air carries a chill."
Harlin's eyes widened in panic. "Oh no! I'll have dreadful eye bags if I stay up late. I'll be a frightful sight at breakfast." Aylin nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed with concern. "Yes, we should retire too. A good night's sleep is just what we need after today's adventures." As they bid Iris goodnight, Elina shot her a reassuring wink, a silent promise to keep the diary and its secrets safe until the morning light.
Once alone, Iris' room fell into a soothing hush, the only sound the distant hooting of an owl and the soft rustling of the wind through the trees beyond the balcony. The room was bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon, its silvery light spilling through the open doors and dancing across the bed. Iris sat upon the plush coverlet, gently withdrawing a faded photo of Elison from the bedside cabinet. The moonlight caught his face, casting long shadows that made his smile seem almost otherworldly. But Iris' expression remained serene, her eyes reflecting the stillness of the night.
The next morning, Browny's insistent whine pulled Iris from the depths of her slumber. She leapt from bed, rushing to tend to her pet. With the aid of her maids, she readied herself for the day ahead, her fingers fumbling with the delicate laces of her gown. Descending the stairs, she found the others already seated at the grand dining table, their plates laden with steaming breakfast dishes. Her parents joined them soon after, their faces stern but their eyes twinkling with a knowledge they wouldn't share. And though they broke their fast in silence, their eyes spoke volumes of the schemes they were concocting, of the plans they were laying like a spider weaves its web. As they finished, Louis finally spoke, his voice booming through the stillness.
"As you know, dear, we have an endearing connection with the Ackermen, Hoeinheim, Elric and Wistaria kingdoms. Our trade relations are also quite strong, a bond forged through years of mutual respect and benefit. So, I've prepared a grand ball for all the princes and princesses of those realms. I did it so you can...become better acquainted. So you can forge the bonds that will secure our alliances for generations to come. And you don't have to return to your kingdoms to participate. You can join the festivities from here, under our roof. So, DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!!! Let your hair down, let your laughter ring out, let the music guide your steps. For tonight, we put aside our titles and simply enjoy each other's company." Louis exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with excitement, his face flushed with wine. Fiona couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, her hand resting affectionately on his arm.
The four friends shared a nervous glance, their minds racing with the implications. They retreated to Iris' study, their silence heavy with unspoken fears and doubts. The room was dim, the only light coming from a lone candle that cast flickering shadows on the walls. As soon as the door was closed, Aylin burst out, "Shit! What do we do? What if they discover our secret, our plans? Our schemes will be ruined before they even begin! We'll be pawns in their game, forced to dance to their tune." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of her panic.
Elina's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. "We have to do something. We can't risk exposure. They can't find out, not now, not when we've come so far." Iris nodded resolutely, her jaw set in determination. "I'll think of something. I'll find a way to keep us safe, to keep our dreams alive." But before she could devise a plan, a knock came at the door, echoing through the room and shattering their fragile calm. "Yes?" Iris called, trying to keep her voice steady.
A royal guard appeared in the doorway, his armor gleaming in the candlelight. "Mam, there is someone named Hares Inkwood wishing to meet with you. He claims it's of the utmost importance. May I let him in?" Iris hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But something about the guard's words struck a chord within her. "Yes, let him enter."
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Hares bowed low as he entered, his movements graceful and practiced. "Thanks for seeing me, Princess Iris. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me." "The pleasure is mine, Hares," Iris smiled graciously, waving him towards a chair. "I must admit, your request piqued my curiosity. What could be so important that it couldn't wait?" She leaned forward, her eyes locked on his face, searching for any sign of deception.
Hares cleared his throat, his fingers drumming against his knee. "I'm a scholar, Princess. A seeker of knowledge and truth. And I believe I can help you. I've heard rumors of a diary, a book written in a language thought dead. A book that could change everything. And I think I can decipher it for you, unlock its secrets." Iris' heart leapt into her throat, her mind racing. Could this man be the answer to their prayers? Or was he just another player in the game, another snake in the grass?
She rose from her seat, her movements slow and deliberate. From a hidden compartment in her study table, she withdrew the diary and handed it over to him. Hares' eyes widened as he took in the worn cover, the yellowed pages. His fingers traced the strange symbols, his brow furrowed in concentration. He flipped through the pages swiftly, his breath catching as he came to rest on a scribbled drawing at the end. It was a crude map, a path winding through trees and over hills. Hares shut the diary with a snap, his eyes meeting Iris'. "Princess, this diary is indeed written in 'Ancient Ceah Zhalwe'. It's a dead language, thought lost to the sands of time. But I can decipher it, unlock its secrets. I will need some time, however. A week should suffice." "How long?" Iris pressed, her hands clenched into fists. "I will return in one week. I swear it." "Very well. I shall expect you then. Do not fail me, Hares."
As Hares departed, Harlin let out a dramatic sigh, her body sagging in relief. "I'm so tired. My nerves are frayed, my mind is reeling." Elina's stomach growled loudly, breaking the spell. "And I'm famished. All this intrigue has given me an appetite." She summoned Browny and requested some refreshments, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Soon, they were seated around the delicate tea table, indulging in dainty sandwiches and sweet pastries. Elina's eyes lit up at the spread, her fingers moving from one delicacy to the next. "Didn't you just break your fast?" Iris asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Ages ago. And who can resist these? They're heavenly." Elina retorted, popping another honey-soaked apple pie into her mouth. Harlin just rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You'll be the death of us yet, Eli. Your stomach has no care for the consequences."
But just then, Elina let out a strangled cough, her body convulsing as she struggled to draw breath. The others leapt into action, patting her back and offering her water. Confusion etched their faces as they tried to determine what had caused the fit. Elina pointed accusingly at the Blue Berry cheese cake, her face turning a lovely shade of purple. Iris facepalmed, a groan escaping her lips. "Eli, you're allergic to blueberries. Why would you...?" But then realization struck. "Wait, this was on your plate. Browny knows you're allergic. Why would she...?" The question hung in the air, unanswered and ominous.
Eli looked on, guilt written across her face. "I shouldn't have eaten it without checking. My apologies, friends. I wasn't thinking." Iris sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging in relief. "No, I should have been more mindful. Rest now, we'll check on you soon. And perhaps we should have a word with Browny." They bid her goodnight, worry gnawing at their hearts. As they left the room, they couldn't help but wonder if the incident had been an accident, or something more sinister.
Iris sought solace in the garden, the cool night air a balm to her frazzled nerves. She wandered the winding paths, her eyes scanning the beds of flowers that bloomed under the moonlight. She was searching for that exquisite blossom she had spied in Wistaria, its beauty beyond words, beyond description. Its petals had been a delicate shade of pink, like the first blush of dawn. And its scent...its scent had been heady, intoxicating. She couldn't bring herself to ask the gardener its name, to break the spell it had cast over her. So she searched, her heart pounding in her chest.
Aylin wandered the gardens as well, her eyes landing on a delicate Violet. It was a humble flower, its petals a soft purple that seemed to glow in the moonlight. It was tucked away in a corner, almost forgotten. But there was something about it that drew her in, that made her feel seen. She couldn't help but be drawn to its quiet beauty, its understated charm. She reached out a trembling hand, gently brushing her fingers against its petals. And as she did, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, a sense of belonging.
Harlin, meanwhile, was on a mission. She had caught a glimpse of Cathy earlier, her golden hair shining like a beacon in the moonlight. And she was determined to finally have it out with the elusive girl. She stalked through the gardens, her eyes scanning the shadows. She had had enough of Cathy's games, enough of her lies and half-truths. It was time for some answers. And Harlin would stop at nothing to get them. She followed a trail of crumbs, her heart pounding in her chest. And then, she saw her, her figure illuminated by the moon. Harlin let out a triumphant cry, her fingers closing around Cathy's arm like a vice. "We need to talk," she growled, her eyes blazing with determination.