Chapter 26:
Lucina
The time to depart from the boys and return to the palace draws near.
A pang of sadness twists in my chest. I've spent the entire day lounging around with them, enjoying their company and the comfort of their presence.
I board Maverick's now larger and fatter Gilcha lizard. I settle into the uncomfortable corseted dress—customary for palace events.
The tightness of the corset is suffocating.
Today happens to be the day for the family dinner. An event I can't exactly say I'm looking forward to. I already miss the warmth of Haroun's big chest and the easy companionship with Nikolai and Valendor.
Upon my arrival at the palace, Stacy fawns over me immediately.
She sets to work trying on several dresses, each more elaborate and beautiful than the last. The dresses are stunning. They are also incredibly uncomfortable.
I endure the fittings with a forced smile, ignoring the tightness of the fabrics and the constriction of the corset. All I can think about is the simplicity and comfort of the clothes I wore with the boys earlier today.
Sigh.
*
I stand outside the grand greenhouse.
Two years later, I am dressed in a flowing blue gown adorned with countless jewelry pieces. My hair is intricately styled in an elaborate updo.
I take a deep breath and enter the greenhouse.
The royal family gathers before me—except for the Emperor and Empress. I offer a slight bow to the concubines and my older siblings before taking my designated seat at the far end of the room.
"Welcome back, Sister."
A grating voice. I glance over to see Stella, adorned in a pink dress with a familiar fake smile plastered on her face.
"Thank you. Time has been pleasant to you."
I mask my true feelings beneath a polite facade.
Stella's fake smile only widens. She proceeds to ignore me as usual.
Across from her, Luan smiles warmly at me. At nineteen, he appears much more refined and manly than two years ago, when he could easily pass for Stella in a dress.
I offer a polite smile in return, acknowledging his presence.
The Emperor and Empress finally make their entrance.
The weight of my heavy dress feels suffocating. I imagine how much heavier the Empress's attire must be.
I shudder inwardly.
"Be seated."
The Emperor's usual authority fills the room. We all take our seats once more. His eyes briefly meet mine. A slight twitch of his eyebrow.
"Third Princess, welcome."
I rise to offer a bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
I take my seat again, aware that he is likely displeased.
My recent pilgrimage has granted me a level of freedom that he no longer holds authority over. This fact remains unknown to the others.
It means no arranged marriages. No schemes from the Empress.
Something I worked hard for during my eight hundred days away. The only person with such power is the Pope—but Gramps would never use it against me.
"I'm glad to have all my children together." The Emperor's voice rings with pride. "Luan returned from his travels to the western lands a month ago. This is lovely."
A hint of discomfort radiates from the firstborn son, Linus. Subtle, but I notice his face twitching slightly.
He's being overshadowed by his younger brother. Poor guy.
The dinner progresses.
I find myself caught in the intricate dance of palace politics. Polite conversation. Navigating the subtle power dynamics at play within the royal family.
A familiar routine. One I've grown accustomed to over the years.
But amidst the formalities and polite smiles, I feel a sense of longing for the simplicity and comfort of time spent with the boys. Away from the pressures of palace life.
Sigh again.
*
Artem, as expected, keeps his eyes downcast. Appearing as spineless as ever despite his royal status.
How can he be so lacking in backbone as a royal?
But it's none of my business. I turn my attention back to the lavish dinner spread before me.
The dishes are not as flavorful as Valendor's cooking, but they are still enjoyable. I dig into the various delicacies, savoring each bite as the Emperor and Empress engage in conversation with their children.
"How is your swordsmanship going, Luan?"
The Emperor breaks the dinner conversation. Intrigued, I take a sip of wine.
"Great, Father. I recently broke into four-star."
Luan responds calmly. Almost nonchalantly—as if he hasn't just dropped a bombshell.
On cue, Linus chokes on something and begins coughing aggressively. Stella screeches her congratulations.
This is significant. Linus is also a four-star swordsman. With Luan's recent advancement, he has unofficially joined the race for the throne.
The Empress is pleased. This means her sons are the sole contenders. She doesn't show a preference for either—just content that the competition is limited to her offspring.
It seems the transmigrator hasn't been slacking off in his training.
The Emperor roars with laughter, figuratively patting himself on the back. He orders more wine, declaring it a celebration.
I sigh inwardly. I've been roped into this impromptu celebration.
"Congratulations, Brother. We should spar sometime."
Linus's forced smile accompanies his words. His white hair is tied up in a ponytail.
I notice Linus is the more attractive brother. I try not to let my personal bias influence my thoughts.
I'm failing. I'm not team Luan.
"Surely not too soon, Brother. I did just recently break through, after all."
Luan's charming smile earns chuckles from the Emperor and Empress.
"Yes, dear. No need to rush into it." The Empress adds her own smile.
The night wears on.
Linus downs glass after glass of wine—probably drowning his sorrows.
Artem remains quiet and unnoticed. Further pushed into the background by his more ambitious brothers.
The concubines flutter around the Emperor, vying for his attention. The Empress sits back in satisfaction, reveling in her seemingly unshakeable position of power.
A wave of discomfort washes over me.
The weight of palace politics is so tiring.
All I want is to leave this stifling atmosphere and return to the simplicity and comfort of the villa with the boys.
*
The dinner finally ends.
I rise from my seat, feeling dizzy from the wine. Stacy waits for me outside the greenhouse. She offers her arm to help me walk back to my palace.
I hiccup a little. My mind still reels from the events of the evening.
I catch a glimpse of the Emperor and Luan heading off together—likely to discuss Luan's recent achievement.
Sigh.
I continue on, trying to walk straight despite the effects of the wine. All I want now is to get back to the comfort of my own quarters and leave the formalities and pretenses of the palace behind.