Chapter 31:
Lucina
To my left, I catch sight of my siblings standing together.
Stella's expression is one of barely concealed amusement. I suspect she had a hand in orchestrating this whole affair.
"Being a member of the royal family comes with certain responsibilities."
The Emperor's voice resonates through the grand chamber.
I listen in silence, bracing myself for whatever accusation is about to be hurled my way.
"But it has come to my attention that your recent actions have stained that honor."
His gaze fixes sternly upon me.
"I don't understand, Your Majesty."
I mask the turmoil brewing within me.
With a gesture, the Emperor signals for his servant, who promptly exits the room.
I watch with a clenched jaw as my boys are brought in. Their expressions mix confusion and defiance.
They are forced to their knees beside me. Treated as though they were common criminals.
I grit my teeth. Suppress the surge of anger threatening to consume me.
"I still fail to comprehend, Your Majesty."
My tone is measured despite the turmoil raging within me.
"It has been reported that you dismissed all your servants save for one, and then had these three... individuals subsequently brought in."
Disapproval drips from the Emperor's voice.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at his narrow-mindedness. As if I needed his approval.
"That is correct. However, I fail to see how such actions constitute a 'stainonroyalhonor.'"
I maintain my composure.
"Do you believe that your behavior is befitting of a member of the royal family?"
"How could it not be? It is not uncommon for these in positions of power to indulge in certain... liberties."
It's the truth, what noble doesn't have concubines?
"You're a royal princess!"
The Emperor's voice reverberates through the silent throne room. Authority and anger weigh heavy in his words.
"How dare a princess act so immorally?"
His anger fills the grand chamber. I observe with a mixture of amusement and frustration as the assembled nobles cower beneath his wrath.
"Define immoral."
My tone is deliberately casual despite the tension.
Gasps ripple through the room at my audacity.
"Are you implying that I've engaged in... certain activities with these men?"
I feign innocence as I raise an eyebrow.
Shock ripples through the nobles. Whispers spread like wildfire through the room.
"If that is indeed your insinuation, then surely this is a waste of everyone's time."
My voice rings clear above the murmurs of the courtiers.
"There is no law nor stipulation against my actions. And I dare say that practically everyone standing in these halls has indulged in similar pursuits."
Several nobles avert their gazes. Unwilling to meet my challenging stare.
"You think it's the same? You're a princess!"
Linus bursts out. Disapproval drips from his tone as he fixes me with a reproachful glare.
I meet his gaze evenly. Refusing to back down.
"Dear brother, that's a rather antiquated way of thinking for an Empire founded by a woman and whose main deity is a Goddess."
Sarcasm laces my words. "Your words betray a certain misogynistic bias... but of course, that couldn't possibly be the case."
Linus bristles with indignation. He opens his mouth, then closes it. Unable to formulate a response that wouldn't further damage his standing.
He falls silent. His expression masks frustration and resentment.
What'd I do to him?
"Regardless. To avoid rumors from spreading, Crown Prince Mathius Azure of the Kingdom of Tidal Haven will be visiting in three months on diplomatic relations."
The Emperor's words catch everyone off guard.
"An engagement between you two would strengthen the relationship between Salona and Tidal Haven."
I scoff loudly at the absurdity of his proposal.
The Emperor glares at me.
"Excuse me."
Thinly veiled threat drips from his tone. The tension in the hall rises to a palpable level.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty—Irefuse."
Defiance rings clear in my voice despite the hushed murmurs sweeping through the assembly.
Gasps echo through the grand chamber at my bold refusal.
I feel the weight of the Emperor's disapproval bearing down on me.
"Are you defying MY order?"
Menace fills his voice. He takes a threatening step forward.
"Yes."
I meet his gaze with unwavering resolve.
In a dramatic display of authority, the Emperor unsheathes his sword.
He descends the stairs.
He presses the blade against my neck with a threatening gesture.
The tension in the room escalates. The boys bristle with the urge to intervene.
I subtly signal for them to remain calm. Any rash action could escalate the situation further.
"Unfortunately, Your Majesty,you cannot spill the blood of those blessed by the moon."
My voice is dry. Unafraid.
"To harm one such as myself would incur the wrath of the Goddess herself."
The Emperor flinches.
His grip on the sword falters momentarily.
The ancient law hangs heavy in the air. Those blessed by the moon—marked by white hair resembling moonlight—cannot be harmed without invoking the wrath of the Goddess.
It is this very law that has spared the life of the Archduke. The only one of the Emperor's siblings whom he could not kill.
The blade trembles against my neck.
I do not blink.