《Secrets of the Belleaux》


 The Last Princess

    The Empire of Belleaux. An ancient, sovereign force that has survived through a millennial, as well as an eternity of choices that led to my birth. When the air gets chilly, by the fireplace there is a voice singing to me, the sweet melody of what could have been. From time to time, far from knowing eyes, watching the snowflakes rest on my windowpane, I ask myself again: What if I was not a Belleaux? That name meant soon I would be carrying a heavy weight. So in another timeline, if my dear Empire did not exist, if only by stroke of luck, I could live a peaceful life as a commoner.


    My title now means as much as the dust being swept from a vase. Grubby, dark matter attaching itself to something precious. I was a sickly infant, due to my mother¡¯s late pregnancy. So in a plea, the late emperor agreed to conceal my existence.


    She named me Adelaide, a saintly name from her kingdom, and yet my existence felt poisonous; it felt as if each birthday one drop of deadly syrup was administered. This Empire has someone on its throne, my older brother, but due to our mother''s lineage, he has endured years of scorn and perils unimaginable to me.


    So tired at only eight years old, I stood arms crossed, staring straight at the heir of the Clemendale Duchy - a boy merely two years older, who seemed to me all grown up. Even as a daughter of a baron, I pursued him, and so despite my initial intentions, what once was an opportunity to strengthen my brother''s throne became a friendship. Then the tricks of time made us lovers and soon to be wed.


    My existence became crucial for my brother, who would have Clemendale''s noble backing. As well as the importance of my real status for the young duke. Who would never be scorned by his father for choosing to marry me.


    Even so, I imagine the possibility of staying posing as the daughter of a baron. Where the noble folk are ignorant and simple, they expect no class and they insult by saying innocuous things. There is comfort in not being known, that lack of remarkability made me preventively nostalgic at my appointment at the "Purpose" - the most wanted boutique in the capital.


    ¡°Your fianc¨¦ must love you dearly to be able to arrange for a dress to be made for the daughter of a baron.¡± Said the seamstress with a smile as sharp as a knife.


    Her eyes quickly examined my order with disapproving eyes. The norm would be a short and delicate dress that matched with a white diamond-encrusted barrett. However, despite my previous image, If I were to be a predator, there would be no need for frills. A figure-hugging black dress, simplistic as per my request, long enough to cover my feet.


    ¡°Lady Adelaide, you really struck the golden pot with this marriage,¡± said the jeweller. A look completed with a headpiece custom-made to strike interest, a black cat figure playing with the moon, made with black crystals. In the mirror another person looked back at me: Adelaide Belleaux. Not the meek and powerless Lady Adelaide.


    ?


    ¡°Your betrothed is here Young Duke of Clemendale¡± Proclaimed Joseph, the butler of my fiance''s home, a place I had gotten acquainted with.


    The young duke sat, elegantly as ever, dismissing with his hand the butler and the maids. ¡°My lady, are you aware time has flown?¡± He sipped his tea, Earl Grey, with the usual set of cutlery, his late mom''s choice. ¡°Are you sure you don''t need anything?¡±


    ¡°Lucas! Have I not asked for your first dance?¡± I giggled while picking through the cookies on a tray.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Why would you ask for something that is a given? Still, that day is to be a special one.¡± He rested his cup, passing his fingers through his hair.


    ¡°Every lady in the past and the future shall have a Debutante.¡± I rolled my eyes straightening the cloth on the table.


    ¡°I am unsure¡­ Matters may suddenly change one day.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Entirely similar to your mood.¡±


    ¡°Now who causes these changes?¡± I shook my head, staring at the men who I would spend the rest of my life with, going through the harsh winters of life as well as the springtime and its flowers.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I have plenty of time to give you Clemendale''s riches.¡± He declared a half-hidden smirk plastered on his handsome face.


    ¡°If your father were to hear this¡­¡± I reached the palm of my hand for him to hold. ¡°Duke Clemendale would never forgive me.¡±


    His eyes fixated blankly on my open palm ¡°Addie¡­ Soon, I will be the Duke.¡± He interlocked his fingers in mine, that in itself a promise. ¡°I have found a way to get his approval.¡±


    ¡°That is wonderful.¡± My eyes clouded and it felt unbecoming, but at the touch of his fingers as his eyes brightened it was an impossible ordeal to hide it. ¡°How so?¡±


    He then got on one knee, missing the teapot by inches, refusing to let go ¡°Could you promise me to forgive me once if it is to gain fathers favour?¡±


    He was someone who always had given me the world, so this one request was easy to grant. Whatever it was, it would be alright and in a few weeks there would be no need for schemes. ¡°I believe you would not do anything against your beliefs. Simply because you are you.¡±


    ?


    Then weeks passed. Days and minutes jumped along. The day was here before me, it was my reality.


    Violetta entered the room, cheerful as usual. My handmaiden, the girl I grew up with, was more a sister than a subordinate. This would be the last time I saw her. A few hours from now, she would be shipped out of the country, to keep her whereabouts a secret, partly for her safety. But mostly to keep the whole plan a secret. All for the crown.


    It had been years in hiding, why could I not stay here frozen for a few more years, or perhaps my whole life. Did I have to go ahead and make myself useful for my brother? To fall in love with a man who would put his position at risk for me? It seems that is the nature of growing up. Gaining responsibilities far from our league while letting the past out of your sight.


    Violetta arranged the folds in my gown. I held my hand down from trembling. Violetta smiled as she applied blush on my cheeks. I held back my tears.


    Violetta turned on the so-called TV. The magical box emitted images only possible with the help of the famous magicians. They called themselves the Order of Scientists.


    ¡°Serious business has been announced! A hidden princess will be attending the ball. THIS VERY NIGHT! The king has good news for their people along with the reveal. Stay tuned for the live event of the year. Directly in your home screens!¡± A reporter screamed into the camera, echoing other visible reporters in the palace who said similar phrases. They were there, waiting for me to arrive. Would I disappoint them? After all, I was just Adelaide.


    Adelaide Belleaux was a shiny new person, I was not prepared to be. A tear rolled down against my consent.


    Violetta crouched near me, ¡°Adelaide, I will be alright¡± She winked rapidly controlling her breath ¡°You will shine so brightly even in the dark.¡±


    ¡°It will be difficult without you braiding my hair¡± I looked around, whispering ¡°Or you telling me about the lords in the city you found especially handsome.¡±


    ¡°My lady. That is the immature me from the past. I shall find someone to marry and have a happy life.¡± She said capriciously tucking her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Oh, right¡­ You would never be able to marry were you to stay.¡± Going away was the best for her and I knew that.


    ¡°I am glad you realise your shortcomings.¡± She muffled a giggle.


    ¡°Just know I will miss you.¡± I cried disregarding the pleas from the rest of the maids.


    She grabbed a makeup wipe. ¡°As will I¡­¡± She whispered, ¡°Not all is lost, I heard outside the capitals there are magic communication boxes.¡±


    ¡°Will you arrange it?¡± I smiled, basking in hope.


    ¡°I promise to at least try..¡± My smile, a mirror of hers.

 Destiny

    ¡°Good evening, dearest spectators. We are here with the Ray Royal News. Serving the almighty Belleaux family for 101 years this very year!¡±


    As I emerged from the carriage ¡°Ray Albertus the Thirteenth¡± announced my other persona as a being out of this word. Rare and distinct. However Adelaide Tennatis, from a countryside barony, stood near a vase, not a glance spared.


    Dozens of noble ladies, clicking their heels out of their own vehicles, repeated motions of hands extended from gentleman, family or their promised partners. Flocking to get interviewed about the matter of the princess, or posing for photos on the golden carpet.


    ¡°Lady Ade Tenacious, would you care for an interview? There are rumours your partner is the greatest swordsman in this empire, any comments on this matter?¡± The greatest melody started singing. His voice.


    ¡°Well, dearest and noble interviewer, I would argue that statement is half truthful.¡± Turning around, his arm in a loop for only me to take.


    ¡°Ouch. Do you wish to harm my ego any further?¡± He smiles, attracting gazes all around. A marvel of nature, mine only in promises.


    ¡°I take that question as it is enough for today¡­¡± As he made a sign for us to go ahead and enter I stopped ¡°Did your father authorize you accompanying me? He has been even more dissatisfied, since Lady the from the Valentia Marquisate took an interest in you¡­¡±


    ¡°Ade, you never fail to inquire about the hardest matters.¡± He turned all his weight, standing directly in front of my field of vision. ¡°Firstly, act as if there are no nobles present, with me you have not to fear a thing. The truth is we are at a standstill, I was allowed although not endorsed to accompany the lady today.¡± He said tucking my hair behind my ear, adjusting it to stay correctly in the beret.


    ¡°As I understood, at least it shall not bring upon repercussions to you. So I will attempt to act as you instructed. However, you didn''t account for me becoming wild in such a scenario.¡± I took his nervous hand circling my hair strands holding it tightly, as much as my heart ached for him.


    ¡°The Clemendale Duchy is powerful enough to take such a risk. Besides, remember what we talked about before? Be confident, today I will prove myself to my father.¡±


    ¡°Then it shall be a grand day for both of us.¡±


    ?


    ¡°How dare they announce such an important thing to our debutant?¡± A curly haired blonde lady whispered to a peer.


    ¡°What a lucky bunch are we!¡± They giggled in unison.


    ¡°Ugh. What an honour Lady Valentina is coming our way!¡± One of them said with a mocking tone.


    A short emerald dress adorned with the purest diamonds, without a single impurity. Her hair fell into braids, with pale lace and resembling the form of bows. Noble, worthy of all the praise in the world, yet scorned by many.


    ¡°Lady Adelaide.¡± She addressed me in that commanding manner. ¡°May I have an inkling of your time before the event starts?¡±


    I bowed and maintained my head low ¡°Lady Valentia, I am not sure what we would chat about.¡±


    ¡°Do you wish for me to air out personal matters in this crowded room full of ladies that will lead society?¡± Her flattery clearly reached the targeted public, not causing the intended reaction. All around, curious eyes were on either me or the floor. No one was allowed to look her in the eye. Only nobility could and soon it would be my birthright to do so.


    ¡°If the honorable lady insists. I shall comply.¡± I replied, giving her a last grace before tonight unfolds.


    We walked directly into the marquisate¡¯s dedicated sitting room. This was good, a quick way for me to sneak out of the debutante room. Slip into another identity seamlessly, falling into the tiara that granted the power to attain any of my desires.


    Would that version of myself have grown up to be similar to Lady Valentia? Powerful and proud. Someone who froze any room she entered. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The constant questioning was tiring. As for a reason, for my strange obsession on the line of thoughts, it is one of those mysterious workings of the brain. The truth is; I was born sickly, useless for my mother, a burden to the empire and my brother.


    So today I would be useful, in a concrete sense. Not hypothetical. With my betrothal recognized, he would attain the support of the old nobility, the Clemendale duchy, a special family, who was granted privileges to hold military power within the empire.


    As soon as I completed the plan, my brother would finally give me a hug and say I mattered. Of course, he had never properly met me, but it was a given he was busy securing his position. In the end I am also a Belleaux, everyone would forget the late queen was from a traitor¡¯s country and that I was ever Adelaide Tennnatis.


    I flinched, Lady Valentia seemed to have been staring at me in silence, she closed the door with force, trying to get a reaction out of me.


    ¡°Listen Adelaide. This isn''t about the fairytales you created in your delicate head.¡± She approached, dismissing a few scattered maids attempting to serve tea. ¡°As much as my father pushes for it, I have never loved him. And I shall never do so my entire life¡± Her intense presence seemed amplified as she spelled out such an insane remark. ¡°However, if it is my duty there is no being that may stop me in attaining it.¡±


    ¡°I comprehend duty, more than you realize in actuality¡­¡± I sat on the couch, and how cruel is destiny, the news still talked about the topic of the princess in the background ¡°And I thank you as you have advised me through our meetings, since we were merely dust in the middle of full ballrooms.¡±


    She sat sipping an odd colored tea she seemed to enjoy, one arm perched on the top of the couch. ¡°As I am the older of us two, I felt there was space to help such an intelligent lady such as yourself. Being so clever without something to back you up, might lead you into a corner. So tell me why you resist so much of letting go of Lord Lucas¡±.


    ¡°You are very wise my lady. Yet you failed to ask Lucas his opinion. The fairytales you speak of, are simply pure devotion and love. And all these years you seem devoid of such notions. Not that is any of your concern but there is an agreement between me and the Young Duke, and he is getting the approval of his father this very night.¡± That face stoic and so very terrifying produced a smile.


    ¡°That is the very serious matter I had to warn you about. You see, I respect you, even if you never thought so.¡± She sighed dramatically looking not at me but at her nails. ¡°The Clemendale¡¯s are planning a coup.¡± Sabrine Valentia took an incredibly tiny sip out of her teacup.


    I winced at her nonchalant attitude, ¡°I apologize, Honorable Lady of Valentia.¡± I gulped down my grievances and smiled, a stiff and cold smile only fitting to respond to her, ¡°That can¡¯t be true.¡± Preparing myself to leave, I stood up, her hand held onto a strand of my hair.


    Sighing, I reached out to her hand taking my hair from her grasp.


    ¡°There is no reason in the world for this kind of behavior. Although we are at odds. You can''t make up such ridiculous statements and expect me to forget all your infractions in the past.¡± Raising my voice for the first time, she laughed getting up to my level.


    ¡°Dear Adelaide, so very soft. That is why he chose someone so unfitting, because of your heart.¡± She continued to laugh in a loss of composure I had never witnessed ¡°The country will be thrown into chaos. All because he wants to marry you. Lucas would never have agreed to go against his morals if it was not for an insignificant lady from a barony from the outskirts of the capital.¡±


    ¡°Then you never respected Lady Valentia. Lucas, my best confidant, the one I choose for life, he would never go against his morals in such a way.¡±


    ¡°In the end, my conscience is clear. Congratulations Adelaide, you will change history.¡± She knocked twice on the door and the butler entered, glancing at me as if I was an insect to be disposed of.


    So I left. Hopeful for the future, the lady could never fathom.


    ?


    Out of the room, each step felt meaningful. I had to make my way to the secret entrance Violetta had instructed me to use. My brother would be waiting for me, and everything would be resolved. In a few minutes, I would be the second most important and powerful one in the room.


    ¡°Lady Tinnatus. Are you alright? ¡± The blonde lady who was previously amongst the debutante''s, seemed to have been trailing behind me for a while.


    ¡°Oh. I am Lady Adelaide Tinnatus, I forgot to introduce myself.¡±


    Her gentle curls were loose and an unsure smile sprouted on her face. ¡°Well I certainly did not introduce myself either. I am Lady Mielle of the Cartwright Marquisate. Did Lady Valencia harass you in any way?¡± My eyes widened.


    ¡°Perhaps I ought to hold my tongue more often¡­ It is just that I know who both of you are.¡± She stopped fidgeting with her lacy pink skirt.


    ¡°Lady Cartright, it would be weirder for you to feign ignorance. That is something truly dreadful.¡± She seemed to be the kind of person with ease to smile. There were other people similar to Violetta in the world, they just never gave me a chance before. ¡°Only with her poisonous words.¡± I replied to her question at last, as she waited in silence for me.


    ¡°As she does to most of us¡­ Of course, you are special-¡± Lady Cartwright said still smiling with her teeth.


    ¡°Because of the Young Duke. That is indeed the reason she especially loves my company.¡± I continued the conversation. Soon I would have to make a diversion to escape her. The passage was somewhere around here in this corridor.


    Her hands reached for an engraved pattern in the wall. As she pressed her finger, a painting of the founder of Belleaux, slightly went ajar.


    ¡°Your Majesty, Adelaide Belleaux. There seems to be misunderstanding. I know of you and you are special because of who you are. Not because of anyone else.¡± She opened the painting only enough for a person to enter, extending her hand to help me jump through the solid wall beneath the painting.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Well someone had to aid you today. I was the only one suitable¡­¡± She popped her head out. ¡°Quick before anyone sees us, Stefaan is waiting!¡±


    This lady was as clever as me. There were only a few people who could address the king by his name. So I took her tiny hand, so full of fear and responsibility. Mielle Cartwright is probably the only person in this world who can understand me at this moment.

 A Cruel Choice

    Mielle had opened up to me through the secret passage. Her movements were less stiff and as she entered through a pillar into a room, her jumpy little steps towards a man I had only seen from below balconies and in my dreams.


    ¡°You may enter.¡± There he was my brother, the one I had given my all to protect. A perfect image of a ruler, dressed to the nines for the event sat in an arm-chair holding papers. A man who I recognized as his advisor, bowed to us and left without saying a word.


    Before him two glass boxes with tiaras rested on a table.


    ¡°Your Majesty Steefan Bellaux. I present before you one of your kin, your younger sister Princess Adelaide Belleaux.¡± Her bow was flawless, from the tip of her fingers to the way the fabric on her dress fell.


    ¡°I present myself to you as your one and only sister. Daughter of the late emperor and empress. As you know I have lived as Adelaide Tinnatus.¡± I followed her bow, but certainly not as polished.


    ¡°You both may rise. Firstly I¡¯d take, you have been introduced to my Fianc¨¦e, your future queen. Mielle Cartwright.¡± His gaze was not as affectionate as the one the lady directed towards him, but there was softness there. Then as he turned to look at me, it changed to something else, unknown to me ¡°Dear sister, you are a princess by birth, but our mother arranged to hide you so no harm would befall you. Are you aware that royal life is not quite as carefree as you have lived until now?¡±


    ¡°I have been educated by the people you and mother have kindly sent. I am well aware¡­ As you know I was born sickly, my life would have been a burden and a weakness.¡± Confidently each word I had rehearsed came out of my mouth.


    ¡°Sister, are you aware, mother knew when your sickness worsened? She knew you had deadly fevers. Also she was well aware you were fatigued in a way no child should ever be. It is a funny trick, I grew beside her my whole life but she was never worried or warm. She felt far away, perhaps her mind wandered to Tinnatus manor.¡± My smile fell, this was not at all how I expected this conversation to go.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I deeply sorry for -¡±


    ¡°So I grew, in a way, stronger and more privileged than any child. And one day I received two pieces of news at once. I was barely thirteen at the time. One was the Mother of this empire, or yours to be precise, had been found deceased in her room. Do you know what the other was?¡±


    ¡°Everyone at the time heard of the news. I was aware at the time, and mourned her in my own way. But I do not recall any other major event.¡± His fingers tapped against the velour of his chair, leaving traces of his impatience.


    ¡°You were able to attend the funeral, and from then on you were healthy. In her room strange powdered remains were found and your previous handmaiden ran away. Still I thought to myself, she is family I should not harm her. How could she know mother would reach for such methods?¡± The Emperor smiled at last.


    ¡°Why would she do that for me? I thought she banished me for your sake¡­ And I tried my best to earn a place beside you.¡±


    He resumed with no regard for my input ¡°Many told me to get rid of you if I knew where you were or to marry you off to some kingdom far from here. However, I let you be, in honour of the queen¡¯s memory. Oh, and how much she must have loved you. You were hers, and I was the future emperor. A harmless, last family connection, hidden, never to be recovered. That is who you are to me.¡± His face, stuck in maintaining a placid motion.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I lament the interruption, but are you not being harsh to the lady, Emperor?¡± Her voice trembled as she spoke.


    ¡°Maybe so. But my sister started this fight when she decided to seduce the Young Lord of the Dukedom. At such an age, I wonder who taught to do so.¡± He snickered. ¡°How did you know to interfere in my plans in such a way?¡± The papers he had been holding flew, as the floor pans for the Clementine¡¯s mansion rested on the tiles.


    ¡°I-I was trying to aid you. At the time I only knew they were a powerful family. In the end it worked out, did it not?¡± I pleaded.


    ¡°It seems you have not been properly educated by that maid of yours. One thing is a political connection, with certainties and conditions. That is not what you brought me. You and the Young Duke speak of love. The darndest thing on the entire planet. Difficult to grow, and painful to harvest.¡±


    He got up approaching the glass boxes.


    ¡°So as I already presented to my betrothed. I shall never love anyone, in any form, whether it be familial, platonic or romantic. Because in the end what killed our parents is that exact thing. It is very simple really, I will give you a transparent and honest choice.¡±


    ¡°Brother, this may seems disrespectful yet I can not agree with such remarks-¡±


    ¡°Then chose not to open this box. Leave the tiara, that is one of the choices you have, go back to your sad life filled with that temporary delusion you call love.  Or open it and bear the weight of it, wear it and enjoy the conveniences it provides you. But be aware I shall never love you, show favour or protect you. It will be a life in my mold and ways of thinking.¡± He hit the floor with his oxfords. Leaving a dent on the shining pattern of the floor. ¡°My ladies, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Ummm¡­ I shall ponder Your Majesty¡± Her features seemed dulled as her, as she strained to maintain a bow, her seemingly transparent hair almost touching the floor.


    ¡°Dear Sister. You have been so outspoken and intelligent all your life, I hope this time is no different¡±. The Emperor left, a being full of hatred, who would never be the brother I had imagined. This whole time we both held onto the thought that our mother preferred the other, and we both became this twisted version of what could have been a happy family.


    All I have been building, scrapping my heels and bruising my feet, marching ahead with no regard for my safety, was merely a dream. If mother wanted me to be safe was debatable, but he, my only family left, did not want me for certain.


    ¡°The Emperor is often misunderstood, I am sure this is just one of his moments.¡± Mielle laid her hand on my shoulder, trying to bring me a sense of comfort nonexistent, compared to the pain I felt.


    ¡°Lady Cartwright is very kind to someone who does deserve your care.¡± She flinched at my response ¡°It is just all these years I built up expectations for this moment. Beliefs deep in my conscience that I was needed. And even if my life was comfortable, clawing back my place in the royal family was necessary. I should persevere for my brother, and later for -¡± I giggled. Mielle giggled back giving me a knowing look.


    ¡°It seems I was mistaken. My bro- or Your Majesty the Emperor, rather I stayed quietly in the barony, deep into the countryside. My whole life has been a marathon to get to be a Belleaux. So what do I do from now on? How can I make such an impossible choice?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am well aware!¡± I looked at her perplexed. ¡°I was referring to myself, do not be mistaken. The Princess might not know, but our situation is very similar, yet so different. My extended family has not produced an empress for at least fifty years, and we are losing power and influence at a rapid pace. So it is a tradition, when a girl is born, they are brought to the capital away from their parents and they either become an empress, a concubine or they are shipped off to a nunnery. So you have an ACTUAL choice, unlike me.¡± Her perfect demeanor and appearance now appeared to me in a new light.


    ¡°Princess Belleaux, we have your brother in our possession. Show yourself!¡±  The speakers scattered throughout multiple rooms and the corridors blasted. The thin wall of this room would not hide us for long, if that was true. I looked into Mielle¡¯s direction as she halted her reach for one of the tiara¡¯s.


    We are in trouble.

 Adoration is Destructive

    ¡°This can not be true. Steefan was just here, how could this happen so fast. There is no one besides us that has absolute clearance to enter. Wait, you-¡±


    As her conjunctions hit close to home, I cursed myself for not believing Lady Valentia.


    ¡°Not exactly Mielle¡­ If you would allow me to call you that, it seems I might have committed a mistake of historic proportions. Someone did warn me but-¡±


    ¡°Why would you do this? He is your own blood, right he might be twisted in ways incomprehensible to a simple human, yet¡­¡± She shouted covering her face, transforming into a frown. Tender lines, so light it was unbelievable. She had lived a life no better than mine, and had turned into a much better person than myself. A proper noble lady, from her coy smiles, to her tears. ¡°You could have prevented this!¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, it was not me. Even if, after this excuse of a reunion, they are doing a favour for the people. What use is a delusional ruler with no empathy or moral bearings?¡± As I spoke a bit loudly, the blonde lady scoffed at me


    ¡°Maybe Steefan is right. You are a sheltered little girl who has not a drop of an idea of what it takes to thrive as a royal. What have you heard? Quick!¡±


    ¡°And why would I obey you? You are an empress without an emperor.¡± I teased, annoyed at the insults she threw at me. Still, certainly not mad at the lady before me, but at the powerful men she followed.


    Loud steps could be heard from the hallway just past the wall.


    ¡°Because you¡¯ve got no choice. I know who you are and people who clearly are against the royal family are on their way.¡±


    It is a pity, she would have been a goddamn incredible empress. Either way it was amusing for someone to speak their thoughts so clearly. So in a leap of faith I spoke. ¡°Lady Valentia warned me that the Young Duke was planning a coup. How could I believe that? I worship him.¡± A smile sprouted out of nowhere, no way to conceal it.


    ¡°So you thought it was one of her schemes to separate you and him? Lady, you find yourself so very distinct, despite that you just love a man. As do I.¡± Her face softened. ¡°Know I will never blame you for this. The measures of love one has, are so very distinct and in my case my side is the clear winner. But in yours, you might worship him but he seems to be willing to destroy the world for you.¡±


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    My shoulders relaxed and I could see the same person that guided me through the hidden entrance. To be a fool is to love it seems. ¡°Well this sheltered little girl would not go against her morals in such a way. Even if his father convinced him in some way, using me as leverage. There is no excuse, causing internal turmoil inside an empire will surely lead to war¡± I sighed. ¡°He is soft spoken and he never hunted, even if his family insisted. There is a bit of soldier in him after all he had to undergo the heir training but he never lost himself. This just can not be. Until I see it it might as well be lady Valentia who schemed all of this indeed. Because if this was for me, to win his father over that is not love that is destruction and obsession. ¡±


    ¡°In that sense you are my opposite, Princess. When Steefan told me opening a latch and bearing a crown meant being by his side I threw away my pride, my wishes of being loved, of peace and kindness. In my mind, despite it being my family¡¯s wish. I myself, I¡¯ve grown to love him.¡±


    It seems we have arrived at an understanding. ¡°After our little talk just now I wonder what he would say if he heard that-¡±


    ¡°So there are some rats hiding here.¡± A voice pierced the wall sending my body into a freeze. With a loud thud the door connected to the room opened on the other side of the corridor. Soon the pillar we came out of wide open for anyone to see. ¡°Now who do we have here?¡±


    This situation seemed impeccably arranged, not something planned in haste. They even had acquired the palace¡¯s layout hidden in the Royal Library. The rough soldier before us had a long beard, matted, littered with leaves and saliva. As he laughed maniacally, his bare bulky arms sported a recognizable tattoo.


    The Kalmi Mercenary Guild.


    A sigh of relief passed through my face. Maybe it was not the Clementine¡¯s after all. Mielle, also frozen, presented a collected demeanor, while my eyes widely searched for an escape around the room. Surely, whoever it was, had people watching everywhere. Enough to arrive at that poisonous information that could threaten my freedom.


    Mielle was one of the few people who knew. One of the others was Violetta, but she would rather die than surrender my identity. The King and his aide knew, and from his previous attitude he would hand me over on a silver platter. It seems when you give someone devotion and dedication, you can never expect it to be given back.


    The sooner I accept that he would not choose my safety, the better it will be. The lonely child I was, that is how I am to remain for the rest of time.


    ¡°Oh, Dearie! It seems we are lost, My Lady.¡± I addressed Mielle with a high pitched voice. Her look while I said the words could kill, but she understood the assignment.


    ¡°Well Dearest, maybe this gentleman can help us defenseless ladies?¡± It seemed that even if she did not approve, she would go along with my plan.


    Flattered, the man smirked. His teeth were so yellow it could as well be corn.

 Strength in Innocence

    The hired soldier dropped us into the corridor directly connected to the ballroom. Where I should have entered as a princess if things had gone well. If my brother wanted me too. That cursed title would already be mine. Only in the scenario where I was wanted, being captured did not seem an end, but a beginning.


    In this reality it was a doom looming over my future. Who would ever conjure the idea that his idiotic insults and game of power would lead to my possible salvation.


    Now there was another pressing issue, could he shut his mouth about me? A tiara was never mine to begin with. It shall rest forever inside that room, reflecting the light of the artificial chandelier. Gathering dust in it¡¯s the impeccable velvet pillow.


    Standing neatly in a line with multiple noble ladies, there was nothing in my person different. After all, being a Belleaux is just a meaningless mark.


    Delicate ladies barely held on the wall. As the man asked for their identity. His gaze still, focused solely on following orders, unlike the previous mercenary.


    ¡°Miss, your family name.¡± He ruthlessly approached and, without waiting for an answer, he grabbed my wrist forcefully shoving me to the floor. Laughing soundly he directed his gaze at my trembling legs. The floor was gelatinous, as if an earthquake was happening. Still, grappling the walls resembling any of the ladies by my side I stood tall before him. Adrenaline rushing as I spoke  ¡°Adelaide Tinnatus.¡±


    ¡°The fianc¨¦e?¡± The man glanced at me from head to foot and smirked. ¡°That crazy golddigger? You really do look the part.¡±


    ¡°How dare you.¡± I scoffed, losing my reason momentarily. If only they had taught me martial arts instead of Palace Tea Etiquette, there was a rage inside, boiling in my stomach. Incontrolable, if I screamed they would imprison me, label me insane, if I fought back they would hit me. Yet, the itch- Mielle held my hand down, speaking over me.


    ¡°Mielle Cartwright.¡± She held my arm firmly. The soldier continued on his task.


    ¡°Dearie. Tell me, are you insane?¡± Mielle whispered.


    ¡°Did you hear what he said?¡± I whispered back.


    ¡°Your first instinct was right, we mustn''t fight.¡± She chided, on a higher tone than usual.


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    ¡°You-you guys, just be quiet.¡± Someone remarked beside us, her voice merely a hoarse, matching the red nose and eyes. She was short, brown haired, and probably barely of age by her looks. Braids undone, blood poured from a cut to her leg. A perfectly ordinary child, tainted by the greed of adults.


    Mielle looked closely at her for a second, widening her eyes ¡°Cecilia! I forgot. I am a horrible human being. Are you alright? Is Sabrina here?¡±


    ¡°She has been taken to the ballroom. All the ladies with auburn adjacent hair have.¡± A defiant look sprouted in the young lady¡¯s face. ¡°Maybe it is her, she does not resemble you at all.¡±


    ¡°Cecilia. You are acquainted with my sister, even if against my will. So you are aware my mother is not of this world, and Sabrina is my stepmother''s child. That does not mean she is less of a Cartwright. Do you wish to cause her harm by claiming such blasphemous things?¡± Mielle stepped out of the line. A member of the mercenary guild rushed over, occupying the space, and she was forced to step back into place.


    ¡°Stay put.¡± He growled the words. Continuing walking in the corridor.


    <i>¡°Little Princess. Won¡¯t it be worse if I go meddling into official documents, you know everything leaves a trace? Adelaide?¡±</i> The man on the speaker spoke with a monotonous voice, resembling a classic villain in fairytales.


    ¡°You have a sister?¡± I blurted out. ¡°From what I heard the Cartwrights have only twins¡­ So you have a brother the same age. A younger sister I-¡±


    ¡°It is complicated. Don''t dwell on it. I need to get to her, somehow. I won¡¯t be taken there though¡­¡± Her dainty finger touching her chin, forming a thinking pose worthy of a statue. Then she showed that expression again, that she had realized something, her eyes stopped, burning through my hair strands ¡°You should go, Adelaide.¡±


    <i>¡°Should I kill every lady in the ballroom then?¡±</i> The speakers continued.


    ¡°I think I''d rather stay.¡± Illegitimate or not, she loved her sister. If I could help the child find her family it would be worth it.


    ¡°I would never ask you to put yourself in danger. Stef- I mean that man is not to be trusted, and you know that. Even so I want to stay here, whatever happens to him and Sabrina.¡± Mielle said softly, a weird feeling passed through me. Her words were too melodic, too cheerful for the content.


    <i>¡°Princess Adelaideeee! Do you want to have so many deaths in your conscience?¡± </i>The speakers blasted.


    ¡°Auntie. I''m sorry. She won¡¯t die right? I promise to never say anything bad to Sabrina.¡± The young lady became red on the face, and tears poured out of her eyes. As the heavy makeup applied in her delicate skin ran, her features resembled the child she still was. Immature and irresponsible, something I never was allowed to be. Precious young ladies, who had a family to come back to. So I did the right thing. ¡°Ahhhhhhhhh.¡± I shouted with all my force. Stepping out of the line.


    The soldier who had passed previously came back rushing over. ¡°Is the lady crazy or does she want death?¡± He pushed me back into place, taking a look at me. ¡°The CHIEF will like your hair. Come.¡± He called over a few more men with dark semblances.