Chapter Nine
1013 Words
Beneath the Stone
Elissa Duskmere..
I dressed to outshine everyone.
Perfection demanded patience, and it took five maids nearly an hour to fasten me into the exquisite silver-grey gown. Pearls shimmered across the fabric like drops of moonlight, catching every flicker of light that touched them.
The moment Lily saw me, her face twisted into the most satisfying scowl.
I smiled.
I knew I looked breathtaking.
"Greetings, Lady Consort," she said with a reluctant bow.
"Greetings."
With that, we climbed into the carriage together.
The Royal Palace
The Queen's reception hall glittered with gold and crystal.
Noble ladies occupied elegant rows while musicians filled the air with gentle melodies. At the center of the hall sat the First Princess, Uzela, beside the Queen herself as exotic dancers moved gracefully across the polished marble floor.
One after another, each noblewoman stepped forward to present lavish gifts to the princess.
Jewels.
Silks.
Golden ornaments.
Rare perfumes.
I had never imagined celebrating one's birthday could become such an exhausting competition.
Truthfully...
I was bored to death.
"Lady Consort."
The Queen's voice suddenly drew every eye toward me.
"Do you find anything discomforting?"
I straightened immediately.
"Not at all, Your Majesty. Everything has been splendid."
A practiced smile settled upon my lips.
Behind me, Lily gave the faintest scoff.
Princess Uzela slowly looked me over.
"Your gown is rather magnificent."
Her voice was sweet.
Too sweet.
"If I didn't know better, I would think today was your birthday celebration instead of mine."
I rose gracefully.
"You jest, Your Highness."
I smiled with practiced elegance.
"I am well aware that today belongs to the First Princess. I simply couldn't refuse such a magnificent gown from my future husband."
The princess's fingers tightened around her golden goblet.
"I apologize if my appearance caused offense," I continued before she could speak. "House Ravenor merely wished to honor His Majesty's recognition of me as the future Lady of their house."
Silence followed.
Everyone understood the hidden meaning behind my words.
King Vaelor himself had acknowledged my engagement.
To insult me publicly would be to insult his own decision.
The Queen immediately smiled.
"Indeed."
She gently patted Uzela's hand.
"It isn't every day His Majesty personally grants such recognition to a future bride."
The princess forced herself to remain silent.
Victory.
A sharp cry escaped my lips.
"Ah!"
A servant stumbled beside me.
The golden goblet tipped.
Dark red wine spilled across my gown, staining the pearls crimson.
"I'm so sorry!" the maid cried as she collapsed onto her knees. "Please forgive me!"
The dress...
Ruined.
I didn't need proof to know who had orchestrated it.
Princess Uzela.
She simply couldn't tolerate another woman receiving more attention.
Without hesitation—
Slap.
Slap.
My palm struck the maid's cheeks twice.
The hall fell silent.
"Next time," I said coldly, "be more careful... or you'll answer to House Ravenor for ruining their generosity."
The maid lowered her head until it nearly touched the floor.
"I understand, my lady."
I could almost feel everyone's surprise.
They had expected kindness.
Instead, I reminded them exactly whose name I now carried.
"Are you alright?"
The Queen's concern sounded as artificial as painted porcelain.
"I'm perfectly fine, Your Majesty."
I smiled sweetly.
"I'll simply change into something else."
She nodded, signaling another maid to escort me away.
The palace corridors were blissfully quiet.
"You're tougher than I expected."
The familiar voice made me stop.
Princess Nyxa.
Unlike her sister, she hadn't attended the gathering.
"What are you doing wandering the halls?" I asked.
She smiled.
"I could ask you the same."
With a small wave of her hand, she dismissed the waiting maids.
"Come."
"I have something you can wear."
I hesitated.
Outside my own family...
No one had ever offered me kindness without wanting something in return.
She noticed my uncertainty.
"I mean no harm."
Her laugh was light.
Unexpectedly comforting.
I followed her.
Her chambers surprised me.
Instead of jewels, silk, and extravagant gowns...
Simple dresses hung neatly along the walls.
Nothing more.
I blinked.
"Why are your clothes so... ordinary?"
She shrugged.
"I dislike the attention fancy dresses bring."
I laughed.
"I happen to love attention."
"I noticed."
She grinned mischievously.
"The results speak for themselves."
I couldn't help laughing.
She wasn't wrong.
Still...
I had no regrets.
The gown had been mine to wear.
After changing, we wandered through the palace gardens together.
For the first time in what felt like forever...
Conversation came easily.
No hidden motives.
No competition.
Just laughter.
Perhaps...
This was what having a friend felt like.
Apart from my brother, Zephar, I couldn't remember ever having one.
"How is Theoren Ravenor treating you?" Nyxa suddenly asked.
"We haven't even met."
She burst into laughter.
"Well..."
"Good luck with that."
"I'll need every bit of it."
As we rounded a marble corridor, movement caught my eye.
A man strode quickly across the courtyard.
"Who's that?"
I pointed.
Nyxa followed my gaze.
"The Head Guard."
"Sir Orion."
Her smile disappeared.
"I think something's wrong."
Keeping our distance, we quietly followed him.
He stopped before an ancient stone wall.
He glanced over both shoulders.
Then...
He pressed a loose stone.
The wall shifted.
A hidden passage slowly opened before him.
Without another glance, Sir Orion disappeared into the darkness.
The entrance sealed itself behind him.
Nyxa stared.
"So there really is a secret passage..."
"Princess," I whispered, "perhaps we should leave. It could be dangerous."
She looked at me with a teasing smile.
"I didn't think you were a coward."
I shrugged.
"I am curious."
"I just prefer not to die."
"There are still far too many beautiful dresses left for me to wear."
Nyxa laughed.
Then she reached for the same loose stone.
With a deep rumble...
The wall slid open once more.
A narrow staircase stretched into endless darkness.
For a long moment, we simply looked at one another.
Then...
Together...
We stepped inside.
Somewhere along the descent, without either of us noticing when, our hands found each other's.
Neither of us let go.
And the darkness swallowed us whole.
- Writer
