Eleanor of the Shadow Palace

XI

Three days later, Ed and I were about to sneak out of the Imperial City after our training. Just as we were about to sneak into the gardens of Daisy Palace, I felt a familiar and offensive mana coming our way. I looked at Eddie and he returned the same worried and confused expression I wore on my face.

Everyone has mana, others just had too many so their careers would either be mages or knights, while those who only had enough to live were the common folk.

I couldn’t explain the feeling to be honest. The mana felt that of a human’s at the same time not. I got goosebumps and the feeling in general just felt rather… unnatural.

Ed and I immediately moved farther away from the path that led to the hole we usually use to escape and hid our cloaks in one of the hedges. I then used magic to put up an illusion over our clothes so it would appear we were wearing clothes befitting that of a member of the imperial household.

“Princess Eleanor and Prince Edmund?” called a sickening familiar voice.

““Greetings Noble Consort Katherine.”” we greeted as well as curtsied, just as we were taught.

“It’s nice to see you here your highnesses.” she said with a smile.

For the past few months that we stayed in the Imperial City, we tried our best to avoid her. Sure we would see her during the once a month family gathering in the King’s Palace, but she would usually not go near us since we would stick with the empress. No matter how favored she was, she still remained inferior to our mother-figure.

-What the hell is she doing here?

“What are you two doing here in Daisy Palace?” she asked, motioning to the surroundings. “Without servants and guards at that.”

“We… uh…”

“Today’s one of those rare days where we finish training early your ladyship.” Edmund answered. “We decided to venture the Daisy Palace since we heard its garden is filled with many types of daisies. Daisies happen to be my favorite flower.”

“I see. Gisella loved daisies too and I think it was her favorite as well.”

Hearing our mother’s name, I only looked down, hiding my face that was obviously sporting an expression in between sadness and anger.

“Our mother did?” Edward replied, continuing their conversation. “That’s nice. I don’t really remember her much, I mean I was six when she died you know?”

“I apologize for making you two uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to. I was simply reminiscing my memories of Gisella, she was one of my ladies-in-waiting.”

“I understand your ladyship.” Edward said nonchalantly.

-He can only act like that because he doesn’t remember what I do.

“What about you, noble consort? What brought you to Daisy Palace? Tulip Palace is quite away from here.” I asked acting nonchalant.

“Just going out for a stroll.” she answered with a smile. “His majesty and I used to spend a lot of time here when we were younger, so I thought I’d come visit it.”

According to the records, the Daisy Palace is the intended residence for the emperor’s heir, the Crown Prince. Our father probably used to live in it when he was younger. It was understandable she would want to take a look at it since it was probably where they first met. And if my memories was right, the Daisy Palace was where my imperial father asked the then eldest daughter of the Vimi Family to be part of his harem as a Noble Consort.

-But knowing her, she’s probably surveying the surroundings since she’s hoping to have her son, third prince Vincent, be installed as Crown Prince. Hmm… why does the palace reserved for the crown prince has a hole we can use to sneak out? Curiouser and curiouser.

“Would you two like to join me for tea?” she asked in a very sweet tone.

I almost wanted to say yes.

Almost.

“I apologize your ladyship but I just remembered our mentors left us some assignments, I mean, homework, we need to do.”

“We do?” Edmund whispered which I returned with a jab on his side. “Yes, we do.”

“That is unfortunate, what a bad timing, right? I suppose next time? You are welcome in Tulip Palace anytime.”

“Thank you for the invitation, we will keep that in mind.” I answered and curtsied. Edmund followed my example and curtsied as well. The two of us stated walking away from them.

Using magic to enhance my sense of hearing, I kept an ear on her location, just in case.

“Insolent brats. Illegitimate children who used to be slaves! Their manners are the worst! What is even that useless empress doing for their education?!” I heard Katherine snarl in another language, probably thinking we were out of earshot and we couldn't understand it. Well I could understand her, I don't know about Ed.

-How can I understand her?

“Calm down your highness.” replied Madame Ally in the same language, who I just realized was following her. “They are children of merely twelve years old. They have still yet to learn.”

“Ha! If they only ended up in my hands they would’ve been useful already! Damn that Anastasia for snagging them away from me!”

“Do not worry your highness. Just stick to your plan and continue gaining their trust. They will soon realize you are the ally they need and then you can make them see that you are their master.”

“I do hope that happens soon, Black Pandora is not going to tolerate another extension of the deadline.”

“I am pretty sure your father can convince them regarding that your highness, after all your father is still the head councilor.”

“You are right. Let us return to my palace. I need to wash myself. Getting into contact with those ex-slaves is just nasty.”

“Of course your highness.”

I did not hear anything else.

“I hate her.” was the only thing I could say after hearing everything.

“Black Pandora?” I heard Edmund question. “You never told me anything about Black Pandora from the memories you have from your first life.”

“This is the first time I heard about it as well.” I answered with a shrug. “I think the Shadow Palace is about to get another commission from us.”

“Hmm…”

***

We settled into the same room we were in three days ago. A few minutes after we arrived, Mr. Fido entered with a stack of paper on his hand. He looked rather squeamish to be honest, like he needed to go to the bathroom.

No, that was constipation.

Anyway…

“Mr. Fido?” Edmund called. He probably noticed Mr. Fido’s expression.

“You two… are you really kids?”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Mr. Fido’s question. I met Edmund’s gaze and he held the same confused expression as I had, only that his was a mixture of confusion and amazement.

“Uhm… well we’re currently twelve.” I answered after a long silence. “Only that we’re on the more mature side, mentally.”

“Okay… another question, were you asked to have us commission this or did you come here on your own will?”

“”The second one.””

“Last question…” he stared at us, his expression was that of disbelief and surprise. “Have you two lost your minds?”

“”I beg your pardon?””