Chapter 11: Between Shadow and Light
1113 Words
On that day, we did not wake up until one o’clock in the afternoon. Silvana, our governess, entered our room several times to wake us, but each time she found us still peacefully asleep, until the sunlight crept to the middle of the room. When she came in again, hands on her hips, she asked us in surprise, “Why have you stayed asleep until this late hour?”
Flansia replied with a lazy tone, “We couldn’t sleep last night… we stayed talking until late.”
Silvana shook her head and said, with a motherly worry, “Oh, don’t do this again. It tires your bodies. Next time you can’t sleep, just call me. I will come to you at any time.”
We smiled together and said in one voice, “Thank you, we will.”
The rest of the day passed quietly. We heard from the servants that the Duke had visited the Emperor early in the morning.
Flansia gasped in surprise, “Oh my God! That fast?”
I laughed and said, “It seems he couldn’t wait until tomorrow. It had barely been a few hours since he received the file.”
Flansia replied with a sarcastic yet satisfied tone, “No, you shouldn’t postpone today’s work until tomorrow. His swift action deserves thanks… even if indirectly.”
The following days passed smoothly. We played with Rafael, walked in the gardens, and enjoyed every moment he was with us.
Then came the day of the banquet… the long-awaited day for many. A day considered a turning point, perhaps the beginning of a new chapter.
Preparations began early in the morning but felt more intense than before.
Falsina complained while watching the servants around her, “Why all this? What you did last time was exaggerated already, so how is this? Everything is doubled!”
Flansia was silent, trying to breathe amidst the crowd.
Silvana smiled and said enthusiastically, “Of course! You must be the most beautiful among all the ladies at the ball. You are princesses, and no one should overshadow you. You are dazzling by nature, so imagine if you prepare for this special day. It is your first official appearance… you must shine!”
Laura joined in, encouraging the other servants, “Today we will show everyone the beauty of the empire’s princesses! Everyone should feel proud just by seeing you!”
The other servants echoed in one voice, “That’s certain! We will do our best!”
Flansia looked at me and said in a quiet voice laced with sarcasm, “Why are they so excited just for our official debut? It’s ridiculous.”
Silvana answered while still arranging the dresses, “Because today is not ordinary. Nobles from across the empire will attend, without exception. This is a ball held in honor of the Crown Prince, a political and social event that does not come often.”
I murmured, “Your words just made me more nervous… we don’t like crowds much. Interacting with others always feels strange to me.”
Then I sat on the couch, grumbling, “Leave me alone… I don’t want to go.”
Everyone rushed to persuade me, but to no avail.
Flansia stepped forward and said quietly, “I’m nervous too… but we have to attend for Rafael’s sake.”
Silvana shouted, waving her hands, “Exactly! You must go for the prince! Don’t mind anyone!”
Flansia asked, “Alright… then tell me, how many nobles are expected to attend?”
Silvana replied simply, as if it was normal, “About four thousand, excluding the servants.”
Flansia froze and said in astonishment, “Four thousand?! Well… it seems I won’t go either.”
The atmosphere in the room froze. Everyone felt as if an earthquake had just struck. The servants kept trying to convince us for more than an hour, but it was useless.
Suddenly… Devand entered.
He was carrying a small box in his hands and approached us with a calm smile, “Your Highnesses, sorry for the delay. I was busy finishing what you asked me for… and I added a little touch that I think the prince will like.”
Then he turned to the servants and asked with surprise, “What’s going on here?”
Silvana told him everything.
Devand’s expression changed slightly, then he turned to us kindly and said: “Your Highnesses, what you feel now is not your fault… but the fault of those fools who made this day heavy on you. But, I ask you one thing… please attend today just for Rafael’s sake. Have you thought how he would feel if he didn’t see you at the ball?”
Flansia reached out and took the box from him, opening it… and was surprised.
It was a locket, able to be opened, with a picture of the three of us inside: Flansia, Rafael, and me.
I looked at him in astonishment, and he said with a slight smile, “I wanted to give him something that would make him feel he’s not alone, that you will always be with him. Isn’t this what you wanted? I think he will be very happy.”
Then he asked gently, “So… what’s your decision?”
Finally, Flansia said, still looking at the locket, “Alright… but can we stay only for a short time?”
Devand answered reassuringly, “That will be more than enough. And… Your Highnesses, you don’t have to talk to anyone you don’t want to. Just ignore anyone you feel uncomfortable with. Your status is protected, and no one surpasses the royal family. Any rude act toward you could end a whole family’s future. Trust me, you are the most important people in that hall after the Crown Prince and the Emperor.”
Falsina said calmly but confidently, “We know our status well… and understand that we are not ordinary people. But we just don’t like the spotlight suddenly shining on us… people will scrutinize our features, habits, every move we make.”
Devand smiled and said, “I think half the problem is solved now. Can I ask you to continue getting ready?”
Flansia joked, looking at him directly, “Alright… we will. But, Mr. Devand… do I look like someone who would fear ignoring someone?”
Devand froze a little in shock, then quickly replied, “No… I never meant that! You really are like that.”
Everyone laughed, and a warm feeling eased the tension in the room.
The servants hurried to finish dressing us skillfully.
When they were done, we stood before the mirror… and the result was stunning.
- Writer
