Shackled Sorceress: Winter Queen

Plotting

Between the assassination attempt at the Royal Caeloran Tomb and Malus’ excursion, Kalliope made herself acquaint with the layout of the palace. The endless, far too wide corridors were not exactly encouraging to traverse in between sections of the palace. 

For lords and ladies of the court, there were palanquins to take them from one place to another. Kalliope had her reservations about it at first. Getting a palanquin meant having more people surrounding her, which greatly increased the risks of being spied on, of being betrayed. 

But isolation was not going to do her much favour, especially if she was looking to gain more information and knowledge. And Kalliope could only use Asa’s secret passages for so long without raising suspicions. She was not looking to become a master assassin or in the arts of espionage. Giving the court the idea of her becoming one would only create more unwanted attention. 

More than what Kalliope already had.

Vetting for palanquin servants and additional guards took a good month. Malus made sure that Kalliope had a trustworthy and skilled group of attendants before he left for his expedition. 

It went better than expected. 

Kalliope’s servants were quiet and efficient. Tio managed them with an iron hand, and kept them exactly where Kalliope needed them. 

Thanks to her new team, Kalliope managed to explore the remainder of the palace. Its ground sprawled not only encompassing a majority of the capital city, but deep within and under the mountains behind it. There were several quarters, each as massive and void of decorations as the last. Despite the lack of colours, each quarter served their own function perfectly as intended. 

After all, Emperor Erus would not let anything unnecessary exist within his domain. All were expected to serve the Crown as they were intended to. Everyone had their use, human or object. If one did not have a prolonged usefulness, they, or it, would be gotten rid of. 

Her father in law’s morally questionable policies aside, Kalliope must begrudgingly agree that His Holiness’ meticulous organisation skills were top-notch. 

Other than his ambition to conquer the world, Emperor Erus turned out to be quite the collector. Or was it because of his ambition that he was a great collector?

As evident by the expansive collections of the Royal Library and the abundance of the late Empress Amiria’s hidden tomb, and Kalliope herself, His Holiness Erus liked surrounding himself with fine and rare things. 

Kalliope was surprised to find herself being drawn to the Aviary. Built deep inside the mountains, the Aviary was exactly as its namesake. Essentially a giant bird cage, the entire quarter was a massive single room. It was several stories tall, filled with tropical plants and birds that His Holiness and his legion had collected all over the world. The temperature and lighting were maintained with magic, enchanted into the very walls of this place. Overseen by a group of sorcerers and caretakers, this area of the Royal Palace was so concentrated with magic it made Kalliope’s hair stand on ends the first time she visited.

“Are you sure you are not taken with this place because of your longing for home?” Malus asked when they visited the Aviary after his return. 

Mulling over his words, Kalliope sat down on a bench, watching a pair of red parrots fly over their heads. 

“I… would not say so, though I do suppose if there was a small greenhouse right under there,” she pointed at two arching willows, “it would look somewhat like my own little corner back home.”

Malus smiled, sitting down next to her, “I remember that place. We had an interesting conversation there.”

“So we did,” Kalliope smirked, dismissed a waiting Tio, and leaned against Malus’ side, “I did not have a very high opinion of you back then.”

Malus chuckled, tucking his cloak around her, “Indeed. I was getting worried that you would continue to look upon me with disdain.” 

“In my defence, your self-assuredness rubbed me the wrong way,” Kalliope quipped, but then sighed, “it seems fitting to revisit such a topic here.”

Malus stayed quiet, running hand through her hair. Kalliope sighed again, watching the feathery inhabitants of the Aviary fluttering about. 

Venus’ visit was drawing close. Other than a very formal response after Kalliope’s also very formal agreement for a reception, they had not heard anything from her. 

Kalliope did not know why she was so stressed over this. Perhaps it had something to do with never being on the opposite side of Venus her entire life. Kalliope was groomed to become Venus’ Court Sorceress, to wield her destructive power for Venus’ Alerian throne. The entire purpose of her life was supposed to support Venus.

Until Malus forcibly inserted himself into the scene.

Kalliope hadn’t been too thrilled about his interruption back then. Now… she could not be gladder. 

It did not make intercepting whatever Venus was trying to achieve any less difficult. 

Perhaps Kalliope was being paranoid. Perhaps this was exactly what it sounded like on paper. Perhaps Venus really just wanted to visit her sister.

Kalliope frowned down at the letter in her hands. 

Wind-Moon Winter, Leviathan Year 231,  

From Alari Royal Palace to Caelora Royal Palace,

To His Royal Highness Malus Salthamael, Crown Prince of Caelora and Her Royal Highness Kalliope Caunduen Salthamael, Crown Prince Consort of Caelora,

Her Royal Highness Venus Cauduen Jargannen, Fifth Consort of His Majesty the King of Great Alari, King Eiras Rorguth Urannen Jargannen, request an audience with her sister, Her Royal Highness Caunduen Samathael, on her official visit to the Holy Empire of Caelora on Earth-Sun Spring, Leviathan Year 232.

Well regards and respectfully,

Venus Cauduen Jargannen

No matter how many times she had read it, nothing changed. There was no enchantment on the letter, no hidden message. The envelope it came with was completely clear as well. 

Venus was never one to let anyone handle her correspondences. Despite her reputation, Venus had always been extremely cautious in matters regarding official matters directly involving her. Something fishy was definitely afoot.

“We can just invade?” Malus suggested after their long moment of silence. Kalliope slapped his side.

“You can’t just roll over with an army ready to slaughter everyone at the first sign of baseless suspicion!”

Malus smirked, “Mad-Prince, remember?”

Kalliope rolled her eyes, “Yes, yes I do.”

She could see the appeal. Now. But Kalliope knew she would never be at peace if she agreed to it. 

Kalliope’s hasty departure from Aleria created a huge rift between her and her family. With the madness following her after her arrival at Caelora, coupled with the hurt upon realising that she was being used as a pawn, and allowing it, all along, Kalliope hadn’t been able to write home. 

After that… it just seemed too late.

“You don’t have to deal with anything you do not feel comfortable with.” Malus put a hand on hers. It brought a smile to Kalliope’s face.

“And I appreciate that you have always been quick to offer me comfort in these matters. But as much as I do not wish to deal with Venus’ machinations, I believe it is a great opportunity.”

Malus made an understanding noise. 

Something like guilt curled in the bottom of Kalliope’s heart.