Chapter 25: A Glimpse Into the Imperial Shadows
The grand halls of the imperial palace echoed with silence, their grandeur dimmed by the oppressive tension that lingered within. Deep within the royal wing, the emperor sat upon his gilded throne, a man of stern demeanor and sharp eyes that seemed to see through anyone who dared approach him. Emperor Augustus Aurelion was not a man to be trifled with, and yet the palace whispered of the growing influence of the emperor's favored concubine, Lady Selene.
Selene, Alistair's mother, was a woman of unparalleled beauty and cunning. Draped in silken gowns and adorned with jewels befitting her status, she had long since established herself as a force to be reckoned with within the palace walls. Her ambitions, however, reached far beyond the title of concubine.
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In the Royal Garden
Selene sat beneath a cherry blossom tree, her painted lips curving into a smile that held no warmth. Alistair stood before her, his expression a mix of irritation and impatience.
"Mother, I don't understand why you insist on subtlety," Alistair said, his voice laced with frustration. "Chris is in our way. He always has been. If weâ"
"Hush, my son," Selene interrupted, her tone sharp as steel. "Do not speak so carelessly. Walls have ears."
Alistair scowled but fell silent.
Selene's smile returned, this time softer as she reached out to brush a hand over his cheek. "You must learn patience, my dear. The throne is not something we can seize in a single move. Chris is a thorn in our side, yes, but even thorns can be removed carefully."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Alistair asked, folding his arms.
Selene's gaze hardened. "We will strike when the time is right. For now, focus on your role. The rumors surrounding Tiara Everhart and Chris are spreading. Use them to your advantage."
Alistair's eyes lit up with understanding. "You think I should turn those rumors against him?"
Selene nodded. "Precisely. Chris may be the heir by birthright, but we will make the nobles question his suitability. And as for Tiara..." Her lips curled into a sinister smile. "She will serve her purpose as well."
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At the Ducal Estate
Unaware of the brewing storm, Tiara and Mia were enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the Everhart estate's garden. The air was filled with laughter as Felix and Lily sparred nearby, their playful banter providing ample entertainment.
"Lily, you're supposed to block, not dodge!" Felix teased, deflecting her wooden sword with ease.
"Maybe if you didn't swing so hard, I wouldn't have to dodge!" Lily shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Tiara chuckled, turning to Mia. "Do you think they'll ever stop bickering?"
Mia grinned. "Not a chance. It's their way of flirting."
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Flirting? That's an interesting way to describe near-decapitation."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger bearing an invitation from the imperial palace.
"A royal banquet?" Tiara said, reading the letter.
Mia leaned over to peek at it. "Looks like it's in honor of the empress's birthday."
Tiara's expression darkened slightly. Though she had never met the emperor or empress personally, the stories about the imperial family were enough to make her wary.
Felix, noticing her hesitation, stepped closer. "Shall I accompany you, Milady?"
"You're always so reliable, Felix," Tiara said, smiling. "Of course, you'll come. I'll need all the help I can get if I'm going to survive an imperial banquet."
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In Chris's Study
Meanwhile, Chris was reviewing documents when a servant entered with a similar invitation.
"The empress's birthday," he muttered, setting the paper aside. His expression betrayed no emotion, but his mind was racing.
The empress had always been kind to him, but her influence had waned in recent years as Selene's power grew. Attending the banquet meant entering enemy territory, and Chris knew that his stepmother would stop at nothing to undermine him.
Still, there was one silver lining.
"Lady Tiara will be attending," the servant added.
Chris looked up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Then I suppose I have no choice but to attend as well."
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