Dawn bathed the palace in golden light, reflecting through the stained-glass windows and the crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling.
Celestine d'Arnoir gazed down at the city from the balcony of her chambers, the cold wind playing with the silver strands of her hair.
"I can't afford to falter… every step I take is being watched," she thought.
Lira entered quietly, carrying a tray with breakfast and a stack of official documents.
— "Milady, your schedule is full today. The prince wishes to discuss new alliances, and several nobles have requested private audiences."
Celestine took the papers and skimmed through them carefully.
— "Everything looks like a trap. But that's how it must be. If I want to survive… I have to understand every move on the board."
---
⚔️ The Nobles' Audience
In the great hall, the nobles gathered under the supervision of Prince Leonhardt, whose eyes never left Celestine.
The air was tense; she could feel the weight of every stare upon her.
— "Duchess Celestine," began an elderly baron in a stern voice. "The court speaks of your behavior yesterday. Some doubt your intentions. How can we be sure this isn't just another scheme to deceive the prince and Lady Emilia?"
Celestine drew a deep breath.
— "If my actions were merely deceit, I wouldn't have been seen helping Lady Emilia — nor maintaining order during the council."
A murmur rippled through the hall. Some nodded in approval; others shook their heads, distrustful.
— "Interesting," Leonhardt finally said, his tone measured. "The duchess holds her ground firmly, yet I can't help but notice… there's a change in her demeanor."
Celestine bowed slightly.
— "Change is necessary for those who wish to protect the empire."
Leonhardt narrowed his eyes, as if trying to read her thoughts. But before he could respond, a young lady spoke out, her tone sharp:
— "And yet the duchess keeps suspicious company with Damien Corvus! How can we trust her?"
Celestine lifted her head and met the woman's gaze.
— "Trust is not built on words or assumptions. It's a choice. And everyone here must decide based on what they see — not what they hear."
The hall fell silent. Even Leonhardt didn't breathe for a moment.
The duchess hadn't just defended herself — she had turned the accusation back on those who underestimated her.
---
🌙 Night Confrontation
Later that evening, Celestine walked through the quiet palace corridors, her mind replaying the day's events.
Every step was calculated, every gesture deliberate. The war within the court had only just begun.
A shadow approached.
— "Bravo, Duchess."
Damien Corvus emerged from the darkness, his enigmatic smile glinting in the moonlight.
— "You didn't just survive the court today… you disarmed them with your cunning."
Celestine narrowed her eyes.
— "And you? You seem to appear only at the most inconvenient times."
— "Someone has to keep their eyes open," Damien replied smoothly. "Tell me, Celestine… is your game only beginning, or do you already know which pieces you'll move?"
— "My goal is simple," she said firmly. "To survive, to protect who I can — and, if necessary, to bring down anyone who dares to destroy me."
Damien chuckled, stepping closer.
— "So audacious… You resemble the Celestine I once read about in old records, yet you're different. More… alive. I can't wait to see how far your courage will take you."
The cold wind swept through the corridor, carrying with it the scent of danger and opportunity intertwined.
Damien could become either an enemy or an ally — but either way, he would be a crucial piece in the game she now commanded.
Celestine lifted her chin, her resolve unwavering.
— "Then let it begin. Let them all play. But remember… I am the protagonist of this story now. And no one will bring down the villain who chose to rewrite her fate."
The moonlight reflected in her ruby eyes, and in that moment, the duchess knew — the real game had just begun.