Adaline sat alone in the grand library, the air filled with the faint scent of old parchment and polished wood. The ancient texts lining the shelves whispered stories of the empire’s long-forgotten past—wars, alliances, and rulers who had shaped the world. As she closed the thick history book in front of her, her lavender hair, which fell in soft waves past her shoulders, caught the light of the setting sun. The warm glow cast across the room did little to comfort her, and her clear blue eyes, as blue as the sky itself, sharp and intelligent, stared at the last page with a puzzled expression.

Her brow furrowed in frustration as she muttered to herself, "Well, that’s not fair." With a soft sigh, she rose from her seat and made her way to the balcony, the warm light filtering through the tall windows casting long shadows across the room. Her long, simple gown of muted blue trailed softly behind her, blending into the shadows as if she were part of them. As she stepped outside, a gentle breeze rustled her hair, and she looked out over the sprawling city below. The city below sprawled out like a living tapestry, bustling with life. She could see the great towers of the royal palace, their tips brushing the sky as if in constant defiance of the gods themselves. But despite the bustling streets, Adaline felt a deep, gnawing loneliness.

"They weren’t even given a chance," she thought, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the injustices she had just read about. As she leaned against the balcony’s stone railing, a gentle breeze rustled her hair. She closed her eyes, letting the cool wind wash over her as she tried to push the troubling thoughts from her mind. Just as she began to lose herself in the peaceful moment, a cheerful voice called out from behind her. "Adaline!"

Startled, Adaline turned to see her younger sister, Anastasia, bursting through the door with her usual exuberance. Her golden hair bouncing in tight curls that shimmered in the sunlight. Anastasia’s skin, kissed by the sun, glowed with vitality, and her brilliant blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed toward her sister, her gown in shades of light pink and gold sparkling in the light, flowing elegantly as she moved. Anastasia’s voice was full of excitement as she rushed to her sister’s side, her arms outstretched. "Anastasia!" Adaline exclaimed, her earlier melancholy melting away as she opened her arms wide to embrace her sister.

They embraced warmly, the soft scent of Anastasia's perfume filling the air., and for a brief moment, Adaline's heart lightened, and she allowed herself to be swept up in her sister's joy, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging. Anastasia, always full of energy, grabbed Adaline’s hand and tugged on it eagerly. "Let’s play!" she said, her face lighting up with anticipation.Adaline couldn’t help but smile. "Okay!" she replied, allowing herself to be led down the long hallway, their laughter echoing off the marble floors.

They soon arrived in a large, brightly lit room filled with toys of all shapes and sizes. As they began to play, their joy filled the air, the sound of their laughter mixing with the distant songs of birds outside. It was a rare, fleeting moment of happiness in Adaline’s otherwise lonely life. The door creaked open, and a nanny entered the room, balancing a tray of tea and cookies. "Princess, I brought your favorite snack today—" she began, but her words died in her throat as she took in the sight before her. The tray clattered as it hit the floor, tea spilling across the polished wood. The nanny’s face twisted in shock and outrage as she rushed across the room, harshly pulling Adaline away from Anastasia. "Ow!" Adaline yelped as she stumbled, the hot tea splashing onto her arm, burning her skin.

The nanny’s eyes blazed with disgust as she turned on Adaline. "What are you doing with… her?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the warmth like a knife dripping with venom. Adaline backed away, trying to blink back the tears that threatened to spill over. She knew she didn’t belong here, and didn't deserve to be here. She was the unwanted daughter, the one everyone wished would simply disappear. Anastasia, however, was not so easily cowed. "We were only playing!" she protested, her voice trembling with indignation.

The nanny, sighing deeply, knelt beside Anastasia, stroking her hair in an attempt to soothe her. "Princess, you know his majesty forbids you from playing with her. You’re not allowed near that palace. Did you go there today?" Anastasia sniffed and shook her head. "No! I had one of the maids do it. But I don’t understand. We’re both sisters. Why is it so wrong to play with Adaline?"

The nanny’s expression softened slightly as she hugged Anastasia gently, but her tone remained firm. "You must understand, you are very precious to his majesty. He wants to ensure you only associate with suitable people and see only good things. Being around her is… dangerous. You could get hurt and end up like her mother. You don’t want to end up like the empress, do you?"Adaline bit her lip, forcing herself not to react. Tears welled up in Anastasia’s eyes, her lip quivering as she realized the gravity of her mistake.

"I’m sorry, nanny, I just wanted to be nice and spend time with my sister. Please don’t tell Father about this. He’ll be very angry."The nanny wiped away Anastasia’s tears, her expression softening as she said, "Oh, princess. You are very kind, but there are bad people in the world. You must be careful who you’re nice to, understand?" Anastasia nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Yes," she whispered, the weight of the nanny’s words pressing down on her young heart.

The nanny smiled gently, trying to lift her spirits. "Let’s make a deal. Tell me all the toys you played with. After I bring more tea, we can take a walk while the other maids clean your room. I'll keep this little accident from his majesty." Anastasia’s eyes brightened with hope. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with the innocence of a child.The nanny nodded reassuringly. But when Anastasia turned to share the good news with Adaline, she found that the door was wide open and Adaline was gone.

Down the hall, Adaline walked with her head bowed low, the stinging whispers of the maids following her like a cruel shadow. They sneered at her, their voices dripping with scorn. "Look at her, the abandoned princess," one muttered, loud enough for Adaline to hear. "She’s nothing but a burden," another added, a smirk playing on her lips. Adaline kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her thoughts swirling in a storm of despair. My name is Adaline De Elgiar, she thought bitterly. First princess of the fourth emperor of the Elgiar Empire, and I…

She stopped in front of an old, dreary palace, its once-grand walls now covered in moss and slowly crumbling with age. She stared up at the imposing structure, the place she had been banished to, her voice trembling with the weight of her reality. I am the first-ever abandoned princess in the history of the Elgiar Empire. Pushing open the heavy doors, Adaline stepped into the empty space, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the cracked marble.In the dim light, her gaze flicked to an old tapestry, fraying at the edges.With a heavy heart, she made her way to a small, dimly lit bedroom. The room was sparsely furnished, the gloom only slightly chased away by the flickering light of the candles she had lit.

She moved mechanically, pulling out a simple gown and slipping into the bathtub. As the warm water filled the tub, Adaline glanced at the empty tray beside her bed. "Guess tonight's supper is about dreams and aspirations," she murmured, her voice hollow. When her burned arm touched the water, a sharp pain shot through her, and she winced, her face contorting in agony. She slowly sank into the water, her body aching with the physical and emotional pain that had become her constant companion. Only her nose and eyes remained above the surface as she stared blankly ahead, her thoughts as murky as the water.

Yup, this is my life, she thought bitterly. Alone and withering away, just like this place. Later, Adaline walked slowly to the windowsill, her footsteps barely audible in the quiet room. She sat delicately on the ledge, her eyes drawn to the vibrant trees and shadows below. The city beyond the palace walls was alive with activity, a stark contrast to the emptiness she felt inside.This is where I belong, she thought, her gaze distant. Forgotten and cast aside. No one cares about me, not even Father.

As the moon rose in the sky, casting a pale light through the tattered curtains, Adaline changed into her nightgown, her movements slow and weary. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring down at the worn, frayed quilt that had once been bright and new. But… she’s still my sister, Adaline reflected, her thoughts turning to Anastasia. Despite everything, I can’t help but care for her. And I wouldn’t want her going through the same thing as I am now, her or Cassius.

With a deep sigh, Adaline knelt by the window, the moonlight beaming down on her, making her lavender hair glow brightly against the dark, dreary surroundings. She clasped her hands together, her voice soft and filled with quiet desperation. "Oh great beings, Galathea, Goddess of the moon, and sun, Eurella, guardian of hope and love, and Serviana, protector of peace and prosperity," she prayed, her voice barely a whisper in the silent room. "With a meek body and mind, I come before you, praying for the prosperity of our beloved empire. May its lands be fertile, its people kind, and its future bright with endless possibilities."

She paused, her voice trembling with emotion as she continued, "Watch over my family, dear goddesses, I pray. Keep the ones I hold dear safe and sound. Guard them from harm’s way. May they be blessed with health and joy, their days filled with peace and harmony. In the quiet moments of their hearts, help them find acceptance and understanding. May they one day learn to see me truly, and come to love me as I am." Adaline’s voice broke as she finished her prayer. "With unwavering faith, I place these hopes in your hands. Guide us all with your eternal light."

Exhausted, and shivering from the cold in the dead of the night, Adaline slipped into her bed., staring up at the ceiling, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. The shadows of the room seemed to close in around her, amplifying her sense of isolation. She closed her eyes, finally letting sleep take her as the moonlight filtered through the grimy window, casting a soft glow on her face. Maybe tomorrow will be different… she thought, the words fading as sleep overcame her. The nest day

~the next day~

Anastasia strolled through the grand halls of the palace, her mood light and cheerful. The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm, golden glow that seemed to reflect her own happiness. She hummed a tune to herself, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. "Good morning, Princess Anastasia!" called out a palace staff member, bowing respectfully as she passed. "Morning!" Anastasia replied brightly, her voice full of youthful energy.

As she continued down the corridor, she overheard two maids talking in hushed tones. "She’s so lovely, isn’t she?" one maid remarked, with admiration in her voice. "Indeed, a true beauty," the other agreed. Anastasia’s face lit up even more when she spotted her brother, Cassius, standing near the entrance to the main hall. Without hesitation, she ran over to him, her arms outstretched."Brother! I’ve missed you so much!" she exclaimed, eager to embrace him.

But instead of welcoming her with open arms, Cassius gently pushed her away, his expression serious as he grabbed her arm. "Anastasia," he began, his tone stern, "do you know anything about the maid who was fired by Mother today?" Anastasia’s eyes widened in surprise, her innocent expression masking any knowledge she might have had. "?" Cassius released her arm, crossing his arms and frowning at her. He knew his sister well enough to sense when she was hiding something.

Anastasia, however, dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. "Oh, come on, you’re overthinking this, Casey. "Cassius sighed in disappointment, shaking his head at her immature attitude. "You need to grow up, Anastasia, or one day, you’re going to regret this."Anastasia pouted, clearly not taking his words seriously. "Hmm, is that so?" With a huff, she turned on her heel and walked away, heading towards her mother’s chambers. "Tch, useless," she muttered under her breath, her mood soured by the encounter. Cassius watched her go, a troubled look in his eyes. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, but for now, all he could do was hope that his sister would learn before it was too late.

~ to be continued~

Anastasia pushed open the ornate doors to the Empress’s chamber, her steps light as her dress swished elegantly against the marble floor. The room, bathed in a soft golden hue, exuded warmth, with the scent of jasmine incense lingering in the air. Flickering candlelight danced across the intricate tapestries and priceless artifacts, casting gentle shadows that played along the polished surfaces. The room felt suffocating in its perfection, as though it were alive with the silent whispers of past intrigues.

Seraphina, the Empress, reclined on a velvet chaise lounge, her dark brown hair perfectly coiffed, emerald-green eyes sparkling like the jewels encrusting her crown. Even in repose, her presence was commanding. "My dear Anastasia, come here," she called warmly, extending her arms with a soft smile. "Mother, I missed you so much!" Anastasia exclaimed, hurrying into her mother’s embrace. There was a sweetness in her voice, but beneath it, a sharpness lingered, as if her affection came with an edge. The Empress wrapped her arms around her daughter, her fingers lightly stroking Anastasia’s blonde curls.

"I missed you too, my sweet child," Seraphina cooed, her tone comforting but her eyes gleaming with hidden intent. The moment of warmth passed as quickly as it had arrived. Anastasia pulled back slightly, her eyes flitting to the maids who stood by the walls, heads bowed, waiting for orders. "Could you all leave us for a moment?" she asked, her voice sugary but commanding. "I have a secret to tell my mother." The maids exchanged uneasy glances, but before they could act, Seraphina waved them away. "Leave us. I have something to discuss with the princess." They curtsied and filed out swiftly, the heavy doors closing behind them with a soft thud.

The warmth of the room seemed to dissipate as silence enveloped the space, broken only by the soft rustle of Anastasia’s gown as she turned sharply toward her mother, her face twisted with a childish pout. "Mother, that girl is getting far too much attention in the palace, and I don’t like it!" she huffed, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her voice, tinged with indignation, rose like that of a spoiled child denied her desires. "Adaline this, Adaline that. It should only be about me!” Seraphina, reclining elegantly, raised a perfectly sculpted brow, a slight, almost amused smile dancing on her lips. "Is that so?" she purred, her voice smooth as silk. "And what, exactly, has she done now?"

Anastasia’s eyes flashed with fury as she bawled her hands into fists at her sides. "Everyone keeps talking about her—how pitiful she looks. Even Cassius has taken her side!" Her voice cracked with venom. "I hate her!" The Empress's smile widened, her eyes narrowing in thought as she leaned forward ever so slightly, her presence growing more menacing despite her calm demeanor. "My darling," she began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "they aren't pitying her. They’re watching her out of curiosity—a fleeting distraction. Do as I say, and we can rid ourselves of this nuisance, once and for all." "But what about Cassius? He yelled at me today because of her!" Her voice wavered, her earlier bravado cracking as the name of her brother left her lips. Seraphina waved a hand as though brushing away a trivial matter. "Your brother?" Her voice turned icy, the softness of her tone betraying something much darker. "After this, he won’t be in any position to defend anyone—least of all her."

Anastasia’s expression shifted, the tension in her brow relaxing as the words sank in. A sly smile slowly crept across her face, the cold cruelty she had inherited from her mother gleaming in her eyes as Seraphina whispered something into her ear. Her mother’s plan was as cunning as it was cruel, and Anastasia nodded eagerly, her earlier anger fading into a sense of satisfaction. "Of course, Mother. I’ll handle it," Anastasia said, her voice bright with confidence.

Leaving her mother’s chambers, Anastasia strode through the palace's lavish hallways, with a hint of mischief in her eyes. her dress brushing softly against the opulent marble. Outside, the palace gardens were in full bloom, a breathtaking array of flowers bursting with color and fragrance. The soft hum of bees and the gentle trickle of a fountain created an atmosphere of peace. Yet, within the hearts of the princesses, tension swirled like a storm.

Adaline made her way toward the gazebo, where her younger siblings, Cassius and Anastasia, were waiting. Her steps were slow and deliberate, each one heavier than the last as she approached the family she felt so distant from. The garden's beauty contrasted sharply with the anxiety twisting in her stomach. Anastasia spotted her and broke into a wide smile, running toward Adaline with arms outstretched. "Adaline!" she called out, her voice filled with an exaggerated sweetness. Cassius stood by the table in the gazebo, his posture formal, his expression composed. "Good afternoon, Princess," he greeted, nodding slightly. Adaline nervously forced a polite smile. "I greet your Highness, the little sun of the empire." Her voice was soft, subdued. 

"Oh, stop with all the formalities, you two!" Anastasia giggled, waving her hand dismissively. "We’re family, after all!" The siblings sat down for tea, the table set with fine China and an array of delicate pastries. As they began to eat, a maid approached with a fresh pot of tea. She poured it carefully into their cups, but when she came to Adaline, her hand hesitated slightly, and her eyes held a disdainful gleam. Adaline pretended not to notice; her eyes fixed on her cup as the maid turned away with a slight sniff of disapproval. Anastasia watched this with a glint of amusement in her eyes, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

Cassius, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "The cookies today are delicious, don’t you think? They have a hint of almond." Anastasia nodded eagerly, but her gaze remained on Adaline. "Yes, Mother had them specially made. Father had some imported from the Ivickli family of the Soreno kingdom when they came last time for the banquet. He thought they would be a nice change from the usual. They were so nice! but then again, everything Mother does is perfect, isn’t it?" Adaline gave a polite smile. "Yes, they’re quite good." Anastasia leaned forward, her tone shifting to a mockingly sympathetic one. "You know, Adaline, everyone loves these little treats Mother arranges. Just like they love me." She paused, her smile widening as she saw Adaline stiffen slightly.

Anastasia tilted her head slightly, her expression innocent but her words carefully chosen. "You know, sister, it’s interesting how everyone here is always so nice to me. Like Father—he’s always giving me extra attention. I guess I’m just really lucky that way. And the maids—they’re always so eager to help me with everything. They must just really like being around me. It makes me feel so special! I suppose it’s different for everyone, though, isn’t it?" Cassius frowned slightly at Anastasia’s words, but he remained silent, sipping his tea carefully. Adaline’s face remained composed, but there was a slight tightening around her eyes.

"Y-yes, you’re very loved, Anastasia," Adaline replied evenly, though her voice was a bit strained. Anastasia’s smile turned sharper, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, don’t be modest, I’m sure the maids like you too… in their own way.” Anastasia twirled her hair around her finger, her voice light and almost sing-song. "You know, sister, it’s so silly how some people just don’t know their place. Like yesterday, a maid who had gotten fired, did you know?” “N-no, I didn’t” Adaline’s gaze fixates on the cup of tea that has now gone cold.

 “Oh, well, that's unfortunate. She went and did something she really shouldn’t have, I guess she just didn’t understand that everyone has their place, and some places are just better than others, don’t you agree?" she added with a dismissive shrug, her tone dripping with a faux sweetness, "it’s important to know where you fit in, right sister?"" Her tone was sweet, but the implication was clear—everyone knew how the staff treated Adaline, like an outcast or a stray dog. Cassius set down his cup, a look of annoyance crossing his face. "Anastasia, enough," he said firmly. 

 Anastasia pouted dramatically, her voice dripping with false innocence. "What? I was just saying… Everyone has their place, right? And some places are just better than others. Isn't that right sister?" Adaline, fumbling to find the right words to respond, Cassius suddenly began to cough violently. The sound was harsh and ragged, breaking through the tense atmosphere like a stone through glass. His face turned pale, and he doubled over, clutching his chest. The teacup slipped from his hand, shattering on the ground as he fell to his knees, blood splattering from his mouth. 

"Cassius!" Adaline screamed, rushing to his side. She grabbed his shoulders, trying to steady him, but her hands trembled with fear. "What’s happening? Cassius, what’s wrong?" Chaos erupted around them. Time seemed to slow as his once strong frame crumpled into Adaline’s arms, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Blood, bright and jarring, spilled from his lips, pooling on the marble beneath them. It stained Adaline’s trembling hands as she screamed his name, her heart pounding so loudly it drowned out the world around her. The maids and nanny shouted in panic, running to fetch help as the once-peaceful garden descended into chaos. Anastasia sat frozen, her eyes wide with shock, a hand covering her mouth.

Cassius’s eyes fluttered open, filled with pain and desperation. “Sis… ter” Cassius ' weakened voice trembled as He leaned closer to Adaline, whispering something so faint it was almost inaudible, his breath warm against her ear. Then, as quickly as it had started, his body went limp in her arms. "No… no! Help somebody please, come help!" Adaline cried, her voice breaking as she clutched him tighter. Her mind raced, her heart pounding so loudly it drowned out all other sounds. The Empress stormed into the garden, her face a mask of feigned concern. "What is going on here?" she demanded, her voice sharp and authoritative. Upon seeing the chaos that had occurred in just mere minutes she screamed in horror and disbelief and guards from every direction started rushing in, intensifying the situation at hand and before Adaline could respond, she was pulled away by one of the maids crashing into the gazebos’ walls.

 The guards with their faces stern and their grips unyielding, seized her roughly, pulling her away from the scene of Cassius’s lifeless body. "No! Let me go! He needs help!" Adaline screamed, struggling against their hold, but her cries were ignored. Without another word, the guards dragged her through the palace, down a dark, narrow corridor, and threw her into a cold, damp cell. The door slammed shut with a loud clang that echoed in the small space, sealing her in darkness. Adaline collapsed onto the hard stone floor; her body racked with sobs. She hugged herself tightly, trying to hold herself together, but it was no use. Her world had crumbled around her, leaving her in darkness—abandoned and alone.

 Days passed with no food or water, her strength waning as despair took hold. Her once-bright lavender hair now hung limp and dirty, her simply worn outdated dress now torn and stained. As days passed by, Adaline was barely conscious, her vision blurred, and her thoughts muddled by hunger and exhaustion. She blinked slowly as she heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. The cell door creaked open, the heavy iron groaning as it swung inward, letting in a sliver of dim light.

 Adaline looked up, her eyes bleary from exhaustion and lack of food. Standing in the doorway was a familiar figure, her silhouette backlit against the faint glow of the hallway torches. As her eyes adjusted, Adaline saw Anastasia step forward, her lips curled into a sly smile, eyes gleaming with a mix of mock sympathy and satisfaction. "Oh, dear sister," she cooed, her voice sickly sweet. "How are you holding up?" 

 Adaline stared at her in disbelief, her mind racing to make sense of her sister's presence here, in this dark and desolate place. Her heart felt like it was breaking all over again, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke, her throat dry and cracked. "Anastasia… why?" Anastasia tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering. "Why, whatever do you mean, Adaline?" she replied, her tone light and airy as if discussing something as trivial as a broken teacup. "I have no idea what you’re talking about." Adaline’s eyes narrowed, a spark of anger mixing with her confusion. "Cassius… the tea… you were the only one who could have done it," she said, her voice gaining strength despite her fatigue. "Please tell me you didn’t…"

 Anastasia’s smile grew wider, her expression shifting from feigned innocence to a sinister delight, her eyes alight with a malicious glee. "Oh, that," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand, as if brushing away a minor inconvenience. "Well, it was just an unfortunate circumstance that needed to be made, and Cassius was just collateral." Adaline’s heart sank further, her stomach twisting into knots. "Unfortunate? He was your brother! Anastasia… how could you?" she breathed, furious, with horror evident in her voice. Anastasia leaned in closer to the bars, her voice dropping to a cold whisper, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Because you needed to be reminded of your place, Adaline," she said, with chilling clarity in her voice. "And now, you’ll never forget it. It’s for the best, really. Some of us are just meant to shine brighter."  The words hung in the air like a death knell, and Adaline felt the last vestiges of hope slip away from her grasp.  

 Anastasia straightened up, her face still wearing that unnervingly sweet smile. "It’s nothing personal, really," she added with a shrug, her tone still mocking. "You just never understood where you belonged, and now… well, now you do." Adaline’s vision blurred with tears as the realization of her sister’s betrayal fully settled in, her voice trembling with a mix of pain and disbelief. "I never wanted to outshine you, Anastasia. I just wanted to be your sister, to be part of a family." Anastasia laughed lightly, a chilling sound that echoed off the cold stone walls of the cell. "Oh, Adaline, you really are naïve, aren’t you? There’s only room for one of us at the top, and it was never going to be you."  

Adaline’s shoulders slumped as Anastasia turned away, her laughter lingering in the air long after the cell door closed with a resounding clang, leaving Adaline alone in the darkness once more. Adaline’s heart shattered as the realization of her sister’s betrayal sank in. She had lost everything—her family, her freedom, her place in the world—and now she was alone in the darkness, betrayed by the very person she had once loved. The heavy door slammed shut once more, leaving Adaline alone in her cell, the only sound the faint echo of Anastasia’s cruel laughter fading into the distance.

~To be continued~

Adaline stood in the center of the grand courtroom; her wrists bound in heavy iron shackles that weighed down her spirit as much as her body. Around her, rows of high-backed chairs filled with lavishly dressed nobles formed an oppressive circle, their faces a blend of disdain, curiosity, and thinly veiled delight. They had come for a spectacle, and Adaline was to be their entertainment. The marble columns that lined the room stretched high towards a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes of victory and justice—an ironic backdrop for what was about to unfold.

As Adaline was led to the defendant's stand, a murmur rippled through the crowd like the hiss of a serpent. It grew louder with each step she took. the nobles leaning toward one another, their whispers carrying over the polished floor like the rustling of dead leaves. "Is that really her? The princess accused of murder?" a noblewoman whispered, her eyes narrowing as she gazed at Adaline with a mixture of curiosity and contempt. "Yes, the abandoned princess," another responded, his tone dripping with disdain. "I heard she poisoned Prince Cassius out of jealousy, disgraceful.

Adaline's heart pounded like a drum in her chest, each beat sending shockwaves of panic through her. Her eyes swept across the room, desperate for a friendly face, for any sign of hope—but all she found were cold, judgmental stares, eager for her downfall. She knew she had to speak up, to make them understand. "Please," she pleaded, her voice trembling but firm. "I am innocent. I did not poison my brother!" Her words seemed to fall on deaf ears, the crowd erupting into hushed but heated conversations. The judge, an elderly man with a stern face hidden behind a powdered wig, slammed his gavel with a resounding crack that echoed through the chamber.  "Order in the court!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. Just then, a maid was led into the courtroom. 

Her face was pale, her hands trembling as she stood before the judge. Adaline recognized her immediately—the same maid who had served them tea that fateful day. The judge gestured for her to speak, his expression grave. "State your name and your testimony," he commanded. The maid swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "My name is Jacqueline, Your Honor," she began, her eyes darting nervously around the room before settling on the judge. "I was the one who served tea to the princesses and his highness crown prince Cassius on the day he was poisoned." The courtroom fell silent, every ear straining to catch her words. "And what do you have to say about the poisoning?" the judge pressed, his eyes narrowing. 

Jacqueline hesitated, wringing her hands together. "Princess Adaline... she threatened me," she said finally, her voice breaking. "She said if I didn't put the poison in Prince Cassius's cup, she would harm my family." Gasps erupted from the crowd, and the murmur of voices rose again like a storm gathering strength. Adaline's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "That's not true!" she cried out, her voice shaking with a mix of fear and indignation. "I never did any such thing!" The judge ignored her outburst, turning back to Jacqueline. "And how do you know this? Do you have any proof?"

Jacqueline nodded, her hands still shaking as she reached into her apron and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "I found this note, Your Honor. It was slipped under my door the night before the tea party. It has Princess Adaline's handwriting on it." The judge took the paper and examined it carefully, his frown deepening. "This does appear to be the princess's handwriting," he said gravely. Adaline felt a wave of panic wash over her. "That's a lie! I never wrote that note!" she shouted, trying to step forward, but the guards held her back. Just then, the doors to The heavy courtroom doors opened again, and in walked Anastasia, her eyes red and swollen, accompanied by her nanny. The young princess's steps were slow and hesitant, her face the very picture of innocence and sorrow. She clutched a handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes.

"Anastasia?" Adaline whispered, her voice breaking. Anastasia sniffled, wiping her eyes with a delicate handkerchief as she began to speak. "I invited Adaline to tea that day," she said, her voice trembling. "I wasn't even sure she would come, since she had been so distant lately. But I hoped... I hoped we could bond as sisters, that maybe her jealousy would subside if we spent more time together." The nobles murmured among themselves again, some nodding sympathetically, others frowning in suspicion.

The judge raised a hand to silence them, his gaze turning to the nanny. The nanny stepped forward, her face grave as she handed over a stack of documents and letters to the judge. "These are the records, Your Honor," she said, her tone respectful yet firm. "They show how the poison was obtained, as well as instructions given to the maid on how to use it." Adaline's heart plummeted. She watched in horror as the judge sifted through the papers, his face hardening with every line he read. The walls felt as though they were closing in around her, the air growing thinner, colder. "No... this isn't right," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

"I didn't do this... I swear, I didn't..." But her pleas were drowned out by the judge's voice, stern and unyielding. "The evidence against you is overwhelming, Adaline De Elgiar, first princess of the Elgiar Empire by the court of jurors and by the state of law you are hereby found guilty treason by attempting to harm a crowned prince and of the murder of first prince Cassius." "No!" Adaline screamed, trying to lunge forward, but the guards grabbed her, their iron grips pushing her to the floor. Her head struck the cold marble with a sickening crack, and she felt a sharp pain blossom across her forehead. Blood dripped down her forehead, warm against her skin, but the pain paled in comparison to the suffocating despair that crushed her chest

The judge continued, his voice cold and detached. "You are sentenced to death by execution, to be carried out at dawn three days from now." The courtroom erupted in chaos. Nobles gasped, some whispering to one another with satisfied smirks, others casting scornful looks at Adaline. "A disgrace to the empire," one noblewoman sneered.  "She deserves nothing less." From across the room, Adaline saw the Empress, Seraphina, approach the emperor. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her handkerchief, her voice loud and mournful. "Oh, your majesty, our poor son, taken from us too soon!" she sobbed, her eyes darting briefly to Adaline with a cold, calculating look, her eyes flickering with a gleam of triumph.

"And to think, I tried so hard to reach out to her, to bond with Adaline as a mother should. But now... now we've lost Cassius too." Anastasia ran to her mother's side, her own tears flowing freely as she buried her face in Seraphina's gown. "Oh, Mother!" she cried, her voice thick with feigned sorrow. "What are we going to do without Cassius? It's so terrible!"

Adaline's eyes widened as she watched the scene unfold, a chill running down her spine. As the nobles continued to bad-mouth her, calling her a disgrace and a murderer, she caught sight of the Empress and Anastasia exchanging a glance. For a brief moment, their tearful expressions twisted into something else—something sinister. Seraphina's lips curled into a subtle, satisfied smirk, while Anastasia's tears were accompanied by a barely concealed snicker. The sound of their mock grief sent a shiver through Adaline, her blood running cold as she realized the truth. "No... no, it can't be," she whispered, her eyes widening with fear.

They had orchestrated all of this—the poisoned tea, the false testimony, the forged documents. They had set her up to take the fall. Before she could utter another word, the guards yanked her to her feet and dragged her out of the courtroom, the heavy door slamming shut behind her. She was thrown into a dark, damp dungeon cell, the iron bars clanging shut with a finality that echoed through the empty chamber. Adaline sat alone on the cold stone floor, her body trembling with a mix of terror and rage. 

How had everything turned against her so quickly? How had she gone from being a princess of the empire to a condemned criminal awaiting execution? She pressed her hands to her face, her fingers sticky with blood from the cut on her forehead and let out a broken sob. She had to figure out how this had happened, how she had become the scapegoat in a twisted plot she couldn't even fully understand. And now she knew the truth. They wanted her dead, and they would stop at nothing to see it done.

~ to be continued~