Chapter 5: A Glimpse of Fate

The night was still, save for the faint rustle of the wind against the castle walls. In the dim glow of candlelight, Elise sat at the edge of her bed, lost in thought. She traced her fingers over the delicate petals of the Lunar blooms, the flower her father had given her. The flower only blooms at night, she remembered how her father had placed it behind her ear earlier that day. A flower so simple, yet it carried an unfamiliar weight—one that whispered of a warmth she had never known in her past life. Was this her only chance to change her fate?

Her father had been different today, she had never seen her father smile and speak with such warmth. The cold, unfeeling emperor she once feared had softened, even if it was only a moment. The realization sent an ache through her chest, was this the man she once knew? That cared and loved Carolina? Was this how he treated her? With so much warmth and love? Had she, in this life, somehow begun to reach him in a way she had failed to before?

Feya, hovered beside her, her wings shimmering with light in the flickering candlelight. “You’re thinking too much again,” she said, folding her arms with a knowing smirk.

Elise exhaled sharply, resting her chin against her knee with her arms wrapping around her legs. “I can’t help it, Feya. He was… different today. Warmer.”

“Maybe he’s finally warming up to you! You should probably use it as a chance to win his heart before Carolina shows up!” Feya mused, spinning idly in the air before settling onto Elise’s pillow. Her golden eyes twinkled mischievously. “Or maybe… you remind him so much of your mother.”

Elise stilled. A shiver running down her spine. “I have never told you about Carolina before.” she asked, narrowing her eyes at Feya.

Feya blinked, her wings faltering for a brief moment. “Oh… well, I just assumed…”

Elise gripped on her night gown. “No, you didn’t. I never told you about Carolina before.”

Feya looked away, suddenly interested in the embroidery in Elise’s pillow. “It’s just… you always have this distant look in your eyes whenever you talk about your father. Like you’re thinking about someone else he favors more.” She paused, and let out a murmur, “Elaris was the one who told me about it…”

“Elaris?” Elise whispered, the name sending an eerie familiarity through her mind. “The Goddess if light?”

Before she could press Feta further, a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over her. Her breath hitched as an invisible force pulled at her consciousness. The room around her blurred, and Feya’s worried voice became distant.

Then—

A vast expanse of golden light surrounded her, swirling like an endless sky. The air was thick with a power she could not comprehend, pressing against her skin with an almost divine weight. In the distance, a figure stood with flowing silver hair and piercing golden eyes, her presence both commanding and serene.

“Elise.”

The voice was soft yet powerful, resonating through her very soul.

She stepped forward, drawn to the figure. “Who… are you?”

A warm smile graced the woman’s lips. “I am Elaris, the Goddess of Light.”

Elise’s breath caught. The Goddess of Light? The one worshipped throughout the empire?

Elaris reached out, placing a glowing hand over Elise’s heart. “The path before you will not be easy, child. You have been given a second chance—but fate still watches closely.”

Elise clenched her fists. “Then tell me—what must I do to change my fate?”

The goddess’s gaze softened. “The answers lie within you. But beware, Elise… even in this life, shadows still reach for you…”

The world around her pulsed with golden light, and Elise felt herself being pulled back.

When she woke up, she was in bed, drenched in sweat. Feya fluttered anxiously beside her. “You passed out! Are you feeling okay?”

Elise pressed a trembling hand against her chest. The warmth of Elaris’s touch still lingered. “I saw her,” she whispered. “The Goddess of Light… she… she spoke to me.”

Feya’s eyes widened. “Elaris?”

Elise nodded, her heart pounding. The goddess herself had reached out to her, then her fate had not yet been sealed. She still had a chance to change everything. To change her fate.

The revelation filled her with a renewed sense of purpose. She would not waste this second life. The shadows that had swallowed her once would not claim her again. This time, she would forge her own path.

***

The next day, Elise woke up to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through her curtains. She barely had time to process the strange events of the previous night when a knock at her door startled her.

“Come in,” she called out, straightening in her bed.

To her surprise, it was her father. Emperor Lucas von Eisenburg stood at the threshold, his imposing presence filling the room. Yet, today, there was something different in his expression—an unreadable emotion flickering behind his cold ocean eyes.

“Elise,” he said, stepping forward. “I… would you like to go to the city?”

Elise blinked, stunned by the offer. Both Flora and Marcus looking at each other with a surprise look on their faces. The emperor had never invited her anywhere before. “The city?” she echoed hesitantly.

Lucas inclined his head. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

Her mind raced. This was a rare opportunity—one she couldn’t afford to waste. Swallowing her nerves, she nodded. “Yes, Father. I would like that.”

***

The bustling streets of the capital were unlike anything Elise had seen in years. Merchants called out their stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread and exotic spices filled the air. Noblewomen in fine silks strolled past, their guards trailing close behind.

Elise rode beside her father in a carriage, his presence still daunting despite his softened demeanor. She stole glances at him, noting the way his gaze occasionally flickered to her as if studying her reactions.

They arrived at a grand estate—a mansion adorned with the sigil of House Desmond. As they entered the drawing room. Elise felt a presence before she saw him.

Duke Xavier Desmond was an older man, his sharo eyes betraying his calculating nature. Beside him stood a young man with striking silver hair and red eyes… almost like rubies.

A slow, knowing smile curved his lips as he met Elise’s gaze. “Princess Elise,” he murmured, his voice smooth as silk. “We finally met.”

In my past life, I had a little crush on Caius. Although, he never noticed because he was betrothed to Carolina, She thought to herself.

Xavier and Caius Desmond both greeted their king, after a moment, Caius stepped forward bowing while planting a kiss on the back of her hand. Elise’s face slowly grew red, and Caius couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

“I see you’ve grown even more charming in this life,” he whispered on her ear, stepping back, amusement dancing in his crimson gaze.

Elise’s eyes widened slightly at his words. This life? Had he…? No, it was impossible.

Lucas cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Elise, Duke Xavier and Caius, are crucial allies to the empire. House Desmond’s support is vital.”

Elise was surprised with Lucas sharing the importance of the House of Desmond, Elise then nodded, composing herself. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Duke Desmond. And… Lord Caius.” she gave them a flawless bow making Xavier stunned with how perfect it is.

Isn’t she only 3 years old? A 3 year old making a perfect bow, has a very good posture, and she talks as if she’s an adult. The first and only daughter of Lucas von Eisenburg is indeed remarkable. Xavier thought to himself.

Caius’s eyes lingered on her a moment longer before he smiled. “The pleasure is mine, Your highness.”

Something in his gaze unsettled her. It was as if he knew more than he let on. And for the first time, Elise wondered if Caius Desmond was more than he appeared to be.

As the carriage rolled through the cobbled streets of the capital, Elise found herself stealing glances at Caius. I cant believe he’s only 5 years old… He was effortlessly charming, his red eyes filled with amusement as he took in the lively cityscape. The bustling market was alive with colors and sounds, vendors calling out their wares while children darted through the streets, their laughter echoing through the air.

Caius suddenly looked at her, making her jolt and look elsewhere. She hear him chuckling and a heat crept up her cheeks making her blush. As they arrived outside the Café, Caius made sure to get off first so he could guide and make sure that Elise does not fall off. Xavier looked stunned, because he knew Caius was never one to help a lady. But maybe Elise was an exception because she’s the princess?

Lucas looked at Caius glaring, he didn’t like the thought of him being too close to Elise.

Elise walked alongside Caius, her small hands and Caius’s clasped together as she took in the insights. She had spent most of her past life within the cold walls of the palace, only venturing out on rare occasions. This—walking freely among the people, seeing their joy, their struggles—was a foreign yet exhilarating experience.

Caius studied her face and pulled her to a shop full of sweets. Elise’s eyes sparkled as she saw different chocolates making her smile and drool. Caius chuckled and asked the person who was in charge of the vendor to have a box full of chocolates.

The vendor looked at them both, “Spoiling your little fiancé here?” she giggled. Making Caius blush and so did Elise, they both still hadn’t realized that they are both still holding hands.

As soon as the vendor is done giving Caius the box of chocolates, he unwrapped one and gave Elise a chocolate. Her eyes widened, “For me?” she asked. “Yes.” He smiled warmly at her.

She held the chocolate and ate it, her eyes closing with how good it tasted. Caius looked at her filled with love.

“I never thought I’d see the day when the princess of Eisenburg would wander the streets like this,” Caius mused, walking beside her with an easy grace. “Does it feel strange?”

Elise tilted her head, considering his question. “It feels… liberating,” she admitted. “But also overwhelming. There’s so much I don’t know.”

Caius chuckled. “Then allow me to be your guide.” He gestured toward a nearby stall overflowing with golden pears. “Try one of these. They’re the best in the capital.”

Elise looked at the golden pears for a moment before taking a bite. As she took a small bite, the sweet juice bursting onto her tongue. Her eyes lit up. “It tastes delicious!” she exclaimed, glancing at Caius.

Caius smirked. “See? I told you.”

Their fathers watched the exchange with interest, Duke Xavier raising an eyebrow at his son’s uncharacteristic attentiveness. Meanwhile, Emperor Lucas remained quiet, his gaze unreadable as he observed Elise.

As they continued walking through the marketplace, Caius remained close to Elise, ensuring she wasn’t overwhelmed by the bustling crowd. He pointed out different shops and stalls, telling her stories about the capital’s history. Elise listened intently, eager to absorb everything she had missed in her previous life.

The city had always been a distant place for her, something she only saw from the palace windows.

They eventually went back the café overlooking the city square. The scent of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries filled the air as a servant guided them to a private balcony. As they sat, Elise found herself growing more comfortable in Caius’s presence.

“You’re different from what I expected,” Elise admitted, sipping her tea gracefully.

Caius arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And what did you expect?”

She hesitated, looking at her tea before she looked at him again, “I always heard you were distant and cold, yet you’ve been nothing but kind today. Is it because I’m the princess?”

Caius chuckled, leaning back against the chair as he looked at her. “Perhaps I am making an exception for you.”

Elise felt a strange flutter in her chest at his words, before she could respond, her father’s voice cut through the moment.

“Elise, you must understand the importance of House Desmond,” Emperor Lucas said, his tone firm but not unkind, “Their loyalty is invaluable to the empire.”

Elise nodded, placing her teacup down. “I understand, Father.”

Duke Xavier smiled approvingly. “The princess is quite perceptive for her age.”

Caius glanced at her with a knowing look before turning to his father. “Perhaps House Desmond and the imperial family will grow even closer in the future.”

Lucas stiffened slightly at Caius’s words, his expression unreadable. Elise, however, caught the subtle meaning behind them. Was he implying a future engagement? The thought made her cheeks warm, though she quickly dismissed it. She was only three, after all. There is still a long way to go.

After their tea, the group took a final stroll through the market. Caius took the opportunity to guide Elise toward a bookstore, his excitement evident. “There’s a book here I think you’d like,” he said, leading her inside.

Elise’s eyes widened as she took in the rows upon of books, the scent of parchment and ink filling the air. She traced her fingers over the spines, reveling in the moment. Caius handed her a small, beautifully bound book with intricate gold embossing on the cover.

“This is one of my favorites,” he said. “It’s a collection of myths and legends about the Goddess of Light.”

Elise took the book carefully, her breath hitching. After their vision the night before, this felt like more than just a coincidence. She met Caius’s gaze. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “Consider it a gift.”

She clutched the book close to her chest, feeling an odd sense of warmth. There was something about Caius that unsettled her, yet at the same time, she couldn’t deny the fact that she was drawn to him.

As the day came to an end, they returned to the palace. Elise stepped out of the carriage, feeling the weight of the day settle on her small shoulders. Lucas placed a hand on her head, an action so rare it nearly startled her.

“You did well today,” he said simply before turning to leave me in front of the door with Flora waiting.

Elise stared after him, a strange emotion welling up inside her. Had she truly begun to change things?

As she retired to chambers, Feya fluttered beside her, a mischievous glint in her golden eyes. “You Caius make quite the pair.”

Elise groaned, burying her face into her pillow. “Not you too.”

Feya giggled. “Oh, but it’s just the beginning!”

Elise sighed, her fingers grazing the book Caius had given her. As exhaustion took her over, she whispered to herself, “I will change my fate.”

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