Revenge, Riches and Redemption
PRINCESS OF ASTERIA
I twirled in front of the mirror, my silk gown shimmering in the candlelight. Tonight was the night of the grand banquet, and I couldn't wait to attend.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*excitedly* Father, may I attend the banquet tonight?
ERIKA ASTERIA
I've been practicing my lyre, and I'd love to play for our guests!
My father, Vivian Asteria, smiled at me. He was a tall, imposing figure with a strong jaw and piercing eyes.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*smiling* My dear, you're too kind.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Of course, you may attend.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
But remember, you're a lady, and you must conduct yourself with dignity.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*curtsying* Yes, Father. I'll be sure to make you proud.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*sternly* And don't forget, Erika, there are those who would seek to harm us.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
You must always be cautious and stay close to your guards.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*confused* But Father, why would anyone want to harm us?
ERIKA ASTERIA
We're kind and generous to everyone.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*serious* That's exactly why, my dear.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Our wealth and influence make us targets.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
But don't worry, I'll always protect you.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*smiling* Thank you, Father. I know you'll always keep me safe.
[Just then, a servant rushes in]
SERVANT
*urgently* Forgive me, Your Majesty, but there's been an incident at the docks.
SERVANT
One of our ships has been attacked, and there are rumors of a rival merchant family involved.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*grimly* I'll deal with this immediately.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Erika, go to your room and stay there until I come for you.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*concerned* But Father, what's happening?
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*firmly* Don't worry, my dear. I'll take care of everything.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Just go to your room and stay safe.
[Erika reluctantly leaves, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows]
I made my way to my room, my mind racing with questions. What had happened at the docks? Why was Father so worried?
As I entered my room, I saw my mother, Helena Asteria, sitting on the couch, embroidering a beautiful piece of fabric. She looked up and smiled at me.
HELENA ASTERIA
*noticed the concern on Erika's face*
HELENA ASTERIA
Erika, my love, what's wrong?
I sat down beside her and told her about the servant's message and Father's worried expression.
She listened attentively, her eyes filled with wisdom and understanding.
HELENA ASTERIA
*said gently* Dear, you know that your father's business is not without its risks.
HELENA ASTERIA
But you mustn't worry.
HELENA ASTERIA
Your father is a clever and capable man. He'll take care of everything.
I nodded, feeling a little better. But then I remembered the look on Father's face.
ERIKA ASTERIA
Mother, what if something bad happens?
ERIKA ASTERIA
*voice barely above a whisper*
HELENA ASTERIA
*put down her embroidery and took Erika's hand in hers*
HELENA ASTERIA
A crown of gold draws eyes, my love—but not all of them kind.
HELENA ASTERIA
*her voice filled with a quiet warning*
HELENA ASTERIA
Remember that, Erika. True strength comes not from wealth or power, but from within.
I looked at her, feeling a sense of wonder at her wisdom. My mother was always so calm and gentle, but she had a deep understanding of the world and its ways.
I hugged her tightly, feeling grateful for her love and guidance.
ERIKA ASTERIA
Thank you, Mother.
ERIKA ASTERIA
I'll remember.
HELENA ASTERIA
*smiled and hugged back*
HELENA ASTERIA
I know you will, my dear.
HELENA ASTERIA
Now, get some rest. Tonight will bring its own challenges.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Welcome, esteemed guests, to our humble abode.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Tonight, we gather to forge new alliances and strengthen existing ones.
LORD LAURENTIS
*smirking* Vivian, always the gracious host.
LORD LAURENTIS
But let's not forget, we're not just here to make friends.
LORD LAURENTIS
We're here to discuss trade... and power.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*smiling tightly* Ah, Lord Laurentis. Always a pleasure to do business with you.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*whispering to her mother* Mother, why does Father seem so tense around Lord Laurentis?
HELENA ASTERIA
*whispering back* It's just business, dear.
HELENA ASTERIA
Your father and Lord Laurentis have... differing interests.
JULIAN LAURENTIS
*watching Erika with intensity*
JULIAN LAURENTIS
Who is that beautiful young woman?
LORD LAURENTIS
*smiling* Ah, that's Vivian's daughter, Erika.
LORD LAURENTIS
A true gem, isn't she?
JULIAN LAURENTIS
*eyes fixed on Erika* I'll say.
JULIAN LAURENTIS
She's... captivating.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*noticed Julian's gaze*
ERIKA ASTERIA
Mother, who is that man staring at me?
HELENA ASTERIA
*following Erika's gaze* That's Julian Laurentis.
HELENA ASTERIA
Be careful around him, dear.
HELENA ASTERIA
He seems... ambitious.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*clearing his throat* Shall we begin the feast?
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Tonight, we celebrate the prosperity of our great city!
LORD LAURENTIS
*smirking* Indeed, let us celebrate.
LORD LAURENTIS
But let us not forget, Vivian, that prosperity can be fleeting.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*smiling* And now, my dear guests, I present to you my talented daughter, Erika!
VIVIAN ASTERIA
She will play for us on the lyre.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*nervously* Thank you, Father.
[Erika begins to play a beautiful melody on the lyre, and the room falls silent in appreciation.]
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*applauding* Erika, you've outdone yourself!
VIVIAN ASTERIA
Your music is as lovely as you are.
LORD LAURENTIS
*forced smile* Indeed, she is quite talented.
ERIKA ASTERIA
*whispering to her mother*
ERIKA ASTERIA
Mother, I'm so glad that's over.
ERIKA ASTERIA
I was so nervous!
HELENA ASTERIA
*smiling* You did wonderfully, dear.
HELENA ASTERIA
I'm so proud of you.
ERIKA ASTERIA
Mother, I'm so tired.
ERIKA ASTERIA
May I retire to my room?
HELENA ASTERIA
*smiling* Of course, dear.
HELENA ASTERIA
It's been a long evening. Get some rest.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
*kissing Erika's forehead* Goodnight, my dear.
VIVIAN ASTERIA
May your dreams be sweet.
ERIKA ASTERIA
Goodnight, Father.
ERIKA ASTERIA
Goodnight, Mother.
[Erika exits the grand hall, the sound of laughter and music fading into the distance.]
Author
This is my first ever story.
Author
If I ever make any mistake, please correct me.
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