This isn't over
The grand ballroom of the Southern Palace was alive with splendor and decadence. Golden chandeliers hung high, their cascading crystals casting a warm glow across the marble floors, where nobles twirled and swayed in time to the orchestra’s symphony
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** standing on the edge of the room **
Her presence commanding yet understated. Her pale blue gown shimmered like frost under the candlelight, its intricate silver embroidery resembling the icy tendrils of her northern homeland
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** felt the weight of the stares and whispers around her **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** clutching on the wine glass **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(this feels like a glided cage)
That was her father's domain, his palace and his court filled with loyalties. Her mother flitted about the room like a butterfly, basking in compliments
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(I didn't even want to join this freaking ball, but this stupid brother of Hesperia forced me into joining as she has to restore the reputation of the family )
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(I know that today he wanted to join because he wanted to use me as a pawn again and remind me that I'm nothing more than a bargaining chip in his endless game of power)
Her pale blue gown, though beautiful, felt suffocating. The fabric clung to her skin, the intricate silver embroidery reminding her of chains. She sipped her drink and kept her gaze low, unwilling to meet the mocking smiles and whispered jeers directed her way.
Daivan Oldenburg/ FL BFF
Lady Hesperia ** bows **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** turns back and sees Daivan with a few other noble ladies who treated her kindly **
Daivan was radiant as always, her black hair swept into an elegant braid, her hazel eyes warm with concern.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Lady Daivan ** replied with a faint smile **
Daivan Oldenburg/ FL BFF
I was beginning to think you’d hidden yourself entirely** teasing gently **
Daivan Oldenburg/ FL BFF
Though I can’t blame you. These vultures can be exhausting.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
**laughed softly though it lacked humor** They have made it clear that I'm not one of them
Servant: Lady Hesperia the duke of Velridge requests your presence in the west wing.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** frowned** (the duke of Velridge was one of of the duke which did not agree in the wrong business of Xantheus,, so they didn't have any good relation between Velridge and Eryndor)
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(I couldn't understand why he would summon me privately)
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Why would he want to speak with me ?!❄️** asked in a vary voice **
Servant: ** his eyes darted around the room ** I do not know my lady. He said it was urgent
Daivan Oldenburg/ FL BFF
** eyebrow knit together in concern ** Lady Hesperia do you want me to come together
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
**hesitated, glancing toward the center of the ballroom, where her father and Xantheus were deep in conversation with other nobles**
She knew better than to draw attention to herself, but something about the servant’s urgency unsettled her.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
No I will go. I will be careful
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Lead the way❄️
Hesperia followed the servant out of the ballroom and into the quieter halls of the palace. The music and laughter faded behind her, replaced by the soft echo of her footsteps on the marble floors. The west wing was dimly lit, its opulent corridors feeling cold and unwelcoming.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
where is the duke ❄️
Servant: Just ahead, my lady ** tone chipped**
They stopped in front of a heavy wooden door, and the servant pushed it open
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** stepped inside and scanned the room, but it was empty**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** heart quickened** where is-
Before she could finish, the door slammed shut behind her. Panic surged as she turned to find the servant gone. She was alone.
Unknown
Hesperia Orleans❄️**a low voice drawled from the shadows. A figure stepped forward, cloaked in darkness his face hidden by a hood.**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Who are you? ❄️** asked in a firm voice **
Unknown
That's not important ❄️
Unknown
What matters is the message I was sent to deliver❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Message? What message ❄️** frowned and hands clenching the fabric of her dress **
Unknown
The South does not forget its enemies. And it does not forgive traitors ❄️** voice laced with malice**
Unknown
** lunged at her, a blade glinting in his hand**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** ducked narrowly avoiding the strike**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** grabbed a heavy candlestick from a nearby table and swung it sending the man away from her**
The commotion drew shouts from outside the room, and moments later, the door burst open. Xantheus was the first to enter, his emerald-green eyes blazing with fury as he took in the scene. Without hesitation, he tackled the assailant, disarming him with practiced ease. Guards flooded the room, restraining the man as Xantheus turned to Hesperia
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Are you hurt? ** voice uncharacteristically soft **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
**shook her head, though her hands still trembled** No I'm fine
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** jaw tightened as he looked at the would-be assassin** Who sent you?❄️
Unknown
** spat on Xantheus feet and didn't answer**
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
This isn't over ❄️** muttered and gaze darkened**
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Hesperia stared at her stepbrother, confusion and fear swirling in her chest. For the first time, she wondered if Xantheus’s motivations were more complex than she had assumed—and if the shadows lurking in her family’s court were far more dangerous than she had realized.
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