Pavilion Gladiolus

After the Emperor's shocking declaration, all the noble families who felt they had a "stake" on the throne scrambled to send their children to the palace.

The Imperial rear pavilion, previously calm, almost deserted, suddenly came alive with new faces. Luxuriously dressed young men and women, escorted by servants, entered one by one into the private pavilions that had been prepared for them.

Among them, one name echoed louder than the others.

Blade Albrecht.

The second son of Lord Gregor Albrecht, Imperial Advisor.

His steps were quiet as he passed through the long corridor that led to the Gladiolus Pavilion. By his side, Luke, his loyal servant since childhood, lowered slightly as he watched his surroundings, as if ready to protect his master from too sharp a gaze.

Whispers began to be heard.

"Look... Isn't that Blade? Lord Albrecht's second son."

"Very handsome."

"But why is he the one being sent? Not his younger brother?"

"They say Celeste Albrecht is too valuable to be given to the Emperor."

"Huh... And Blade? The man his family forgot? Why not him?"

"A man like him, would the Emperor touch him?"

"Far from the Emperor's taste. Too cold... too untouchable..."

"Maybe he'll be abandoned... like he's been."

Blade heard it all. Clearly.

But his expression remained the same—flat, sharp, almost lifeless.

"Your Majesty..." Luke whispered softly, as if he wanted to close Blade's ears from the world.

"Don't mind," Blade replied shortly, his tone calm but sharp like steel that could no longer be tempered.

Luke bit his lip. His gaze swept over the servants carrying boxes of Blade's belongings into the pavilion. He gave them a subtle signal to be careful. Hidden spies could be watching from behind the garden or the windows.

Blade continued his steps. Long, steady, unhesitating steps.

The Gladiolus Pavilion appeared before them. A two-story building decorated with gladiolus flower carvings on every pillar and window. Known as the flower of pride and hidden wounds.

Luke hurried forward and opened the door.

"Your chambers, Your Highness," he said, making way.

Blade entered without a word.

The interior was calm and luxurious. A bed with a dark red velvet canopy. Heavy curtains draped over the windows. A small tea table to the right. A fireplace burned softly at the far end of the room, casting golden light that danced across the marble floor.

Blade surveyed the room with eyes that held no trace of admiration.

"The wounds are neat," he said flatly. "As if they were welcoming a bride, not a political hostage."

Luke was silent.

"Leave me alone," Blade continued, walking to the window.

Luke bowed and exited, closing the door softly.

Silence fell over the room.

Blade stood at the window, pulling the heavy curtains aside. From there, he could see other pavilions in the distance. Beautiful buildings that were little more than gilded cages.

Each of them was now inhabited. Each of its inhabitants carried ambition. And in the midst of it all, he stood... not as a lover, not as a charmer... but as a pawn.

But unlike the others, Blade knew he was no ordinary pawn.

He knew exactly why his family had sent him. Not because they wanted him to shine. But because he was less important than the others. Because if he failed, they wouldn't lose much.

Perfect bait.

The autumn wind blew in through the small crack in the window. Cold. Sharp.

Blade closed his eyes.

"I am not your toy, Sylus," he whispered. "And I belong to no one."

In the distance, the palace's evening bell tolled softly.

The first day in the Gladiolus Pavilion had begun.

And the power play had just begun in silence.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***