CHAPTER III

The great doors opened with a low, solemn creak. Light spilled into the throne room, catching on the gilded pillars and the red silk drapes that framed the dais. Selena stepped inside, Melody a quiet shadow at her side. Every sound, the rustle of her gown, the click of her shoes echoed as though the palace itself was listening. At the far end sat the Queen, her presence commanding yet serene. She wore a gown the color of molten gold, her crown delicate but radiant. Her gaze, sharp, knowing, landed on Selena with the weight of someone who saw far beyond appearances.

“So,” the Queen began softly, her tone like silk over steel, “the girl who slept two years beneath my roof has finally awakened.”

Selena bowed deeply. “Your Majesty.”

“Rise, child.”Her voice was warm, but every word carried authority.

Selena obeyed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

“You must be overwhelmed,” the Queen continued, studying her with quiet interest. “So much has changed while you slept. You must now learn what has happened within these two years for this palace, and for yourself.”

Selena lifted her gaze slightly, uncertain. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Queen’s eyes softened, though only slightly. “Good. There is much you will come to understand.” Then, with a graceful motion, she stood. Her gown shimmered as she turned toward the archway leading to the outer courtyard. “Come, child. Walk with me.”

Melody started to follow, but the Queen raised a hand without turning. “Alone.” Melody froze, then quickly curtsied. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

The palace garden unfolded before them like a living painting. Roses climbed ivory trellises, lilies bloomed along marble fountains, and the air was laced with the scent of rain and mint. Sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering gold across the Queen’s path. Selena followed a few paces behind, her hands brushing the folds of her gown, her senses still unfamiliar with so much color and light. For a while, neither spoke. Only the murmur of the fountains filled the quiet.

“Do you like gardens?” the Queen asked finally.

Selena nodded. “They’re beautiful, Your Majesty. Peaceful.”

“They are meant to be,” the Queen replied. “Peace must exist somewhere even if only in illusion.”

They reached a stone bench beneath a rose arbor, where vines draped overhead like emerald veils. The Queen sat, motioning for Selena to do the same. “Next week,” the Queen began, her voice low and deliberate, “there will be a ball in the kingdom. A grand celebration for the return of my son, the Crown Prince.”

Selena’s breath caught. “The… prince?”

“Yes.” The Queen’s expression softened with a strange, wistful pride. “He has been away for long months, overseeing diplomatic matters. His return marks not only his success, but a renewal of alliance between the two realms.”

Her eyes met Selena’s, steady and assessing. “You will attend this ball, Selena.”

Selena blinked, startled. “Me, Your Majesty? I— I am no noble. I wouldn’t know how—”

“You are under my care now,” the Queen interrupted gently, though her tone brooked no argument. “And those who live beneath my roof represent this palace. You must be prepared in grace, in presence, in appearance. Melody will assist you.”

Selena hesitated. “But… Why me?”

The Queen smiled faintly. “Because fate is rarely without reason. My son saved you, did he not? Perhaps the gods meant your paths to cross again.”

The words sank into Selena like ripples on still water, beautiful, but heavy. She bowed her head slightly. “I will do as you command, Your Majesty.”

“Good.” The Queen’s voice grew softer, almost kind. “Then we shall make sure you are ready.”

As they rose from the bench, a shadow shifted among the roses beyond the hedges, the faint shimmer of silk against the greenery. Unseen by either of them, a girl stood behind the flowering archway, her eyes cold and sharp as glass.

Her gown was white trimmed with gold. The mark of nobility. Her features are delicate, refined, but her expression was anything but gentle. She watched Selena’s every step, her lips curving into the faintest, knowing smile.

“So… this is the girl Her Majesty took in,” she murmured under her breath. “The one everyone whispers about.”

Her gloved fingers brushed against a rose, snapping one of its thorns free.  A drop of blood welled at her fingertip, and she barely flinched. “Interesting.”

As Selena and the Queen walked farther down the path, sunlight brushed over the hidden girl’s face, revealing eyes like polished amber, filled with quiet envy. She turned away, her gown whispering against the gravel as she disappeared between the hedges.

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