The next day, I find out that I won't be a maid anymore - I'll be Athenix's lady in waiting. They waste no time in relocating me from the cramped maids quarter to a room just below Athenix's. The new room is definitely an upgrade - it's much bigger than my old one, although still not as grand as Athenix's. It's actually nicely decorated and I now have a spacious bed, a vanity, a little sitting area, and even a balcony.

After carefully placing my luggage on the couch, I commence the process of meticulously unpacking my belongings. The room exudes an air of tranquility, yet my focus is abruptly interrupted by the sound of a resounding knock at the door. My gaze, though momentarily diverted from the meticulous task at hand, is met with the delightful sight of a radiant Abigal, whose presence immediately fills the room with an undeniable warmth.

Abigal wastes no time in trapping me in an embrace that is both tight and heartfelt. Her arrival has blossomed a profound sense of joy within me, as a broad smile graces my face.

The sheer delight that courses through my veins compels me to respond, "What brings you here, Abigal?" My words, a mere reflection of my genuine curiosity, hang gracefully in the air.

"I've been promoted!" As I glanced downward, I couldn't help but notice her standing before me, donned in a grey maids outfit. The subtle hues of grey beautifully complemented her attire, lending an air of elegance to her appearance. The fabric clung gently to her frame, accentuating her slender silhouette and adding a touch of grace to her movements.

"But you still have a maids uniform."

"Well, yes, silly, but I've been promoted to being a full-time personal maid! That's a big accomplishment for someone thats fifteen." She releases her grip on me and takes a step away, a wide smile lighting up her face. In that brief moment, you can practically see the sense of accomplishment shining in her eyes.

"Whose maid?" She delicately clears her throat, and with unreserved poise, she proceeds to lower herself into a perfectly executed curtsy.

"My lady, I'll be your personal maid starting now."

As her introduction reached my ears, an overwhelming sense of astonishment coursed through my veins, causing my eyes to widen in sheer disbelief. "How?"

"I don't know! I just got the news this morning. I was so excited I didn't even question it!" Dancing on the tiptoes of anticipation, her unrestrained joy is palpable as she bounces with excitement. Every inch of her being seems to radiate an electrifying enthusiasm, as if a whirlwind of excitement resides within her, ready to burst forth at any moment.

Did Kyan do this? He knows I'm friends with her. I smile in thought of his kindness towards me.

"What are you blushing about? Did you meet someone last night?" , she inquired with a flirtatious demeanor, tilting her head slightly and gracefully placing her hands behind her back.

I scratch my head not sure the answer to her question. "I'm not sure. It's complicated."

From a logical perspective, it seems highly improbable for me to enter into a relationship with the Emperor, despite his apparent interest in me. While I am set to acquire a title in the near future, it is important to remember the difference between being born into nobility and attaining a title through other means. Although I am technically a member of royalty, the majority of individuals residing here are unlikely to be aware of my background. Therefore, it is doubtful that they would perceive me as a princess hailing from a place unfamiliar to them. Instead, I would likely be regarded as a commoner.

"Yeah, it can be complicated if you're not mates." Abigail explains as she settles comfortably on the couch. "Though mates are very important here, the nobility and royals don't always wait for their mates."

That reminds me, Kyan never answer my question about his mate. I regretfully admit that in the heat of the moment, I found myself too preoccupied to pose the question again. Now, I am left with a lingering curiosity, driving me to explore the truth behind his possible affectionate intentions towards me.

Yet, I must not succumb to these distractions. There are matters of utmost importance that demand my immediate concern. I will have to set aside my musings for now, seeking solace in the hope that the truth will reveal itself in due course.

"Let's go. I'm sure Athenix is waiting." As I let out a weary sigh, I find myself caught in a tangled web of thoughts, reluctant to delve into the depths of the Emperor's actions any longer.

We approach Athenix's room, gently tapping on the door to signal our arrival. As the door swings open, my eyes meet with a familiar face - one of the maids who I had assisted on the very first day when I helped Athenix prepare for the day ahead. Stepping inside, I find Athenix seated elegantly on a plush couch, being attended to by the maid who had just opened the door.

Athenix, with a slight smirk on her lips, glances towards me as I enter the room. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation, as if she had been expecting my arrival. Tea is being served, delicate porcelain cups placed before Athenix, steam curling upwards in wisps. The room itself exudes a certain luxury, with opulent drapes adorning the windows, casting the sunlight in a warm glow across the elegant furnishings.

As I take in the scene, I am struck by the graceful poise that Athenix exudes. Her aristocratic air is unchanged, her demeanor as regal as ever. Her eyes hold a mischievous glimmer, a tantalizing hint of a hidden agenda. "I see you recieved my gift." I am filled with amazement as I witness the captivating sight of the lady's eyes glistening with a sparkle that illuminates the room like a thousand stars. With elegance and grace, she delicately raises her teacup to her lips, holding it ever so delicately as if it were a priceless gem. However, to my astonishment, she refrains from taking even a small sip, diverting her gaze towards Abigail, a figure of unassuming significance.

Intrigued by this unexpected pause, I momentarily halt in the midst of my curtsy, "Pardon, my lady?"

With a graceful wave of her delicate hand, she beckons the maid standing obediently by her side. The maid approaches her mistress, clutching a delicate porcelain teapot adorned with intricate floral patterns. The maid pours a stream of golden tea into the already brimming cup.

As the maid pours the tea, her hands tremble ever so slightly, reflecting her apprehension in the presence of her esteemed mistress. The teacup, already laden with an abundance of tea, teeters momentarily on the brink of overflow. Yet, with a practiced grace, the maid steadies her hand and continues pouring until the last drop fills the cup.

"I have noticed that you have a close relationship with your maid."

So Athenix was the one responsible for assigning Abigail as my maid. This revelation left me with a sinking feeling in my heart, as I realized that Kyan had no involvement in the matter. However, I find myself grappling with the perplexing question of why this realization has such an effect on my emotions.

A flicker of surprise dances across my features as the realization dawns upon me. It appears that Athenix has indeed been keeping a keen eye on my every move. This revelation prompts a swirl of questions in my mind, the foremost being whether Athenix is also aware of my encounters with the Emperor.

"Zerro, I really like you." Athenix gazes intently into her cup of tea, her expression tinged with a sense of detachment. Her eyes seem fixated on the swirling patterns formed by the floating tea leaves, as if lost in a deep contemplation. "You adapt quickly, your brave but not cocky. Most importantly, you know your place." With a graceful movement, she rises from her seated position and begins to stroll towards the potted flower resting elegantly on the vanity. As she approaches, her eyes are captivated by the vibrant blossoms, their delicate petals painted in a symphony of colors. "So I will show mercy with some advice." She pauses, her slender frame casting a silhouette against the dimly lit room. Gripping the porcelain teapot delicately, she pivots towards the vanity mirror. Her eyes, reflecting an unprecedented intensity, meet mine in an unspoken plea. I watch with a mix of curiosity and unease as the fragrant tea cascades onto the fresh, vibrant petals of the flower resting on the vanity.

"Stay away from Kyan." Her voice, devoid of emotion, cuts through the thick air like a sharp blade. A shiver courses down my spine, and an unexplained coldness envelops my body. Panic intensifies as I witness the mysterious transformation unfolding before my eyes.

The petals, once vibrant and supple, begin to wilt under the weight of her words. The once brilliant colors fade to a sickly, muted hue, like the life being drained from the flower. Time seems to stand still as I remain transfixed, unable to tear my gaze away from the now lifeless bloom.

I abruptly descend to my knees, an intense surge of remorse floods my heart. With a swift motion, my forehead lands forcefully against the hard ground beneath me. Simultaneously, an audible thud resonates through the air, informing me that Abigail, too, has chosen to emulate my actions. My voice, now imbued with genuine contrition, barely escapes my lips.

"I humbly beg for your forgiveness, my lady. It is with utmost regret and deeply ingrained remorse that I acknowledge the thoughtlessness of my actions."

As I stand there, catching my breath, my body trembles with each slow, deliberate step that Athenix takes towards me. With a soft grip, her hand clasps my arm, raising me up from my kneeling position. Her touch sends shivers down my spine. I feel her fingers tighten, and her smooth palm reaches my chin, forcing me to meet her intense gaze. Her eyes, feline and piercing, hold an undeniable power.

"Listen closely, Lady Zerro," she asserts in a commanding tone, her voice cutting through the room's silence. Her grip on my chin lingers for a moment, imprinting her authority upon me. Then, she releases her hold and turns gracefully, her attention directed to the trembling maid who had just spilled her tea.

In an instant, the room fills with a resonating sound. Athenix's hand meets the maid's cheek with a loud, resounding smack. The impact reverberates, leaving a sense of both fear and awe in its wake. The room falls into an uneasy silence, broken only by the maid's startled gasp. Athenix's actions speak of her uncompromising resolve and her willingness to maintain control over those around her.

In a swift motion, her fingers came together with a resounding snap, and almost immediately, the heavy doors swung open, allowing a group of guards to flood into the room. The sight was nothing short of chaotic, as their armored legs moved with remarkable speed, effectively encircling the trembling maid, who now found herself at the center of their attention.

The sudden presence of the guards instilled a palpable intensity in the room, each of them executing their duty with an air of solemn determination. It was clear that the gravity of the maid's alleged crime hung heavily amidst the charged atmosphere. As the guards closed in, their faces firm and resolute, a silence descended upon the scene, amplifying the weight of the impending judgement.

Standing tall and in command, Athenix maintained a steely composure as she crossed her arms, her eyes fixed on the accused. In a voice that brooked no argument, she delivered a sentence that sent shivers down the spines of all present: "For attempting to poison the Empress candidate," she declared, her words laced with the weight of irrevocable consequence, "you will be sentenced to death."

Without any room for appeal, the guards pressed the maid down forcefully onto the cold marble floor, an unmistakable symbol of the uncompromising justice that would soon be meted out.

"Mercy, have mercy, my lady!" Athenix's hand swiftly descends, firmly clutching the unruly strands of the maid's chestnut-brown hair. The maid, tears streaming down her face, raises her gaze, meeting the intensity of Athenix's unwavering eyes.

"Who is your master?" Athenix pressures, seeming to believe the maid did not act along.

"You are, my lady," Athenix proceeds to bash the womans head in the ground before forcing her to look back into her eyes.

"Shall I ask again?" Athenix smiled, a chilling expression spreading across her face, as she looked at the maid standing before her. Her eyes held a sadistic twist, a glimpse of the darkness within her. The maid, visibly shaken and in tears, remained silent, not daring to utter a single word.

Athenix sighed with weariness etched on her face as she struggled to regain her composure. Slowly, she straightened herself up, her posture reflecting a profound sense of resignation. A flick of her delicately adorned wrist caught the attention of the heavily armored guards, who promptly moved forward, their sturdy arms lifting the maid with ease. The scene played out with an unsettling familiarity, as if it were an everyday occurence.

Meanwhile, two maids, seemingly unfazed by the recent violence, swiftly moved towards the bloodstained floor. They went about their task of restoring cleanliness without even the need for a verbal command from Athenix. With remarkable efficiency, they produced a bucket of soapy water and began to scrub away the crimson stains without hesitation. It was as though these maids had been trained to react to such gruesome scenes as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

Athenix stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the birds gracefully soaring through the open sky. Her eyes reflected a longing, a sentiment of despair that seemed to resonate within the depths of her being. "There is no love in this castle."

I couldn't help but flinch at the sound of her voice, for I was all too familiar with the weight behind her whispered words. While others might have been oblivious to it, I possessed an uncanny ability to detect the undeniable undertones of loneliness embedded within her every syllable.

Her voice carried the hollow echoes of solitude, wrapped in a delicate veil of composure. In public, she wore a mask of stoicism, concealing the ache that lingered within her heart. But behind closed doors, in those rare moments when she let her guard down, her voice betrayed her true feelings. It trembled ever so slightly, revealing the depths of isolation that plagued her soul.

It was as if her voice served as a melancholic melody, a haunting soundtrack that underscored the solitude she experienced in her daily existence. Only someone attuned to her vulnerability would recognize the subtle nuances and the poignant dissonance within her words.

My heart ached for her, knowing the burden she carried in silence. Though my efforts to alleviate her loneliness might have been futile, I promised myself that I would be there, a steadfast companion, even if just to lend an empathetic ear whenever she needed to share the weight of her solitude.

****

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