A girl with a petite figure emerges from the shadows of a corridor in the corner of the grand chamber. Her hair cascades down her back, reminiscent of luscious waves in the ocean, reflecting the light like toffee. Her sharp jawline highlights the paleness of her face, complementing her blood-red lips. Around her form, a fitted dress, in the colour of wine, with pleated skirt drapes.

     The girl marches forward with confident paces and approaches Christina on her throne. As she stands before Christina, they lock eyes, their gazes resolute and piercing. As her curiosity deepens, Christina lowers herself and nestles on her earthen throne. Placing her hand under her visage, she crosses her legs and raises her chin.

"What is it, Vangelle?" Christina asked, voicing her curiosity.

Christina's attendant, Vangelle, stepped forward and addressed her, her voice calm and monotonous. "Christina, I spotted a young man approaching our lair. He's climbing the mountainside's slope and is on the way here," Vangelle announced.

"Henchman!" Christina shouted.

"Y-yes?" the henchman stuttered, surprised by Christina's sudden shout.

"Bring me my crystal ball, will you?" Christina asked, her voice calm and sinister.

"Alrighty!" the henchman grinned, rubbing his palms as he retrieved the crystal ball from the corner and brought it to Christina.

     Christina grasps the crystal ball and places it on her lap. She then circles her hand around the orb, and its lustrous surface slowly forms clouds of smoke within the glass. As the smoke dissipates, a moving image of Jean appears, revealing himself before Christina and her servants. Christina raises a brow and tightens her lips as she inspects the boy's face, eventually arriving at a regretful realization and understanding.

"Ah... my, look who it is. It's that Podeshire's adoptive son, trying to be the hero of this theatrical story," Christina smirked nonchalantly.

"What should we do, then?" the henchman wondered, leaning forward.

"Vangelle. How about you bring out the wardens?" Christina ordered, her smirk widening.

"If it pleases you," Vangelle replied before turning from Christina.

     Vangelle entered the room laden with wardens, men dressed in sombre colour and thick leather. The wardens stood tall and proud, their heads almost brushing against the ceiling. As Vangelle pushed the door open and strode inward, the wardens turned and faced her direction, their senses heightened, ready to obey her command.

     As Vangelle walked into the room, her hips subtly swaying, she half-closed her eyes and gazed into the dark, mysterious orbs of the wardens. With their lips sealed, the wardens stared back at her. Finally, Vangelle halted and stood in the centre of the room where a table lay. And there, she climbed atop it, causing its wooden legs to groan like a dying animal, and took centre stage.

"Listen up," Vangelle commanded. "The Lady of Hillen wants each of you to do your roles. The Podeshire's son, a blonde boy, is on his way here. So, go forth and catch him. And bring him to Christina. But, do not let him enter this lair unsupervised. I need you to capture him alive. Although, who cares if he gets harmed in the process?" she ordered sternly. Giggling, she ventured, "Don't disappoint us, men."

     The wardens went out, passing through the door. Their footsteps reverberated across the chamber, creating a cacophony of marching beats. Weapon stands creaked open as wardens snatched their gears, poised for conflict.

     Torches twinkled as the men marched onward. While the flickering flames cast light against the shadows, Christina sat on her throne and observed the wardens set out. A malicious smirk spread across her face as she eagerly watched the march. Giggling, she took a moment to rest her eyes and sink back into her seat.

     Meanwhile, the henchman sprang to his feet and bounced, clapping eagerly. He giggled and glanced at Christina with a broad grin adorning his face. As Christina made eye contact with her henchman, her smile faded, and she scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"What's with the grin?" she asked.

"Could this be the climax of this theatrical story you're talking about, Christina?" the henchman inquired, bouncing on his toes.

"If we were on this theatrical story, it's best not to break the third wall, they say, henchman," Christina replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh..." the henchman responded, his shoulders lowering.