The evening air within the palace was suffused with a quiet tension as Isolde sat in the luxurious room that had been assigned to her. The beauty and extravagance of her surroundings were a stark contrast to the turmoil within her mind. She stared at her reflection in the ornate mirror, her expression vacant as her thoughts swirled. 

Why had she shown her ability in front of the emperor? It felt as though her actions had been dictated by some unseen force, bending her will against her better judgment. Until now, Isolde had clung to the belief that Lucian could be her pawn in the grand game of power, a stepping stone to her own success. But the events of the day had shattered that illusion. 

In truth, she was the pawn—used by her father, by Lucian, by the emperor. Always a means to someone else’s end, never a person in her own right. Her heart grew cold as the realization settled deeper. Trust felt like a foreign concept now, except when it came to her mother. ‘Is she safe?’ The question lingered heavily, unanswered and haunting. 

And then there were the mysteries. Who was the woman in the glass coffin? Why did she look just like her? What was Lucian truly planning? What did the emperor want, and why had his expression darkened when she revealed her power? And above all, what was the empress plotting in this intricate web of deceit? 

Her thoughts were interrupted as a group of maids entered the room, their faces expressionless as they began preparing her bath. The warm water and gentle scents did little to ease her tension, and as the night deepened, the questions in her mind multiplied like shadows. 

In another wing of the palace, Emperor Leonidas reclined on his lavish bed, a goblet of wine in hand. He swirled the crimson liquid absentmindedly, his thoughts far from his chambers. A knock at the door pulled him back to the present. 

The door opened to reveal the empress. She entered gracefully, her every movement deliberate. Despite the noticeable glow of her three-month pregnancy, her eyes betrayed a calculating sharpness. 

Leonidas set his wine aside, his gaze steady. “What does the empress think of today’s events?” he asked, his tone casual but his attention razor-sharp as he studied her reaction. 

“It’s quite the delight to see the young lady awakening her powers,” she replied smoothly. “But it does leave me wondering—how could she awaken them without killing the duke?” Her brows furrowed in feigned puzzlement. 

Leonidas let out a low chuckle. “Indeed, an interesting anomaly. Forgery of history, perhaps? I wonder who could harbor such hatred as to commit such blasphemy.” His words were pointed, his eyes never leaving her face. 

The empress stiffened but quickly recovered. “Are you insinuating the Aurelius Dukedom’s involvement? My family would never stoop to such actions.” 

“I made no accusations,” Leonidas replied coolly. 

Changing the subject, the empress spoke lightly, “I have already assigned a head maid and tutor to the young lady. She must learn quickly if she is to fit into palace life.” 

“You’re in quite a hurry,” he remarked, taking her hand and studying her carefully. “You should be more focused on your health. The royal bloodline must be your priority above all else.” 

“You’re right,” she said with a faint sigh. “I may have overburdened myself.” 

Leonidas released her hand, his expression softening slightly. “Rest. You’re of no use to me if you’re unwell.” 

The empress hesitated, then knelt before him, grasping his hands. “Your Majesty, I cannot rest when threats to the royal bloodline remain unchecked. There are so many with power-hungry ambitions who would harm your child.” Her voice trembled, though her eyes gleamed with purpose. “I humbly ask that Lady Isolde be assigned to my palace. She can learn royal manners and serve me as a sister. Who else could I trust more with the safety of your heir?” 

Leonidas frowned, clearly displeased. “Isn’t it too soon for such a burden? She just arrived.” 

“Your Majesty.” Her grip tightened as she gazed at him with pleading eyes. “This is for the good of the empire. The Aurelius family has always been loyal to the throne. Our family’s daughters have been married as the empresses since the first Emperor. Don’t I even have the rights to protect the royal blood?” 

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. Do as you wish, but allow her time to settle first.” 

A faint smile played on her lips as she rose to her feet. “Thank you, Your Majesty. You won’t regret it.” 

Leonidas waved her off. “Enough. Don’t embarrass me further with your dramatics. Take care of yourself—and my heir.” 

The empress bowed her head gracefully. “Yes, Your Majesty.” 

As she left the chamber, her serene expression gave way to a subtle smirk. The pieces were falling into place, one by one. The real game was about to begin. 

To be continued...