The next evening, Isolde sat in the quiet library, a lamp casting its golden glow across the pages she was studying. Her focus was on the history of the ducal families, particularly the Sable family. A peculiar entry caught her eye:

"The entire family disappeared without a trace, save for the second son."

She leaned closer, reading the details. The records seemed tampered with, gaps and inconsistencies glaringly obvious. Yet one part intrigued her: the first Duke of Sable had three children-one daughter and two sons. The daughter, destined to inherit the title, vanished along with her siblings.

The text claimed the disappearance was due to the "evil dragon" devouring the family. Only the second son survived, pledging allegiance to Leostratus and aiding him in seizing the throne.

Isolde frowned, her mind weaving the fragmented tale with what she already knew. 'This story reeks of lies... but why go to such lengths to obscure it?'

Her thoughts were interrupted by the creak of the library door.

"Ah, Lady Isolde," Danelle's voice broke the silence. He hesitated in the doorway, clutching a small stack of books. "I didn't realize you were here."

"Young Lord," Isolde said, tilting her head, her tone measured. "Do you need something?"

"I came for some books, but if I'm intruding-"

"Please, sit," she replied, gesturing to the chair across from her. "I don't mind."

Danelle retrieved his books and settled into the chair. Isolde observed him for a moment, her sharp gaze taking in his features.

"Empress and you are twins, right?" she asked, her voice light but laced with curiosity.

"Yes," Danelle replied, his tone cautious. "I am her younger brother."

"And you're a mage of the Mage Tower?"

"That's correct. In our Dukedom, it's common for twins to be born, but only one usually inherits magical power."

Isolde leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "I've heard the Aurelius Dukedom has been raising empresses since Leostratus's reign."

Danelle nodded, though his face tightened slightly. "Yes. Every Empress has come from our family."

"What happens if two daughters are born in the same generation?" Isolde pressed, raising an eyebrow.

For a moment, Danelle hesitated, his frown deepening. "Then both are sent as potential empresses."

"I've read about your aunts," Isolde remarked, her tone casual but observant. "Both passed away during childbirth."

Danelle's gaze darkened. "Yes. They did."

"What about the Emperor's brother?" Isolde inquired, her voice quieter now.

Danelle stiffened. "No one knows. He disappeared mysteriously." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You shouldn't ask such questions, Lady Isolde. The walls have ears."

"I apologize," Isolde said, her voice steady. She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "But have you ever considered what might happen to the Empress should she face complications during childbirth?"

The question hung heavy in the air. Danelle's face twisted with restrained anger.

"Enough!" he barked, standing abruptly. Without another word, he stormed out of the library, leaving Isolde alone.

Isolde watched the door close behind him, her expression thoughtful. 'His reaction was telling. They all have secrets, and they're desperate to keep them buried.'

She turned back to her book, her mind sharper than ever. The Empress's grip on power was rooted in tradition, but traditions could crumble. All it took was the right knowledge-and the right moves.

With a sigh, Isolde closed the book, her fingers trailing over its worn cover. "The truth always finds a way out," she murmured, her lips curving into a faint, determined smile.

To be continued....