The boy had returned... Adonis. Every time the Emperor looked at him, that hated gleam returned to his eyes, the same look he used to give Aster. This isn't just a reminder of the past, it's a new threat. Adonis resembles her in his features, but what terrifies me most is that he resembles her in his ability to captivate the Emperor.
I can't risk it again. In the past, I had my father, the former Emperor, standing by my side. He saw things clearly, understood that Aster's existence meant his weakness and the weakness of the Empire. He was the one who helped me with my plan that night... the night that ended her existence forever. But now, my brother is completely different. His kind heart and naive emotions are an obstacle to any move. He won't help me; he'll try to stop me. The worst part is that he thinks he's smarter than me, but he doesn't see the whole picture.
I can't repeat what happened. I no longer have the support or the cover of the former Empire. If Adonis is the one who will connect the Emperor to the past, then I must remove him at any cost. I have no choice but to kill him, but that requires extreme precision and caution. Helibore is reckless; he could ruin everything if he tries to interfere. And if he puts himself in danger, everything could be exposed.
The problem isn't the killing itself. I don't fear the dead; I fear the living who see things through the eyes of the past. The Emperor himself, even in his current madness, might suspect what I'm doing. Adonis is no longer just a ghost from the past. He has become a target I must hit, but with my own hands, not others'. If Adonis falls, the Emperor will only smile at me, and he won't remember anything about that woman I buried with my secrets.
... At home ...
The house was eerily quiet, and the dim light from the oil lamps cast a strange ambiance over the place.
The air was cold, as if winter had crept into the walls, while Daphne watched Adonis, who seemed lost in his thoughts. His features were grim, his eyebrows furrowed deeply, and his eyes shone with a silent anger, like a volcano waiting to erupt.
Daphne felt the weight of the silence, her heart pounding as if something was about to happen. She clutched her trembling notebook in her hands and wrote in a hesitant hand:
"Did I do something wrong?"
She slowly raised the paper, a sense of dread washing over her. Adonis stopped abruptly, his blue eyes piercing the stillness of the moment like lightning. He took a deep breath, read her words, and then slowly raised his head towards her.
With confident and slow steps, he began to approach her.
Each of his steps carried the weight of conflicting emotions. Daphne felt as if time had slowed down, and fear and anticipation gripped her body.
When he was very close, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath, her back pressed against the wall unconsciously. He leaned towards her slightly, until there was only a small distance between them, and his voice came out as a deep whisper, heavy with pain and desire:
"Daphne... I want to find a solution to this... to this madness."
She looked at him with wide eyes, her face flushed, and her fingers tightened around the notebook as if searching for a safe haven.
He continued, his voice trembling despite his attempts to remain composed:
"I can't take it anymore... this strange relationship between us. Every time I try to ignore my feelings, I find myself drawn closer to you. I want to put an end to it."
He swallowed hard, then whispered in a deeper voice, as if the words were a battle for him to utter:
"I want to tell you something I've been running away from all this time... I love you, Daphne."
His words struck her heart like a blow.
She stared at him in silent astonishment, her eyes trying to comprehend what she had just heard. Her breath quickened, and her hands began to tremble. When Adonis noticed her silence, he took a step back, his face darkening with disappointment.
He said in a broken voice, full of regret:
"I'm sorry... I knew you wouldn't accept it. I shouldn't be here."
He turned as if to leave, but Daphne, suddenly gathering all her courage, stepped towards him quickly. She grabbed the collar of his shirt with her small hand and pulled him towards her with unexpected force.
Her eyes were now filled with something new... courage and determination.
She slowly raised her head, and despite her flushed face,
Then she lifted her body slightly and kissed him lightly on his lips. Her first touch was like a warm breeze piercing his frozen heart. But Adonis, who was shocked for a moment, responded passionately as if he had been waiting for this moment for an eternity.
He hugged her tightly, his hand clinging to her as if she were all he possessed.
He whispered in a deep voice filled with tenderness and desire:
"I understood the answer."
The atmosphere around them filled with intimacy, as if the world had stopped to celebrate their moment.
The dim fire in the hearth reflected on their faces, and the cold that had filled the place melted in the warmth of their embrace. It was an eternal moment, a moment that changed everything.
Adonis ended the embrace hesitantly, as if afraid to break an invisible barrier between them. She stepped back slowly, her steps like a quiet dance on the cold floor. She held her notebook tightly, as if drawing courage from it, and wrote: "If you are from another world... what if I told you the truth? Would you believe me?"
She raised her head to look at him, her eyes carrying a mixture of fear and hope, as if awaiting a fateful judgment. Adonis remained silent for a moment, gazing at her features, on which were etched all the secrets she had tried to hide. He took one step closer, the space between them barely leaving room to breathe. He slowly reached out his hand, his fingers gently touching her cheek, as if touching something sacred.
He said in a low voice, but one filled with warmth: "Why wouldn't I believe you? Everything about you has been strange from the beginning... but this mystery is what drew me to you."
She felt a shiver run through her body; his words carried an unspoken promise. She smiled shyly, but quickly took a step back, shaking her head slightly, as if rejecting the very idea. She wrote again: "But the truth might be more than you can bear."
Adonis was not one to back down so easily. He took her hand that held the pen and gently forced her to stop. He raised her hand to his chest, where his heart beat strongly. He said, his eyes meeting hers directly: "Daphne, whatever truth comes from you, I am ready to bear it. You have accepted the strangeness of the fate that brought us together, and I will not let anything separate us now."
She stopped writing, her hands trembling under his touch. She felt something changing, as if the world around them had become merely a backdrop to their shared reality. She slowly closed her notebook, her eyes still fixed on his. For a moment, she looked as if she was about to speak, but instead, she nodded her head, a small gesture carrying an implicit agreement.
Silence returned to reign between them, but it was not heavy this time. It was a silence filled with unspoken promises and the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.
The halls of the royal palace were awash in a boisterous festive atmosphere in preparation for the wedding ceremony, where the scent of spring flowers mingled with the soft music emanating from afar. In one of the palace chambers, Hyacinth sat before a large mirror adorned with a gilded frame, gazing at the reflection of her face, which mirrored a blend of strength and serenity.
She wore a white gown embroidered with golden threads that accentuated her unique beauty, and her elegant silver hair cascaded softly over her shoulders. She appeared as confident as ever, yet her green eyes could not conceal the caution that had accompanied her since the moment this marriage was announced.
A sudden knock echoed at the door, but it swung open before she could grant entry. Helibore entered with steady steps, clad in his official royal attire, which added to his imposing presence. His long golden hair flowed freely, and his bright brown eyes observed her with a gaze that held a mixture of mockery and mystery.
Upon seeing him, her heart raced despite herself. However, she quickly stood, assuming a firm posture, and looked directly at him, attempting to conceal any weakness that might show.
Helibore broke the silence with a sardonic smile and a confident tone:
"Hyacinth, there's no need for those sharp looks. They reveal more than you're trying to hide."
Hyacinth did not smile, but said in a sharp and steady tone:
"What do you want, Helibore? If you're here to give a lesson in etiquette, then start by respecting the privacy of others."
He approached her with slow steps until the distance between them was short, and said in a calm but challenging voice:
"I just wanted to see how you're preparing for this big night. And I wanted to remind you of something: you married me despite knowing that I don't love you."
His words were like an arrow aimed at her heart, but she did not allow him to see its effect. She raised an eyebrow slightly and said with clear sarcasm:
"And did you think for a moment that I married you out of love? This marriage is a political agreement, nothing more, nothing less. If you think otherwise, you are more arrogant than I imagined."
Helibore chuckled softly, then said in a confident tone:
"Very well. Then let's agree on one thing, Hyacinth: don't you dare fall in love with me."
Hyacinth raised her chin firmly and replied with a calm smile that held a great challenge within it:
"Oh, don't worry, Helibore. If there's anyone who should be wary of falling in love, it's you."
Helibore stared into her eyes for a moment, as if her last words had stirred something hidden within him. But he did not reply, merely offering a small smile before turning and leaving the room.
Hyacinth remained standing, following his steps until he disappeared from view. She took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror again. Deep down, she knew that this beginning would be nothing but a spark for a greater conflict between their hearts.
Inside the house, Adonis stood by the window, watching the cloudy sky, and said in a quiet but resolute voice: "Come on, we'll go buy new clothes for the party tonight."
Daphne looked at him with a small smile, then picked up her pen and wrote in her notebook: "Wait for me, I won't be long."
Adonis wondered, his eyebrow slightly raised: "Where are you going?"
Daphne didn't answer, but quickly left, heading towards the tailor. She returned a short while later carrying an ornate wooden box. She placed the box on the table and carefully opened it, revealing stunning clothes embroidered with precision and care.
Adonis, looking at the clothes with clear admiration: "Amazing... did you design these clothes? They are absolutely wonderful. When did you do this?"
Daphne wrote in her notebook: "After we were invited to the party, I wanted us to have a matching outfit that reflects our beauty together, so I sewed these clothes for you and me, and for Yarwa and Marshmallow."
A warm smile spread across Adonis's face, and he said in a low voice filled with tenderness: "Wonderful work, you truly are amazing."
They both began to change their clothes. The dress Daphne had designed was a masterpiece of art in soft colors that ranged between violet and silver, embroidered with patterns inspired by stars and flowers, with delicate touches of green silk that reflected the color of her violet eyes. As for Adonis's outfit, it was classic black with silver accents that harmonized with Yarwa's elegant robe made of deep-colored velvet fabric, and Marshmallow's silk scarf that added to his beauty.
When they finished, Adonis looked at Daphne with a soft smile and said: "You haven't ridden a horse before, have you?"
She quickly wrote in her notebook: "What about Marshmallow and Yarwa?"
Adonis chuckled softly and said: "We'll walk slowly in Yarwa's footsteps, don't worry."
Then he gently lifted her and placed her on the horse's back before climbing up behind her and holding her carefully. They set off on a journey through the forest, enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery and the sounds of birds that filled the air with joy.
After a while, Adonis stopped the horse and dismounted, then reached out his hand to gently help Daphne down. They continued on foot until they reached a meadow filled with colorful flowers and glowing fireflies that shone like tiny stars.
Daphne looked at the scene with wide, sparkling eyes, while Adonis gazed at her with a small smile that never left his face. He said quietly, "Remind me to teach you how to ride a horse soon."
In a spontaneous moment, he reached out and brushed a strand of her violet hair that had fallen across her face, then said gently, "You make everything look more beautiful." Daphne felt the warmth of his words seep into her heart and smiled shyly.
They sat on the grass for a while, sharing moments of pleasant silence, punctuated by gazes filled with affection and warmth. Daphne looked at him with her violet eyes full of love and pride, while Adonis watched her as if she were the only thing worth paying attention to in this world. In a quiet moment, he gently leaned towards her and placed a light kiss on her forehead before whispering, "I won't let anything disturb this peace."
They returned to the horse, where Adonis placed his hand on her shoulder and said with a warm smile: "Are you ready? Yarwa, let's go."
When they arrived at the celebration hall, the scene was breathtaking. The hall was lit with golden chandeliers, and guests from the nobility and wealthy were conversing elegantly. Helibore was acting with grace towards Hyacinth, while the Empress watched the scene with pride and arrogance. The Emperor, in turn, was speaking with Hyacinth's father about various matters.
When Adonis and Daphne entered, everyone paused for a moment, captivated by their beauty and captivating aura. Daphne, in her self-designed attire, and Adonis, with his majestic bearing, stole the spotlight and made everyone whisper in admiration.
The Emperor approached Adonis, saying in a friendly tone: "I thought you wouldn't come. I was worried."
Adonis replied respectfully: "I apologize, I had some business that delayed me."
The Emperor smiled and said, turning towards Daphne: "I am pleased to meet you, my daughter."
Daphne bowed in a shy greeting, which added to her charm in the eyes of the attendees, who did not hide their astonishment at the Emperor's friendly treatment of the army commander. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and appreciation, while Adonis and Daphne continued to draw attention with their harmonious and captivating aura.
Emperor: "I will introduce you to Emperor Callistar."
Adonis: "Come, Daphne."
The Emperor advanced with heavy, majestic steps towards the man seated at the head of the grand table. His eyes gleamed with a sharp, authoritative gaze, as if he carried the weight of kingdoms within him:
Emperor: "This is the commander of the army, Emperor Callistar."
Emperor Callistar (in a deep tone tinged with noble dignity): "I have heard much about you, Adonis. I was eager to see you up close."
As the conversation continued, Daphne felt a pang in her heart, as if something invisible was pressing on her chest. She gently tugged at the edge of Adonis's coat, her eyes looking at him with a worry that danced between fear and hope. Adonis turned slowly, his gaze meeting her tense eyes. He leaned towards her and said in a low, deep voice:
Adonis: "Go, I'll be there soon."
Daphne headed towards the empty table that was far from the commotion and sat down, stroking Marshmallow, the small cat that was twining around her hands, as if trying to calm her. But the moments of peace quickly vanished when three girls approached her, their beauty not without vanity and sharp looks:
Girl 1 (in a confident voice, tinged with mockery): "So you're Adonis's sweetheart? You should have known that a man like him would have fallen for me if I were in your place."
Daphne tried to ignore her words, but she couldn't prevent tears from welling up in her eyes. She raised her head with difficulty, her gaze embodying a silent sorrow.
Girl 2 (with a sarcastic laugh): "I don't understand how you managed to attract his attention, or how you were even able to talk to him, to be honest."
Girl 3 (smiling a mysterious smile): "Despite all the scary rumors surrounding him, his handsomeness and strength make any girl dream of being in your place."
Words rained down like swords, but Daphne had only silence, weighing heavily on her heart. At that moment, Hyacinth appeared, her steps firm and her voice possessing an unseen strength:
Hyacinth (seriously and firmly): "Do you find pleasure only in harassing others?"
Girl 1 (with clear embarrassment): "Oh, we didn't mean to... we apologize."
Hyacinth turned to Daphne and sat beside her, her kind gaze reflecting boundless support:
Hyacinth: "I am Hyacinth. And you?"
Daphne quickly picked up her pen and wrote carefully: "Daphne. I am pleased to meet you, Princess."
Hyacinth looked at her words, then smiled a warm smile:
Hyacinth: "So, how did you manage to win the heart of a man like Adonis?"
No sooner had the words been spoken than they felt the air vibrate around them, and they saw Adonis approaching from afar, his gaze fixed solely on Daphne, as if time had stopped. Daphne stood up quietly, her heart pounding fiercely, and her eyes widening with the inevitable approach.
Adonis: "Daphne, I would like to honor me with a dance."
Daphne's face paled, but she nodded shyly and extended her trembling hand to him. Adonis took it gently, whispering in her ear, his voice like the whispers of the wind:
Adonis: "Don't be afraid, I know you're not good at dancing. Just place your feet on mine, trust me."
And at that moment, Daphne looked into his eyes, where all her dreams and hopes were reflected. Then she closed her eyes for a moment, and they moved into the dance, as if they held the world in their hands. The movement of their feet was a magical harmony, as if they were flying above the ground. The attendees