In the early hours of the day, the soft glow of the rising sun filtered through the delicate lattice windows of the grand inner palace, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the high-ceilinged hallway. The air was filled with a gentle murmur as the concubines, elegantly adorned in flowing silk garments and adorned with delicate jewelry, moved with graceful hast into the chamber where they had been summoned to meet the empress.Each footfall, barely discernible against the smooth marble floor, echoed softly as the concubines made their way through the opulent passageway. The faint jingle of their jewelry provided a subtle accompaniment to the rustle of their luxurious silken garments, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. As the concubines neared the entrance to the chamber, a palpable sense of anticipation tinged with nervousness lingered in the air. The faint, lingering scent of sandalwood wafted from the partially open door, adding a touch of tranquility to th
The grand duke of Adelstein stood at his window, gazing out at Elen and his two sons playing in the garden with their kites. Elen held a pink kite, Max had a black one, and Elliot clutched a red kite. Their laughter filled the air, and for a moment, the duke allowed himself to smile. "My lord," Caleb knocked on his door, holding a letter in his hand. "We have an invitation to the temple, along with the high priest and the Duke of Windsor. I also heard that they're pressuring the temple right now." "How audacious of Dominic," the grand duke said with a smirk. "Very well, let's pay the temple a visit." "But my lord, the temple has also extended an invitation to the lady," Caleb hesitated, knowing the duke's protective nature towards her. "Dominic seems to know something," the grand duke said, his voice tinged with suspicion as he tapped his fingers on the table. "When is the date?" "Tomorrow morning at 9 am," Caleb replied. "Alright, I'll talk with Elen and the kids," the grand du
The grand duke watched Elen as she held the necklace delicately in her hand, her fingers brushing against the silver chain. He could tell she was treasuring it, as if it meant a lot to her. Elen seemed uneasy, and the grand duke could sense there was more to it. He wanted to ask, but he didn't want to pressure her. "Don't worry, no one can hurt you," the grand duke reassured her. "Your brothers will come, too." Elen looked relieved. "Yes, grand duke," she said softly. After switching the subject, she left the grand duke's office feeling much better. In her bedroom, she finally felt at ease. "Hey, Lady!" Rami called out to Elen, who was seated on her bed, her gaze fixed on her hand as if lost deep in thought."Huh?" Elen responded, a look of confusion on her face."You've been staring at your hand for a while now since you got in here," Rora remarked, busy sorting through her wardrobe."Really?" Elen said absentmindedly. "Rami, the duke and I are visiting the temple tomorrow. What d
The much-awaited day for Elen has arrived. This marks the second time she will meet the Duke of Windsor and her first encounter with the high priest. Rami and Rora were already tending to her clothes and hair, which would transform her into a little princess of Adelstein. She was dressed in a pink puff dress with two buns in her hair, complemented by pink shoes and a pink bunny bag."Congratulations on becoming an official member now, my lady!" Rora exclaimed, her hands skillfully weaving through Elen's hair."It's not official yet," Elen replied, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of her lips."I'm sure the grand duke will make it happen," Rora insisted, casting a knowing gaze at Elen. "The grand duke dotes on you the most."Elen simply smiled at Rora's innocent belief. She knew the truth behind the grand duke's affections—her powers were what he truly sought, just as she sought his resources. They were bound by mutual need, their relationship a delicate balance of power and mani
In a beautiful room filled with fancy decorations and twinkling candles, the important people were having a serious discussion. The grand duke of Adelstein, the duke of Windsor, and a high priest were all there, and you could feel the tension in the air, especially coming from the grand duke."Grand duke of Adelstein, do you know that the duke of Windsor wants to adopt the lady first?" The high priest looked directly at the grand duke as he asked the question.The grand duke looked back at the high priest and said slowly, "No, but the lady chose me.""You made her choose you!" the duke of Windsor interrupted, trying to get the high priest to agree with him.The grand duke looked defiant as he replied, "Did you see me making her choose?" His voice sounded challengingly, as if he was daring anyone to prove him wrong."Okay, okay," the high priest said, watching the annoyed look on the duke of Windsor's face and the relaxed attitude of the grand duke of Adelstein. "The lady seemed to have
Elen and the twins slipped away, leaving the high priest and their father to talk alone. They made their way to the garden to while away the time playing. When Elen noticed Chiara trailing her out of the corner of her eye, she didn't mention it to her brothers."Brother, I'm going to wash my hands at the fountain," Elen said to her brothers."Want me to come with you?" Elliot asked."No, don't worry, brother," Elen replied, flashing a smile."Okay, I'll go and check on father," Elliot said, giving Max a pat on the back to keep an eye on Elen. Elen grinned at her brothers' interaction and walked over to the fountain. As she reached the fountain, she saw Chiara following her from a distance, and a feeling of unease settled in her stomach."What do you want?" Elen said, as she saw Chiara peeking from behind the wall."Oh, I was found," Chiara chuckled, stepping out in front of Elen. "So, you are the orphan that my father wants."Elen just stared at her. She thought that Chiara was still
Elen felt a surge of relief as she realized she could now face Chiara without fear, knowing she had her family by her side to support her. It was a temporary comfort, but it meant she could stand and fight alongside them. As Elen made her way to the grand duke's carriage, she spotted her brothers waiting for her. The tension of the impending confrontation with Chiara was palpable, but the sight of her brothers waiting for her bolstered her spirits."Ellie!" Elliot's voice rang out as he waved her over.Elen felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth as she responded, "Why are you still here, brother?""We're waiting for you," Elliot said, offering her a reassuring smile as he guided her inside the luxurious carriage."Thank you," Elen said, her voice filled with gratitude as she settled onto the plush seat, her eyes meeting her brothers' kind gazes.Elliot swiftly mounted his horse and took his place alongside the grand duke's knights as the carriage began its journey. Elen instinct
As Lucas and his mother journeyed from a faraway land, they fell into the clutches of the imperial family's knights. They were snatched and held captive in a desolate castle, far from the grandeur of the imperial castle. Lucas found himself confined to a barren room, with no one permitted to keep him company except during meal times."Mom, where are you?" Lucas implored as he gazed out the window.A week had passed since their abduction. Lucas awoke each day to find his mother absent. He called out for help, but his pleas echoed unheard through the empty corridors. With no knowledge of their whereabouts, one thing remained certain: the imperial family was responsible for their plight. The imposing figures of the knights, clad in the distinctive blue uniforms of the imperial family, served as a constant reminder of their captors' authority."Why did they kidnap us? What are their motives?" Lucas mused to himself, his mind swirling with questions. Suddenly, a man appeared at the door."W