The Invitation

Shama stood up and said, "Be quite, please. I have one thing to make clear to all of you: I have no romantic relationship with Prince Rehan. I know that in the past, I used to pursue him, but I have realized that this was foolish. Naina is like my sister, and I regret harming her in the past. I have repented for all the wrong I have done to you all. But, I am going to start a new life as a responsible princess who will help my people prosper. I hope that you all understand and support me in this."

She spoke confidently and assertively.

"Let's leave the past and create a beautiful future together. After all we are one family."

All of the servants looked at her in awe. She stood before them like a goddess, her eyes holding determination and power. Everyone was shocked to see such a drastic change in her.

"Our princess has grown up," one of them said, wiping away her tears.

"This is all a bit dramatic, I think," Shanaya thought to herself, observing their expressions.

Everyone bowed down to her and shouted, "Hail to Princess Shanaya! We are all by your side."

Shanaya was taken aback for a moment but then a genuine smile painted her lips.

"Now, the meeting is dismissed. Everyone may go back to work," she said, clapping her hands as the staff started to leave one by one.

"Royal butler, please accompany me," she said, gesturing to him. The butler quickly followed her.

"You remember what I told you? Don't bother my brother too much. And hand over the invitation to tonight's ball. I'll be attending it. Also, Make the necessary preparations."

Shanaya had a poor relationship with society, so Shama decided to improve her rapport with everyone to solidify her position.

"And you told me that Prince Rehan is attending the ball, so Naina must be coming there too, right?" she asked, taking the invitation from the butler.

"Yes, Your Highness," the butler replied walking fast, trying to match her pace.

"Prepare a suitable gift to please them," she said.

"But miss, you said that..." the butler began, but Shama interrupted him.

"Dear butler, I want to give them the gift as a token of my apology for everything I have done to them. I have no ill intentions." She laughed as she said this.

The butler sighed with relief.

Shanaya returned to her room and read the invitation. Her eyes were drawn to the words

"Celebrating 75th Birthday of the Emperor."

Suddenly, her body began to shake as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her physical reaction was a testament to the fearful memories the emperor evoked in her subconcious mind.

The lifeless bodies of her parents appeared before her eyes. Shanaya's memories flooded into Shama's: her parents being murdered in front of her, blood pooling all around her as she cried and screamed for help, but no one came forward.

Shama opened her eyes, gasping for air as her whole body reacted badly to the trigger memory. She took deep breaths in and hugged herself while patting her own back, calming herself down.

After some 10-15 minutes she again reached out for the scroll.

"So, it's the emperor's birthday, is it?" she said, glaring at the invitation, her eyes depraved of any warm emotions.

She crumpled the paper in her hands. "I'll give you the best gift, Your Majesty. Just wait."

A cold look spread across her face, her eyes ablaze with vengeance.