I stood watching as guests entered and names were called out: Lord Ellsworth, Lord Balrict, Lady Yenn, Lord this and Lady that the names continued as noble after noble entered fake smiles and grins. Disgust contorted my face as I sneered as they didn’t mask their envy towards the crown.  They were greeted by towering marble columns adorned with intricate carvings of tales long lost, their surface gleaming under the soft glow of magic chandeliers floating carelessness beneath the freshly finished painting of the war with the Dragons. The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of the live orchestra that played beside me. Another chandelier floated by obscuring my view. The music weaved between the bodies and space, adding to the sickening joy of the nobles.

The vast expanse of the ballroom floor stretched out beneath me, their richly clad bodies dancing on the polished floor. A sea of red below me as bodies moved gracefully gliding across in synchronized steps. If only father knew where his loyal aristocracy lay. 

Clusters of plush velvet couches and intricately carved wooden chairs provided comfortable seating for guests to rest however their respite was used for deals and secret trading. 

At one end of the ballroom, stairs where her father would enter and the dance would begin in earnest. Above, towering windows stretched from floor to ceiling, their panes adorned with intricate designs of the royal kings in history staring down at the cesspit of over indulgence.

I watched as my target entered. “Lord Verdanzia the Second and his graceful wife Lady Verdanzia,” two figures dressed completely in red stood at the top of the stairs entrance. They gracefully entered the room, the pinnacle of greed.

"Susan, fetch the evidence," I commanded, my voice laced with simmering anger as I prepared for the impending confrontation. With a determined stride, I made my way down to the grand foyer, my heart pounding with loathing. As I approached the ballroom entrance, an usher hesitated at the sight of me, torn between duty and allegiance.

"Ceras, take a break," a voice called out behind me, dripping with false sweetness. The usher scurried away, clutching his magical crystal tightly and with it the possibility of being announced. My fists clenched at my sides as I struggled to contain the seething resentment bubbling within me. "Princess Seraphina," the voice continued, drawing out the final syllable of my name with calculated malice. "Where is your escort, dear sister?" I whirled around, ready to unleash my pent-up fury upon her.

As I turned, all eyes fell upon me and my sister, Princess Elaira, who stood there with a wicked grin, her arm intertwined with that of Lucien Fenier, once my most trusted friend and protector. I tried to catch his eye, but he avoided my gaze with practiced ease, further fueling the flames of my rage. Elaira's grin widened, relishing in my turmoil. She skipped by me with glee only pausing enough to kiss my cheek. “Don’t forget to say happy birthday to my Grandfather,” she hissed and danced away the curtains parting to reveal the couple.

“Princess Seraphina,” A few ladies called to me and I brushed them off as I followed, catching Susan nodding off from the wings. I entered the ballroom suddenly feeling in control for the first time.

---

Seraphina's stomach churned with disgust as the final scenes unfolded before her eyes, mirroring the grim fate outlined in the ominous letter. Despite her efforts to shut off the video, the screen stubbornly remained, revealing a series of additional clips, each culminating in the same outcome. It was as if the Verdanzia family held an advantage at every turn, outmaneuvering her at every opportunity.

Each video detailed different paths to her imprisonment, while they were at different times over different things. The only similarity was the Verdanzia family; they were the ones always there with grinning faces closing the door. The video that had gotten her into this mess was the most mundane, the Princess had somehow tied the staff that had left, to a known spy ring and blamed Lord Verdanzia as keeping an eye on the Royal Family. Obviously, the Lord had refuted that and claimed harassment from the Royal Family causing her imprisonment.

“Damn it,” she banged her fist on the marble table, she was in a den of vipers and the Verdanzia family were the most venomous. She imagined her father and all the men surrounding him, each client and event she was forced to go to. “So be it,” a flame of determination began to burn. They miscalculated her, she had always lived like this being the illegitimate daughter of the Godfather of crime. She turned her attention to the second letter opening it up.

My daughter dearest,

I know I haven’t heard a response, but I would love to wish you a belated Happy Birthday. I know that it falls during your imprisonment but I want to make that up to you instead. Ask for anything a Birthday wish only I can provide to you!

Your father, King Aldrich

270 EV

A smile crept up her lips. This would be a blessing and something she would have to use soon. She opened the rest of the letters.

Dear Princess,

I hope this missive reaches you in the best of spirits. It is with great anticipation that I reach out to propose a meeting between us at your earliest convenience. There is a matter of significant importance that I believe would greatly benefit from your esteemed attention and insight.

I am confident that the venture I wish to discuss will be of mutual benefit. Your expertise and wisdom would be invaluable in shaping the course of our collaboration.

Please let me know a time and place that suits you, and I shall make all the necessary arrangements. I eagerly await the opportunity to further elaborate on this matter.

With warmest regards,

Cecilia Ravecrest

Seraphina read the letter, putting it off to the side. In some of the videos she watched there was a young woman who would wear the same broach as the seal. In the videos this woman would sometimes support her or the Verdanzia family, either way she would hang in the shadows of the ballroom or court. She would be hard to forget as she was one of few aristocrats with animal ears sticking out of their heads. Large tawny bunny ears with golden chains hanging off them and blending into brownish blonde hair were the most memorable. I want to hear what she has to say, she thought moving onto the next set of letters were from Lucien Fenier.

My Dearest Princess,

I trust this letter finds you in good health. Allow me to convey to you the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between the Toman Empire and the Jecheonguk Theocracy.

The situation remains tenuous, yet I am pleased to report that our recent endeavors have met with success. Through cunning strategy and bold maneuvers, we have secured several victories against the forces of the Jecheonguk Theocracy. Our troops have proven themselves valiant and resolute, striking decisive blows against the enemy's ranks.

However, we must remain vigilant and steadfast in the face of adversity. The Theocracy's resolve remains unyielding, and they continue to muster their forces for further engagements. Though our recent triumphs have bolstered our morale, the road ahead is fraught with peril and uncertainty.

It is imperative that we remain ever vigilant and prepared to face whatever challenges may lie ahead. I shall continue to keep you apprised of any further developments in this matter. Rest assured, my loyalty to you and our kingdom remains unwavering.

Yours in secrecy and solidarity,

Lucien Fenier

Seraphina’s eyes widened as she opened the next.

My Dearest Princess,

I trust this correspondence finds you in the embrace of safety. It is with a heavy heart that I must relay the current state of affairs regarding the conflict between the Toman Empire and the Jecheonguk Theocracy.

Recent events have seen a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing war. While the Theocracy has made advances in certain regions, our forces have not faltered in their determination to defend Toman homeland. Through strategic planning and unwavering resolve, we have managed to hold our ground in some coastal towns.

The Theocracy's aggression knows no bounds, and they continue to deploy ruthless tactics in their quest for dominance. We must be prepared for a possibility of the Theocracy’s move to launch an attack on Valeria.

Rest assured, my loyalty to you and our kingdom remains steadfast and unwavering. I hope to write for a better update.

Yours in secrecy and solidarity,

Lucien Fenier

Rapt with attention she opened the third and final letter from Lucien.

My Dearest Princess,

I write to you with a heavy heart, burdened by news of a recent tragedy that has befallen our kingdom.

It is with great sorrow that I must inform you of a devastating attack on Seastone. Under the cover of night, enemy forces launched a ruthless assault, catching our defenses off guard and inflicting significant damage upon the city. I write this to inform you of my failure to uphold the serious task you left with me and my knights. The streets once bustling with life and commerce now lie in ruin, the once proud structures reduced to rubble and ash.

As your loyal servant, I have been working tirelessly to coordinate rescue and relief efforts, providing aid to the injured and displaced, and striving to restore order amidst the chaos. I however ask for an advance on your support this month. Our priority now is to secure the city. The King of Toman will be sending a few men our way but he has his own battle with his troops on way to Jecheonguk and I will go with them to support the best I can.

Please know that you are foremost in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Your unwavering leadership and guidance are a beacon of hope for us all.I will continue to keep you informed of any developments as they arise. Until then, may the light of hope shine upon us and guide us through the darkness.

With deepest sincerity and devotion,

Lucien Fenier

Her mind raced with the influx of new information, swirling thoughts painting a clearer picture of the kingdom's intricate landscape. With a deep breath, she cast her gaze beneath the letters, discovering a trove of financial records. These documents hinted at her past methods of maneuvering funds, yet they bore dates before her imprisonment. 

As hunger gnawed at her stomach and a persistent headache throbbed between her temples, she could do no more tonight while everyone slept. Snagging Lucien's letters and the financial records, she tucked them securely into the folds of her robe. With purposeful steps, she made her way to her bedroom, pushing open the door.