The palace was quiet, with the dim light of the lamppost flickering in every corner. Everyone was sleeping soundly except for Irelina.
During the wee hours, Irelina would change into her improvised sportswear. She would start by stretching her body from head to toe, jogging in place, doing push-ups and more body stretching. She would continue her exercise with punching and kicking until her new body got used to it.
She maintained a well-balanced attribute while Medicius checked her condition every other day and gave her a strengthening potion for quicker recovery. Alternatively, Medicius would report to His Majesty about her current condition just as they planned.
In the emperor's study office.
“When will the Emperor of Horos arrive?” Zeddrick asked while signing an important petition.
“He will arrive in the morning on the day of your natal party, Your Majesty,” Devin said.
“Well, make sure you prepare everything he needs when he arrives. We will discuss the matter the next day since he’ll stay here for a while.” He commanded.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Devin agreed.
“What about the 9th Concubine?” He asked while scribing a document.
“What about her, Your Majesty?” Devin wondered.
“Any progress? What did Medicius say?” He politely asked.
“Ah, he checked her condition yesterday, and she is stable now,” Devin said.
“Good, let me know when she wakes up. I have some questions to ask her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Devin said.
Meanwhile, Regent Robina visited Irelina for an afternoon tea. Her servant was carrying a big white box.
“How’s your health, Irelina? Did Medicius give you enough strengthening potion?” She asked, holding her teacup.
“Yes. He looks after me very well, Regent Robina.” She said. She noticed the box carried by the regent’s servant. Irelina tilted her head to the right and added, “But may I know what that big box you brought for?”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Regent Robina said and called her servant.
The servant gave the box to Ella. She placed it beside Irelina and opened it. They were surprised. It was a beautiful, off-white, long silk gown. It was simple yet elegant and embedded with different sizes of golden crystals shaped like diamonds on the center of a refined soft cotton corset.
The corset was soft to the touch and attached to the long dress that would showcase the curve of her waist. The hidden zipper was at the back. The sleeves were made of a soft tulle almost like her skin tone—a delicate dress of a goddess and a set of jewelry—gold Renaissance earrings and a necklace. Irelina was impressed.
“This is very beautiful, Regent Robina. Thank you very much, even though you don’t need to.” She humbly said.
“That’s my present for your coming of age. It is elegantly simple to look at but an eye-catcher once you wear it. You have a well-defined body curve, Irelina.” She added, “I was a little disheartened when you said you wouldn’t attend, but I’m glad you’ve changed your mind.” Regent Robina smiled at her.
She smiled back behind her veil. “I will wear it gracefully, Regent Robina.”
The night before the emperor’s natal day and her coming of age, Ella came to see Irelina in her room carrying a wooden box and a small gift with her. She knocked and came in. She saw Irelina writing on a piece of paper on the table.
“Did I disturb you, Lady Irelina?”
She set aside the paper. “No, you’re not. Come in, Ella.” She stood, adding, “What is it?”
She noticed the wooden box and a white cloth wrapped with something.
“Ahm, I know you’ll be sad again if I mention your parents before tomorrow’s party. But—” Ella handed the wooden box. It was sealed, as she said, “Before we left Mercius, your father told me to give this box to you when you come of age…”
Irelina’s eyes widened.
“He said it's an important item you must wear once you remove your veil. He also left a letter inside and read it when you are ready.” Ella added.
Feeling nostalgic for the painful past, Irelina took the box and held it tightly. It didn’t have a locked key. In the center of the box, a small black ball, like a peephole, was attached.
Iris, now Irelina, felt a prick in her heart because the only family she knew was her best friend, Colleen. They lost their lives during the Fallon Operation. She was teary because she could no longer feel their warm, loving embrace again.
“I’m sorry, Lady Irelina. I should have just left the box here.” Ella’s tone was worried.
“No, it’s all right, Ella. This is the last memory and gift from my parents. I will treasure them forever in my heart.” Irelina said with a wistful smile.
Ella wanted to comfort her. And so, she also handed her a simple gift.
“Here, take this. This is my simple gift for you on your coming of age. I am truly grateful to you and your parents for keeping me beside you, Lady Irelina.” Ella smiled with a teary eye.
Irelina put the wooden box on her table and took the gift. She unwrapped it. It was a soft cotton handkerchief embroidered with her mother’s favorite African violet flowers and tiny butterflies surrounding it.
“Ella, this is very pretty.” She held Ella’s hand tightly, “Thank you, thank you very much. I carry this with me at the party.” Irelina smiled, and so did she.
Ella felt the warmth of Irelina’s hands. It was gentle and kind.
“By the way, how am I able to open the box? It’s sealed and has no key to unlock it.” Irelina asked.
“Oh, I should have said earlier how to open it. Your father said, three droplets of your blood in the keyhole will open the box.”
“Huh?” Irelina wondered and thought. Strange…but never mind.
“Do you want to open it now?” Ella asked.
“No, I’ll open it tomorrow before going to the party. Let’s sleep for now, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Again, thank you, Ella.” She smiled.
Ella smiled back. “Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow, Lady Irelina. Goodnight.”
***
The day has come in the Golden Empire of Verticulas. The natal day of Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas and acknowledging the 9th Concubine of the Golden Empire, Irelina Mercius, in which the regent has prepared. She prepared a memorandum to announce Irelina’s coming of age to the crowd. However, she didn’t know when Irelina would come to the party.
All the concubines were busy preparing themselves to look their best. They were assigned to welcome and accompany the aristocrats during the party. Of course, Dianthus will lead the concubines. The extravagant hall of the Golden Empire is highly decorated with expensive garlands, tables and chairs, and the orchestra stage for music to play.
The servants were busy setting the table clothes and serviettes, crystal glasses, and silverware spoons and forks. They also arranged the throne seats for the emperor and the regent. While everyone was occupied with the final preparation, the Emperor of Horos had finally arrived in a black carriage with his adjutant, Ephesius Calleus, and two skilled knights.
Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos went off the carriage in his daring and extravagant soft cotton black garment. The collar sleeves were embedded with rubies and showed off his well-defined chest. His wavy, long hazelnut hair was half-ponytailed. Enough to cover the patched eye. He was tan, tall, and handsome with masculine broad shoulders. His rare lavender eyes are spellbound and express intimidation.
Devin and his comrades gulped as they bowed and greeted the Emperor of Horos.
“Welcome to the Golden Empire of Vertifuclas, Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos.”
Sidañian smirked, and Devin could feel his aura like the wild, kingly beast in the forest.
“I’ll lead you to the guest palace, Emperor Sidañian. His Majesty will see you the next day after the party. I will come in the evening to accompany you to the party.” Devin politely said.
“No need. I can find my way to the party.” Sidañian furrowed and thought to himself. What an arrogant brat.
“As you wish, Emperor Sidañian.” Devin bowed again.
Sidañian fierce expression instilled a sense of dread in their gaze as he strolled toward the guest palace while Devin followed him from behind.
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