The palace was quiet, with the dim light of the lamppost flickering in every corner. Everyone was sleeping soundly except for Irelina who was looking forward to doing her indoor physical exercise. 

During the wee hours, Irelina would change into her improvised sportswear. She would start by stretching her body from head to toe. She would jog in place, 30 counts of sit-ups, and 30 counts of push-ups. The next thing she would do was do various dynamic stretches from torso twitching and walked lunge to quadriceps stretch to boost her agility and acceleration. 

After that, she would then continue with the boxer-puncher, and counter-puncher, imagining she has an opponent in front of her and kicking facing her cozy bed until her new body got used to it.  

For the remaining days before the big event, Irelina maintained a well-balanced attribute while Medicius checked her condition every other day and injected her with a strengthening potion for quicker recovery. Alternatively, Medicius would report to Devin about her current condition just as they planned to do so. 

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 party, Your Majesty,” said Devin. 

“Well, make sure you prepare everything he needs when he arrives. Let him know that we will discuss the urgent matter after the celebration since he’ll be staying here for a while.” 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”   

“What about the 9th Concubine?” Zeddrick asked, scribing his signature on a document.

“What about her, Your Majesty?” Devin wondered. 

“Any progress? What did Medicius say about her condition?” His tone was calm.

“Ah, Medicius checked her condition yesterday, and she is stable now. I believe she would wake up in no time, Your Majesty,” said Devin.

“Good, let me know when she wakes up. I have some questions to ask her.” 

Devin nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty,” 

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 was holding her teacup. 

“Yes. Medicius looks after me very well, Regent Robina.” Irelina 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,” the regent called her servant. 

The servant gave the box to Ella, and she placed it beside Irelina. Irelina opened the box. Irelina’s eyes sparkled. It was a beautiful off-white long silk gown dress. It was simple yet elegant and made from an ivory silk fabric—a refined soft cotton corset embedded with different sizes of golden gemstones shaped like diamonds embedded in the center boning of the corset, like buttons. 

The corset was soft to the touch and it was attached to the long dress that would showcase the curve of her waist. A hidden zipper was attached at the back. The sleeves were made of a soft tulle that was almost like her skin tone—a delicate dress of a goddess. 

The regent also prepared a set of jewelry—a Renaissance Pearl Amber Gold necklace and a pair of earrings. Irelina was impressed.

“This is very beautiful, Regent Robina. Thank you very much, even though you don’t need to.” She said humbly. 

“That’s my present for your coming of age. It is elegantly simple to look at, but it will be an eye-catcher once you wear it. You have a well-defined body curve, Irelina.” Regent Robina smiled, adding, “I was a little disheartened before when you said you wouldn’t attend, but I’m glad you’ve changed your mind.” 

Irelina smiled back behind her veil. “I will wear it gracefully, Regent Robina.”

***

The night before the emperor’s celebration and Irelina’s coming of age, Ella came to see Irelina in her room carrying a wooden box and a small gift from her. She knocked and came in. 

Irelina was writing a note on a piece of scented lavender paper.

“Did I disturb you, Lady Irelina?”  

Irelina 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 was surprised.  

“Your Father said it’s a very important item you must wear before you remove your veil. He also left a letter inside for you to read whenever you’re ready,” said Ella.

A pang of nostalgia pricked in Irelina’s heart. It was her painful past. She took the box and held it to her chest. Then, she looked at the box without a locked key. The center of the box had a small black peephole attached to it. 

Iris, who is now Irelina, reminisced about her past life in Gaia and her best friend, Colleen. She didn’t expect that they would lose their lives during the Fallon Operation. She was teary and hoped to hug them, even for a while, to 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. Thank you for giving it to me before my coming of age. I will treasure them forever in my heart.” said Irelina with a wistful smile. 

Ella wanted to hug her because she knew Irelina missed her parents—but she couldn’t. So, to show her gratitude, she also gave her a simple gift. 

“Here, I made this for you. It’s nothing fancy but I hope you’ll like it.” Irelina reached for the white cloth wrapped with the gift and Ella added, “I was thinking what to give you when you come of age. Since I started doing some embroidery…I thought I could give something simple.” Ella smiled while looking forward to Irelina’s reaction. 

Irelina slowly unwrapped the cloth. 

“I am truly grateful to you and to your parents for keeping me beside you, Lady Irelina,” said Ella, smiling with a teary eye.

Irelina’s eyes widened. It was a soft cotton handkerchief embroidered with her mother’s favorite African violet flowers, playfully surrounded with colorful butterflies. 

“Ella…this is very pretty.” She held Ella’s hand tightly, "Thank you…I’ll carry this with me to the party.” 

They smiled at each other. 

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.” 

“Oh, I should have told you earlier how to open it. Your father said three droplets of your blood in the keyhole would open the box.” 

“Huh?” Irelina wondered, Don’t they have a special key or something? 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, I’m a little tired. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ella.” Irelina smiled. 

Ella smiled back. “Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow, Lady Irelina. Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight, Ella,” said Irelina. 

When Ella left, Irelina placed the small box on the table. She somehow felt exhausted. She flopped on her cozy bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking about what would happen at the party tomorrow. 

Oh well…it is what it is. Let’s get to sleep. She slid into her bed and steadily closed her eyes for the night.

***

The day has come for the lavish celebration of Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas's Birthday and acknowledging the 9th Concubine of the Golden Empire, Irelina Mercius.

The servants were busy setting the tables for the emperors of the empires and the concubines' seats. They set and arranged table clothes, table napkins, crystal glasses, silverware, spoons, and forks. They also arranged the throne seats for the emperor and the regent.  

Regent Robina had prepared a memorandum to announce Irelina’s coming of age to the crowd. However, she didn’t know when Irelina would show up at the party. While 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 take the lead in ushering the other empire’s emperors while Yzabelle will welcome the continents, Dukes and Marquiss. 

The extravagant hall of the Golden Empire is highly decorated with expensive garlands, tables and chairs, and the orchestra stage for music to play. 

On the same day, the Emperor of Horos finally arrived in a black carriage with the Helleus crest. His adjutant, Ephesius Calleus, and two skilled knights who looked fierce in their all-black apparel, and purple robes. They all have the same long black hair, half ponytailed that showcased their well-defined jaws.

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 long wavy hazelnut hair was half-ponytailed, and few strands of hair were enough to cover the patch on his right eye. He was tan, very tall, and handsome with masculine broad shoulders. His rare spellbound amethyst eyes were fierce and bold.

Devin and his comrades gulped as they lined up, bowed and greeted the Emperor of Horos on both sides of the red carpet. 

“Welcome to the Golden Empire of Vertifuclas, Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos,” said Devin.

Sidañian impassive expression didn't utter a word. 

Devin could sense the Emperor of Horos' aggressive aura like the wild kingly beast in the forest. 

“I’ll lead you to the guest palace, Your Excellency. His Majesty will see you the next day after the party. I will come in the evening to usher you to the Golden Hall.” Devin said politely.

“No need. I can find my way to the party.” Sidañian furrowed, What an arrogant brat. Well…I’ll look forward to what they could offer me in return. He smirked.

Devin bowed, “As you wish, Your Excellency..” 

The rest were watching, listening and bracing with fear. Sidañian intimidating energy instilled a sense of dread in their gaze as he strolled toward the guest palace. 

Devin followed him from behind, averting his gaze to the right and slowly to the left.

His right-hand person and knights released an unpleasant vibe. I felt like at any moment, one of them would snap my head if I acted disrespectfully.