Irelina gracefully wore the off-white elegant dress that the regent gifted her. The low updo hairstyle that Ella braided showed her refined jawline and neckline. There were a few golden hairpins inserted in between her braids. The dress makes her skin tone bright and clear like a fairy lady. She almost looks like the goddess of beauty with a final touch of Renaissance pearl amber gold earrings and necklace, which makes her appearance more enchanting and enticing.

Irelina then stared at the wooden box on her table while Ella applied natural makeup to her glowing skin.

“Ella, would you mind getting me a glass of water?” 

“Sure, Lady Irelina. I will come back then,” said Ella and she went out.

Irelina took a spare needle out of her drawer. 

I don’t know why Father left this important box to Ella. I feel like they kept many secrets about me and this veil. This is just a hunch, but I don’t feel good about this. Whatever it is, I hope Father’s letter will give me some answers.

She pricked her left pointer finger and squeezed until three droplets of her blood dropped on the eyeball mirror. She heard a faint click sound. The box unlocked and opened itself. There was a small jewellery box and an envelope attached to it. She took the jewellery box and the envelope out and read the letter first. Father’s writing is always as neat as he is. A fragment of memory Irelina remembered. 

To our dearest Irelina,

You have now come of age. Your mother and I are proud of what you have become. The little angel we used to carry and play with has finally grown into a remarkable young lady. Your mother bestowed this gift for you. It is imbued with a strong protection spell to brawl against evil once you remove your veil. You can finally show your face to everyone, my little one. It must have been hard for you, so your mother poured her heart and soul into making this bracelet. It has the same effect as the black veil and the same purpose not to take it off. You will find the answers in your mother’s diary, but I hope Ella was able to find it. 

Live your life, Irelina. We love you always as good as gold, like your golden eyes.

Father & Mother

Irelina’s heart mourned and droplets of her tears touched the parchment letter. She held and caressed it softly onto her chest. 

I know they’re not my real parents. My parents died a long time ago during the political war. Irelina clasped her hand and gently closed her eyes, feeling the fleeting memory of her as a child, as Iris, But…if it’s alright, I wanted to say, Father, Mother, I missed you so much. I wish you were here with me right now to see how strong your daughter has become. 

She gently wiped her tears so, as not to ruin the makeup Ella had applied. Her gaze of hope is coming to life. Did Ella find my Mother’s diary? I hope she did. I’ll ask her once this party is over. For now, let’s focus on tonight’s party. I’m sure the culprit will be present among the crowds. 

Her stoic expression.

She opened the small box and saw a golden Celtic knot infinity bracelet embedded with medium-sized gold gemstones. But seeing through the gold gemstones,  a red liquid round shape looked stagnant in the center. Strange… she thought. Her eyes reacted to its presence as if it recognized its master’s blood. 

She wore the bracelet, and a stung sensation felt on her right wrist. She flinched from the prick and mumbled, “What was that?” adding, “It’s beautiful…I can finally remove the veil and see my face in the mirror.” 

Her heart pounded rapidly. 

Why do I suddenly feel so nervous? She thought and at the same time, felt excited to remove the veil. She wants Ella to be the first person to see her face. However— I have to wear my veil back before going to the party. The night is going to be full of surprises. 

She smirked, staring at the bracelet.

Ella came with a glass of water.  

“Ella, stay where you are,” Irelina said.

Ella wondered, “Huh? Why, Lady Irelina?” 

“I want you to be the first person to see this,” said Irelina. 

She slowly removed the veil, facing her back towards Ella. 

Ella felt nervous, awaiting what she was about to see.

“Once, I turned around. Can you please tell me what I look like?” 

“Of course, Lady Irelina.” 

Thump-bump, thump-bump, thump-bump…

Ella was nervous and felt butterflies in her stomach. 

Irelina gracefully turned around without the veil and steadily opened her eyes. The simplicity of her smile made Ella astonished and speechless. 

En-chantress??? Ella was mesmerized.

“Tell me…what do I look like, Ella?” Irelina tilted her head, adding, “Eh…why are you drooling?” 

Irelina’s pure beauty of innocence—a beauty that will weaken and control a man’s heart—a beauty that will either bring chaos or obsession with possession to one’s hand will become her greatest weapon. 

But it isn’t. 

It is something more than just a beauty. 

Irelina crossed-waved her open palms towards Ella, “Hello… Ella? Say something…” 

Ella shook her head. “Lady Irelina, you look—”

“Look what? Say it. You’re worrying me.” Irelina felt a sudden rush in her heart.

Ella gulped, “You look like a goddess.” 

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Irelina was confused. What the heck is she spouting about? Can she just spill it out? Geez, I am about to pee here because of anxiety.

“My apologies for my nonsense, Lady Irelina…but…but…you look very, very, very beautiful,” said Ella as her eyes beamed, clasping her hands below her chin.  

Irelina held her face, “Really? You’re not joking, right?” 

“How can I tease you when it’s true? You are indeed very beautiful, Lady Irelina.” Ella smiled to her heart's content. 

Irelina strolled, looked around and thought, Ugh…where’s the mirror? I need to see myself in the mirror. She looked disappointed. Dammit, no mirror at all. Wait! Am I turning into a stone once I see myself in the mirror without the veil? I must check it with my own two eyes. She slightly panicked.

I don’t think I’ll turn since I wear the bracelet now. 

Ella snapped and came back to her senses. 

“Oh, my goodness, Lady Irelina, you will be late to the party,” Ella exclaimed. 

Shit! I’m late! Irelina quickly put back her black veil but forgot to pin it well. Ella was confused, Why is she putting back the veil? 

While Irelina, with a resolved expression on her face, told herself, Let’s rock and roll—.

Ella accompanied her outside the Regent’s Palace. A carriage awaited her, and the regent was already at the party looking at the guests, sitting on the red seat. 

Meanwhile, a piece of splendid music played in the Golden Empire Hall to entertain the guests. All the nobles and aristocrats, along with their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and relatives, came to greet His Majesty, Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas, at his birthday celebration. The Emperors of the East, West, South, and North, along with their sons, were present at the event. The emperors sat on the left side, where Zeddrick was seated, while the concubines’ seats were on the right side, beside the regent seat. 

Standing from afar, Medicius was having a fine glass of wine. Some of the ladies introduced themselves to him, but he was not interested in them. On the other end, the concubines were busy attending to their relatives and aristocrat friends, viscounts, and barons as they laughed or smiled throughout their shared conversation. 

Unfortunately, Zeddrick was agitated and bored which kept other guests wary of approaching him. Hesitant to grace him with word of blessings. However, the regent seemed worried about something else as she looked for someone in the crowd. 

Zeddrick noticed her. 

“Whom are you looking for, mother?” He asked.

“Ah, no one, my son. I’m glad that almost everyone is here. By the way, I don’t see the Emperor of Horos around. Is he on his way?” The regent changed the topic.

“Not that I care, Mother. Devin said that the Emperor of Horos wouldn’t like to be accompanied and dare to find his way here,” Zeddrick’s tone was disinterested. 

The regent did not say anything but just looked ahead. She saw Medicius, who noticed her. They greeted each other by nodding, and one of the Viscounts came to greet His Majesty. 

“Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas, we greet you on your special day. My family wishes you good health and more prosperity in the Golden Empire.” Viscount Estefan Matteus said.

“Viscount Estefan Matteus, are you enjoying the party?” Zeddrick’s tone was insincere.

“Of course, we are enjoying your lavish celebration, Your Majesty,” the viscount’s slyly grinned.

“Very well…move along—” Zeddrick waved his hand because the Viscount's face was an eyesore before him. 

The viscount felt humiliated and just moved his way to the crowd. 

When Irelina arrived at the Golden Empire Palace, she walked through the stairs and found herself lost in the dim hallway. 

“Great! Now I’m lost and so damn late to the party. The regent must be looking for me by now. Why on earth built such a big maze palace.” She mumbled and furrowed her brows, holding her long skirt with her two hands.

She moved along and looked around. 

Suddenly, a strong wind blew her black veil off her head. Her cheeks felt the cold touch of the wind while her veil flew towards the center-open garden where the bright night sky shone a big sculptured angel water fountain. The moon became its garden moonlight and glimmered the freshly bloomed flowers. 

Irelina felt a little distress as she wandered around looking for the veil. Where did my veil go? Where is it?! I should have pinned it well… until she saw the open garden—an eye-catching night blooming scenery. 

Irelina was fascinated by the lovely flowers waving their petals and leaves from the soft gust of wind in a circular arrangement, surrounding the statue of a humongous angel under the beautiful moon ray. Her glossy eyes were thrilled by it as she strolled, “They look so pretty,” she muttered.