The grand hall was alive with music and chatter as Princess Kalythra entered the event, her regal presence demanding attention. Dressed in shimmering gold and deep red, her dark aura was a contrast to the elegance surrounding her. Beside her, Rihira and Marei followed like shadows, each eyeing the other with barely concealed hostility. Kalythra gracefully accepted the greetings of nobles, her smirk curling at the corners of her lips as she relished in her power.

Valaia, a server for the night, moved silently among the guests, her sharp eyes never leaving the princess. She watched the two servants with keen interest, noticing the tension between them. A secret fury simmered beneath their poised exteriors. As the night went on, Rihira and Marei exchanged hostile glances, their rivalry intensifying. Finally, Rihira couldn’t take it anymore, and with a venomous glare, she slipped away to a secluded corner. Marei followed swiftly.

In the shadows, Valaia observed them, her intrigue piqued. The moment they were alone, all pretence was dropped. 

“You’ve ruined everything!” Rihira hissed, her voice low but seething with rage. She lunged at Marei, her nails digging into Marei’s face, leaving deep, angry scratches. Marei retaliated with a sharp slap, tearing at Rihira’s dress, exposing her skin. Their fight was brutal, each strike driven by jealousy and desperation. They clawed at each other, ripping clothes, pulling hair, and leaving bloody marks behind.

Marei laughed darkly between the blows. “It’s not my fault you couldn’t keep her attention. Maybe if you weren’t so useless, the princess wouldn’t have needed me.”

Rihira’s eyes flashed with fury. “You just walked in and destroyed everything I had! You’ve always been a snake.”

They exchanged blows again, Marei’s smirk never fading, even as blood dripped from the corner of her mouth. “The princess doesn’t need a whimpering fool like you.”

From the shadows, Valaia watched with cold amusement, her eyes gleaming at the scene unfolding before her. The intensity, the raw emotion—they intrigued her. However, her attention was soon drawn elsewhere. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kalythra silently approach. The princess had caught sight of the brawl, but her attention was now on Valaia. 

With a quiet, menacing grace, Kalythra crept up behind the assassin. Without warning, she touched Valaia’s shoulder, her magic coursing through her fingers. Valaia’s world went dark as she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

Kalythra stepped over her and approached her two dishevelled servants. They hadn’t noticed her arrival, too consumed by their hatred for each other. As Kalythra listened to the vicious words they hurled at one another, her displeasure deepened.

Finally, with a cold voice, she interrupted, “Is this how you serve me?”

Both Rihira and Marei froze, their faces pale and bloodied, before dropping to their knees in front of the princess. They were dishevelled, their clothes torn, blood on their faces and bodies trembling in fear. 

Kalythra looked down at them with disdain. “I don’t need servants who can’t control themselves.” She waved her hand, and dark shadows erupted from the floor, engulfing them both. They screamed, their bodies swallowed by the black magic, leaving the room eerily silent once more.

Satisfied, Kalythra turned to the unconscious girl lying on the floor. She crouched beside Valaia, gently cupping her face. A slow, delighted smirk spread across her lips as she admired the assassin’s beauty, her mind already spinning with possibilities.

“You’re the perfect replacement for my rude servants,” she murmured to herself. “I wonder how you’ll sound beneath me…”

As Princess Kalythra returned to the bustling party, her dark aura seemed to draw attention and whispers followed her. She exchanged pleasantries with guests, her mind still lingering on the chaos she had left behind with Rihira and Marei.

Just then, her two brothers, Zarek and Zephyr, approached her, their expressions a mix of concern and amusement. Zarek, the elder brother, placed a hand on her shoulder. “Sister, how are you faring in all this chaos?” he asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I’m splendid, as always,” she replied, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Just enjoying the company of those who appreciate my presence.”

Zephyr laughed lightly. “You mean the ones who fear you?”

Before she could respond, their father, King Rahlon, approached them. He radiated authority and power, his presence demanding attention. “Ah, my daughter,” he said, turning to her with a proud smile. “I’d like you to meet a man of noble blood. This is Lord Aelion, a perfect match for you. His family’s standing could greatly benefit ours.”

Kalythra’s gaze shifted to Lord Aelion, a handsome man with a polished demeanour and striking features. He bowed slightly with a charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Kalythra. Your reputation precedes you,” he said, his voice smooth as silk.

She forced a smile, feigning agreement with her father’s ambitions. “The pleasure is mine,” she replied, her voice lacking warmth. 

King Rahlon and her brothers exchanged knowing glances before departing, leaving Kalythra and Aelion alone. As soon as they were out of earshot, Kalythra’s smile faded, replaced by a cool, unreadable expression.

“Have I said something to displease you?” Aelion inquired, tilting his head slightly in confusion.

“Not at all,” Kalythra replied, her tone dripping with mockery. “In fact, there’s not a single feature on your body that pleases me, nor do I see you being useful to me in the future.” 

A laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cutting, as she watched his expression falter, a mixture of surprise and indignation crossing his face. 

Aelion stammered, “But—”

“Enjoy your evening, Lord Aelion,” she interrupted, her voice icy as she turned on her heel, leaving him standing there in disbelief.