18 Eighteen

18-Danielle

I don't know how long I've been inside the palace only that everyday seems to be more and more draggy. Its seems that all I've been doing this past few days is wake up and read books. A part of me feels a little guilty that I'm pretty much living off the royals and even if I do offer myself to work on something or anything, the lady maids won't allow it, courtesy of her highness of course, the royal Regent.

I know I should be glad that I'm only staying at my place with nothing else to do but read, eat and sleep. If this was my old life, I'd be partying! This is a dream come to life. But I'm not entirely in the comfort of my own place so I'll always be conscious of how I act.

Some days, either the Queen or the Royal Regent would invite me to join them in their offices just to have "tea" or they teach me stuff I'm not really sure what for. Other days, the twin princes, Prince Jude and John, would come visit me just so they could tease me with their cousin. Honestly, if it wasn't for them being royal, I would have already bump their heads to each other. But I must say, out of all the Prince's within the palace, both of them are the only ones who actually treats me a like a human, from day one up until now. Contrary to what the people thinks of the twins, they are actually nice. Playful, but they know when to act serious when needed. I actually feel comfortable whenever they are around, despite their constant teasing.

Aside from those events, Lori would also call me to check in or just gossip. She's been occupied with work that she hardly ever has the time to go home and rest. She told me that her job is doing so well since her boss trusts her so much now that she's doing everything to stay in his good eye. As far as I know her boss is quite a hunk so I have a feeling that she's doing all of this time consuming job so she could impress her boss more. Lori did admit that she thinks her boss makes her professionally challenged so she's always pushing herself.

Though I'm positive that she's only making excuses to save herself from the humiliation of facing my constant teasing and suggestive comments. Even if I tease her about it, she won't admit to anything. She doesn't really like the idea of me having to tease her every chance that I get. In this friendship that we have, she often has the upper hand and i'm usually the receiving end. Its obvious that because of my introverted self and her being extra, she would always find something to tease me and sometimes its just the simple things. Though she may drive me crazy, she would always have my best interest at heart.

Michael did call me as well a few days ago just to inform me that he'll be visiting me soon. He was tasked to conduct a business negotiation here in Estrella so he'll be spending a lot of time in town. But of course according to him, its just his excuse to their council so that they won't be so suspicious about his visit. Since he is practically royal, he'll be staying inside the palace as well, like a guest.

This way, we'll both have a chance to meet and talk. Things may still be awkward between us but I'm also trying to accept this new reality in my life. Even if I keep on pretending that he doesn't exist or that I have a father that doesn't care, reality will just keep hunting me and that's just something I do not wish on me right now. I have enough worries on my plate and truth be told, I know that I still need them. They are the only family I have left.

Since I'm practically useless inside the palace, I decided to educate myself and refresh my mind with the history of Estrella. That is why, instead of walking around and admiring some scenery, I am at the royal library, gathering every book I could find that's related to the kingdom. Most of them are just records of the past generations success and failures, their contributions and personality. And often, this old records would also have the decisions made by the forefathers, as well as their unforeseen adolescence.

It is still early in the morning so there's not much of a soul in the library. Aside from me and Lady Klara, the librarian, I haven't seen anyone else. Which is a good omen for me because I have the whole library for myself and I’ll be able to focus on my own, with no one else following or watching my every more and no one to bother me at my small reverie. I may sound paranoid, but I’m not. There are days that I just feel like I’m always being watched. Like if I do something crazy, and someone might just appear out of the blue. So just being alone in the library makes me calm.

Some of the books I'm reading are the same old literatures we used to study back in university. This are just some old stories of how brave the forefathers are and their expeditions to many places. Though they are interesting and what we can call heroic. Some of this stories would always sugarcoat the truth behind the past.

As a student, some of my professors would commend me for being tactless with my opinion, not because they hated the books of the past but because for generations, students would be so scared to say their true thoughts about the books and would always write praises for how great they were written. Just imagine reading the same comments from your students for generations then you finally encounter a student that completely ignores this trend and goes crazy with her opinion. You’ll get excited to. This is why I've always received a high remark back in university and good thing that I didn't really get into trouble for writing my true thoughts. Guess this is also one other thing that's great in Estrella, the freedom to speak your thoughts is always flexible.

The things about writing is, you can always alter any characters true personality or any of the situations outcome. Some story tellers in the old age would always have this constant fear that if they reveal anything that's demeaning to some of the nobles, they'd be imprisoned then put to death.

Its no secret as well that authors and story tellers in the old age are the greatest liar ever created. Some may do it for the sake of fame and richness, while others would do it out of fear. Nevertheless, its just human nature. though there may be some works of the past that are true and cruel but those works were either buried or burned by nobles who wished for their secrets to be kept hidden forever. Some of those works were somehow recovered by some scholars, but up to this day, no one has ever seen its contents. Due to the fact that they are old, they must be kept in a place that's suitable for its material.

Even with its negative view there is still beauty in writing and literature. Anyone can have the power to create their own world where they have the skill to create their own people, decide their personality and goals. They have this opportunity to make a world that's different from their own reality and back in the old days, some of the authors has this reason for writing their literary works.

Famine, poverty, racism, injustice and so many unruly situations would always inspire writers to create a world where people could relax and experience a life that's opposite to their reality. And its amazing how one author could do that. The skill to bring their readers to places and experience the beauty they have seen.

Maybe I was too engrossed with what I was reading that I didn’t notice someone was already hovering above me.

"Ah, the Riot of the Great Estrella Bridge, the decade where Lord Augnulius Eidenton managed to protect the kingdom by burning all his enemy as they get into the bridge. Looting hundreds of souls, innocent bodies and earning himself a statue of his face in the courtyard "The stranger approached my side, looking at the book that I was reading. I look up to see who he was but just like what I said he is a stranger to me and he doesn't look like someone who is part of the royal family. Judging by his rolled up sleeves and tossed hair, he could be a scholar whose been stuck inside the library for days. He looked at me through his low spectacles then he went back to looking at the books piled in my desk. "I would ask if you're a scholar of the kingdom but your clothes says otherwise, so if the news I receive are true, I'm going to guess your the lady that's been invited to the palace by the royal family?"

I immediately stood up as I was being addressed and lowly bowed my head just incase he is someone important in the palace and needs to be respected.

"My name is Danielle, my Lord" I humbly answered.

"A fellow lover of literature should never bow to someone who is equally lover himself" He stated before tapping my shoulders to make me look back to him "I'm Lord Aries Dayious, its nice to meet you Lady Danielle." He offered a solemn smile and because of that, the lines on his forehead became visible.

"Likewise my Lord." I bowed again before smiling to the random person. Since he is a Lord, so he must be some high ranking official or a rich noble and his last name sounded so familiar but I just can't remember where I heard it before.

"You seem to be engrossed with our kingdoms history. I've read every page that's in here. If you're curious about something, you can just ask me instead of reading all this books and wasting your time" he then raised his hand to adjust his low spectacles so he could see me clearly.

I'm not really here looking for answers, I'm just here to learn. That's all.

"I don't really have a question my lord. Only that, I wanted to refresh my knowledge about the kingdom and maybe learn another thing about it. I would never think of reading as a waste of time, they’re my hobby my Lord" I politely answered, I was afraid that he might feel offended that I was rejecting his offer and that I was even answering like I was offended by what e said. But fortunately, he instead gave a genuine smile before he again look through my set of books.

He grabs the book about the Fall of the three pillars before looking at me. I already know what it contains since I did use that book as my last requirement back when I was still studying.

The Fall of the three pillars was written after the war of the sects. It was during the time of King Vincent Kristus Eidenton, third King to ever rule the North Kingdom. He ruled the kingdom with greed and negligence that his own council and people revolted against him.

Estrella used to have 21 districts, three of this would comprise a single sector which would help the Kingdom at all cause, so back then we used to have at least seven sectors . In the older days, each of this Sectors would be headed by one of the richest nobles who swore an oath to protect and serve the kingdom at all cost.

King Vincent was the youngest among the Eidenton siblings and heirs. As per custom, the first born son of the current King and Queen should inherit the throne, but during those times, the eldest, Prince Phillip John Eidenton, had pledge his allegiance to the church and has devoted his life to serving the altar so that gave a way for Prince Vincent to rise up and take the throne. According to eye witnesses, King Vincent as a young Prince would always have this desire to take what is owned by others. He enjoys taking away the things the are loved by some, they even say that the young Prince would laugh each time he sees someone suffering or getting lonely after he steals the things he desire. He coveted many women, places and even the throne.

So when he was finally ruling the kingdom, famine and poverty became its greatest enemy. His people would always demand an audience with him but he would often reject those request then he'll throw this huge parties with all the food and all the wine he could get. He would boast about it to the whole kingdom, letting his people know how much of a dick he is... I mean a rich person he is. He ignored countless of protests and would always do whatever he likes, so when the people had enough, they attacked the sects.

The people bravely formed their forces and planned the greatest battle ever recorded in all of Estrella's history. As a warning to their King. They burned down and destroyed nine sectors in a single night. Three districts were wiped out of the Kingdom and every family that's been serving those sectors was either murdered or burned , not even sparing the children to continue their blood line. Some of those people who died were innocent and yet because of their King, they were unjustly killed. Not that their King even cared, since when King Vincent learned about the attack. He didn’t even spare his men to look for any survival nor investigate those who conducted the massacre.

That's why the book was titled the Fall of the three pillars, because after the destruction of the three districts, districts that once protected the kingdom, they were never brought to life again. After King Vincent abdicated his throne to his Son, King Justus Cesari, he proclaimed that as a reminder to the next generation of Kings and a respect to those who were sacrificed during the rebellion, they will never rebuild the sectors but instead make it as a place for mourning and reflection. That proclamation was of course eradicated after a few decade because the land where the three district used to stand was rich in minerals and thus needed for the economy of the kingdom. That land became the mining field and up until now it is still one of the things that keeps the Kingdom from drowning.

"You don't have a question but I do. I wonder if you'll be willing to reply?" Lord Aries asks while he seriously looks at me waiting for my response. I'm not really sure what he is thinking and what his question may be but I'm quite sure that if its related to the book he's holding then I'll be able to answer without second guessing. I know the book from cover to cover.

"If its about the book my Lord, then please, be my guest" I responded with again, a polite and respectful demeanor.

"This book contains the crucial moments of Estrellas past. Back in the day, women are not as free as they used to now" He was gentle and calm as he mentions the unruly truth of how women are viewed back in the day. "They were not seen as equal and they were never permitted to learn anything aside from serving the men of the kingdom. No women could read nor write so when this book was discovered and released to the people, it was questioned by many due to the fact that the author was a women. K.A is a woman and what she wrote may have led the revolt. But of course that is still not proven but possible"

Lord Aries pauses to analyze my reaction but as I was listening to him, I don’t dare expose myself in front of someone who is still a stranger and a Lord of the kingdom. He speaks of how the ladies back then were treated and this is not the first time I’m hearing about it. Its been known from generation to generation, that women are just tools for men. Back in the day, ladies of the court are gathered from every direction, piling them in a single place so that when any of the men would wish to satisfy themselves, they’ll have a variety of beauties to choose from. Liberty is only given to those women that are born in the royal bloodline or the blood line of any of the high ranking officials. It was tormenting, scandalous and unforgivable.

Only when Queen Julianna Louise Eidenton sat on the throne did everything changed. She is the first ever Queen to ever rule the kingdom on her own, she is the second child and a sister to King Justin II. But because of an incurable illness, King Justin II passed away, leaving an heir that's only a year old. So to secure the throne and the bloodline. Queen Julianna stepped up and took the responsibility of manning the throne until her brothers son gets old enough to take the sit. Of course there were so many official against her but she firmly fought for her rights. She did not only rule but she also united every ladies of every nation to support and establish their rights as a human being and as an equal to men.

She happens to be one of my favorite ruler because of all the things she did and sacrifice for the sake of her family, the kingdom and the ladies of the court. She’ll forever be a legend.

“You don’t have to be so gentle with facts Lord Aries. I’m not so petty.” I smiled as I patiently wait for his question.

“Well then. If that's so, I’m a little curious. Should you be able to answer then you might just help me with my little dilemma.” He points at the chair in front of him, urging me to sit . I awkwardly followed and waited for him to continue. “You’ve seen and read the book, and you know how the past defined women and how they are all treated. In your opinion? Would you have done the same thing as the others? Would you also write everything that you have heard and seen knowing that your life is in danger?”

There was a lot of scholars who asked the same question before, only because they actually question the fact that ladies are now capable of speaking their ideas and not putting up with their nonsense. Though that's not something new since there are still some scholars who wishes for women to just be their toys. But we are in a century, a generation that needs women. Some of us are practically born with the capacity to lead, it would be a waste of talent if we’ll keep on fearing men.

“Before I answer your question Lord Aries, would any men given a chance to learn words and write, give up an opportunity to write?” Lord Aries finds my question amusing since he smiled without any form of reservation.

“I think not” he answered while still smiling.

“So does women my Lord! K.A. was given a chance to learn, a chance that could probably spark a change during that era. And quite frankly, if it wasn’t for what she did, we wouldn’t even know how cruel King Vincent’s time was. He played a sick game with his subjects life on the line. Women, women suffered so much that their only way to survive was to learn, to strive. Men pushed women. So yeah. If what I know and see could help the people, may it be the present or the future. Then I’ll write. The words I spoke or write might become the knife that kills me one day but if my honesty becomes the reason for my death, then I won’t have any regrets” I confidently answered “Knowledge is not limited to one gender my Lord. Its shouldn’t be something so trivial to many as well. We are all privileged to learn. We are after all, equal when it comes to knowledge." I calmly stated.

I must have said so much and stepped my boundaries because Lord Aries was analyzing me like a hawk. I never felt so conscious until now. I should have been careful with every word that I said, what if he's actually testing me. Knowing if I'm in any form of a danger to the Kingdom. He might be thinking I'm here because I wanted to harm the royal family just like Price Luke and Prince Luis did. Thought he did ask for an honest answer so I'm just basically giving him one.

Lord Aries then chuckles a little louder than one should do inside a library so I awkwardly looked around afraid that we were getting any attention but just like how I came in earlier, the place is still desolated.

"You my lady, are going to places" He reluctantly stood up "Welcome to the palace Lady Danielle, I have a feeling we'll get along just right so if you ever find yourself confused, feel free to visit me anytime" Lord Aries then excuses himself while smiling, leaving me perplexed. He told me to come and visit him if I ever get confused, well I already am so should I just go and follow him. Now he's a weird Lord, that I have to say.

I cleaned up after my unsolicited talk with Lord Aries, I was afraid I might encounter another Lord that's just equally uncanny as he was or worse. I still don't want another trouble befalling my way so before it happens, I'll just swiftly move away from it.