Chapter 14

As everyone left quietly, Petra glanced at one of the maids beside her to bring Laverna. The maid asked Laverna to come for a few minutes, so she waved as she left, "I'll catch up with you later." While she was walking, she pondered why Petra had decided to speak to her after all this time. She desperately wished to distance herself from all the evening's troubles and problems.

"Who is this girl with you, Laverna? You seem close," Laverna replied with extreme politeness and respect. "This is Princess o-, Prince Achil's concubine. Our kingdoms were neighboring, so we met often, Your Highness." Petra appeared more at ease and curious. "Oh, this is the girl Achil was seen sleeping with," she thought, pronouncing his name without any respect, but no one dared to correct Petra.

Yuana looked curiously around as she made her way, trying to familiarize herself with this complex palace. She caught sight of Athina, who was walking happily and joyfully, like a young girl living her dreams. It was both a happy and unsettling sight at the same time. Yuana's thoughts didn't linger; she quickly refocused. Although she desperately wished to retreat, her feet froze, and a strong feeling told her that this was a moment she had to seize.

It was a matter of life or death to run in front of Athina, relying on unreliable expectations. If she succeeded, she would survive, but if she made a mistake, her situation could worsen. Yuana whispered to herself, "We did it with the Emperor; Athina is just an easy opponent." Yuana ran, her hair dancing behind her, her hands clutching her white robes, and she stood in front of Athina.