Chapter 13: A Chilling Realization

As the rising sun painted the palace walls with a golden hue, Eternia awoke to the weight of a heavy heart. Since the King's unexpected visit, her world had spiraled into a maelstrom of torment. Her stepmother, Queen Alexa, unleashed a torrent of cruelty that grew ever more violent when she discovered Marcella's letters. 

"She's far from over," she murmured. 

"I'm informing the King," Adrian declared, his voice laced with poison and vengeance. Witnessing it—how Alexa "disciplined" her—fueled his hunger for vengeance and hatred. 

That night, Alexa discreetly summoned Eternia to one of her private chambers. The air was thick with tension as Eternia dared not utter a sound, knowing the consequences of defiance. In the dim light, Alexa's eyes gleamed with madness as she unleashed her fury upon the young princess, each strike of the whip accompanied by a deafening silence. Eternia endured the torment in silence until her legs could no longer support her weight. This merciless punishment continued for five harrowing nights until Alexa stumbled upon the letters penned by Marcella. The discovery only fueled Alexa's rage, leading her to inflict even more severe punishments upon the helpless princess.

"No," Eternia objected, her eyes dark and tired. 

"The King would choose your side over hers," Adrian reasoned, placing his hands over her shoulders. "And if you do not seek His Majesty's help, then write to your mother. You—no matter how strong your heart is—will die before you can sit on your throne. Your body will eventually betray you." I can't just stand by and watch you get whipped like an animal! He thought with rage-filled eyes, If you refuse, I might just end her myself.

"I don't wish to make an enemy of my father's wife," she explained, "So, please, don't do this."

"That woman doesn't deserve to breathe for what she's done to you," his voice was cold drenched in hatred. "The gods know her true nature. Her inability to conceive an heir must be the judgment that befell on her." 

The doors flung open, startling them. Aurelius came in with a smile planted across his face. "Ah," he pointed at Adrian, "You're here. I was coming to wake my daughter, but it appears she's already up. Did I interrupt something?"

In defiance of Eternia's wishes, Adrian laid his hands on her, pushing her up against the wall, and tore the fabric of her nightgown, revealing her smooth, white back. His actions startled the King, who was taken aback by the sight. 

"You dare lay your hands on my daughter?" Aurelius growled, his voice dripping with menace as his eyes darkened with fury.  

"I implore you to take a closer look, Your Majesty," Adrian urged, his tone urgent and yet respectful. "Your eyes hold the truth within them, fueled by the power of mana that courses through you. They seem to have forgotten that." His words resonated in the chamber, drawing the King's attention to the scars etched into Eternia's back.

Aurelius' eyes widened in horror, shock, and rage. He stepped closer, examining his daughter's deeply scarred back. Kneeling down, he hesitantly lifted her dress to examine her legs. To his dismay, he found them completely marred with scars, a cruel testament to the suffering his daughter had endured. Who would ever dare do this? He contemplated the possible suspects. It didn't matter. Whoever was the culprit, only death awaits them. But death is too easy. He wanted the person who did this to suffer the way his child did. Guilt and rage built up within him, but he maintained his composure for the sake of his daughter. 

Eternia stood frozen, as rigid as a doll. Her heart raced within her chest, and sniffles escaped her lips. How could she face her father? No, how could she explain it to him? She wanted to cry and let it all out as he once instructed her to, but it would only make matters worse. After all, it was the queen who did this. 

With a demeanor of calm authority, Aurelius gently guided Eternia to face him. His eyes, normally a source of strength and command, now shimmered with a mixture of tenderness and restrained fury. "My miracle child," his voice was a soothing balm wrapped around a core of simmering anger, "Adrian has brought to light the grave injustices you have suffered. Don't be afraid." His hands cradled her face, a silent promise that he would protect her. "Tell me, who did this to you." I failed to protect you yet again, my dearest child. 

Eternia's lips pressed into a firm line, a silent declaration of her defiance. She remained resolute, her gaze meeting her father's with unwavering determination. I don't want to be a burden to you, Father, she thought, her eyes reflecting deep sadness. 

Aurelius shifted his gaze to Adrian, his eyes commanding him to provide a name. His daughter's defiance and stubbornness reminded him of her mother. Just as Marcella protected the person who harmed her, history repeats itself with Eternia repeating her mother's mistakes. And at that moment, a chilling realization dawned on him as to who the culprit might be. 

In what seemed to be a lifetime ago, the promise of the union between House Crystalia and House Sapphire faced a dire challenge when a tempting proposal arrived from another powerful kingdom. Fearing she'd marry another, a young Princess Marcella ran away from home. However, her act of defiance and rebellion incurred the fury of her mother. Consequently, her mother took drastic measures by sewing a tracking thread into her flesh, ensuring that she could never escape the palace. 

Aurelius gently held Eternia by her arms, his eyes meeting her still expressionless gaze. "I will only ask this once," he declared, his tone commanding, "Was this Alexa's doing?" 

Her pain-filled, determined eyes, the quivering of her lip, the way her hands gripped the fabrics of her dress—her mannerisms mirrored Marcella's with unsettling clarity, confirming the King's suspicion. Alexa Evergreen. 

"When did it begin?" Aurelius asked Adrian. 

Without hesitation, Adrian detailed to the King the extent of the queen's cruelty, including her methods of torture, when it began, and how frequently she inflicted it upon Eternia since the day of their arrival in Sapphiria. The more Aurelius heard of it, the more he realized how evil Alexa was. Adrian then asked him, "What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?" 

It wasn't a simple question as House Evergreen wielded significant wealth and influence in Sapphiria. Divorcing Alexa posed challenges due to the family's status, but the King was resolute in his decision to eliminate her and her entire house. Despite the potential shame it might bring to House Sapphiria, he was determined to see Alexa gone.

"Send word to Theodore, Maximilian, as well as Magnus to meet me in my private study within three hours," he ordered, his countenance unreadable. "As for my daughter… Tell me, Adrian, will you be able to heal her body? I want no trace of that woman's oppression left on her." 

"Understood, Your Majesty," Adrian replied. "However, this goes beyond a simple healing spell. While Sapphiria boasts abundant power, sorcery, and mages, our magic is primarily defensive. The scars on Eternia's body are best treated in Crystalia."

Crystalia, huh? Eternia pondered, recalling the letter her mother had written her. Should you need my aid, don't ever hesitate to ask.

Aurelius nodded in agreement. The Crystalian Empire possessed vast resources that could aid in treating Eternia's wounds. The tower from which Adrian hailed was known for its abundance of magical tools and knowledge, making it an ideal place for Eternia's recovery. The Crystalian mages were among the most skilled in the world, and Aurelius had no doubt that they would be able to heal his daughter's scars. Moreover, it was an opportunity to verify the veracity of Marcella's letters and discern whether they contained truth or deceit.

"Eternia," Aurelius murmured softly, drawing her into a tender embrace, "I apologize for not seeing this sooner. If only I had been more vigilant..." He faltered, his voice laced with regret as he grappled with the weight of his failure to protect his daughter. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for falling short in my duty to you."

As Eternia nestled into her father's embrace, her small arms encircling him, she spoke softly, her words laden with understanding and empathy. "I kept it from you because I feared you would feel isolated once more. I understand the weight of having a male heir, especially for a king," she confessed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "You already carry the burden of the kingdom on your shoulders, and I didn't want to add to it. You've been a wonderful father to me... Please, there's no need for apologies."

Your maturity never ceases to amaze me, he thought, holding her a moment longer before pulling away. Looking into her eyes, he continued, "Alexander, Duke Solaris' son, will accompany him today. He'll keep you company while sorting this out, alright?"

"Yes, Father," she replied obediently. The mention of the young master's name seemed to lift her spirits, a genuine smile gracing her face. 

Satisfied with her reaction, Aurelius departed to carry out his plans and the day continued as they intended. 

Aurelius sat behind his desk, his fingers trembling as he crumpled page after page of paper. Before anything else, he had to inform Marcella just as she had reminded him in the letter she wrote. He never was skilled with words. 

"Queen Marcella, I thought I should inform you that my current wife has been abusing our daughter with a whip! Congratulations! It appears that you aren't the worst mother in the world!" he muttered bitterly to himself, sounding like a frustrated teenager. Aurelius slumped forward, his face meeting the cool surface of his desk with a heavy thud. "Do this for your daughter, Aurelius!" he reminds himself, "Marcella's support would aid in ending the Evergreens."

Queen Marcella, 

I received your letter. As you said, I'm obligated to inform you of our daughter's well-being. I'm certain that you're aware of who was in charge of Eternia's upbringing here at Sapphiria. I regret to inform you that Alexa Evergreen has been subjecting our daughter to unimaginable cruelty. Her methods of discipline have left our daughter scarred both physically and emotionally. I must confess that I was unaware of the extent of the suffering our daughter endured. I did not know the truth until this morning. The shortcomings on my part shall be rectified. 

The atrocities inflicted upon our daughter amount to treason. Rest assured, I will ensure that justice is served and House Evergreen faces its downfall. However, considering, their influence in Sapphiria, your voice in this matter would be invaluable. With your support, their fate will be sealed sooner than late. 

I must also convey the severity of Eternia's wounds. The scars from the lashes run deep, and her healing cannot be fully achieved here in Sapphiria. The greatest favor you could ever bestow upon her as her mother would be permitting her return to Crystalia for her treatment. Your realm boasts some of the most skilled healers in the world, and their expertise would be invaluable. Thus, I humbly beseech you for your assistance in this matter. 

I eagerly await your response. Perhaps just this once, we could set aside our differences and put the past behind us, joining forces to ensure Eternia's well-being and the justice she deserves.

Sincerely,

Aurelius Sapphiria