Subtle threat?

I sink into the luxurious bath, the warm water enveloping me in comfort as I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh. Stacy, ever the diligent attendant, is nearby attending to my needs. I reach for a bunch of grape-like fruits and pop one into my mouth, savoring the burst of sweetness. This, I think to myself, is the life of royalty. The decadence, the comfort, the indulgence—it's all here, right at my fingertips. I relax further into the bath, feeling the tension melt away from my muscles as I enjoy this moment of blissful tranquility.

As I soak in the peaceful warmth of the bath, indulging in the luxurious moment, my tranquility is abruptly shattered by the entrance of a maid. She stands there, an urgent look on her face, and delivers the unexpected news.

"Your highness, the empress is in your quarters," she announces breathlessly.

My heart sinks at the mention of the empress. Why is she here? With a resigned sigh, I nod to the maid, and she quickly scurries out to give me privacy. Rising from the bath, I let Stacy, my loyal attendant, assist me. She wraps me in layers of soft silk robes, the fabric gliding smoothly against my skin as she hastily dries my hair.

I make my way to my room, my mind swirling with questions and a growing sense of dread. Today seems to be filled with nothing but bad luck—first the encounter with Luan, and now his mother's unexpected visit.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, looking every bit the regal empress that she is, is Empress Grace. Her presence alone commands attention, and I can't help but feel a pang of apprehension in my chest as I approach her.

With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I approach Empress Anastasia with a respectful bow.

"I greet your majesty, the empress," I say, my voice calm and composed despite the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind.

Empress Grace acknowledges my greeting with a regal nod, her piercing gaze fixed on me. There's a palpable tension in the air, and I can feel the weight of her scrutiny as she studies me.

"Lift your head, Lucina," she commands in a voice that brooks no disobedience.

I comply, raising my head to meet her gaze. The empress's eyes are sharp and assessing, as if searching for something in the depths of my own. I resist the urge to fidget under her intense scrutiny, instead maintaining a neutral expression.

"You have been quite busy lately," she says, her tone unreadable.

I nod in acknowledgment, choosing my words carefully. "Yes, your majesty. I have been attending to my duties diligently."

The empress's lips quirk slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Duties indeed," she murmurs, more to herself than to me.

A moment of silence stretches between us, the tension thickening with each passing second. I wonder what has brought the empress to my quarters, and what she might want from me.

Finally, she speaks again, her voice soft yet commanding. "I have heard reports of your activities outside the palace, Lucina. Visits to the Whispering Bazaar, clandestine meetings, and now this villa you have acquired."

I feel a bead of sweat form on my brow, but I hold her gaze steady. "I apologize if my actions have caused concern, your majesty. I assure you, everything I do is in no way any harm to the empire."

The empress studies me for a long moment, her expression inscrutable. "You are a capable young woman, Lucina. But do not forget your place. You are a princess of the Salona Empire, and your actions reflect upon the royal family."

"I understand, your majesty," I reply, my voice steady despite the rising tension in the room.

"Good," she says with a nod. "I trust you will conduct yourself with the appropriate decorum in the future."

"I will, your majesty," I assure her, bowing once again to show my respect.

With a slight nod, Empress Anastasia dismisses the previous tension as if it never existed. 

"That aside," she says, her tone now lighter and less imposing, "Your seventeenth birthday will be in a month."

I offer a polite smile, though inwardly I am already dreading the grand affair that is sure to come. "I appreciate it, your majesty," I reply diplomatically, knowing well the importance of such events in the royal court.

The empress continues, her voice taking on a more formal tone, "As royalty, I will prepare a fitting birthday ball for you. It will be a celebration worthy of a princess of Salona."

I resist the urge to sigh, instead maintaining a composed expression. "Thank you, your majesty. I am honored by your efforts."

"That is all," the empress says, rising gracefully indicating the end of our conversation.

I bow respectfully once more, a mixture of relief and apprehension washing over me as she leaves the room. The prospect of a lavish birthday ball is daunting, but oh well such is royalty.

As I watch the empress depart, I can't help but wonder what other challenges and responsibilities await me in the days leading up to my seventeenth birthday.

After the empress leaves, Stacy rushes to my side to dry my still damp hair. The weight of the encounter with the empress lingers in the air, leaving me mentally exhausted. I long for the comfort of a friend.

As Stacy tends to my hair, I can't help but think of Kai, the half-elf owner of 'Elysium of Petals'. He may not know it yet, but in my mind, we're best friends again.

*

The following morning, I instruct Stacy to prepare a royal carriage for my outing. Since the Empress is aware of my outdoor activities now, there's no need for me to sneak out anymore. 

Exiting my wing of the palace, I find a luxurious carriage waiting for me, perched on the back of a large Gilcha lizard. It's evident that this lizard was raised by the royal family, given its impeccable condition and regal appearance. I admire the craftsmanship as I approach, appreciating the attention to detail in its design.

Boarding the carriage, I'm immediately impressed by its luxurious interior. The seats are plush and comfortable, adorned with intricate embroidery fit for royalty. There's even a food compartment stocked with an array of fruits and pastries. It's a stark contrast to Maverick's carriage, and I can't help but think that he needs to upgrade to something like this.

*

The royal carriage arrives at the villa, and Maverick is already waiting for me. As I step out of the carriage, I notice a brief but noticeable tension between Maverick and the man who brought me from the palace. There seems to be some unspoken rivalry or animosity between them, but I choose to ignore it.

"Thank you, Maverick," I say, acknowledging his assistance. He nods in response, a slight smirk on his face as if he's pleased to have bested the other man in some way.

"You can head back now," I tell the carriage driver, dismissing him. "I will arrive with my own arrangements."

"As you wish, your highness," the driver replies with a bow before turning to leave. The Gilcha lizard disappears in a beam of light, leaving Maverick and me standing outside the villa.

I glance at Maverick, noticing the confident stance and the subtle smirk playing on his lips. It's clear that he enjoys these little victories, even if they are just minor competitions.

"Shall we?" I ask, gesturing towards the villa.