The Sol Palace (2)

Creak…

Two young boys walked into the room.

The first boy resembled the emperor in appearance, with jet black hair and golden eyes. It was like a younger version of him, not to mention they both exuded the same aura. Second, the younger one had red hair burning like the rays of the sun and shining golden eyes.

They must be the emperor's sons! The first and second prince of the Empire. It would be great if Max could meet them. But, why were they here?

"We're here to see Brielle," the first prince told Papa.

"Go back. We are not free."

"You're lying! You just want Brielle to keep to yourself," complained the second prince.

"She is my daughter. And you?" Papa sneered. While the second prince and Papa were fighting verbally with each other, the first prince sneaked to my side. He was holding something at his back.

"Uhm, Brielle, I bought it for you." The first prince gave me a white wolf stuffed toy with a black fur coating. It was so soft that it made me want to cuddle it.

"I heard you owned a wolf so I thought it was a great idea to buy it. Do you like it?"

"Hey, hey, you sneak behind my back. What did you give to my daughter?"

"That's unfair. I also bought something for her. Here take it, "said the second prince as he quickly handed me a nicely knitted blue scarf. "Winter hasn't ended yet, so wear it."

I took a look at the gifts they had given me: a stuffed animal and a blue scarf. I couldn't stop smiling. They were like the emperor, surprising me with a gift. It was beautiful.

"Thank you, first prince and second prince. I'm grateful for your gifts."

"Just call me Ethan or maybe Brother Ethan," the first prince suggested.

"Me too! Call me Brother Kye."

"Brother Ethan, Brother Kye."

"There is no need to add the brother," Papa voiced opposition, which irritated both princes. I couldn't help but chuckle as I looked at them. The noise in the room was like a song to my ears. A spacious room. Unfamiliar voice. Unexpected occurrence.

It was such a nice day.

***

"She's super cute! Also, his father is so handsome," giggled by the maid.

"It's a shame you missed the chance to see the child when she thanked us. She is an angel!" boasted by the chef.

"Her tail is so unrealistic. I thought mermaids were just mythical creatures. How surprising!" exclaimed the other maid.

"It would be great if they stay here."

"Yeah!"

"I agree."

The Emperor and the Commander of the Knights could hear the servants' talk as they moved through the hall. It was surprising for the servants that the emperor and the princes liked someone who is not the Empress herself. And, everyone could not resist the loveliness of the child.

When the servants saw the emperor, they formed a line and bowed down to meet him. "Greetings to the Sun of the Empire, Emperor Callis."

"Report," said the emperor.

The head maid stepped forward and reported, "My Lady regained consciousness this morning, and she ate her breakfast with the assistance of her father. The First Prince and Second Prince were inside Lady's room. They were carrying presents for My Lady."

"Very well. Go back to your work."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Callis, together with Helden, went to his office to discuss the state of the Viscount and the people involved in the Slave Auction.

"How are things going?"

"During the auction, His Highness, the First Prince, killed Viscount Hoffman. And those who were caught taking part in the event were currently imprisoned in the dungeon. Elias and his companion were apprehended as they attempted to flee to a neighboring empire. Would you like to pay them a visit inside the torture chamber, Your Majesty?"

"Ensure that they are awake at night. I will make them regret living," said the emperor, grinning. "How about the person who bid on Brielle? Did you find him?"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. We failed to track him down."

"His companions were using light magic, and the place in the Ronian Empire that has talented magicians endowed with that attribution is unquestionably the —"

The guard outside announced, "Your Majesty, the Moon of the Empire, Empress Helena is entering."

"Helden, let's stop here for now."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Helden replied. He ran into the Empress just as he was about to leave the room. "Greetings to the Moon of the Empire, Empress Helena," he greeted and then exited.

Click-clack, Click-clack.

"Helena, what brought you here?"