In the Shadow of the Crown

The King's Temptation

The grand Imperial hall was filled with dignitaries, nobles, and courtiers, all gathered to witness the royal engagement between Prince Raen and Princess Celestia. The atmosphere was festive, yet heavy with underlying tension. Among those present was King Aldric, who couldn't help but steal glances at Raen throughout the evening, his curiosity piqued by the whispers of the mysterious "doll".

After the public announcements, the King finally pulled Raen aside, into a quiet alcove where they could speak more freely. The air was thick with unspoken words, but the King wasted no time.

"Raen," King Aldric began, his tone laced with both intrigue and caution. "Tell me, is it true what I’ve heard about your… creation? The one they call the 'perfect doll'?"

Raen’s smile was almost predatory, a quiet amusement dancing in his golden eyes. He leaned closer, his voice soft yet carrying a weight that left no room for doubt.

"Yes, Your Majesty. She is perfect. And she will remain the only one."

The King, though fascinated, couldn't help but press further, his curiosity about Raen's success and his methods growing by the minute.

"And do you mean to say no one else could replicate it? Not even a little? Perhaps... if it were done on a different person, a different... model?"

Raen’s gaze darkened slightly as his lips curled into a knowing smile. "Eliza is the last of her kind. There will be no others like her."

The King, undeterred, leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "But what if it could be done in a more... delicate way? A smaller scale, perhaps? I have a daughter, after all. Could something similar be done for her?"

Raen’s smirk remained in place, but he did not answer immediately. The King was testing the waters, pushing boundaries to see how far Raen would go.

But just as the King waited for an answer, Raen’s gaze flicked across the room, catching the subtle movement of his second wife, Lady Elysia, heading toward Eliza. His interest piqued, he couldn’t help but wonder what she was going to discuss with his most precious creation.

He glanced back at King Aldric, his smile almost imperceptible. "I am afraid Eliza is the only one, Your Majesty. You can ask all you like, but nothing will compare."

The King nodded, still somewhat unsatisfied but choosing to let it go. He had heard enough for now, and his mind raced with the possibilities, though he would not press any further.

As Raen’s attention turned back to Elysia, his curiosity grew. What was she planning with Eliza? The maids were close by—no doubt they would report back on the details of their conversation.

***

As the evening went on, Eliza remained seated motionlessly in her place. Elysia slowly approached her, her eyes soft with concern, though her words carried a sense of measured tact.

"Your Majesty," Elysia began, kneeling down next to Eliza, her voice gentle. "I have heard much about you... and I think there is still a part of you that is human. A part that can still be awakened."

Eliza did not respond. She only stared back at Elysia, her eyes empty and lifeless.

But Elysia continued speaking, quietly as though she were trying to reach into the depths of Eliza’s soul.

Meanwhile, Raen, still aware of the developing situation, gave a subtle signal to one of his maids. He wanted to know what was being said, and he had to be sure that no one interfered with his perfect creation.

He watched carefully as Elysia’s conversation with Eliza continued. It seemed innocent enough, but Raen’s mind raced with questions. What was Elysia planning? What did she want from his doll?

Once their conversation ended, Elysia stood, followed by her sister, Princess Aveline. The two of them quickly excused themselves, likely to discuss something in private.

Raen’s gaze never wavered as he made another subtle sign to one of Eliza’s personal maids—the third maid—who was always loyal and ever observant.

"Follow them," he whispered to her. "Listen carefully to their conversation and report back."

The maid bowed silently and disappeared into the shadows.

***

Elsewhere, after the engagement ceremony had concluded, Imperatrix Eliza sat in her chambers, staring blankly ahead. She had been aware of her surroundings but remained completely immobilized, a shell of the woman she had once been.

It was during this time that Princess Celestia came to her, speaking with gentle yet firm words. Celestia's concern for Eliza was palpable, but what she did not know was the truth behind Eliza’s creation. She had no idea that Eliza was the perfect creation, the only one of her kind in the world.

Celestia, believing that something of Eliza’s former self remained, felt confident that there was a way to awaken her. She could not allow herself to believe that there was no hope.

In this quiet exchange, Imperatrix Eliza’s daughter stepped forward to speak with her mother. She knew that Celestia was trying to help Eliza, but she could not speak outright about it. She hinted, using subtle language to suggest that Eliza might yet be saved if the right steps were taken.

Celestia, not fully understanding the truth about Eliza, agreed with her daughter’s plan to awaken the lost humanity within the Empress.

But they were unaware of the true nature of Eliza. They didn’t know that noblemen spoke of Raen’s creation with awe and reverence. They had no idea that Raen’s "doll" was the greatest treasure of all, admired and envied by the most powerful men in the realm. She was the perfect being—designed to be flawless, untouched by imperfection.

No one knew the full story.

As the conversation ended, and the plans were set, the third maid overheard everything. She slipped away silently, careful to ensure no one would suspect that she had been listening in.

Once she was out of earshot, she met up with the other two maids, who were waiting for her by the door. Together, they shared everything they had heard. Their mission was clear. They had to report this to Raen—and Raen alone.

They quickly made their way to Raen’s private chambers, where they were granted access. The three maids took turns explaining everything they had overheard.

Raen’s eyes gleamed with amusement as they spoke. He had suspected there was more to this than what met the eye. He would let them try to wake Eliza. Let them play their little game. But he was not worried. He controlled everything.

After listening to their report, he smiled quietly. "Continue watching," he instructed. "Report on their every move. I want to know everything. Do not let them out of your sight."

He dismissed the maids and stood, his mind already racing with plans.

***

The evening wore on, and Raen returned to Eliza’s chambers. There, she sat as still as ever.

He walked to her side, his golden eyes softening only slightly as he gave her a command.

"Rest, Eliza."

Her eyes closed instantly, and she obeyed without question.

Raen, feeling a flicker of tenderness, carefully lifted her into his arms and placed her gently onto the bed. He adjusted the pillows and made sure she was as comfortable as possible.

Then, with a final soft command, he spoke.

"Sleep, Eliza. Rest."

As Eliza’s breath became slow and even, Raen smiled, his lips almost brushing her hair. He leaned in and whispered softly, "You are my treasure. And no one will ever take you from me."

Raen closed his eyes, holding her close, his thoughts filled with both tenderness and dark intrigue. The plans of his second wife and her sister were nothing more than curiosity, but he would let them play their part. Let them think they could awaken her.

For now, he was content to hold his perfect creation in his arms.

With his thoughts settling into plans for the future, Raen relaxed into sleep, his arms still wrapped around Eliza, and his heart at ease for now.