In the Shadow of the Crown

The grand hall of the Imperial Palace was filled with nobles, their robes shimmering in the golden candlelight, their gazes filled with curiosity and expectation.

It was rare for an assembly to be called under such special circumstances. But today, it was not just the Emperor who had summoned them—it was the Goddess of Arts herself.

And so, they waited.

The grand doors opened.

Eliza stepped inside.

She was a vision of divine elegance, clad in a gown of soft ivory silk, embroidered with threads of gold and silver, forming intricate patterns reminiscent of celestial constellations. The fabric shimmered subtly with each movement, reflecting the glow of the chandeliers. A delicate, sheer mantle draped over her shoulders, flowing like mist behind her as she walked.

Her hair…

It was no longer just golden.

Now, it shifted and shimmered like living moonlight, each strand glowing with a soft, ethereal luminescence. The color was not static—it breathed, moving like silver waves under the night sky, reflecting the radiance of the stars.

And her eyes…

They were no longer mere eyes.

They held both the infinite sky and the endless depths of the ocean. Looking into them felt like gazing into the universe itself - vast, unfathomable, and utterly captivating.

But what truly mesmerized the nobles was not just her changed appearance, but the aura she exuded - serene, untouchable, divine.

The moment she entered, the hall fell into a hushed silence.

Every noble stood, bowing instinctively, mesmerized by her presence.

She walked past them without acknowledgment, her steps measured and graceful, until she reached the throne beside Raen.

Without hesitation, Eliza took her seat on the Empress’s throne.

The nobles, already awed by her entrance, watched in reverence.

And then, following Raen’s silent command, she spoke:

"I welcome you all."

Her voice, soft yet firm, carried through the hall like a melody.

The nobles remained still, hanging onto every word.

Raen, seated on his throne beside her, observed with satisfaction.

"Now, let’s begin."

***

Under Raen’s command, Eliza continued:

"Today, I bring forth an idea that will elevate our Empire to even greater heights."

A ripple of anticipation passed through the room.

"I wish to create a school. A place where knowledge and wisdom will be shared not only among nobles but also with those born outside of privilege."

A heavy silence settled over the assembly.

A school…for commoners?

Some nobles exchanged uneasy glances.

Eliza, however, remained composed. Under Raen’s control, she pressed forward:

"This school will not burden the Imperial treasury. I, as Empress and Goddess of Arts, will personally fund its creation."

The murmurs of uncertainty shifted into whispers of admiration.

“Funding it herself?”

That changed everything.

But then, she spoke the words that truly stunned them:

"I will also personally teach there."

A sharp intake of breath ran through the hall.

The nobles, who had been merely intrigued before, now looked at her with pure reverence.

The Goddess of Arts, descending from the heights of her divine status to personally educate?

It was unheard of.

And yet, it was happening before their very eyes.

***

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, one noble, an elder duke stood and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty…Your generosity is beyond words."

Another noble, a young countess, followed.

"To learn from the Goddess of Arts herself…It would be an honor beyond measure."

More voices joined in, not just agreeing, but pleading to be part of it.

"If the Empress herself teaches, then even we, the nobles, must attend!"

"Indeed! To learn under her guidance would be a privilege greater than any title."

What had started as a mere proposal was now something the nobles desperately desired.

And Raen watched it all unfold with cold satisfaction.

"Just as expected."

There was never a doubt they would accept.

Not because they truly wished to educate the commoners.

But because they could never refuse the Goddess of Arts.

And now, they even begged to be part of it.

***

With the school now fully supported, Raen shifted the discussion.

He presented his second project the Grand Hall of Unity.

At first, the nobles protested, hesitant.

They questioned the cost, the power it would centralize.

But then, Raen turned to Eliza.

And the moment she spoke in support of it, all opposition vanished.

Now, instead of arguing, they praised the Emperor’s wisdom.

With Eliza’s blessing, the Grand Hall of Unity was no longer just an idea, it was a destined reality.

***

After the meeting concluded, Raen observed Eliza.

Her exquisite imperial gown, while beautiful, was too extravagant for the next phase of the day.

He decided.

"Bring simpler attire."

A servant hurried to obey.

Eliza was dressed in a plain yet elegant dress of soft gray-blue fabric, flowing gently over her frame.

Now three months pregnant, the change was subtle but noticeable, the slight curve of her belly visible beneath the fabric.

She made no protest as they changed her clothes.

She never did.

***

Later in the day, the royal architect arrived, his face alight with excitement.

The moment he entered, his gaze immediately sought out Eliza.

And when his eyes landed on her, his expression softened into pure admiration.

"Your Majesty…It is truly an honor."

His voice was filled with genuine emotion.

Eliza, still under Raen’s control, responded with a gentle smile.

"I welcome you."

The architect beamed, his joy evident.

Raen, watching silently, already anticipated what the architect truly desired.

And as expected, Eliza spoke again:

"Your work is magnificent. I am certain that, when completed, the Grand Theatre will stand as a masterpiece that echoes through time."

The architect’s face lit up further.

Raen could see it the way the man desperately wished to hear such praise from the Goddess of Arts herself.

"To hear such words from you, Your Majesty…It is more than I could have ever dreamed."

With deep reverence, he bowed.

"I shall dedicate my soul to ensuring its perfection."

Satisfied, Raen dismissed him.

And the architect left, walking with renewed purpose.

***

When the doors finally closed, the study fell into silence.

Eliza, who had been poised and graceful before, moved without a word.

She walked to Raen, and then…she sank to her knees before him.

Her hands rested gently on his lap.

Her head lowered against his chest.

She did not move.

She did not speak.

The brilliance that had filled her gaze just moments ago was gone.

Raen ran a hand through her luminous silver hair, his fingers trailing over the delicate braid.

"You did well, my doll."

No response.

Only silence.

And then, his voice softened.

"This Empire…is not just mine. It is ours. Built by the two of us."

His fingers traced over her cheek, his touch deceptively gentle.

"Together, we will make it eternal."