In the Shadow of the Crown

A full month had passed.

The golden summer had deepened, and the scent of blooming gardens filled the Imperial Palace. The Empire thrived, art flourished, and the people rejoiced in the beauty of their Empress unaware of the silent truth beneath it all.

And in that time, Raen’s plan had finally reached completion.

Celestina, the princess of royal blood, had fallen.

She did not realize when it had begun.              

At first, it was a mere curiosity, a careful study of the Emperor, a game of words, a delicate dance of control and resistance.

But then, she began to wait for him.

She waited for the nights when he would call for her.

She longed for the sound of his voice, for the way his golden eyes seemed to see through her.

She thrilled in the touch of his hand upon her skin, the way he claimed her without ever allowing her to fully claim him.

And before she knew it, she was in love.

And that was exactly what Raen had wanted.

She did not fight it.

She did not try to escape.

Instead, she surrendered to it.

But even as she offered her heart to him, her kindness toward Eliza never wavered.

She did not hate her.

She did not resent her.

She still wished to save her.

And so, she changed her plan.

***

The morning sun cast a warm glow upon the Imperial City as Celestina stepped out of her carriage, her lavender dress billowing in the gentle breeze.

Beside her, Eliza followed, silent and obedient.

She wore a simple yet elegant gown of pale blue, tailored carefully to accommodate her growing form. Four months into her pregnancy, the curve of her belly was now visible beneath the flowing fabric.

The people bowed as they passed, whispering prayers and praises for the Goddess of Arts.

But Eliza did not acknowledge them.

Because Raen had not told her to.

Celestina glanced at her, her expression unreadable.

"Isn’t it beautiful, Eliza?" she asked as they walked through the streets. "The Empire you have helped shape?"

For a moment, there was no answer.

And then, a soft voice, distant, yet flawless.

"Beauty is meant to be shared."

Celestina’s breath caught.

Those words again.

The same words Eliza had spoken during their tea.

The same words that should have held meaning, yet were now nothing more than an echo.

She clenched her hands, her mind racing.

"And do you feel that you are sharing it, Eliza?"

A pause.

Eliza’s gaze did not shift.

She did not hesitate.

Because she was waiting.

And then…Raen’s whisper, cold and amused, reached her ear.

"A masterpiece does not question its place in the world."

And so, she repeated,

"A masterpiece does not question its place in the world."

Celestina’s heart sank.

Once again - nothing.

No reaction.

No feeling.

No flicker of recognition.

Only perfect obedience.

Only Raen’s will.

Celestina exhaled, steadying herself.

She had thought that perhaps, if Eliza was taken beyond the palace walls…if she was reminded of the world she once wished to change…something within her would awaken.

But even here, surrounded by the life and vibrancy of the Empire… Eliza remained lost.

Still, Celestina did not give up.

She forced a smile and took Eliza’s hand, gently leading her toward a luxury boutique.

"Come, Eliza. Let’s find something beautiful for you."

And as always, Eliza followed.

Not because she wished to.

But because Raen had allowed it.

***

Far away, in his study, Raen leaned back in his chair, watching through the enchanted mirror.

His golden eyes gleamed with amusement as Celestina tried again and again to stir something within his doll.

But she would never succeed.

Because Eliza had no soul left to awaken.

The only thing that remained in her heart was him.

And Raen would ensure it stayed that way.

As he observed, a servant entered, bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty, the Grand Mage will arrive in two days to assess Her Majesty the Empress."

Raen’s smirk widened.

"Perfect."

Soon, Eliza would be perfected even further.

Soon, the Goddess of Arts would transcend beyond even human limitations.

And she would belong to him completely.

Just as she always had.