In the Shadow of the Crown

An Afternoon in the Imperial City

The sun hung high in the sky as Celestina and Eliza continued their stroll through the streets of the Imperial City.

The people rejoiced at the sight of their Empress and the royal princess walking together. They did not see the emptiness in Eliza’s gaze, nor the way she moved only when guided.

Celestina, however, saw it all.

Despite the failure of her previous attempts, she continued to speak to Eliza as if she were truly listening, as if there was still a chance to awaken something within her.

"Eliza, wouldn’t it be nice to visit the theatre? I hear they are performing a play written in your honor."

A pause.

And then, Eliza’s voice - calm, distant, and utterly controlled.

"The world is a stage, and we are all mere performers."

Celestina’s stomach tightened.

Again.

Again, the same feeling.

Words that sounded like they belonged to Eliza, yet lacked any true meaning.

She clenched her hands in her lap as they rode back to the palace.

"This isn’t over."

Celestina refused to believe that this was the end.

There had to be something more.

There had to be a way to bring her back.

***

That evening, news spread quickly through the palace.

His Majesty had decided to leave for the Imperial Retreat.

A secluded, breathtaking estate far from the capital, used by past Emperors and Empresses to escape the burdens of rule, even if only for a short time.

But this time, Raen would not go alone.

He would take Eliza with him.

And not only that the Grand Mage had been summoned to stay with them for the week.

Celestina’s heart immediately sank.

She had to go.

Something about this trip felt too important.

She could not afford to let Eliza be taken even further away.

And so, without hesitation, she made her way to Raen’s study.

***

Celestina’s Request

Raen sat behind his desk, the golden glow of candlelight flickering against the polished wood.

Before him, a single parchment lay open the letter he had just finished writing to the Grand Mage.

A command.

A declaration that the time had come to perfect his Empress even further.

And then Celestina entered.

She did not wait for permission.

"Take me with you."

Her voice was steady, but Raen heard the urgency behind it.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze.

Golden eyes met violet.

"No."

Celestina’s hands clenched.

"Why?"

Raen leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully.

"Because you do not need to be there."

She took a step forward.

"Then let me need to be there."

A smirk ghosted over his lips.

Oh, how interesting she was.

"And why should I?"

"Because Eliza is my friend."

She said it with such certainty.

Raen said nothing.

He merely observed her the way her body leaned toward him, the way her breath was slightly uneven, the way her lips parted ever so slightly.

She had changed.

Even if she did not yet realize it.

"You wish to go for her sake?"

She nodded firmly.

"Then convince me."

Celestina’s heart skipped.

Raen stood, slowly approaching.

She did not step back.

And when his fingers brushed against her cheek, tilting her chin upward, she did not resist.

"Convince me, Celestina."

Her breath hitched.

And before she could stop herself - her lips met his.

A soft, delicate kiss.

A surrender.

A victory.

For Raen.

He pulled away, his smirk widening.

"Fine. You may come."

Celestina exhaled, relieved.

But as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her once more.

"Wear something fitting of my princess."

Her heart stuttered.

And she knew.

She was already his.

***

Far across the palace, Eliza stood still in her chambers.

The moment Raen’s voice whispered through the enchanted device in her ear, she moved.

"Find me."

And so, she did.

The maids, watching from the corners of the room, immediately understood what needed to be done.

They changed her.

They did not rush, for there was no need, Eliza had no impatience, no anticipation.

She simply waited as they prepared her.

A flowing imperial gown of soft lavender silk, embroidered with golden filigree, designed to drape gracefully over her growing belly.

Her silver-white hair was brushed, braided into a delicate cascade, adorned with small pearls that shimmered like captured moonlight.

When she was ready, she left.

The maids watched her go, knowing exactly where she was headed.

And just as they expected, she found him.

Raen turned as she entered his study.

Without hesitation, without a single word, she walked to him and settled onto his lap.

Her body was warm against his, her breath soft against his throat.

She did not move.

She did not react.

Only when his hand stroked through her hair did she sigh, a quiet, obedient sound.

"You will be coming with me, my doll."

She did not respond.

Because there was nothing for her to say.

Raen’s fingers traced over her cheek, his golden eyes gleaming.

"It is time for your perfection to reach its peak."

And so, the Goddess of Arts would be taken away.

Far from the capital.

Far from prying eyes.

Where the final touches of his masterpiece would be completed.