Chapter 2 - Welcome to the Capital

  ★

  I’M GONNA DIE.

  When Father said we were traveling to the Capital, I figured it’d be an hour or two. Easy peasy, right?

  Well, guess what? IT’S FREAKING NOT.

  We’ve been traveling for a month. A whole. Freaking. Month.

  I’m so exhausted, dizzy, and nauseated—I feel like my soul is trying to exit my body! (?╥?﹏?╥?)

  We just got off the ship—yep, apparently, you need to take a literal cruise ship to get here. Now, we’re stuck in a carriage for the final leg of the journey.

  Another week and a half on the road.

  Just fvcking kill me already.

  ★

  "My Lady, we have arrived."

  I jolted awake at the sensation of a hand tapping my shoulder.

  I blinked against the sudden, intrusive brightness, my vision slowly adjusting. As I stretched my aching limbs, I saw Rana fussing over my dress—it must have turned into a wrinkled mess during my nap.

  Ugh, I gotta stop moving so much.

  "We are in the Capital, My Lady."

  My eyes widened as I peered out the window. I had been dying of curiosity to see what this place looked like.

  The carriage was rolling through a sprawling, celestial field of flowers. It wasn't just a garden; it was an ocean of petals that seemed to shimmer with their own internal light. They were meticulously arranged in gradients that defied nature—vibrant tulips, swaying poppies, and roses so lush they looked like they were carved from silk. The colors blended into a living, breathing masterpiece that stretched all the way to the horizon.

  My jaw dropped, and I’m pretty sure I was drooling. So... pretty!

  "My Lady, a bug might fly into your mouth if you keep it open like that," Rana teased gently. Fine, sorry!

  We passed the rainbow-colored fields and entered a meadow filled with what must have been millions of golden-yellow flowers.

  "I heard those yellow flowers only glow at a specific time of day, My Lady," Rana remarked.

  That caught my attention.

  "They say it’s a 'Golden Radiance.' Witnessing it with your significant other means the Goddess Iris has blessed your love," she continued.

  I just nodded, mesmerized by the view. This wasn't what I expected at all. I thought the Capital would be all grit and bustle—like a crowded megacity. I expected this kind of ethereal scenery in the West, not here.

  "I thought there’d be tall buildings like on Earth," I muttered thoughtlessly.

  "We're not in the Center yet, My Lady."

  Wait. Did I say that out loud?

  I gave her a confused look, and she clearly saw my need for an explanation.

  "This is the town of Jezzab, My Lady—the gateway to the Capital," she clarified.

  We traveled through the floral paradise for another hour or two before finally crossing into the central city. The buildings, the houses, the people—it felt like stepping directly into a high-budget Disney princess movie.

  Once again, my mouth hung open in awe.

  "My Lady, it is dangerous to poke your head out like that," Rana said, gently tugging me back.

  "Why? I just want to look. It’s not like someone’s going to behead me for staring," I chuckled.

  Rana’s eyes went wide with genuine fear. "My Lady, you must not joke about such things. As the Grand Duke’s daughter, there are many who would wish you dead."

  I swallowed hard and pointedly moved away from the window. Great. What if there’s a sniper out there? Talk about holding a grudge.

  Minutes passed, and we finally arrived at our townhouse. The coachman opened the door, and I practically leapt outside in my excitement. I looked around, only to see the servants staring at me like I’d just performed a backflip in a ballgown.

  Oh, right. I’m supposed to be an 'Elegant Lady.' My bad.

  I cleared my throat and straightened my posture, scanning the exterior. It was huge, sure, but the manor back home in the North was WAY bigger.

  I yawned. I was so tired I wanted to sleep for a century. A month and a half of sea and road had left me ready to hibernate.

  ★

  The townhouse doors swung open, and I stepped inside. At last—peace and quiet.

  The interior was massive. Not "North-Manor" massive, but still impressive: high ceilings, polished wood floors, and walls lined with portraits of people who looked very, very important. I tried to look dignified, but I failed immediately.

  My legs were wobbling like overcooked spaghetti. Look, a month and a half on the road will do that to a girl, okay?

  "Would you like some tea, My Lady?" a soft voice asked. I glanced down to see a young maid holding a tray.

  Tea. Right. Because I definitely needed more "noble responsibilities." I don’t even like tea, but apparently, bluebloods live for the stuff. I’d spent my time in the North reading up on etiquette because I didn't want to ruin Celeste's image.

  "Uh... yes, sure," I muttered, flopping into a chair like a ragdoll.

  You know what? Etiquette my ass. I’m exhausted. The act stays off for now.

  Elegance level: Zero.

  Rana leaned in, whispering urgently, "My Lady, you should sit properly."

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  "Yeah, yeah," I muttered, waving a hand dismissively. My spine had temporarily resigned from its duties.

  I looked around, trying to take the place in. Each room had its own distinct character. I really wanted to explore the whole "house," but I also wanted to scream, face-plant onto a bed, and never move again.

  Rana frowned. "My Lady, tomorrow we must prepare for the Grand Duke’s dinner. You cannot appear like—"

  "Like a zombie? Perfect, I’ve already got the look down," I interrupted with a small laugh. She looked confused again.

  Honestly, what was etiquette compared to my current survival goal: Not Collapsing. I sank deeper into the chair, letting my mind wander. New city, new people, new rules... I haven't even adjusted to the North yet, and now this? Ugh.

  ★

  "My Lady, I have arranged for a new personal maid to attend to you," the butler announced, stepping aside to reveal a young woman.

  She was stunning, with a lethal-looking figure: tall, straight-backed, her black hair tied in a sharp, neat style. Even though she was slim, she looked strong—like she could snap a neck without breaking a sweat. Her expression was completely unreadable.

  I blinked. Is she a human or a statue? A very beautiful statue.

  "I realized you only brought one personal maid, and I felt that would be insufficient... This is Nyx," the butler said. "She will attend to your needs."

  Nyx gave a slight bow. No smile. No sparkle in her eyes. Nothing.

  "Uh... hello," I said. What else do you say to a human statue?

  Nyx tilted her head slightly, as if processing my existence. "Greetings, My Lady," she said, her voice calm and measured.

  Rana cleared her throat nervously. "She... is very efficient, My Lady," she added carefully.

  ★

  By mid-morning, Father had vanished on some "Grand Duke business." I was stuck with Nyx and Rana. I ignored the other servants who were busy gossiping. Keep it up, and I’ll dock your pay.

  Boredom hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed action. God, I miss my phone.

  Then, I jolted. Wait! Inspiration! If I’m going to get back to Earth and have a tearful reunion with my smartphone I need to do some digging.

  "Rana," I said conspiratorially, flopping onto a chaise lounge, "I need to research magi—I mean, I need to go to the Imperial Library to read up on history."

  Rana stiffened. "My Lady... that requires permission. One cannot simply walk into the Imperial Library without formal authorization."

  "So, send a request to the palace?" I asked casually.

  Rana bit her lip. "Yes, My Lady. I shall send a letter immediately. But... we do not know if they will approve it. Normally, it takes weeks, even months."

  I groaned. Weeks? Do they know how desperate I am? I slumped into my seat at the news. Well, nothing for it. I’ll just have to wait.

  By the afternoon, a young messenger arrived. He bowed so low I worried he’d sprain something. Don't blame me if your back snaps, kid.

  "My Lady," he panted, "His Highness has approved your visit to the Imperial Library."

  "Already?" My eyes nearly popped out of my head. Was Rana just being dramatic earlier?

  Rana’s lips twitched into a small, controlled smile. "Apparently, My Lady, it has been expedited."

  I grinned. "Alright, let's go before they change their minds!"

  "Careful, My Lady!" Rana called after me.

  "Rana, tell them to get the bath ready. I need to be quick!"

  Yep, they prepare the water. And yep, they bathe me. I was dumbfounded the first time I realized servants scrub their masters, but I’ve eventually gotten used to it.

  ? ? ?

  I WOKE UP with my back screaming at me like it had just survived a shipwreck—which, to be fair, it had. Stretching dramatically on the chaise lounge, I let out a loud groan.

  I had ended up crashing yesterday. The exhaustion won, and I fell asleep while waiting for the bath.

  "Geez! A month and a half of traveling... my body feels like lead," I muttered. Nyx stood silently nearby, her expression a blank slate, while Rana hovered over a massive breakfast tray. Do I look like I can eat all that?

  "My Lady, you should eat before—"

  "I know, I know," I interrupted, throwing a hand over my face. "But seriously, no one warned me that moving to the Capital was a full-body workout."

  Rana exhaled carefully, bowing. "Yes, My Lady."

  Nyx said nothing, which was somehow scarier than a lecture.

  I grabbed a slice of bread, chewing thoughtfully. Okay. Enough complaining. Magic. History. Earth. Let’s do this.

  ?

  The carriage ride to the Palace was short, but the moment the gates swung open, my brain basically hit the 'factory reset' button.

  If the town of Jezzab and the Center was a Disney movie, the Imperial Palace was a fever dream of gold, white marble, and pure, unadulterated flex. It sat atop a rising hill like a crown made of diamonds, its spires so tall and sharp they looked like they were trying to pierce the very fabric of the sky.

  "Holy... mother of architecture," I breathed, my face pressed firmly against the glass.

  As we got closer, the sheer scale of the place started to feel heavy. The walls were etched with gold filigree that pulsed with a faint, rhythmic blue light—Like magic.

  "My Lady, please, your posture," Rana hissed, though even she looked a little dazed by the opulence.

  We stepped out of the carriage at the base of the Great Ascent. The stairs were so wide a whole army could march up them abreast, and the air here smelled like... expensive rain? It was crisp, cool, and carried the scent of those glowing flowers from the fields.

  I stood there for a good minute, just gawking. Every pillar was carved into the shape of a weeping goddess or a roaring beast, their eyes made of gemstones that seemed to track my movement. It was breathtaking. It was majestic.

  It was also terrifying.

  If the house is this big, I thought, a chill running down my spine, how powerful is the person who sits at the center of it?

  "The Imperial Library is located in the East Wing, My Lady," Nyx said, her voice cutting through my daze. She didn't even look impressed. Seriously, what does it take to make this woman blink?

  I shook myself out of it, adjusted my skirts, and tried to look like I belonged in a place that probably cost more than a small country.

  "Right. Library. Books. Not staring at the ceiling like a tourist. Let's go."

  ★

  The Imperial Library. Restricted. Sacred. Off-limits to everyone except the royals and apparently, me.

  I stepped inside, awestruck. Endless shelves, sunlight streaming through towering windows, and the intoxicating smell of polished wood and old parchment. It was so grand I wasn't sure if my legs were wobbling from awe or lingering fatigue.

  Nyx and Rana followed behind. Nyx's face betrayed nothing, as usual. I had no clue what she was thinking, which only made me more curious.

  Rana stiffened the moment she realized which aisle I was heading toward. "My Lady... we must be careful. The keeper said this section—"

  "—I know, I know," I said, waving her off. "Rules are just suggestions, anyway."

  Nyx tilted her head. I swear the statue was judging me.

  "Just kidding, guys! We're just passing through," I lied, quickly changing the subject. "Hey, why don't you two go look around? This is the Imperial Library! It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

  "I do not know how to read, My Lady," Rana said with a small bow. Oh. My bad.

  "Well, I want to read alone. I get distracted easily, you know?" I couldn't risk them seeing what I was actually looking for.

  They didn't argue and stepped away.

  I wandered the aisles, scanning the titles: Arcane Sorcery of the Ancient World, Forbidden Rituals, Mysteries of Lost Lands. Jackpot.

  I pulled out a thick tome on sorcery and plopped onto a cushioned bench. I buried my nose in the pages, muttering, "Hmm... if I channel ley lines... no, wait. This doesn't match Earth's energy signature..."

  "You will strain your eyes if you stare at that for too long."

  "AY PUK—!!" I nearly jumped out of my skin, spinning around and clutching the book like a shield.

  A man stood there. Dark hair, a composed expression, and serious green eyes. He had this polished aura—like someone who belonged in a palace, not a dusty library aisle. He’s... really hot. I instinctively wiped the corner of my mouth, half-expecting to be drooling.

  He looked at me like I was being ridiculous. Do I look like an idiot? Of course, the universe drops a gorgeous man in front of me when I'm at my absolute messiest.

  Cindy, come on! Of all the times to look like a fool, it had to be in front of him?!

  "Hi?" I stammered, still holding the book like a weapon.

  He stared at me for what felt like ten thousand years (it was probably ten seconds) before he tilted his head and gave a faint, dangerous smirk. "I trust your research is going well?"

  I blinked. "Yes...?" My stomach did a weird little flip. I couldn't get over how handsome he was. If this were Earth, I would have asked for his Instagram in a heartbeat.

  "I see. You are very dedicated."

  Dedicated? I wanted to roll my eyes, but he was just... there. Calm, unshakable, and annoyingly attractive.

  The man glanced back at his own book, then silently moved down another aisle, disappearing as if he’d been a ghost.

  How rude. He didn't even introduce himself.

  Shaking my head, I forced myself back to the text. Focus, Celeste. Magic. Earth. That is the priority. Not the delicious library man.

  Nyx cleared her throat quietly behind me. I hadn't even noticed her return. She probably came back the second she saw a man approach. I guess it’s inappropriate for a lady and a man to be alone in a secluded place like this.

  "Right... yes." I muttered, glaring at the bench.

  ?

  Hours passed. I found references to ancient rituals, sorcery tied to energy flows, and cryptic mentions of "worlds beyond the known." I scribbled notes frantically, muttering sarcastically:

  "Ley lines, portals, secret magic... okay, someone is definitely hiding something from me."

  Rana’s hand hovered nervously over my shoulder whenever I lingered too long in the restricted sections. Nyx stayed silent, her eyes scanning the room, ever watchful.

  By the time we left, my bag was stuffed with books and my head was full of questions: How do I get back to Teves? How do I give Celeste her body back? Why am I here? And what was that guy's name?

  ? ? ?

  "My Lady, the Grand Duke has arrived. He has summoned you to his study," Rana said, her voice trembling.

  Father’s here? Already?

  I stood up and went straight to his office. I pushed the door open, expecting the usual silence and paperwork.

  Instead, Father was standing in the center of the room. Hands clasped behind his back, posture stiff, his aura sharp enough to cut steel. His eyes landed on me: cold, unreadable, as if he were assessing an enemy rather than his daughter.

  "Father, you’re back. I thought you would be gone for two we—"

  "Is it true that you went to the Imperial Library?" he asked quietly.

  My throat went dry. That tone wasn't anger. It was the calm before a storm.

  "Yes, Fath—"

  I didn't get to finish. A violent force jerked my head sideways so hard my vision shattered into white static.

  The room spun. My ears rang. My cheek felt like a hot iron had been pressed against it. My head had snapped back so violently I thought my soul had actually left my body for five seconds.

  Wtf just happened? Did he... did he just slap me?

  I tasted metal; I’d bitten my lip and tongue. My vision swam as if I were back on that ship. The sting in my cheek felt like being swarmed by ten thousand bees.

  I hadn't even seen his hand move. One second I was speaking, the next, my face exploded in pain.

  The Grand Duke looked down at me the way one might inspect a broken tool.

  "You truly have lost your senses," he said, his voice low and steady. "You dare move without my permission. Without understanding the danger your stupidity invites. To draw attention to yourself when it was not ordered by me."

  Wtf? what am I? A robot?

  I swallowed, but my throat felt tight and raw. The room suddenly felt too small, too cold.

  I’d been slapped before—back on Earth, by my family. But this? This wasn't discipline. This was a reminder. A reminder that my life wasn't mine. In this world, even breathing out of line could get me killed.

  His boots clicked against the floor as he took a step toward me. It was enough to make me straighten up automatically, my spine jerking upright as if strings were being pulled tight. Celeste’s body was reacting before I could even think.

  "You forget your place so easily," he continued, eyes narrowing. "You are my creation. Mine. And you will move as I tell you."

  He leaned in, his voice a lethal murmur. "I choose what you read. I choose where you walk. I choose whom you speak to. Because one mistake from you, Celeste..." His grip tightened on my jaw. "One misstep. One curious question. One wrong pair of eyes seeing what lies beneath your facade..."

  He tilted my face up. The gesture looked like it should be gentle, but it was agonizing. He tilted my head just enough to make the bruised skin of my cheek sting violently.

  "...and this empire will burn you alive before they even ask your name."

  My knees buckled. I barely caught myself.

  "Do you understand?" he asked quietly.

  I realized there was no "correct" or "safe" answer. Only one.

  "I..." My voice cracked. "Y-yes, Father."

  He released my chin, and I nearly collapsed from the sudden loss of support.

  "Good," he said, turning away as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn't just rearranged my skull.

  "Stand," he ordered. "You are dismissed."

  My legs refused to cooperate. They shook so badly I could barely hold my weight. I pressed my palm against a nearby table to keep from falling.

  That’s when the realization hit me. He doesn't see me as a daughter. I’m a tool. An ornament. Something he built. Something he controls.

  A marionette.

  And for the first time since arriving in Teves... I felt genuinely afraid

  ? ? ?

  ? Tevian Codex ?

  The Imperial Library

  (Cindy’s note: "And apparently, it’s a hotspot for handsome creeps.")

  Noble Etiquette

  (Cindy’s note: "Thanks for the heads-up, Grand Duke. I’ll make sure to die quietly next time.")

  Personal Attendants

  (Cindy’s note: "Yep. They bathe you, dress you, and stare at you like a hawk. Goodbye, privacy.")

  Translator's Note: The Imperial Library is managed by a member of the Imperial Family. While it is traditionally the Emperor’s duty, his failing health has caused the responsibility to pass to another member of the royal bloodline.