Crimson and Gold

Loukios’ arrival had the whole Palace up and running since the early dawn.

Saria was fortunate enough to sleep through the most frantic preparations. It was long after breakfast that she shared with Lysandra that Dolores had finally found her and put her to work.

Fortunately, soon after finishing her last set of chores, Loukios’ carriage finally reached the Palace, and all of the essential staff had to greet him at the entrance, freeing her from Dolores’ clutches.

During that time, Saria didn’t remain idle either.

Using the opportunity that most guards were focused on escorting the Crowned Prince, she swiftly climbed up onto the roof of the Palace to take a look.

Below, at the front entrance, servants stood in two opposing rows at the foot of the stairs, while Lysandra and the Emperor waited for him at the top.

Saria couldn’t see her face, but she still could sense Lysandra’s nervousness.

From the side of the main gate, a young man slowly walked towards the Palace, who seemed similar yet vastly different from the Princess.

He had equally golden hair as hers, but cut short and decorated with a gilded laurel wreath. Framed by thick dark eyebrows was a pair of irises like molten gold, but unlike Lysandra’s, they bore no sign of the familiar kindness.

He was undeniably handsome, but even from afar, the arrogance emanating from him was unbearable.

Next to Loukios was walking a gentle-looking woman. Her shining brown hair was tied in a neat braid and swept over her shoulder. Saria guessed that this must have been Melite, his wife.

Seeing her warm amber eyes and a soft, welcoming smile right next to her husband’s aura of self-importance, Saria subconsciously shook her head in disbelief.

From their presence alone, it’s clear that they are nothing alike.

Some distance behind them, a man clad in rich, impressive armor of an Aelian elite soldier. Unlike the others, however, his chest plate and shoulder guard were decorated with a depiction of a lion’s head.

He had short brown hair and piercing wheat-colored eyes. Just like Loukios, the man carried the air of arrogance around him, which made Saria suspect that this must have been Doran, his right hand and bodyguard.

Upon reaching the stairs, the young couple bowed deeply before the Emperor.

“Father, your son has returned,” Loukios declared.

“Welcome back, my son. It’s a great joy for your father to have you back,” Octavius patted his shoulder proudly.

When Loukios turned to Lysandra, Saria tensed on the rooftop. She observed for any wrong move, ready to intervene if she sensed any ill intent towards the Princess.

Fortunately, it seemed that the Crowned Prince had no plans to make a scene with so many witnesses present.

“Sister, it’s good to see you in good health,” he said, kissing Lysandra’s cheek. Each word that came from his mouth was a blatant lie.

“Thank you, brother. I hope your stay in Helle was pleasant.”

“It was delightful. I wish we could have stayed longer, but the Gods blessed me with an heir, so it was time for us to return,” he stated proudly, pulling his wife in a hug.

Melite smiled bashfully, giving him a side eye. “Now you’re pushing the responsibility on the Gods?”

“I can’t take all the credit to myself.”

“How about you share it with the person who will be carrying that heir for nine months under her heart, hm?” she teased, pointing at her own chest.

Loukios took her hand. “I already did, didn’t I? My Goddess…” he said, placing a gentle kiss on her palm.

Saria had to blink twice, utterly bewildered.

Had it been her first time she ever heard about the man, she would have never believed it was the same person who was planning to kill his own sister in cold blood.

So even monsters can have a heart…

Thinking this, Saria stole a glance at Lysandra.

“You look wonderful, Melite,” she said, once the couple stopped flirting. If there was any turbulence in her heart, her voice didn’t betray it.

“The baby has been kind to me so far, so I still get to enjoy some leisure,” the woman laughed, then scanned Lysandra carefully. “But what about you? You’re glowing!” Melite widened her eyes. “Did you perhaps have someone you fancy?”

Lysandra instantly felt the watchful gazes of her brother and father turn to her, making her tense.

She laughed awkwardly and waved her hand. “I simply have too much time on my hands, so why not spend it on cultivating a bit of vanity?”

Melite gave a disappointed ‘oh’, but didn’t seem fully convinced, stealing glances at the Princess.

“Let’s not linger here anymore,” the Emperor said suddenly. “We had a feast prepared to welcome you.”

With that, the official welcoming reached its end, and everyone started walking back inside.

Having nothing else to do, Saria decided to use this opportunity to return to her room to rest and think about everything she had learned recently.

Two hours later, a servant came looking for her. As she was told, the Emperor requested to see her.

Puzzled about what he could potentially want from her, Saria followed the boy to the dining hall.

In a sizable chamber bathed in marble, just like the rest of the Palace, multiple lecti were arranged in a disconnected “U” shape.

On one side was Lysandra, who was looking at her nervously.

While on the other was, Loukios and Melite.

The Emperor had his spot in the middle.

“You called for me, my Lord?” she asked, standing before him.

It wasn’t Octavius who answered.

“My father told me sister took a sudden interest in arena fights,” she heard Loukios’ scornful voice address her. “I was curious about the person who suddenly made her change her mind.

“You see, ever since I can remember, Lysandra was strongly opposed to this form of entertainment. And yet, here you are.” He scanned her from top to bottom with an arrogant smirk on his face.

Saria’s hand itched to erase that infuriating smugness.

“I asked to be allowed to fight,” Saria lied, clenching her fists behind her back. “Her Highness bought me for… a different kind of entertainment, but as you know, daethri blood runs hot. We need fights to keep it in check.”

“Yes, that is true. Especially, those coming from the savage lands. Trying to keep your kind locked amongst pillows would do more harm than good. I’m glad you understand that. You will be glad to have me as your new dheris, then.”

Saria’s eyes darted to Lysandra in surprise, which didn’t go unnoticed by Loukios.

“Oh? Did my sister not tell you?” he asked, clearly pleased about this development.

“I couldn’t find the right moment,” Lysandra said, apologizing to Saria with her eyes.

Loukios clicked his tongue. “So disappointing, sister. I was told that you were neglectful when it comes to looking for fights for our daethri, too. What a shame.”

“But don’t worry,” he turned back to Saria, “with me around, you won’t be bored. I’ll put you to a good use, like a proper dheris should.”

“You’re too kind, Your Highness,” Saria forced. Her patience depleting at a dangerous rate.

“I have a feeling it is the beginning of a very fruitful cooperation.” The smile that bloomed on Loukios’ face was neither honest nor good-willed. His ulterior motives were painfully obvious.

Saria wondered if the Emperor and Melite were really oblivious to who this man really was.

“If that’s all, Your Highness, I will excuse myself.” Saria lowered her head, just enough to pass as a court gesture, and, hearing no objections, she turned to leave.

“Before you go…” Suddenly, she heard Loukios call out to her.

She stopped, sighing quietly. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Pour me more wine.” Loukios was holding out his goblet with self-importance written all over his arrogant face.

Saria gritted her teeth.

If not for Lysandra, she would have already given him a piece of her mind and fist, a long time ago.

But assaulting the future head of the Empire would be a fast pass to the afterlife for both of them, so the only thing she could do was to obediently comply.

She took the carafe from the table and walked over, avoiding looking at him. Then, she started refilling the cup.

From the moment she picked up the wine, Loukios’ gaze hadn’t left her even for a moment. Saria could feel his probing look nearly burn a hole in her head.

Just as she was about to finish, Loukios grabbed her wrist.

“Such unique eyes,” he mused. “It is said that those born with eyes red as blood have special abilities.” His fingers wrapped around her hand and painfully dug into her skin.

Saria finally raised her eyes and glared back at him. “If I had any special abilities, do you think I would still be a slave, Your Highness?” she asked, forcing the words through her teeth.

Loukios didn’t answer. He smiled slyly and let go of her.

Saria took this opportunity and immediately headed to the exit.

Everything next happened in the blink of an eye.

Loukios gave a sign to Doran, who was standing hidden behind a column at the edge of the room.

While oblivious to the gesture, Saria was already aware of another presence and that it was moving her way.

At the same time, she heard Lysandra’s voice.

“Behind you!”

Saria ducked just in time to dodge a dagger swinging at her.

She spun on her feet, caught the blade-wielding hand and delivered a powerful hook to the assailant’s ribs, followed by another aimed at his jaw.

She grabbed his arm and locked it in a lever, then brought him to his knees.

Lastly, she took the dagger and pressed it against his neck.

The man groaned in pain, but a satisfied smirk never left his face.

“Impressive,” Loukios clapped his hands. “And to see my sister so worried. You must be really important to her.”

Lysandra, so far observing the entire situation in silence, sat up on the lecti and glared at her brother. “Is it so weird that I don’t want to see blood being spilled during dinner?”

“You didn’t seem to mind seeing Doran’s blood be spilled.”

“He is the attacker. Why should I pity him?”

“So ruthless, dear sister. Or, I should say, valiant in protecting the one you care for so much.”

“If you see principles and decide to take them for feelings, that’s on you. I’m not responsible for your delusions, Loukios.”

“Enough,” the Emperor cut in and looked at Saria, still holding Doran on his knees. “Let him go.”

He watched as the man got up and walked back to Loukios’ side while massaging his sore arm.

“I know how much time the two of you spent together,” he said, his gaze drifting between Saria and Lysandra. “You, slave, remember your place. The desires of the flesh are normal, especially for a woman who has a harder time controlling them, but there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

“Don’t delude yourself into believing that there can be anything more than this between you and my daughter.

“And you, Lysandra,” Octavius directed his blazing golden eyes at her, “Remember your status. Remember the family you represent.

“Control your emotions. If someone starts suspecting you have feelings for her, it will be a disgrace to our name. Force my hand and I will get rid of that slave.”

Lysandra pressed her lips together and raised her chin high. “I understand,” she said coldly.

Seeing this absurd situation unfold with her own two eyes, Saria finally fully grasped what the Princess had tried telling her this morning.

This Palace, this family was nothing more than a gilded cage, and Lysandra was its prisoner.