Chapter Seventeen
As the puppet show drew to a close, a cascade of fireworks illuminated the night sky. Enhanced by magic, the bursts shimmered like stardust, cascading over the crowd in a radiant dance.
Evelina reached out instinctively, as if to capture the fleeting sparks. They drifted into her palms, glowing briefly before dissolving like a dream.
As the last embers faded, the crowd began to disperse, their murmurs blending with the cooling night air.
Clutching the empty fry box, Evelina felt a pang of melancholy. She wasn’t ready to leave the festival’s vibrancy behind.
But the hour was late, and the carriage awaited.
“Did you enjoy the puppet show, Evelina?” Arsene asked, his voice warm.
“It was incredible!” she replied, her face alight with enthusiasm. “The way those puppets moved—so lifelike!”
As they left the plaza, Evelina’s excited chatter filled the air. Arsene and Karina listened, their smiles tender, their eyes reflecting quiet affection.
After a while, Evelina grew self-conscious, her words trailing off. She lowered her gaze, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
A soft whisper brushed her ear. “I’m glad you had fun today.”
She turned, startled. “Oh…”
“Your smile was radiant,” Arsene continued, his voice low. “It warmed my heart. I’d move mountains to keep you smiling like that—to show you the world, to let you live freely.”
He lifted her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to its back.
Beneath her hood, Evelina’s blindfolded eyes widened. Before she could respond, they reached the carriage.
Glancing back at the shopping district, she noticed the streets had quieted. Stalls were closing, their vibrant lights dimming one by one.
They would glow again tomorrow, but for now, a quiet longing settled in her chest.
Sensing her mood, Arsene leaned closer. “How about we come back tomorrow—just the two of us?”
“Just us?” she echoed, her voice soft.
“Yes. A proper date.”
The word date sent a flush across her cheeks.
“Will you join me?” he asked, his tone earnest.
“Y–Yes, I’d love to,” she stammered, nodding quickly as his face drew near.
She climbed into the carriage, fanning her flushed cheeks with a shy wave of her hand.
From a distance, Karina narrowed her eyes at Arsene, catching the glint of his intentions. Though tempted to join them again, she decided to give them space—they were, after all, soon to be wed.
The carriage rolled along the darkened road, arriving at the manor under a starlit sky.
To Evelina’s surprise, Noah stood waiting at the entrance, as if he’d anticipated their return.
As the carriage halted, he approached and rapped lightly on the door.
It creaked open, and he greeted them with a warm smile. “Welcome home.”
Evelina blinked. “You’re still awake?”
“How could I rest with the master of the house still out?” Noah replied. “Did you enjoy the puppet show?”
“It was wonderful,” she said, her enthusiasm returning. “We had the best time.”
Noah’s smile widened, but before he could continue, a chill ran through him. Across the carriage, Arsene’s icy blue eyes bore into him—a silent warning.
The Archduke’s gaze wasn’t just a caution; it was a promise of consequences should Noah linger too long in conversation.
With a nervous chuckle, Noah bowed. “I’m glad to hear it. You must be exhausted. Please, rest well.”
Evelina tilted her head, puzzled by his abrupt retreat. When she glanced at Arsene, his face was all warmth, as if nothing had passed.
Noah, seasoned steward that he was, masked his unease and opened the manor door with practiced grace.
Inside, Evelina removed her cloak, her pale face catching the soft glow of the entrance hall.
“Good night, Mother,” she said to Karina.
“Good night, darling,” Karina replied with a serene smile. “Sleep well.”
Karina ascended the stairs, leaving Evelina and Arsene, whose rooms adjoined, to follow.
“I had a wonderful time today,” Evelina said as they climbed the stairs.
“So did I,” Arsene replied. “I’m always buried in work, so tonight… it was a refreshing change. Beautiful, even.”
“Wasn’t it uncomfortable for you?” she asked, a hint of worry in her voice. “I keep wondering if you endured it just for me.”
Arsene’s tone was gentle but firm. “If I dislike something, I don’t hide it. Tonight was no hardship. Don’t worry.”
“That’s… reassuring,” she said, a cautious smile breaking through.
At the market, she’d kept glancing at him, checking if he was at ease.
“This was my first festival,” she admitted softly.
“Your first?” Arsene’s brow lifted.
“Yes. The Imperial Palace forbade such outings. But… Jonas was different.”
“Jonas?” he repeated, curious.
“The Emperor. My younger brother.”
Evelina covered her mouth, startled by Arsene’s casual mention of the Emperor’s name, unguarded and fearless.
He sensed her reaction but pressed on as if unaware. “Jonas was clever at sneaking out. He invited me once, but I wasn’t interested then.”
“I see…”
“There was one time I joined him, though,” Arsene added, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.
“When?” Evelina’s curiosity piqued.
He waved a hand dismissively. “It’s late. We’ll talk another time.”
“You’re right. I’ve kept you too long. Rest well.”
They paused at their doors, each hesitating, urging the other to enter first. Evelina relented, stepping into her room with a shy smile.
Soon after, Berri arrived to help her prepare for bed.
“I saw the puppet show you mentioned, Your Grace,” Berri said brightly. “It was so much fun—especially since it was free! Did you see those dolls?”
“I did,” Evelina replied, amused. “I was probably nearby.”
Berri’s eyes gleamed. “I can’t wait for tomorrow’s carnival.”
“Sleep well, Berri.”
“You too, Your Grace.”
After Berri extinguished the light and left, Evelina sank into bed. Though not overly tired, the soft pillows lulled her. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted into a deep sleep.
Golden sunlight slipped through the curtains, stirring Evelina. She frowned, pulling a pillow over her head to block the light.
Then, with a jolt, she sat up. “What time is it?”
The clock confirmed her fear: nearly noon.
Rubbing her eyes, she checked again, but the hands were unmistakable.
“How did I sleep so late?” she muttered, horrified.
She rang the bell in a panic. Berri entered swiftly, as if waiting just outside, carrying a tray.
“Your Grace, you’re awake?”
“Yes,” Evelina said, flustered. “What’s that?”
“A sandwich,” Berri replied, setting it on the table. “Madam asked me to bring it when you woke.”
“Mother?”
“Yes. Eat first—I’ll fetch water for washing.”
Alone, Evelina picked up the sandwich, its warmth unfamiliar yet comforting. Karina’s thoughtfulness, even after Evelina overslept, touched her deeply.
Berri returned after Evelina finished, bringing water.
“Where are Mother and Arsene?” Evelina asked.
“Her Ladyship is downstairs. The Archduke stepped out for errands.”
Determined to thank Karina, Evelina washed quickly and dressed in light clothing before heading to the drawing room.
Karina sat sipping tea, her presence serene. She looked up with a smile. “Sweetheart, you’re awake.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Come, sit.”
Two chairs awaited, as if Karina had anticipated her. A teacup was set before Evelina, filled with fragrant red tea.
“Was the sandwich to your liking?” Karina asked. “I had the chef prepare it for you, though I wasn’t sure if you’d enjoy it.”
“It was delicious,” Evelina said. “Thank you for your kindness.”
Karina’s face softened. “I’m glad.”
She took a sip of tea, her expression turning faintly serious. “My dear.”
“Yes?”
“Would you like to hear about my life in the Imperial Palace?”
Evelina nodded. “If it brings you peace, I’d love to listen.”
Karina’s smile held quiet gratitude. She sipped her tea, moistening her lips before speaking.
“I didn’t choose to enter the palace.”
Evelina’s eyes widened at the revelation.
“It’s a bit cliché,” Karina continued, “but I loved someone—a servant in House Hanmehan, a viscount’s family. My family opposed it fiercely.”
Her voice remained steady, as if she’d long wanted to share this.
“I never wished to enter the palace. Who would choose a life of political strife?”
Her gaze darkened, her tone solemn. “But fate—or misfortune—made me Empress. My relationship with His Majesty wasn’t unkind, though.”
She sipped her tea, the heat stinging her throat faintly.
Evelina listened in silence, her presence a quiet comfort.
Karina relaxed slightly. “I despised watching ministers bicker over whether Arsene or Jonas should take the throne. I didn’t want Arsene to be Emperor… nor did I want another child.”
Her story finished, Karina’s smile turned playful. “I always thought Arsene felt nothing. But one day changed my mind.”
“What day?” Evelina asked, curiosity alight.
Karina’s smile turned sly, leaving the question unanswered, much to Evelina’s quiet frustration.
