ATIRPBT 23

                                                               CHAPTER 23

I stared with indifferent eyes at Mullin, painstakingly copying Evgenia’s handwriting.

There were many ways to safely deliver a letter to Dmitri without involving Mullin—but I did it this way because:

“Dmitri isn’t likely to meet me otherwise.”

No one else could influence him but Evgenia—so I used her as the conduit.

I said,
“Seems too flashy for negotiating. Something simple and elegant instead.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Mullin—now firmly on my side—took initiative as if she had no other agenda: she fetched several dresses. I chose one, they dressed me swiftly… and now, the real negotiation begins.

9:00 PM — Glass Conservatory of Evgenia’s Palace

I entered Evgenia’s glasshouse, familiar territory now. Though outside was humid, inside felt like mid‑spring—cool and gentle.

“Good evening, Your Highness the First Prince.”

There he sat, at the tea table, waiting for me and Evgenia. His half‑glance flicked toward me, then away.
“Has she not come yet?”
“As you see.”
“Well, then we must wait, just the two of us.”

I sat across from him. Opposite us sat an empty chair—Evgenia, who never showed up.

Silence passed. I finally broached the topic.
“She didn’t come… strange, isn’t it?”
“….”
“If her palace isn’t in turmoil, maybe it was just a prank?”

Dmitri uncrossed his legs and looked at me with narrowed eyes.
“You didn’t do this?”
“Of course not.”

He didn’t appear convinced—but he waited. As the clock crept past nine, he sighed.

“You have something to say to me.”

I tensed, but he raised his chin.

“Speak.”

I drew in a breath.

“I’d like to propose a negotiation.”

“And what would that be?”

I hesitated—this wasn’t expected.

In the past, Dmitri despised me. At court events, he’d cast icy glances and avoided me. But tonight… he’s here, in the same room, not refusing me. And though my trick with the letter went entirely unpunished, he looks as if he’ll let it pass—for tonight.

I swallowed and answered.

“Let’s make a trade, Your Highness. There is someone only you can see. I need to meet them, but I don’t have the authority. In return, I can give you critical information you need.”

His eyes sharpened, deepening into bright red anger, but I didn’t flinch.

“Tell me what you have,” he commanded.

My hands gripped my skirt, sweaty palms.

“I know the Emperor tasked you to lead an envoy from various states—including the Arenchis Federation—to forge the Ironguard Alliance against the Aetisra Empire over exclusive iron mining.”

His eyes widened, he rose abruptly and stared me down.
“How do you know this?”

“I have eyes, ears, and a mind to think with. This information will serve you well, I assure you.”

He drummed his fingers on the table quietly.

“And why should I trust you?”
I met his gaze firmly.

“Then trust me. My proposal: you allow me access to the First Detention Block, and I’ll deliver intel on the Ironguard Alliance proceedings.”

“You think you can just waltz in there alone?”

I curled an eyebrow. “Willing to trade, Highness?”

He snorted.

“A snake has grown up while I wasn’t looking.”

Minutes later, he stood and gestured.

“Time’s late. Leave now—we’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

Returning to my palace, the words echoed in my mind. I smiled slyly. Ilia noticed my expression and asked.

“I can’t wait,” I told her. “Tomorrow morning, bring Mullin to me.”

She blinked. I smiled more warmly.

“Be good, Ilia.”

Soon after, Ilia helped me to bed. Dawn came quickly.

Morning

Ilia brought Mullin to my chamber. She looked uneasy, eyes darting. I pointed to the sofa.

“Sit.”

She hesitated, then sat.

“Mullin—your house is in decline, yes?” I said calmly, grabbing an apple and eating it.

She trembled.

“Normally, you’d be punished—but today you’re spared.”

She bowed deeply.

“And… that brooch Evgenia received when she was eight—where is it?”

Her face went white. Eyes fixed on the brooch pinned at my right chest.

“Won’t you give it to me?”
The brooch set with a giant ruby in silver—it belonged to Evgenia. I demanded it.

Mullin trembled and sobbed before handing it over. I inspected it, rotating it once, and calmly tucked it into my jewelry box.

“That will come in handy later.”

After ordering both Ilia and Mullin out of my chamber, I hid the brooch securely.

Late Afternoon (~2 PM)

Mullin fetched a letter. I knew it immediately.

“It’s from the First Prince…!”

I opened it with a letter opener. The message read:

He invites me to meet him.

Smiling, I said,
“Ready your carriage, Ilia. We’re going west—to see the First Prince.”

She nodded.

“Also… get Mullin to deliver a note.”

“…But that could anger the Second Princess.”

I grinned, wickedly pleased.

“Mullin’s my double agent with Evgenia. She serves both me and Evgenia.”

Mullin dashed off. I walked out with Ilia.

Arriving at the First Prince’s Western Palace

Guards greeted me cavaliar:

“We’ve been awaiting you, Princess. His Highness ordered that I escort you.”

“Where is His Highness?” I asked.

“In the antechamber.”

They led me to the reception room. I sat at a tea table. Soon a guard announced my arrival.

From the next room I heard Dmitri’s low voice.

They opened the door. I entered. He was seated, tea poured, snacks arranged.

“Blessings of Aeryldium upon Princess Lirien…”

“Save the pleasantries. Sit.”

He sat. Neither of us spoke for a moment.

Finally I broke the silence.

“Will you let me into the First Detention Block?”

Dmitri leaned back, steepled fingers.

“First, explain why you want entry there. Why the interest?”

I responded steadily.

“The Emperor tasked me with duties that require meeting someone inside.”

“You say you bear the Emperor’s command?”

“Yes—though our missions differ, they are aligned.”

“You were not on the envoy’s official list.”

“But I wasn’t part of the delegation. This is an internal matter.”

He eyed me, skeptical.

“Magic is advanced in our empire… but iron remains essential—for artifacts, for city walls, for magicians’ runes. That’s why the Ironguard Alliance was crucial.”

I continued plainly.

“But think—if we manage this right, we might become self‑sufficient in iron.”

He grunted.

“Your point?”

“Marquess Taksiden struck a deal with the Tower and invented a Mana‑stone substitute—effectively an orichalcum alternative. This rogue’s formula is our key.”

I leaned forward.

“I propose the Imperial House acquires the full rights to Taksiden’s substitute. In exchange for access, will you authorize me entry to the First Block?”

He pursed his lips.

“Tsk.”

He sat quietly a long moment, then said firmly:

“Very well. I grant permission.”