Through Cirette’s broken memories, one thing was crystal clear to Vivia - that Cirette was never interested in Emberin's throne.

  Not at first.

  But something had changed, and that was Cirette actively trying to unite the two realms. At times, she would hold speeches in Orseth and other cities, and other times, she would educate her citizens to try and shed their hatred for the demons. To see the demons just like them, living their life like they were. That unification was the only long-sting and peaceful resolution.

  But reality hit her hard and fast. The ck of power to influence the people crippled her. The citizens indeed respected her as the royal princess but didn't pay much heed to her words because she was yet another woman who would eventually get married off into a noble family. The kingdom’s reins would always be in Rosrell’s and then in Elvin's hands - both of whom strongly opposed any such unification notion.

  That was when it dawned upon Cirette. The only way for her people to listen to her was if she held power. Political power. A power that could give an actual strength to her beliefs. Form to her thoughts. Words alone were not enough.

  That realization became the turning point for Cirette to begin getting involved in the political hemisphere. She began to accompany her brothers in all kinds of discussions and meet all kinds of people. She studied. She educated herself on the political ndscape, history, nguage and actively increased her popurity - one which Elvin opposed from the bottom of his heart.

  “This is ridiculous! You don't have any business involving yourself in the kingdom’s matters anymore, Cirette. We merely entertained your whims, that’s all. You don't think you can seriously contest for the throne, can you?”

  Despite the pressure and the underlying fear he always invoked within her, Cirette, for the first time in her life, had remained firm.

  “Why can I not contest, Brother? I understand I might still be cking, but I’ve also learned a lot, and I’m still learning. I…”

  Her fingers balled into her fist, her heart hammering in her chest until it threatened to break out.

  “I realized I’ve my own vision for our realm, Brother. In that vision, humans and demons don't hold grudges any longer. We can be free of the tensions and limitations that have bound us for centuries. We can be more loving and accepting towards one another. I-I know we can achieve this…!”

  “Cirette!!”

  Rosrell’s thunderous voice split the serene air into half. Words were not enough to express his disappointment and bitterness.

  “To even think that we’ll bow down to the demons for peace is bsphemy! It's all because of them that our ancestors died in that horrifying drought more than five hundred years ago. They cunningly used their blessed’s powers to poison our water sources, leaving us thirsty and stranded. Families upon families got wiped out for just a single drop of water, and you want to forget that history? How dare you!”

  “No, Father! I haven't forgotten the history,” she urged. “But it’s that same history that has also taught us where we went wrong-”

  “Wrong? Wrong were always the demons! They started a war nobody asked for. Humans have always suffered because they were too full of themselves and thought that they were above us! That hasn't changed even now. Nefarion Rudaheim isn't some simple-minded demon either. So peace? Unity? That's only a fairytale you’re living in! I won't allow the citizens to be brainwashed by your ideals!”

  Elvin had approached her, hands behind his back, his cold, unfeeling gaze forcing a tremble down her knees.

  “Did you hear Father now, Cirette? You’ve no pce in politics. The time will come soon for you to be married off so better focus that energy on becoming a good wife and dy that won't embarrass our family. As the royal princess, you must uphold our name and aid our retionship with the noble families. That's all you have to do.”

  Remembering that time now in the present felt like unearthing the buried matters all over again. That incident had long settled down, yet once again, it was pried open without a warning which causes Elvin’s expression to only worsen further beyond comprehension.

  “You cannot be implying that I’m behind this whole chaos, are you now?” A murderous frostiness cracked his knuckles.

  “Why not, Brother? You were always against my wish to contest for the Crown Princess’s position, to challenge you for the throne. Isn't it safe to say that framing me in a conspiracy would’ve served you victory over a golden ptter? You wouldn't be left with any threat to your crown anymore.”

  “You-!”

  “Elvin!” His wife, Sierra, rushed forward, stopping his deadly march towards his sister just in time.

  “Step aside, Sierra. My sister needs to be thoroughly educated today at any cost!”

  “Don't you move an inch, Elvin!”

  Regina gred, stepping forward to shield Cirette. Aeren came in too, helping Sierra calm his brother’s rampage.

  Sierra cast an unreadable gnce at Vivia. “I understand you’re upset, Cirette, but no matter the differences between you siblings, you don't really think that Elvin would ever do this, do you?”

  Vivia remained unperturbed. “Why does Brother have to be so on edge, I wonder? I’m merely asking some valid questions. If he can insinuate my involvement in a stranger woman's death without any motivation to kill her, then why can I not do the same? At the very least, my questions are not without any basis, unlike his.”

  Rosrell left his throne in reaction to which everyone in the court straightened at once, an unknown fear choking them.

  “You’ve spoken enough, Cirette,” his frigid countenance cast an eerie wave of discomfort. “Any more vile things come out of your mouth, and you’ll force me to punish you.”

  She didn't respond.

  “As for this woman. Aeren.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” He bowed.

  “You’ll thoroughly interrogate this woman and her real motives. That friend’s death is merely an excuse.”

  Audreya’s expression twisted.

  “She attempted to kill Cirette the first time in the Realm of Harmony and the second time right here in the capital city. Squeeze every bit of information out of her and who else is colluding with her. Once we have that, she’ll be given capital punishment in front of all citizens in Orseth. The message should be clear that harming the royal family is treason and will only be met with death!”

  enthu_reader