Celestial Emperor of Shadow

Suncrest Whispers

Far away from the royal palace, past the stone bridges and quiet gardens where lantern light softened the night, Suncrest Estate rested under a pale moon. The mansion stood gently lit, its windows glowing warm against the cold air. In one of the inner wings, tucked behind open balconies and velvet curtains, a certain room held a soft, girlish charm that didn't belong to most noble homes.

Sasha's room.

Everything inside carried a warm pink tint—silk drapes, tiny ribbons tied to elegant corners, cushions shaped like flowers. A cozy, polished sweetness. The kind of room that always smelled faintly of rose tea and fresh linen.

Sasha sat at the end of her bed, legs folded beneath her, nightgown draped loosely over her frame. The dim lantern glow softened her expression as she hugged a pillow close, golden eyes half-lost in thought.

Her mind drifted—far too easily—toward a certain raven-haired prince and the warmth of his family's manor, the laughter she'd shared earlier, the feeling of belonging she still wasn't used to.

I'm thinking too much, she told herself, cheeks puffing slightly.

But she couldn't help it.

She never could, not when it came to Victor.

She lifted her head… right as the door creaked open.

The hinge made a soft whine. Sasha blinked, sitting up straighter.

A familiar gentle voice slipped through before the figure even fully entered.

"My lady, are you still awake?"

Julia stepped in with practiced grace—the woman who had practically raised Sasha since the day she was born. Her black hair was tied up neatly, her black eyes sharp yet filled with a warm, motherly softness. The maid outfit she wore was elegant but undeniably fitted, hugging her curves in a way that always made the younger servants whisper. But Julia never cared about gossip. She was loyal, steady, and Sasha's world for far longer than anyone else.

Sasha couldn't help smiling brightly.

"Julia! You're back."

"Yes," Julia replied, closing the door behind her. "I saw your light and came to check. You should be resting."

Then she paused, eyes narrowing slightly with concern despite the faint smile tugging at her lips.

"You look lost in thought again."

Sasha laughed softly, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Only a little…"

Julia walked over, her steps unhurried and graceful, and sat beside her on the fluffy mattress. The bed dipped slightly under her weight. She always smelled faintly of jasmine and clean soap. Comfort. Home.

Sasha leaned in just a bit, playfully bumping her shoulder against Julia's.

"How was the trip? Did Father give you trouble again?"

Julia gave a tired chuckle.

"He gives less trouble now than he did when you were small. He finally learned that arguing with me leads nowhere."

"That's because you always win," Sasha teased.

Julia tilted her head proudly. "Naturally."

Then she shifted, turning more toward Sasha as her expression softened.

"So, my lady… how was your lunch today?" Julia asked lightly.

Sasha felt her cheeks warm at the memory.

"It was… lovely," she admitted. "Victor's family is kind. Different from what I expected."

Julia's smile deepened, eyes softening with relief.

"I'm glad. You always deserved warmth."

Sasha hesitated before adding quietly, "I liked being there… with them."

"And with Victor?" Julia asked knowingly, lifting a brow.

Sasha jolted. "W–Why do you say it like that?"

"You're glowing," Julia said matter-of-factly. "Anyone could tell."

"I am not glowing," Sasha insisted, but her voice wavered and betrayed her.

Julia laughed gently, placing a hand on Sasha's head.

"My lady, you look exactly like a girl in love."

Sasha's entire face turned red.

She hid behind her pillow.

"I–I just said I enjoyed lunch! I didn't say anything about love!"

Julia hummed lazily.

"And yet you responded before I finished my sentence. Interesting."

Sasha groaned into the pillow.

"Juliaaa…"

Julia shifted, gently tugging the pillow away.

"Come now. Tell me what's bothering you. I can always tell when you're overthinking things."

Sasha hesitated. Then, slowly, she let her thoughts spill.

"I just… I keep thinking about today," she murmured. "Victor's father spoke to me kindly. His sisters were lively. Violet teased me. Everything felt so… warm."

She played with the corner of her nightgown, fingers fidgeting.

"And I liked it so much that it scares me."

Julia listened quietly, patient as always.

"You know," Sasha continued, voice softer, "after Mother passed away, and Father stayed so distant… you were the only person I had."

Julia's expression warmed, and she placed a reassuring hand on Sasha's back.

"My lady…"

"And now," Sasha whispered, "it feels like my world is getting bigger. Like I'm finally seeing places and people and… feelings I didn't think I'd ever have."

Her heart fluttered at the truth she avoided saying aloud.

Victor… makes that world feel brighter.

Julia squeezed her hand gently.

"You are allowed to want happiness, Sasha."

"I know." Sasha bit her lip. "It's just… new."

Julia smiled, soft and knowing.

"New isn't bad. Sometimes it's exactly what we need."

Sasha rested her head on Julia's shoulder, letting the comfort sink into her chest.

"…Thank you," she murmured.

"Always," Julia replied.

Then, with a sly tilt of her head, she added,

"Now, tell me… what did Victor say to make you blush earlier?"

Sasha's eyes widened. "J–Julia!"

"I saw the look on your face when you returned," Julia said with a teasing grin. "You had that timid little smile that only shows up when something sweet happens."

Sasha covered her face with both hands again.

"He… didn't say anything strange…"

Julia hummed.

"So he said something very sweet, then?"

"Julia!!"

Her maid laughed—soft and melodious—and nudged her gently.

"Come now, my lady. It's just us. Tell me."

After a long, dramatic sigh of surrender, Sasha whispered,

"He complimented me."

Julia looked unimpressed.

"Only that? My lady, you blush when the chef compliments your appetite."

"It's different when it's him!"

Julia's grin widened. "Ahh… there it is."

Sasha buried her burning face in Julia's arm.

"It wasn't the compliment," she mumbled. "It was the way he said it. He looked so calm. Like he meant it. Like… like he saw me."