Realms of power

Prince Victor approached Sarah, who was admiring a bed of vibrant flowers. "Sarah, I have been meaning to talk to you. You seem to have a keen eye for gardening," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

Sarah turned to him, her expression warm. "Thank you, Prince Victor. I do enjoy gardening. There is something soothing about being surrounded by nature. I believe you have been told this by someone. I know we do not speak often. Even while we studied at the royal Academy, I do remember well our contact."

" Yes, you are right. But, no one told me. I assumed so because I always see you around flowers," Victor replied, his enthusiasm genuine. "I have always been fascinated by the way flowers bloom in different colors. Do you have a favorite flower?"

Sarah's eyes sparkled. "Actually, I am quite fond of roses. There is something about their beauty and fragrance that I find captivating."

Victor's face lit up. "Roses are indeed lovely. I have always been impressed by their versatility – they are not just beautiful, but also fragrant and edible."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Edible?"

Victor nodded. "Yes! Rose petals can be used in cooking, particularly in desserts. I have experimented with rose-petal jelly and rosewater pudding."

Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "You cook, Prince Victor?"

Victor chuckled. "I do! In fact, I find it quite therapeutic. There is something satisfying about creating a dish from scratch."

Sarah's admiration for Victor grew, her respect for him deepening. "I must admit, I am impressed. Many men in the kingdom do not cook, seeing it as a...demeanor for a woman."

Victor's expression turned thoughtful. "I have never understood that mindset. Cooking is an art, a way to bring people together. Why should it be limited to one gender?"

Sarah smiled, her eyes shining with sincerity. "I couldn't agree more, Prince Victor. You're a true Renaissance man."

Victor laughed, feeling a sense of connection with Sarah. "I think I'll take that as a compliment. Perhaps one day, I can cook for you and show you my culinary skills." He wanted to cook for her every day.

Sarah's face lit up with a warm smile. "I would like that, Prince Victor."

***

Sarah returned home, expecting the familiar warmth and comfort of her family's estate. Instead, she was greeted by an eerie silence. As she entered the mansion, she noticed that the maids had been replaced. The new servants seemed hesitant to meet her gaze, their faces expressionless.

Sarah approached one of the maids, a young woman with a timid demeanor. "Excuse me, where is my mother?" Sarah asked, trying to keep her tone light.

The maid ignored her, busying herself by dusting a nearby vase. Sarah's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She quickly made her way to her mother's chambers, hoping to find some answers.

As she approached the door, she was blocked by two eunuchs, their faces stern and unyielding. "I am afraid you cannot enter, Princess," one of them said, his voice firm but polite.

Sarah's eyes flashed with annoyance. "What is going on? Why can't I see my mother?"

The eunuch hesitated before responding, "I am afraid your mother has been confined to her chambers by your father's order. Concubine Felicity is now in charge of the mansion."

Sarah's face fell, her mind reeling with shock and anger. She stormed off to her room, her thoughts racing with possibilities. How could her father do this to her mother?

As she entered her room, she found Constance, her chief maid, waiting for her. Constance's face was etched with concern and indignation. "Princess, I am so sorry about what is happening. This is an outrage!"

Sarah took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "It is okay, Constance. I need to think clearly. But first, I need you to send a message to my brother. Ask him to send some men to the mansion. I do not know what's going on, but I need to be prepared."

Constance nodded, her eyes flashing with determination. "I will take care of it, Milady."

As the evening drew near, Sarah's dinner arrived late, the food cold and unappetizing. Constance was incensed, her anger boiling over. "This is unacceptable! You are the first daughter of the legal wife, and you deserve better!"

Sarah's eyes hardened, her resolve strengthening. "You are right, Constance. I won't be bullied. Gather all the maids and let's go see Concubine Felicity."

The maids followed Sarah to Felicity's chambers, where they found her enjoying a sumptuous meal. Felicity looked up, a smug smile spreading across her face. "Ah, Sarah. How nice of you to visit."

Sarah bowed slightly, her eyes flashing with anger. "Concubine Felicity, I see you are enjoying a fine dinner. But my food arrived late, and it was cold. I would like to know why."

Felicity's maid, a woman named Tiffany, yelled at Sarah, "How dare you speak to the mistress of the house that way! You should show more respect!"

Constance stepped forward, her voice firm. "The only mistress of this house is lady Charlotte, Sarah's mother. You would do well to remember that."

Sarah placed a calming hand on Constance's arm. "It is okay, Constance. Felicity's servant is clearly as dumb as her master. She does not know the rules."

Felicity's face turned red with rage, her eyes blazing with anger. "You dare to insult me? I will have you punished for your impertinence!"

Just as Felicity was about to continue her tirade, a group of men arrived, sent by Sarah's brother. They greeted Sarah respectfully, their eyes scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Felicity's expression faltered, her confidence wavering. She recognized their uniforms and badges. But she quickly regained her composure, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Ah, Sarah's brother has sent some men. How quaint. But you think a few guards can intimidate me? I am your father's beloved concubine, after all."

Sarah's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities.