The Crimson Throne

Elaine watched Alexander's sleeping countenance for a few minutes. Bathing under the soft moonlights and the dancing overcasts of sprawling foliage, the silver-haired young man appeared far removed from the shrewd strategist described in the book. Despite his steady breathing, the faint flutter of his dense, downcast lashes revealed he was not in deep slumber. Elaine's gaze shifted from the Third Prince to the beautiful garden, absorbing the peaceful scenery and allowing herself a brief respite from the tension building within her body.

Not long after, however, the silence she enjoyed came to an abrupt end.

Several ear-splitting screams erupted like a bursting volcano and pierced the fragile tranquility. Rays of fiery crimson followed, exploding in the atmosphere and spreading firestorms across the darkened skies. Above Elaine, birds shrieked and flapped their wings, dislodging from tall branches and scattering in all directions to seek refuge from the terrifying disturbance. The cacophony of sounds blended into a lurid symphony, shaking her awake from her temporary sanctuary. Elaine's head jerked upward with silver eyes narrowed, surveying her surroundings and attempting to locate the source.

Alexander did not stir or open his eyes, yet Elaine could hear him cautioning her. 'Stay where you are, Lady Estella. You and your guard are safer here.' 

"Are you alright, Lady Estella?" Cecil called from behind. His voice filled with vigilance as he dashed toward her. "Please come with me, milady. We need to seek shelter."

"No," she refused. Though she did not turn around, Elaine could imagine the blonde-haired young man's confused expression. "Return to your position, Sir Ascania. We shall remain here," she directed.

"But milady—"

"This is an order. Do not make me repeat myself." Despite her uncertainty, Elaine had already decided. Rather, she had no choice but to gamble. Instead of wandering into danger while seeking to hide from an unknown threat, she chose to believe the Third Prince.

After a prolonged silence, Cecil complied. "As you wish, milady." His footsteps halted and marched away from her.

Elaine chewed her lips, hands gripping her dress while eyes remained focused ahead. 'Will you allow me the privilege of information now, Your Highness?'

'Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Do you really prefer the truth, milady?' Alexander opened his eyes, adjusting his body to face her.

'Yes.' She stared back at him, eyes marked by stubbornness.

'If that is your wish,' he chuckled, then his tone became solemn. 'Have you ever been hunting, Lady Estella?'

'No, though I am familiar with the activity.'

'Then you must know that to catch a prey, the hunter must lay a trap.'

Elaine did not respond, waiting for him to continue.

'The larger the prey, the more elaborate the trap must become.'

A dreadful realization suddenly dawned on her. 'Are you implying that tonight's celebration is a trap?' The Emperor used his own son's birthday banquet to lure his prey. Who was the trap laid for?

'Your attendance tonight is unexpected, milady,' Alexander continued without answering Elaine's question. 'I was uncertain if Duke Geris had given you the antidote. Hence my previous warning to you.'

Antidote? The blue pill! Is that why the Duke forced me to take it?

Colors drained from Elaine's complexion. 'You poisoned the food?' Shivers ran down her body while she battled to contain her terror.

'You are mistaken, Lady Estella. I did not personally perform the task.' He laughed, though the humor did not reach his crystal-like blue eyes. 'However, your statement is not entirely wrong.'

'Who else knew about the poisoning?' 

'The three Great Houses and those remaining of value to His Majesty. You should understand, milady, that once an Empire expands, it is only a matter of time before things become rotten. It is crucial to exterminate the source before the infection reaches the core.' Alexander paused for a second. 'Of course, His Majesty still requires a certain amount of participation from the spared individuals.'

Bait…Rather than guests, we are all bait. Perhaps, like Alexander, the other aristocratic children already knew and accepted their roles. It mattered little whether one was born into destitution or nobility. Ultimately, everyone was destined to become a pawn in another's chess game. It was a bitter reality that this world's residents resigned to, including the original Estella. The only salvation for some was the possibility of one day becoming the players instead of the pieces. 

Elaine's fingers dug into her dress, struggling to maintain her composure—a numbing sensation sweeping through her body and mind. She recalled the cryptic conversations between the Houses' heads and the absentee heirs from some selected noble families. Like pieces of an elaborate jigsaw puzzle falling into places, everyone's actions now made more sense. However, why did Gerard bring his heir despite knowing the event's primary purpose? Was it a grand display of loyalty to the Emperor? Was Liviane aware?

'Did the Crown Prince know?' she asked. 

At the mention of Louis, Alexander's lips curled into a mocking smile. 'Unfortunately, to encourage my older brother's attendance, His and Her Majesties agreed to keep him ignorant of the main event.'

I doubt the Empress was a willing participant. 

'I see,' Elaine replied.

Numerous crimson bursts continuously launched and exploded in the air, drowning out the despairing cries. From the Capital's inhabitants' perspectives, they appeared no different from the familiar stunning fireworks commemorating special occasions.

Elaine glanced up and ceased her inquiries to observe the deceptive spectacle. After a moment, she returned her attention to the apathetic silver-haired young man still resting his head on her lap. 'How are my parents, Your Highness?' Elaine raised the question despite her detachment from Estella's family. It would seem more suspicious if she did not.

The Third Prince again closed his eyes and answered her a few seconds later. 'The Duke of Geris and his family are safe. They are under the royal guard's protection.'