A soft coo drifted through the still air, drawing Melody's gaze to the windowsill. There, perched delicately against the morning light, sat a dove, its pearl-white feathers ruffled by the cool breeze.
She exhaled slowly, bracing herself against the ache in her leg before pushing the blankets aside. The newly crafted cane stood beside her bed, an unfamiliar weight in her grasp as she forced herself upright. Fire had ravaged her body, and though the worst had passed, the pain still seared through her nerves like a cruel reminder.
Each step sent a sharp jolt through her burned leg. She clenched her jaw, swallowing the groan that threatened to escape as she crossed the room.
The dove remained unmoving as she approached, watching her with dark, knowing eyes. Carefully, she extended her bandaged hand—the one that had nearly healed. Its small body trembled against her palm, yet it did not resist.
That was when she saw it.
Tied to its slender leg, a parchment, sealed with wax.
Melody's fingers trembled as she reached for it. The knot was tight, the task frustrating with only one good hand. But just as she was about to free it, a gasp rang out.
"Oh, Your Highness!"
A flurry of movement—her chaperone Augusta, rushing toward her, arms outstretched. Melody barely had time to react before she was guided away from the window, the cane nearly slipping from her grasp.
"Goodness! What were you thinking?" Augusta scolded, settling her onto the couch. "Had I not been here, you could have fallen and injured yourself further!"
Melody let out a breath. "I know. That was reckless of me."
Augusta's frown softened, though her worry remained. The woman had been by her side for as long as she could remember, a steady presence in a world that had often felt too fragile.
"What was so urgent that you would risk getting out of bed?" she asked, glancing at the open window.
Instead of answering, Melody extended her hand, the dove still resting within it.
"Can you untie this for me?"
Augusta nodded immediately, fingers working deftly at the knot before handing her the parchment.
"Thank you."
Melody unrolled the note, the parchment cool against her fingertips. Her eyes scanned the words in silence, heart quickening with each line.
> Your Imperial Highness,
I hope this letter finds you well. If you are reading it, then you have finally awakened.
I wish I could be at your side, but war lingers like a curse upon us. The battle is far from over.
Please, stay safe. I do not know when peace will return, nor when I shall see you again.
Your Highness, I beg you—send a reply. Deliver this message to the Alchemist's Tower. Seek the new Head Alchemist.
Lucerne
Melody exhaled, her grip tightening around the parchment.
"What troubles you, Princess?" Augusta asked, studying her with concern.
Melody hesitated before murmuring, "It's from Lord Lucerne."
Augusta's expression brightened. "Oh, my! The Lord must be terribly worried about you."
But Melody's frown only deepened.
"That seems to be the case… but something is wrong."
Lucerne was not a man given to desperate requests. Every action he took was calculated, deliberate. If he had sent this message, then whatever he was facing was beyond his control.
"Augusta, has an alchemist visited the imperial villa recently?"
Augusta considered for a moment, then nodded.
"Yes, Your Highness. Lord Cornelius returned two days ago. He visited the Crown Princess Luciana again, alongside Her Highness, the Second Imperial Princess."
"Again? When did he arrive?" Melody's brows knitted.
"Yes. Two days ago.He was also seen entering the birthing chambers."
Melody's unease deepened. "Summon him. Immediately."
Augusta bowed. "At once, Your Highness."
She turned to leave but then hesitated, casting Melody an uncertain glance.
"Oh, before I go—would you like some lunch?"
Melody blinked before laughter bubbled up in her throat, light and unexpected. Even in the midst of uncertainty, Augusta remained unfailingly devoted.
"Yes, please."
As Augusta departed, Melody turned her gaze back to the window. Beyond the cypress trees, the purple flowers of the pine stood in full bloom.
"Lord Caelus… I pray you are wrong this time."
At the birthing chambers, the air was thick with silence. Physicians and healers filed out, their expressions unreadable, as Augusta entered.
Cornelius stood by the threshold, his arms folded as if deep in thought. When Augusta approached, he straightened.
"Lord Caelus, Princess Melody wishes to see you."
For a moment, he didn't move. Then, his expression shifted—surprise, then something unreadable.
"She's awake?"
Augusta nodded. "She requests your presence immediately."
"Augusta? Neli what's wrong?" Luciana asked.
Without another word, Cornelius strode past her.
"Wait!"
Luciana's voice rang out, but he was already gone.
Within the chamber, an eerie stillness settled.
Luciana turned to her aunts, her gaze sharp. "What happened to Melody? Why won't she come here?"
Aurora and Naila exchanged glances. Something unspoken passed between them before Aurora lowered her head.
Luciana frowned. "Aunt?"
Aurora's lip trembled. "I'm sorry."
Tears slipped from her lashes, and Naila, silent but grim, pressed a handkerchief into her grasp.
Luciana's breath hitched.
She had raised Melody and Avlynn as if they were her own, filling the void their mother had left behind. To hear the truth now—
Every word struck like a blade, slow and cruel.
Her vision blurred.
Her lungs burned.
Then—silence.
"Your highness?"
Naila suddenly shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the stone floor.
Luciana's lips parted, but no breath came.
"She's not breathing! Call the healers! Call the physicians immediately!"
The room erupted into chaos.
Maids rushed out, their cries echoing through the halls.
"Your Highness! Please, breathe!" Naila pleaded, trying to support Luciana's limp body.
Hades, lifted his little head and let out a mournful wail, his voice carrying through the villa like an omen.
In Melody's chambers, Cornelius stood frozen, the note trembling slightly in his hands.
Outside, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the halls, a frantic energy crackling in the air.
"What's happening?" Melody asked, shifting in her seat.
Cornelius strode to the door, pushing it open just in time to see the servants rushing toward the birthing chambers.
His stomach twisted.
His hands clenched at his sides.
No.
It couldn't be.
He turned back to Melody, his voice heavy with dread.
"She found out the truth."