9 days later,
The once neglected and tangled space was now a beautiful, mysterious garden filled with black roses, their sharp thorns glistening under the sunlight. The garden had taken on an elegant, formal style, with symmetrical flower beds, neatly trimmed hedges, and a central pathway leading straight to the entrance of the palace.
The ground was covered in a soft carpet of dark, velvety petals, creating a stark contrast with the sharp thorns that seemed to guard the space with an air of silent authority. The roses, standing tall in their clusters, exuded an aura of strength, their deep black hue hinting at a hidden power beneath their delicate appearance.
The fragrance of the roses wafted through the air, a blend of subtle sweetness and earthy tones, mingling with a spicy, woody scent. The atmosphere felt alive with the refreshing aroma, an intoxicating mix that filled the senses, drawing visitors into the very heart of the palace's essence. Soft whispers of wind carried the fragrance further, weaving it into every corner of the palace grounds.
The air felt charged with magic, as though the garden itself had become a living testament to the strength and grace of the one it now adorned. It was now a palace worthy of its name—The Black Rose Palace, a place where beauty and danger intertwined in perfect harmony.
Inside Evelyn's chamber,
Evelyn stretched her arms and let out a soft sigh, her fingers digging into the plush comfort of the bed she had finally reclaimed. The soft rustling of the sheets echoed through the room as Cassy stood beside her, unwavering, awaiting instructions. Evelyn glanced at her, a tired but satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Evelyn: "Ah... I'm so tired. Callie, I'll be resting for a few days. I won't be seeing any visitors."
Cassy: "But all the work was done by the servants, Your Highness."
Evelyn, exhausted from the exertion of the past week, jumped onto her bed as though she hadn't rested in months. The weight of her responsibilities had finally taken its toll, and now she welcomed the comfort of the soft mattress.
Cassy sighed, a knowing expression crossing her face. She bowed her head and quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She understood that Evelyn would not be leaving her bed anytime soon. The princess needed this time to recharge, even if only for a few days.
Evelyn fell asleep instantly, her body sinking into the comfort of the bed, her muscles relaxing from the intense work she had put in. Her breath evened out, and the stillness of the room enveloped her. The rest of the day passed in peaceful silence as she slept undisturbed.
For the next few days, Evelyn didn't bother to leave her room, allowing herself to recover from the exhaustion that had plagued her for so long. But that peace was shattered in the dead of night, when something unusual happened.
In the quiet darkness,
A figure cloaked in black silently entered through her window. The assassin's movements were swift, careful, as he approached Evelyn's bed, a gleaming knife gripped tightly in his hand. The night was still, the only sound the rustle of fabric as the man drew nearer to his target.
However, just as he reached her bedside, a strange, glowing circle appeared on the ground beneath him. The assassin froze, his eyes widening in confusion. Before he could react, he collapsed, unconscious, his knife slipping from his grasp.
The next morning,
Evelyn awoke, stretching lazily as the first rays of the sun peeked through the curtains. Her fingers brushed through her tangled hair, and as her eyes adjusted to the light, she froze, noticing the unconscious man lying motionless on the floor. A chill ran through her, her cold, calculating gaze narrowing.
For a few moments, she studied the man in silence, her expression hardening. She knew exactly who was behind this.
Evelyn (Thoughts): "...It must be the work of those nobles. Since I'm already aware of the bloody schemes and power struggles among the nobility... I was prepared for this, and now I've finally caught a rat."
Evelyn: "Garan... Garan..."
At her call, Gerald entered the room, bowing his head respectfully as he approached her.
Gerald: "Do you need anything, Your Highness?"
Evelyn: "Take this man and throw... I mean, hand him over to the Royal Guards."
Gerald glanced at the unconscious assassin with surprise, but he didn't ask questions. Without hesitation, he complied, lifting the man's limp form and carrying him off to the Royal Guards for interrogation.
Two weeks later,
Evelyn sat in her chamber, having just finished her breakfast. The silence was heavy, only broken by the soft sound of her utensils as she placed them down. She looked over at Gerald, who stood at attention, his face betraying a hint of disappointment.
Evelyn: "Has there been any news from the guards?"
Gerald: "No, Your Highness."
His voice was laden with frustration as he bowed. Evelyn's face remained serene, yet there was a subtle flicker in her eyes, a glimmer of anticipation that suggested she had already known this would be the case.
Evelyn (Thoughts): "So, no news even after 2 weeks, even though an attempt on a princess's life was made. To think that I, a powerless and unfavored princess, am still not safe. Hah... Looks like it's time. I can handle things on my own, but I don't like being disturbed while I sleep."
She let out a quiet sigh and then turned to Cassy and Gerald, her gaze unwavering.
Evelyn: "Can you bring me some people?"
Cassy: "Who, Your Highness?"
Evelyn's voice was calm but firm as she described the individuals she needed, detailing the exact qualities and skills she sought. Cassy and Gerald exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them before they nodded in agreement. They left the room, determined to fulfill Evelyn's request.
When they returned, Evelyn was standing by the window, gazing out at the garden. Her presence was commanding, her posture poised and graceful. As the group entered, she turned to face them, her sharp eyes assessing each individual in turn.
There were five people standing before her: two girls with cyan-colored hair, a girl with reddish-brown hair, a woman who appeared to be about the same age as Cassy, and lastly, a young girl, no older than 12 or 13, with messy black hair. Her face was hidden beneath the wild tresses, her appearance suggesting as if she had never combed her hair before.
Evelyn's gaze swept over them, her expression unreadable. For a moment, there was silence. The tension in the room thickened, as if the air itself was waiting for something to happen.
Then, in her usual calm, unwavering tone, Evelyn spoke.
Evelyn: "Do you know why I called for you?"