CHAPTER 458: A NEW CHAPTER

Everyone has their backstory. "She sounds like a wonderful person. I am just a glimpse of her shadow." Abrielle answered.

Her statement might sound ambiguous but it was what she felt. Abrielle Nightshade wasn’t a shining light but was a spoiled, rich noble who only believed in her happiness.

"At least that’s what I remember from memories that seemed so distant," Aurelius replied.

"I wonder if I can get to see more images of her." She mentioned. The drawing she saw wasn’t very detailed, although she recognised the resemblance.

"I never doubted that I wasn’t a Nightshade since I held some resemblance to my parents. I had Pierre’s eyes and Rebecca’s hair. They were wonderful people who treasured me until the truth got known. It might seem like my life was a lie, but I refuse to believe so."

Abrielle understood Rebecca’s sentiment. She has faint memories of Abrielle’s childhood, remembering how well they pampered Abrielle like their angel. Her heart squeezed at the thought that it was meant to be Callista’s life.

They had no idea their actual daughter cried to sleep on an empty stomach

"I only have one drawing of her. I drew it when I started to forget what she looked like. I was scared of forgetting that maybe Silvanius might have more pictures."

Aurelius learnt how to draw for the sole purpose of preserving the last image of Bethany in his mind.

******

The gates of the Heliosian palace opened slowly, just like before, but this time, everything felt different.

The last time Abrielle was here, she hadn’t really noticed the details.

Her mind had been filled with Cedric. His face. His pain. The fear of losing him. Back then, the palace had just been a blur of guards, golden walls, and people she didn’t care about. She’d barely noticed where she was. It felt like she was seeing the palace for the first time.

It was beautiful and befitting of the name Palace of Luminaria, the city of light. A breathtaking scene.

The walls were made of pale stone that seemed to glow under the light. Gold lined the windows and the doors, and the rooftops sparkled as if they were dusted with sunlight. The entire building sparkled under the sunlight.

The carriage stopped. "May we?" He chimed in giving her his hand.

She looked at his hand for a second before placing her fingers in his. His hand wrapped around her, it was warm and assuring. Even if Cedric wasn’t here she wasn’t alone.

"I am just a bit nervous." She blurted and Aurelius laughed. "The worst anyone can do is glare. There is no need to be nervous."

When she stepped down, the sun hit her face. She knew Aurelius meant his words. Despite his warm smiles and presence in front of her, she knew Aurelius was far from warm to others. There was a good reason why even the empress was scared of his presence.

Abrielle took a deep breath. The scent of flowers and sunlight filled her nose. She looked up at the palace again. There were carvings of phoenixes on the gate, glowing in gold and red. Ivy crawled along the railings, their leaves shaped like tiny flames

The large walls made her feel small. She wasn’t the same girl who had rushed in here for Cedric. The one who felt like she could move mountains to achieve her goals.

They walked through the doors and it felt like she was taking her first step into a new undiscovered world.

The doors to the court opened, and their presence was announced with all eyes falling on them.

"Announcing the presence of our beloved crown prince, Aurelius Ceaphyr, and a noble presence among us, Princess Abrielle Von Drakkar." The words boomed through the wall.

The court wasn’t crowded like when she came here to negotiate on behalf of Cedric. The court held just a few people because of the nature of today’s event.

Abrielle and Aurelius approached the throne. Silvanius’ eyes flickered, his emotions were being restrained. He already knew how things were going to end today. The court session was just a formality.

Seraphina’s expression was more reserved this time. She didn’t lash out. The looks in her eyes were enough to speak about her stand.

"Greetings to the sun and star of this empire." Abrielle and Aurelius echoed as they greeted the emperor and empress at the same time.

"You may raise your heads," Silvanius instructed. Abrielle raised her head, her eyes met with his similar blue eyes. This was the man who apparently was her birth father.

Aurelius and Silvanius’s eyes locked. There was a silent storm in those blue eyes. They had a silent understanding before Aurelius averted his eyes giving Seraphina a fleeting look. Her face darkened, noticing the smirk on Aurelius’s face.

"Don’t let them intimidate you. Everything will be fine." Aurelius whispered, his actions were not intimate. Aurelius felt her nervousness, her hand trembled slightly. If not for the eyes and the nature of the place they were he would have pulled her into a reassuring hug.

All he could do now was give her words of encouragement. Aurelius walked away towards the direction where four of Seraphina’s children stood. They all possessed the same ginger with Aurelius as they all carried the same royal blood.

Their facial structure was a blend of Seraphina’s physical features like their striking emerald green eyes. Abrielle noticed the only girl who stood among them.

Lyra Caephyr was 2 years younger than Abrielle. Lyra was pretty without a doubt and held the same demeanour as her mother. She might have made a good queen if Cedric had married her. Her gaze was sharp, her face refined with grace. Abrielle didn’t need a seer to know Lyra hated her despite hiding it perfectly.

Her gaze shifted from Lyra to a familiar face who smiled back at her. Sebastian’s elder sister and her childhood friend, Adeline Nightshade, now Adeline Ceaphyr. She was married to the emperor’s only surviving brother, who stood by her side.

Abrielle’s eyes went back to Silvanius. It was about to start.

"I am sure you know the reason you are here," Silvanius said. The moment he spoke the room went silent. His every word carried weight.

"I am not certain of the reason why I was summoned but it is an honour to be before you." She answered gracefully. Silvanius nodded then his eyes darted around the room.

"I know you all have questions which will be answered today. The events that are about to take place might lead to a new Chapter in Heliosa and will raise more questions, for which hopefully answers will be provided in due time." He declared, Abrielle’s hand, nervously clutching her dress.

She was going to perform the Ceaphyr bloodline test in front of all these eyes to prove her identity as the first princess of Heliosa and Silvanius’ second-born.