Had this random thought on Anastacius (Aeternitas).
Imagine being two peas in a pod since birth, cannot be separated. But why? You, from a ducal house serving the throne chosen to be his playmate.
The first time Anastacius met you, he was planning on controlling you with black magic, but decided to test you first. He confessed that he wanted to take down the Tower Magician, Lucas(who you had no idea who) and you're like, whatever sure I'll follow you. And so he laid down his plans, with you towing behind him. Stuff like him wanting to ascend the throne and control/manipulate the people so nothing gets out of his hand. You're like, is he okay? But just goes “meh” he's my friend now I'll just watch.
And so by the time you were adults, fiancee's and all( surprise, not) with the whole stabbing Anastacius and Claude taking the throne, Anastacius lurked in the Alpheus house but ultimately stayed in your home.
Anastacius barged in your shared room, face hardened in annoyance that his plan had failed, you merely only glanced at him through the mirror where you were applying a thin sheet of face mask on your face. He approached you with hurried strides and stopped just beside you, waiting for something, someone.
You sighed in preparation as soon as his mouth opened.
“That damn brat is so annoying, I can't even get—” Yep, he rants to you. And he doesn't stop as you situate him in the chair you just sat, humming in reply to show that you were listening as you tie his hair away from his face, and lather up skin care products in your hand, before qpplying them on his bare face. You must be the reason why he's got such a handsome face.
By the time you finished putting on his face mask and about to add a last touch of cucumbers, he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you close to him, face with white sheet mask and lips pouting, he looked at you in worry.
“I can defeat the magician right? I, after all, have prepared since I was a child.”
“Yes honey, you'll do just fine.” You placed a quick kiss on his lips before shutting his eyes and placing sliced circular cucumbers on his eyes.
Then a wail of a baby resounded on the wall. Ah, it must be time for Jennette to feed now.
Just you and your grown-ass man child husband who craves world domination but seeks validation from you every time he does his plans and you, his wife who just rolls with his shenanigans, aka. bad decisions. Plus, a daughter who's equally in need of attention (because she's a baby, duh.)
Immense amounts of protectiveness can often blind someone, making them prioritize the well-being of others over their own. Those who care deeply for others may forget to take care of themselves, viewing the loss of someone they love as the same as their own death. They would repeat this cycle of saving others, regardless of the sacrifice to their own lives. This behavior is fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and selflessness, sometimes even border on self-destructive tendencies. A trait that he hated the most and a behavior she could not ever change...
Female reader will be named as Celestial
Just like the day before, the empress continued to feel a strange emptiness inside. Despite the newfound freedom of her confinement, she did not feel any joy or gratitude, just a mere sense of detachment. She might had just gotten use being alone in her room and not spending time outside. Worst still, if Claude could so easily release her from the restriction spell, he could just as easily re-impose it upon her.
His power and influential status rendered him virtually untouchable, leaving her feeling powerless. His powerful mana was even a stark reminder of why the late emperor had shifted his favoritism from his son with the empress to the one with a mere maid. That was how powerful the current King of Obelia.
Therefore, instead of just placing the sole blame on the former empress for her harsh treatment towards Claude, Celestial held a different perspective. She could understand and sympathize with the former empress' actions, knowing that they were likely born out of intense pain and betrayal.
Celestial recalled the rumors about how the former empress had married the king for power and status. How diverse it was from the truth as she still remembered the looks in the empress eyes. The hatred, hostility, loath and distaste, only capable to form due to amount of love for the king.
The one that should be blamed was the former king who desired someone other than his sole partner. He did not even perform his duty to both of his sons as a father figure. Due to that understanding, it was easier to be closed to the former queen and Celestial understanding even deepen as she experienced the same situation.
The empress stared into the cup of tea in her hands, her solemn eyes reflecting back at her in the liquid's surface as if mocking her miserableness. Instead of treating it as her light drink, she had darker thoughts, contemplating other purposes for the tea. She raised her head and turned her gaze to Claude, contemplating the dark thoughts that fleetingly crossed her mind.
Yet, she quickly dismissed them in favor of her beautiful child, Athy. No, she should hold herself back at least for Athy sake. It would be uncomfortable and unpleasant for a child to watch an adult fight, especially between the empress and emperor. She had also given her word to her ex-lady-in-waiting, Lilian York, to ensure the child's safety.
"My lady, I know it's already hard for you but please keep Athy safe"
"Don't you worry, Lily. Your desire is just the same as mine"
Celestial found herself reluctantly joining Claude and Athy on the boat ride, her protective instincts on high alert, ready to shield the princess from any harm that might come her way. She had assumed that Athy might be scared of her tyrant father, but instead, the child seemed delighted by Claude's invitation. Athy even called this guy papa in affection tone. Was it because she craved her father love all this time? How was her life in the Ruby Palace?
She could not help but feel her heart ache at the thought of Athy's life in the Ruby Palace. The child was likely isolated and lonely, with a deep yearning for her parent's love. Having lost her mother since she was born, all of that crave of love and attention would have been directed towards her father alone. Celestial felt her heart broken upon imagining it.
Celestial gently lifted up the petite princess and placed her on her lap, encircling her small waist with a soft and protective grasp. She could not help but wonder if all children at age 5 were this diminutive.
The little girl was initially surprised by the sudden move, but soon after, she relaxed and leaned her warm, small body against the empress's chest. The young princess seemed to find comfort in the safety and protection that Celestial's embrace brought while watching the scenery around her.
'Yes, mama's here Athy. There is no need to be afraid. I will protect you'
The minutes ticked by in silence, with none of the three uttering a word. The emperor kept his stoic gaze on both the empress and his daughter, while the empress deliberately avoided looking at her husband, choosing instead to focus on the lake. Meanwhile, the young princess, having grown bored with the inactivity, slipped off from her place in the empress's lap and began to explore the boat, particularly intrigued by the magic that enabled its movement.
"What are you thinking about?"
Claude was the first to break the silence, his gaze shifting towards his moving daughter. Celestial was about to intervene, having noticed the child's discomfort, but her attention was captured when the girl spoke up, her next words startling the empress.
"You hair is sparkly and pretty, papa! Like the lake water! I like sparkly things! Hehehe"
A smile tugged at the corner of Claude's lips, his usually stoic expression softening slightly. The young princess' compliment seemed to please him, her words causing a genuine or what seems to be smile to form on his face.
Seeing the interaction between father and daughter, Celestial's pay more attention to her surroundings, her body tensed, and her gaze sharpened, ready to intervene if bad occurrence happen. Having a slight interest from Claude would subject to his unpredictable actions.
Claude spoke again, his tone casual yet laced with something else. "That reminds me, you had a pouch of jewels with you that day. I kept your treasures safe and sound. Why don't you come and retrieve them yourself next time?"
Celestial's instincts kicked in. It was clear to her that her husband's invitation was more of a threat than a genuine offer. After all, this was the same man who had attempted to take the princess' life the moment she was born. This was also the man who had sacrifice his half blood brother for the throne.
"Stop treating Athy as your plaything, Claude," Celestial said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "What's the point of Sir Felix? Order him to send the pouch."
Claude turned his attention to her, his features hardening at her words. He let out a scoff, his voice cold. "And why should I do that? Stop regarding Athy as my plaything? Nonsense. She's my daughter, and I have every right to regard her as I please." He clearly stated or mocked the empress true status for the said princess as if he meant his wife did not behold any power or right on the child.
Celestial responded, her tone laced with a mix of sarcasm and bitterness as she would not back off easily. "Ah, so you've finally realized you're a father? How amusing. That's the funniest thing I've heard all day, Claude."
She knew she promised herself not have a fight with the emperor in front of the child but this guy really invited it. Meanwhile, the young princess continued to distract herself staring into the lake by the side of the boat, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere between the rulers of the empire. However, Celestial had already observed that the child was quite intelligent and knew when the princess just feign ignorance to her surrounding.
Celestial, consumed by the heat of the argument, failed to pay attention to the princess. She failed to notice the young princess reaching out towards the lake, leaning too far to the side and falling over the edge. The sound of the splash and the desperate cries for help jerked her out of her focused state, and she instantly realized that Athy was missing from the boat and struggling in the water.
"Do not tell me how to treat my own child, Celestial. I will do as I please with my daughter, and you have no say in the matter. She is mine, and not yours"
"H-help.... Help..!"
"Athy!" She shouted, her voice filled with a mix of panic and concern. She immediately rushed towards the edge of the boat, her eyes scanning the surface of the lake for the sign of the struggling child.
Celestial desperately strained her arm to reach out and grab ahold of the struggling princess, but she was too far away. Her heart filled with despair as she gazed down at the thrashing child, trapped in the clutches of the deadly lake.
The lake, adorned with beautiful blue lotuses, was not as innocent as it appeared. Infused with potent magic, the plants served as a formidable trap, designed to ensnare any intruder and relentlessly pull them down until they were completely lifeless. It was one of the most dangerous trap put in the palace and her own child succumb to such trap due to her carelessness.
As a product of her noble upbringing, Celestial had been shielded from learning how to swim due to societal norms. Such skills were deemed unbecoming of a lady, as it was expected for a woman to be rescued by a hero rather than be the hero herself.
Never be the lead but be one of the main character. If only that ridiculous traits not being implemented to the society, if only she knew how to swim then Athy's suffering would be alleviated.
The sight of the child's frail arms flailing helplessly in the water, desperately grasping for air, caused Celestial's heart to sink in despair. Only Claude, who used to live in a harsh environment, who she once saw the former empress push him into the lake could help.
"SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER! CLAUDE! DO SOMETHING!"
Celestial's desperate plea fell on deaf ears as Claude sit there like a statue, his expression devoid of any emotion. His callous indifference was even more evident as he remained motionless, not even a hint of panic or concern evident in his demeanor.
'He was not normal. He was not human. How could as a father to react such way...'
Celestial's heart shattered as she witnessed her child being dragged further into the water, her hair slowly vanishing beneath the surface. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she begged for her husband's intervention.
"CLAUDEE!!!"
Finally, Claude responded to Celestial's desperate plea and moved to scoop up his daughter with one strong arm in ease. His sleeve became wet as he retrieved the child from the water.
The boat glided towards the shoreline, and soon Athy was placed gently on the ground. Lily, Felix, and several other panicked maids rushed to the princess's side, assessing her condition as she lay on the ground, panting and coughing, her wet hair sticking to her face.
Athy continued to cough violently, her body attempting to expel the lake water from her lungs. As the child suffered, Celestial refused to hesitate further. While she may not have been able to save her child in the lake, she was determined to prevent any further suffering due to today's harrowing experience.
With fierce determination, Celestial made up her mind, no longer caring about the consequences for herself. Who would care what would happen to her if she used this power after a long time?
Celestial placed her hands on Athy's chest, her palms emitting a soft white light as she absorbed the young princess' suffering into herself. However, before she could complete the healing process, Claude quickly moved to stop her, his expression panicked and concerned as he was familiar to the power side effect.
"Cease it!" he exclaimed, his words laced with panic. "I forbid you to continue! Stop! Don't waste it on that child!"
With an iron resolve, Celestial stood her ground as Claude attempted to pull her away from the princess. She determinedly increased the flow of her power, channeling all of Athy's pain and sorrow into herself. As the princess' condition improved, it was the empress who started coughing, the effects of the healing process taking a toll on her own body.
As water filled her lungs, Celestial felt a mixture of pain and relief, knowing that she had managed to save the child from further suffering. However, the strain of the healing process and her already weakened condition took their toll, leaving her unconscious. Before succumbing to darkness, she faintly heard a desperate voice calling out to her.
Dreams... born from the unconscious mind, remained a constant reminder of the past. They haunted her, replaying the scenes of her despair and loss, over and over again. The anguish, the grief, the heartbreak - all of it would come rushing back in a flood of emotions that threatened to consume her entirely. The dreams served as a cruel reminder of what she had lost, what she could never have again. A sight of her failure...
Female reader will be named as Celestial
From a young age, Celestial had dreamed of marrying her fiance, Anastacius. How could she not? After all, they had been engaged for a full decade and had grown to deeply love each other. For Celestial, her soulmate was Anastacius and for Anastacius, his soulmate was Celestial. Their connection was strong and unwavering, and the anticipation of their wedding day filled her with excitement and joy. Only a year left...before things turned wary.
Celestial's voice was filled with desperation and anguish as she pleaded, "Wake up, Acius. Please wake up."
She held his body on her lap, the bloodied recently crowned emperor of Obelia. Her hands was trembling as she gently caressed his face. Her eyes were fixed on his form, tears streaming down her cheeks as she saw the large stab wound on his chest. The blood continued to flow endlessly from the wound, staining his clothes and seeping into hers. With trembling fingers, she desperately tried to wipe away the blood trickling down his lips and chin.
As Anastacius spoke, his voice was weak and barely above a whisper. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and anguish.
"You killed me, my Celeste," he rasped, his words tinged with both hurt and resignation.
Despite the grievous injury and the severity of the situation, there was a deep sense of sadness, grief and a slight anger in his gaze as he gazed up at her, the one person he had loved dearly. Celestial's heart shattered at his words, the weight of his blame hitting her like a wave of guilt and self-pity. She had hoped for forgiveness, but instead, she was met with an accusation that cut through her very soul.
Her heart ached with pain and frustration as she protested, "What! No! Don't be ridiculous. How could I even stab you, Acius? I'm acting that way before, but I truly only loved you."
Celestial gazed down into his eyes, pleading with him to understand her truth. Tears streamed down her face, staining her cheeks and falling onto his wounded chest. It was like a final bid to convince him of her innocence, to make him see the love that still existed within her heart.
Anastacius suddenly reached out, gripping her hand with a firm, tight grip and forcefully pulling her closer, their faces only inches apart. A sinister smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a hint of evil amusement in his eyes. He let out a chuckle, the sound cold and cruel, as if he reveled in her desperation. Celestial's heart hammered in her chest, a mixture of fear and confusion swirling in her eyes.
Anastacius's grip on her hands tightened, the strength of his hold bordering on painful. He continued to speak, his tone mocking and cold. "No, you did. Years ago, with that dumb light power of yours. And just like me, you are about to get that bastard princess killed."
As Celestial's eyes shifted to the side, her gaze fell upon the sight of her child, Athanasia, standing on the guillotine, awaiting her execution. The blade hung ominously above her small form, a grim and heart-wrenching sight that made her heart plummet into her stomach. Alongside her stood Claude, eyes fixated on her with a cold, emotionless stare without any feelings, as if he was a mere spectator to the scene unfolding before him.
"No! No! My Athanasia! Its not me! This is all Claude's fault! It's Claude! Claude!"
Celestial jolted awake, her heart racing and her body drenched in cold sweat. She had been dreaming, a nightmare that had haunted her for years. She found herself sitting up in bed, her hand extended desperately in the midst of the air, as if straining to reach for something that was no longer there, her fingers trembling from the emotional intensity. The vivid images from her dream still playing in her mind, leaving her disoriented and panicked. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to calm herself.
"You ask me to stop drinking," Claude's voice cut through the silence of the dark room which Celestial's eyes widened upon the sudden appearance of his presence. The feeling of hatred and blaming from her dream still alive in her heart. She turned to look at him, finding him standing beside her bed with his arms folded and a stern and unwavering expression on his face. He continued to speak in a mocking tone, words digging at her.
"Yet look at you, empress." His feet make contact with one of the wine bottle on the floor, a clinking sound being heard.
"What are you doing in my room?!" With a mixture of annoyance and irritation, Celestial snapped back at the emperor, her tone sharp and filled with frustration.
It was his fault that she need to consume multiple bottles of wine today and even before. It always because of him that she suffered through out her life. The sight of the emperor taking Athanasia from her still weighed heavily on her heart, and she couldn't shake off the anxiety and unease that gnawed at her chest. So, she went for a short cut road like a coward, immersed herself in excessive amount of wine. She must passed out while drinking as some of the bluish-violet liquid managed to stain her white bed.
"Athanasia... she was a boring child. A mute. Your attempt to save her was useless" Claude stated bluntly, his gaze lingering on the empress as he meant for the exchange of his wife freedom for the sake of the child survival at the time she was born. For five years, she had been trapped within the main palace. Her feet had never even touched a single grass. Celestial's heart ached at his words, her emotions a jumble of pain and anger. Claude was a very cruel man who lacked of empathy and sympathy which just worsen the hatred she felt for this guy.
"What did you do to my Athy, you tyrant"
Celestial's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. Her eyes burned with a fierce determination, her fists clenching at her sides. The mere thought of harm coming to her child made her blood boil, and she refused to back down without a fight. Her emotions were a tangled mess, a potent mix of concern, anger, and a fierce protective instinct towards her daughter.
"Huh, a tyrant," he chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of mocking. Claude took a seat beside Celestial and reached for the bottle of wine that lay nearby. "That's a very interesting name. The people call me their god but my own wife... regards me as a tyrant" He took a long sip from it, his expression nonchalant and unbothered.
"You are the one who offered to be by my side in return I let that kid alive. Don't blame other for your own decision"
Celestial's anger boiled over as she snatched the wine bottle from Claude's grasp, her temper finally reaching its breaking point. With a swift move, she flung the liquid toward his face, watching as the wine cascaded down his features and soaked into the pristine of his white robe. Claude's once nonchalant expression was instantly replaced by one of anger and wrath. His eyes narrowed as he watched the wine dripping down his face, the cold fury evident in his gaze.
"GET! OUT!" She commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. She was done with his presence, done with his callous words and uncaring attitude. The last thing she wanted was to remain in the same room as him a moment longer.
"I'm coming here in peace but Celestial, really you left me with no choice" A sinister calmness laced his words.
"Felix, bring the empress to the garden"
His gaze shifted to Felix, who stood nearby and gave a subtle nod in understanding. At Claude's command, Felix moved forward, firmly grabbing ahold of the empress and restraining her. The empress fought back with all her might, struggling against Felix's grip in a desperate attempt to break free. However, it was futile, his hold was too strong. It was evident that Claude wanted to injured her. He knew all too well about the magical restriction placed upon her. If she were to break the restriction, the electric mana would strike her.
Realising her life might be in danger, Celestial plead towards Felix, her voice filled with desperation and fear. "Felix, stop. Don't listen to Claude," she implored, her voice shaky. "Are you both trying to kill me?"
Felix appeared conflicted, torn between duty and compassion. However, he knew that he had no choice but to serve his emperor, his master's commands took precedence over any plea. He glanced apologetically at her, his expression reflecting a mixture of guilt. As Claude continued to walk ahead, Felix knew he could not defy his master's direct command. Ignoring the empress was the right choice for him in this situation as he knew Claude would never hurt Celestial.
The empress closed her eyes tightly as they reached the garden, fear gripping her heart at the sight of the infamous rose garden. When her bare feet touched the grass, she prepared for the worst but minutes passed and there was nothing. She cautiously opened her eyes. There was no electrical mana trying to attack her, instead, she could only feel the grass beneath her feet which was giving a foreign feeling.
The restriction ensured her to be chained to the main palace so when she was hunger for the taste of freedom, she would be at her balcony at night, feeling the cold air of the night, the light of the moon that made her white hair shone brightly. She was used to that feeling but not the grass that tingling her feet. This was the taste of the freedom she had yearned for.
As realization set in, her knees felt weak, she stumbled, and fell onto the ground, panting heavily from disbelief and adrenaline. Felix, tried to help Celestial to be on her feet back but Claude stopped him. The restriction that had once confined her was gone, vanished, leaving her free like she had longed for all this time.
"This is my gift for our anniversary, Celestial" Like always, he spoke with his emotionless tone. Just like that, Claude turned to walk away, leaving Celestial alone in the garden as she wailed in neither tears of joy or grief. She did not feel any gratefulness to the emperor at all.
The couple, though formally married, harbored a deep and profound hatred for each other. Their relationship was so damaged that it seemed impossible to mend. Every interaction between them was laced with bitterness and resentment, their words filled with sharp barbs and their silences laden with tension and suppressed anger. Despite their formal union, their marriage was nothing more than a form of torture, each one trapped in a suffocating cycle of hatred and hostility towards the other.
Female reader will be named as Celestial
"Athy, comes here!"
Despite the empress's attempt to call the young princess to come closer, Athasia seemed to be frozen in shock, as if her life was flashing before her eyes. Her body trembled as though she was caught in the middle of a terrible nightmare, unable to move or escape the situation. It was as though a wave of fear and panic had paralyzed her, causing her to tremble and freeze in place, unable to comply with the empress's command.
Claude paid no mind to the empress, his focus completely on the child. His face was expressionless as he studied her features, taking in every detail with a critical eye. This was the second time that Claude had seen the child's face, and his reaction was far from warm and welcoming. Instead, he maintained a cold and stoic demeanor, leaving the child to shiver in fear at his unfeeling gaze. It was a far from pleasant encounter for the young princess, as she faced Claude's cold and emotionless stare. What a warm welcome he provided to the young princess.
The small, velvet bag that the princess had been holding in her hand suddenly fell to the ground as she lost her grip, and some of the jewels inside spilled out. The sight of the jewels scattering out caused the princess to grow even paler, her eyes wide with fear and trepidation. It was as though she was filled with horror over the prospect of what might happen next and the consequences she might face for stealing the jewels from the palace. Her secret and long time effort had gone to waste.
"That face... I've seen it before"
Claude's voice was cold and emotionless as he spoke at the end of his breath. His words seemed to come out with a hint of recognition, as if he had seen the princess's face before. As his mood soured, a coldness seemed to settle upon the atmosphere around them, as if the very air had grown icy and chilled. The atmosphere became ominous and tense, as if the entire environment was responding to the emperor's dark emotions.
Athanasia was fixated and entranced by the emperor's presence, studying him intently. It was a surreal moment for her, as this was the first time she was face to face with her supposed father who had abandoned her since birth.
"Yes, was it that dancer from Siodonna. You look like that wench"
Claude spoke with cold and detached tone, referring to his late concubine and addressing her as "that wench" rather than by her name. It was clear that he had loved her dearly in the past but now held nothing but hatred towards her. He was a self-centered and ungrateful individual who only cared about being loved and did not reciprocate those feelings in return. He was someone who was selfish to a person who had loved him. Diana and Anastacius
"And I think I remember what that wench named you. I believe it was Athanasia"
Claude stepped closer to his daughter and crunched down to her level, tugging her chin to make her look up at him. The sight of Athanasia looking so frightened, as if her soul had left her body, was something the empress had never seen before. Unable to hold back any longer, the empress picked up a nearby vase, not caring about its worth or any consequences she might face, and threw it at the space between Claude and his bodyguard, Felix.
"Don't you dare to come any closer. Never EVER TOUCH MY CHILD" The empress's voice rang out with a fierce protectiveness, her words carrying a weight of authority and determination.
Celestial glared at Claude with a deep-seated hatred, her eyes burning with anger. Without hesitation, she scooped up Athanasia in her arms, placing her head on her shoulder, effectively shielding her from the sight of the tyrant.
Despite the injury she had inflicted on her husband earlier by throwing the vase, she showed no regret or remorse, as the pain she had caused him was not enough to diminish the hatred she felt towards him for his past transgressions. Claude observed the interaction between the empress and the princess with a glint of curiosity and intrigue in his eyes.
"Interesting," he said wryly, his eyes flickering between the empress and the young princess.
"She's not even your child, yet you treat her as one. I've never caught that the two of you being this close"
His words were dripping with sarcasm, as he seemed to derive some sort of perverse pleasure from witnessing the bond between the empress and the princess. With a wave of his hand, Claude used his power to take control of Athanasia's body and lift her into the air. The young princess, now suspended in the air, found herself in Claude's grasp, her small figure dangling from the emperor's grip, as if a marionette being controlled by a puppet master.
Celestial watched in horror as Claude effortlessly lifted Athanasia mid-air using his power. The sight of her child being helpless in the emperor's clutches fueled her anger and determination to protect her daughter at all costs. The scene brought back painful memories of that fateful day at the Ruby Palace, and the sound of the princess' crying still echoed in her ears like a haunting reminder of the tragedy that unfolded. She clenched her fists, her lips trembling with a mixture of anger and fear.
"Let her go!" she demanded, her voice shaking with urgency. "Release her immediately, you heartless monster!" The emperor's tone was chilly and emotionless as he spoke to the empress, his eyes fixed on her with a cold, penetrating glare.
"I sent you to learn etiquette," he remarked, his voice biting with thinly veiled irritation. "It seems your lessons have been ineffective." He paused for a moment, his gaze remained on the empress as he unleashed a subtle threat.
"Do not test my limits, empress," he warned, his words laced with a dangerous undertone.
"If you want her, come out yourself and take her from me"
Claude challenged her, well aware of the empress's inability to defy him. Only few knew the reasons behind the empress's confinement within the Emperor Palace, as he was the one who bounded her to the place. Celestial was bound by the constraints of a spell he had placed upon her long ago in exchange for Athanasia safety. It was their agreement back then.
The empress's heart ached with a deep sense of hopelessness and despair, a sorrow etched upon her features as she stood motionless, watching helplessly as the emperor carried her child away from her. She stood there, frozen in place, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides as she fought back the overwhelming emotions coursing through her.
"Give her back to me. Claude, I'm willing to do anything! Stop killing the people I loved!"
It was normal for a wife to hate her husband mistress and their child, but for her, the mistress was the person who had treated her fairly instead of the husband. When the latter died during childbirth, the wife pledged to herself to raise her child with care and love, giving the child the affection and treatment she deserved but had been deprived of...
Female reader will be named as Celestial
As always, Celestial hid behind a pillar to oversee a certain little girl who was approaching the Emerald Palace. She had observed the princess and noticed that she resembled Claude when he was a child, and there were no evident traces of Diana's characteristics except for her curiosity, similar to the latter and yet a lot of people did claimed the princess followed her mother features more. However, the princess did not take any precautions or seem concerned about the risks of being at the Emerald Palace, despite it being a place only for the Empress and the Emperor. Did she not feel scared if she accidentally met the emperor who had ignored her own mother?
Athanasia, a name that Diana bestowed on her own daughter before her passing from childbirth, also became the name that Claude used mockingly, being aware of its meaning as immortality. As if she was begging Claude to not kill their child. But, the crown prince had grown distant from Diana, not taking her feelings into consideration and only seeking for himself. And so, as Claude claimed to have lost a lot and could not bear to lose any more. Then, if he killed his only child, would he did not do anything except for losing some more? Celestial had lost her freedom because of Athanasia and Diana, but still she could not help but worry about the princess' fate.
"I am willing to do anything of your choice. I will support you with all my strength. I will be a good wife in exchange for saving the life of a child who was born innocent and free of sin. I beg you to have mercy and spare her, Claude. She is a pure being who only needs to be protected,"
Celestial pleaded as she hoped for the princess' safety. She could not help but feel the sense of urgency to protect Athanasia who was motherless and help Claude understand that this would be the right thing to do.
Celestial, despite having not bowed before anyone in her life, was now kneeling on the floor before her egoistic, monstrous husband. She lay her forehead on the ground in order to plead with the emperor to spare the princess' child from being killed. The scent of blood and corpses was overpowering and unpleasant, but Celestial remained to make sure that the innocent princess was protected. She could not risk it, having the sense of urgency to protect the pure and precious life of a child, despite her hatred for Claude. She had to save Athanasia with her very life.
Celestial refused to look at her husband, knowing that he was looking at her with hatred and anger. The surroundings were tense, due to the emperor's anger and the tense situation at hand. Knowing Claude, Celestial was fully prepared to sacrifice her own life to protect Diana's child, which she held so dearly. The mistress of her husband, Diana, was a kind person who was by Celestial's side when her husband neglected her and mistreated her. Because of her deep care and affection for Diana, she would go to any lengths and give her life to save Diana's child.
"Her name. Tell me,"
Claude ordered coldly, increasing the tension in the room and causing Lily to tremble in fear. She was desperate for her life and the newborn baby too. As they were the only ones alive amongst the sea of corpses, the Emperor's focus was firmly upon them. Lily was so terrified that she began to speak, answering his question with all her might, hoping that this will appease him and spare her life.
"Athanasia, Your Majesty," was the answer she gave, hoping that it was enough to keep her alive.
"Amusing. I wonder how long this thing can live in accordance to its name." Claude, upon hearing the response from the maid, chuckled madly and turned around to left the room without a second thought. He did not bother to look back, and in a stern tone to regard his wife. Knowing that Celestial gave him an offer to let the princess live, Claude finally agreed to this in turn for her devotion. He seemed to be satisfied by this outcome as he got to chain his wife by his side as long as he desired.
"And I would take your offer to me to let that filthy thing live"
While the palace was full of tension and conflict, it seemed that Athanasia enjoyed her time there. The little girl, having turned five years old this year, felt like a big girl as she was actively engaging in thievery of the palace decoration. The empress, could not help but notice her efforts to steal some decorations from the palace. In fact, she was so exposed in her position that anyone could locate her. Celestial, noticing her acts, tried hard to conceal her laughter, for she felt joy looking at the little princess engaging in such antics.
"I never know our guards are this incompetent that a thief can trespass into the main palace?"
Athanasia was caught off guard by a voice behind her. She then turned around, adorably showing of her doe eyes as she stared pleadingly at Celestial, who had witnessed her multiple times committing such sinful acts. Knowing that Celestial was aware of her daily activities, she hoped for her mercy and tried to gain sympathy by looking appealing and cute to her. However, Celestial had already grown accustomed to her thievery and antics, and the fact that Athanasia had gained a large collection of stolen items in her pockets had become a routine matter for both of them which the empress gave her full support for the girl. Let's make the palace be poor!
"Auntie, please don't tell anyone. Athy will give you my precious chocolate. Please keep this a secret," the little girl begged Celestial, referring to her as 'auntie' as she never know the true identity of the woman who she had met since a week ago.
"Is it the chocolate that you steal from the kitchen?"
"It already in my hands so it is Athy's!"
"You're funny. Am I not giving you enough jewels yesterday?"
"Athy just love pretty stuff so much that Athy wants it to be mine! Auntie is pretty too! Athy loves your hair and your eyes the most. Athy loves Auntie the most!"
Celestial knew the princess wanted her to keep her thievery a secret, but it was fun for her to tease Athanasia from time to time. In a way, being with this little girl had brought life to Celestial's darkened world, and she was glad to spend proper time with someone who was open and honest in their thoughts. She knew that the princess was a little wild at times, but it was far more enjoyable to speak to someone who was sincere and innocent compared to communicating with an adult with hidden agendas.
"Athy, I have a present for you for visiting me again, please extend your hand to me," Celestial told the little princess, who was more than happy to accept the gift.
"Is it bigger and sparkly than yesterday?" Athanasia asked with excitement, clearly expecting a magnificent gift as she had gained many trinkets from her previous visits.
"It is better than yesterday, Athy," Celestial replied with a smile, indicating that the gift would be better than what she had given Athanasia the day before. She gave the princess a little pouch, which she took in her hands curiously.
"It's not a jewel or gold?"
"Open it. I assure you will love it a lot"
Athanasia, the little girl from the royal family, opened the pouch with a sense of doubt, as she had certain expectations when it came to gifts such as this. She considered only gold and jewels to be worthy gifts to receive, as they were the only things she deemed to be invaluable for her future. The princess was not easy to please when it came to gifts, for these precious items were crucial for her future, and she wished to find out whether her expectations would be met.
Athanasia, the princess, was overjoyed when she opened the pouch and discovered that there were endless amounts of gold and jewels inside. She was overwhelmed with joy at the sight of the precious items and was amazed at the seemingly endless space inside the pouch. She was thrilled by the knowledge that she would no longer have to struggle with hiding the items she had stolen, for the pouch's space could hold everything with no one being able to notice. She thought that the gifts that she had been given were more than worthwhile, for they had truly exceeded her expectations.
"It is a limitless space inside the pouch so after this, you can put everything inside the pouch instead of your pocket. No one will notice if you steal anything more after this"
"Athy loves it! Thank you, Auntie!"
The princess hugged Celestial and gave her thighs a tight hug, as a way to show her appreciation for the gift she had just given. Celestial, in turn, also enjoyed the hug for it was a way of bonding and communicating with the little princess. She would also look forward to more future interactions, for the time she had spent with Athanasia had been an important and precious experience for both of them.
"I'm glad that you love it" She caressed the little girl hair gingerly to return her action. Celestial and Athanasia were in their own pleasant world, being completely unaware of the presence of the two individuals approaching them. However, they were soon pulled back from their dreamy moments when they heard a loud voice coming from somewhere nearby. It seemed that the princess and Celestial were not the only ones in the room, for two individuals had arrived and spotted them from a distance.
"What is this filthy bug doing in my palace?" The two girls turned to face the source of the voice, curious to see who had spoken out in such a way. It was non other than the emperor, Claude De Alger Obelia
Hey guys! Chapter 5 has finally been released! Do check it out and comment on the website. Enjoy~
Sneak Peak
Athanasia, a name that Diana bestowed on her own daughter before her passing from childbirth, also became the name that Claude used mockingly, being aware of its meaning as immortality. As if she was begging Claude to not kill their child. But, the crown prince had grown distant from Diana, not taking her feelings into consideration and only seeking for himself. And so, as Claude claimed to have lost a lot and could not bear to lose any more. Then, if he killed his only child, would he did not do anything except for losing some more? Celestial had lost her freedom because of Athanasia and Diana, but still she could not help but worry about the princess' fate.
"I am willing to do anything of your choice. I will support you with all my strength. I will be a good wife in exchange for saving the life of a child who was born innocent and free of sin. I beg you to have mercy and spare her, Claude. She is a pure being who only needs to be protected,"
Here is the link to the full story: The Fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)
Here is the link to my Instagram for all my stories post: @haru_natsuka1997
Trailer for 'The Fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)', Chapter 5
Athanasia, that was the name Diana bestowed for her own child before her death due to childbirth and also the name that Claude laughing sarcastically due to the meaning of it as immortality. As if she was begging Claude to not kill their child. However, at that time, Claude never cared about Diana or anyone else's feelings except for his own. He had claimed he already lost a lot that he cannot bear to lose anymore. Then, if he killed his only child, would he not do anything except for losing some more? For Athanasia and Diana, Celestial lost her freedom.
"I will do anything you wish for, I will support you with all my might. I will be a good wife for you in exchange for you to not kill the child who is sinless and just born to this world. I'm begging for your mercy, Claude."
Here is the link to the full story: The Fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)
Here is the link to my Instagram for all my stories post: @haru_natsuka1997
Hello guys, this message is especially for the reader of 'The Fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)'. I will post the entire story on this website that I had created for easier navigation of the chapter. I'm new in working on the website as the new platform to post my stories, especially the series one. Here is the link. Hope you guys will enjoy the new website and the stories. I will only post the trailer of each chapter on tumblr and the full story will be on the website. If you're having any trouble using the website, please leave a comment and I'll assist you as soon as possible. I thank everyone for their patience and support!
