The day of the twins' birthday arrived, and the Coral Palace was alive with grandeur. The grand hall shimmered beneath dozens of crystal chandeliers, their glow reflecting against tall, polished marble pillars veined with silver. Fresh winter blooms of white lilies and pale blue orchids adorned every table, their scent mingling with the fragrance of fine wine and roasted meats.
Guests filled the space in a swirl of color—nobles in silks and velvets, their jewels flashing under the lights, commoners in their finest garments invited to partake in the festivities, children darting between legs with giggles as they clutched small wrapped gifts for the young princes, Elijah and Steven. A line stretched across the hall, each person waiting for their turn to kneel and present their gift to the twins, who sat upon silver-carved chairs beneath a canopy of white and blue banners.
Zuleika glided through the sea of people, her black halter-neck gown catching glints of gold from the candlelight. The chains that draped across her hips chimed faintly as she moved, elegant yet bold. Her turquoise hair, partially braided, cascaded down her back, and whenever the fabric of her gown shifted, the serpent tattoo inked across her medium skin revealed itself, earning quick glances—half in awe, half in intimidation.
"Princess Zuleika, might you consider our merchant fleet for your next shipment route?" one portly nobleman bowed, wringing his hands eagerly.
Zuleika's polite smile didn't waver. "And might you consider lowering your tax cut from thirty percent to fifteen? I do not enjoy being robbed, even in business."
The nobleman stammered, his wife clutching his arm nervously. Before he could reply, another noble slipped in with a bow. "Your Highness, our family would like to discuss a partnership regarding the gemstone mines of Veyor—"
"Mm," Zuleika interrupted with a soft hum, raising her goblet as if to toast, "you and every other mining family here tonight. Please, one at a time. I only have one head, and unfortunately, no plans to split it into five."
The nobles laughed politely, though some shifted uncomfortably under her sharp tongue. Still, she continued weaving between them with practiced grace, accepting compliments and fielding endless proposals without once showing her weariness.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Aquila stood near one of the grand windows with Eloisa. Unlike Zuleika, she seemed almost untouched by the busy atmosphere, her calm presence drawing less swarms yet no less attention. Her gown of pale blue floated around her like mist, the draped sleeves glimmering faintly whenever she moved her hands.
"What is your favorite wine, Princess?" Eloisa asked with a bright smile, holding her own goblet of deep red.
Aquila tilted her head, thoughtful. "Hmm? I think the one called Retis. It's found around the borders of Feltogora."
"Ohh, what does it taste like?"
"It isn't bitter—I detest bitterness in wine. Surprisingly, it leans sweet, with a faint aftertaste of summer fruit."
Eloisa's eyes lit up. "Then, I'd recommend you try our wine called Nexi. It is sweet and neutral, a favorite in Nexus. I think you'd enjoy it."
"Oh? Really?"
"Yes," Eloisa beamed, then quietly waved for a servant. "Hold on, I'll have it brought here for you."
As Eloisa stepped aside to give her instructions, a nobleman approached Aquila, bowing low before straightening with a smile that tried too hard.
"Princess Aquila. An honor beyond measure. I have heard of your brilliance from across the seas—might I trouble you with a moment of conversation?"
Aquila's silver eyes flicked to him, cool but polite. "If it is only a moment, then speak."
He chuckled, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. "My family's estate produces some of the finest stallions in Nexus. Swift, strong, bred for war and ceremony alike. It would please me greatly to see them serve under your name, should you require them."
Aquila's lips curved faintly, though her gaze slid past him for the briefest second. From across the hall, she caught two crimson eyes watching—sharp, unblinking. Zuleika's.
Her smile deepened, sly and secret, before she returned her attention to the nobleman. "Stallions, you say? Tell me more."
Though inwardly, she was not listening to the man's words at all.
The nobleman before Aquila puffed his chest, clearly pleased she hadn't dismissed him outright. "Yes, Your Highness, stallions of unmatched pedigree. They are trained to recognize only the finest riders, fearless in battle, elegant in parade. Why, one might say they are as rare and regal as yourself."
Aquila tilted her head, lips curling into a smile that was all polish, no warmth. "How flattering. And do they bow as low as their master does? That must be quite the sight."
The nobleman blinked, unsure whether he was being mocked, but her soft, melodic laugh that followed disarmed him. It was practiced—just enough to keep him hooked, though her eyes flickered once again past his shoulder.
Across the hall, Zuleika sat stiffly among another cluster of nobles, nodding absently as they droned on about trade routes. But her gaze kept drifting—no, snapping—back toward Aquila and the man daring to occupy her.
"Princess Zuleika, our family believes the East River passage could double the efficiency of—"
"Yes, double. Triple. Quadruple. Rivers are very… watery."
The noble frowned, confused. "Watery?"
"Mm-hmm," Zuleika hummed distractedly, craning her neck ever so slightly to catch a better glimpse of Aquila's smile—fake though it was.
"So watery. Very useful, rivers. I love rivers. Big fan."
The nobles exchanged puzzled looks, one whispering, "Is she… drunk already?"
Zuleika plastered on a grin, lifting her goblet. "Ha! Absolutely not. I'm merely—hydrated." She downed the rest of her drink in one go, all while glaring across the hall at the poor unsuspecting nobleman still talking to Aquila.
Just then, Eloisa returned, carrying a tray with two elegant crystal glasses filled with pale golden wine. She handed one carefully to Aquila, who accepted it with a graceful nod.
"Thank you, Princess Eloisa," Aquila said, raising the glass to her lips. She tasted it, letting the flavor linger before speaking.
"Hmm. You were correct. Sweet, light… it reminds me of spring mornings."
Eloisa brightened, pleased. "I knew it would suit you."
The nobleman cleared his throat, trying to bring attention back to himself. "Indeed, Princess Aquila, such wine pairs well with a noble breed of horse. Strength and elegance—"
"—and sweetness too?" Eloisa cut in, eyes mischievous. "You speak as though your stallions are bottles of wine themselves."
Aquila's silver eyes flicked to Eloisa, amused. "Careful, Lady Eloisa. He may very well try to uncork one."
Both women laughed lightly, their tones effortless, leaving the poor nobleman chuckling awkwardly, red to the ears, unsure if he was being included—or ridiculed.
"Ah, now is the time for a dance," Eloisa announced as the musicians struck up a lilting tune.
The nobleman's eyes gleamed with opportunity. He swept into a bow, extending his hand toward Aquila. "May I have the honor of this dance, Princess?"
Aquila nearly rolled her eyes. For a split second, she envisioned dumping her wine straight onto his smug face. But then… her lips curved faintly. Why not? Let's see who burns first.
"Very well," she said smoothly, placing her gloved hand in his.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Zuleika forced another brittle smile at the nobles crowding her. Her glass trembled faintly in her hand as her eyes locked on the sight of Aquila—being spun across the dance floor by someone else.
She almost crushed the goblet right then and there.
"Princess Zuleika, regarding the trade of spices from the southern—"
"Spices? Yes. Very spicy. Extremely. Burn your tongue off, woo-hoo."
The noble blinked. "Er… well, actually these spices are known for their mildness."
"Yes, yes, mild! So mild it makes your tongue—uh—calm down." She waved vaguely, eyes darting back to Aquila as the nobleman twirled her.
"Calm down?" another noble muttered, baffled.
"Of course!" Zuleika barked a laugh, her voice a pitch too high. "Everyone loves calm tongues. Very… uh… peaceful."
The nobles exchanged concerned glances. One whispered, "Is she… all right?"
Zuleika took a sharp gulp of her wine, nearly choking. Her crimson eyes narrowed across the room, silently stabbing daggers at the man dancing with Aquila.
"Perfectly fine!" she blurted, setting down her glass with a bit too much force. Clink. "Never been better. Thrilled about… spices. Love them. In fact, if you excuse me, I suddenly feel the urge to—uh—learn about cinnamon. Very urgently."
And without waiting for a reply, she whipped her head back toward the dance floor, completely abandoning her audience mid-conversation.
Zuleika forced a polite smile at the cluster of nobles crowding her. "Excuse me for a moment," she said, setting her half-empty glass of wine down on the nearest tray. Without waiting for a response, she slipped away from the grand hall.
Her heels clicked against the polished marble as she muttered under her breath, cheeks puffed in irritation.
"I can't believe it…" She pouted harder, pushing open the door to a side chamber and slipping inside.
Brows furrowed, she grumbled, "Why am I so grumpy?" The question came out more like a complaint, and she flung her arms a little as if the answer might fall from the ceiling.
"So annoying…" she added, dragging herself toward the bathroom like someone carrying the weight of the world.
Once inside, she washed her hands and glared at her reflection in the mirror. "You're ridiculous," she snapped at herself, jabbing a finger at her own face.
She sighed, shoulders slumping. I don't even know why I'm so frustrated right now. Is it because of those endless nobles and their business proposals? Or— she cut the thought short, clicking her tongue. As if I even care about the throne.
Grabbing a towel, she dried her hands with a huff, then fussed with her bangs until they fell back into place. "Can't even recognize who that noble was," she muttered, recalling the man dancing with Aquila.
Satisfied, she stepped out of the bathroom—only to freeze.
Aquila was leaning casually against the doorway of the chamber, a glass of wine in hand, her silver eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light.
Their gazes locked.
Zuleika still sulking, tried to avert her eyes, focusing on the embroidered curtains as if they were suddenly the most fascinating thing in the world.
"I like this wine," Aquila said casually, swirling the glass before taking another delicate sip.
"Hm." Zuleika's response was short, clipped—her lips pursed as she avoided looking at her.
Aquila tilted her head slightly, silver eyes lingering on her. She could see it clearly now: the pout, the faint crease of Zuleika's brows, the way she kept shifting as if her own body betrayed her irritation. Amusement tugged at Aquila's lips, though she kept her face perfectly composed.
"What are you doing here?" Zuleika finally asked, still staring stubbornly at anything but her.
"Hmm… just wanted to rest," Aquila replied, her tone smooth, unbothered.
Zuleika scoffed, still sulking. "Rest? You were just dancing like you were about to steal the whole spotlight of the night."
"Oh? Were you watching?" Aquila's voice was soft, but her words struck like an arrow.
Zuleika's shoulders stiffened, and she instantly waved her hands. "N-no! I wasn't! I was—I was just glancing!"
Aquila sipped her wine slowly, biting back a laugh. "I see."
Her expression gave away nothing, but inside, she was undeniably entertained. Watching Zuleika sulk, fumble, and pout—it was far too curious, far too satisfying. For once, she let herself indulge in the quiet pleasure of seeing the usually radiant Zuleika this flustered.
Zuleika shifted on her feet, arms crossing over her chest as if to shield herself from her own curiosity. The question slipped out before she could stop it.
"What did… the two of you talk about?" she muttered, still refusing to look at her.
Aquila raised a brow, clearly catching the hesitation. She took another measured sip before answering.
"Oh, nothing worth sulking over. He tried to impress me with his family's shipping routes. Spoke endlessly about how convenient it would be if I… joined his ventures."
Her tone was calm, steady, but a faint curl of amusement lingered in her voice.
Zuleika's lips pressed tighter. "…And?"
"And I told him no," Aquila said simply, almost dismissively. She swirled her glass once more, as though brushing away the matter entirely. "I rejected the offer."
For a heartbeat, silence settled between them. That was the moment Zuleika finally turned her head, her eyes landing on Aquila.
And Aquila—already moving—stepped forward slowly, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The distance between them shortened with every unhurried step, her silver gaze never leaving Zuleika now.