Dispute

Snow-white hooves trod softly on the grass, and the elegant royal carriage came to a steady halt before the palace.

Sensing the arrival, the elven royal guard had already formed ranks along the path, welcoming the unicorn-drawn carriage reserved for royalty.

As the carriage stopped, the guard captain approached, respectfully opening the golden-wood door.

A slender leg clad in white silk emerged, followed by an elf-styled high-heeled boot stepping onto the grass. With her maid’s assistance, Felicia stepped out.

Under the sunlight, she ran her fingers through her long hair, golden strands gleaming brilliantly.

Gazing at the familiar, majestic palace complex, her emerald eyes brimmed with nostalgia and a warm smile.

“Your Highness, we’re home.”

Her personal maid, Velansel, bowed slightly, speaking respectfully.

“Yes, home. I’ve dreamed of this place so many times at the academy. Thanks to my sister’s birthday, I got to take early leave and return.”

Mentioning her sister, Felicia’s smile widened. If not for the need to maintain princessly decorum, she’d have rushed into the palace, straight to Selina’s chambers, to embrace the sister she’d missed day and night.

“Your Highness, you don’t need to push yourself so hard. If you’re tired, Her Majesty wouldn’t blame you for taking occasional leave.”

A soft yet aloof voice sounded. At the palace entrance stood a delicate figure, her presence as commanding as Felicia’s despite her petite frame.

Seeing her, Felicia’s face lit up.

“Felin, it’s been a while! Did Mother send you? How is she?”

Only the personal maid of the Elven Empress could exude such refined grace despite her status. Dressed in a maid’s uniform, Felin’s usually impassive face softened with a rare smile upon seeing Felicia. She curtsied and responded calmly.

“Her Majesty learned of Your Highness’s return and sent me to greet you. Her Majesty is in good health, thank you for your concern.”

Felin’s reply was measured, more like a kind elder addressing a younger relative than a typical maid facing a princess.

“How could I not worry? As a daughter, my greatest fault is not staying by Mother’s side. Are you scolding me on her behalf, Felin?”

Felicia stepped forward, her tone carrying a rare playful pout.

As the Empress’s long-serving maid, Felicia never looked down on Felin despite her status. The entire royal city held her in high regard, and even Felicia, a princess, was no exception.

“Your Highness flatters me.”

Felin chuckled lightly, saying no more.

Felicia glanced behind Felin, then asked with a hint of surprise.

“By the way, where’s Selina? Why isn’t she with you?”

Normally, her sister clung to her whenever she was home. Having been away at Apocalypse Academy for months, given Selina’s personality and their bond, she should’ve been waiting eagerly at the gate. Why wasn’t she here?

Was she busy? Or had she grown shy, waiting demurely in her chambers?

“Regarding the Second Princess, Your Highness should see for yourself. As a maid, I shouldn’t say more.”

Felicia’s hopeful thoughts dimmed as Felin’s evasive, silent demeanor sank her heart. Felin, as the Empress’s confidante, knew most of the palace’s secrets. Her attitude hinted at something serious.

Had Selina caused trouble? Or had something bad happened in the palace? Either way, Felicia’s unease grew unbearable.

Unable to wait, Felicia abandoned ladylike decorum, lifted her skirt, and hurried toward the palace, her heels clicking. Velansel rushed to follow but paused beside Felin.

“Sister Felin, what’s happened in the palace? Is something wrong with Princess Selina?”

Anxiety quickened Velansel’s voice.

Though Felin’s aptitude and the Empress’s favor earned her respect, she remained a maid. Some things couldn’t be said directly to a princess, but Velansel, a fellow maid, could ask.

Felin looked at Velansel, sighed after a moment’s silence.

“I can’t say much. What needs to be seen or known, Her Highness will soon discover. Just follow her and soothe her emotions—some things are beyond even Her Majesty’s control…”

Hearing this, the sharp-witted Velansel sensed trouble. Without time to bid Felin farewell, she hurried into the palace after Felicia.

…

…

After questioning countless maids and guards, Felicia, guided by their directions, reached the entrance to the sacred grounds. Though hidden, she knew this place well, having visited at least twice.

At the familiar, solemn white stone door, Empress Karina awaited her.

“Mother, where’s my sister?”

Felicia rushed to her mother’s side, calling out urgently.

Sensing the breeze from her daughter’s haste, Karina turned calmly, her gaze steady. She slowly pointed toward the stone door.

The moment Felicia followed her mother’s gesture, her flushed face paled. She stared at the door in disbelief, her warm heart turning cold.

Trembling, she forced herself forward, step by shaky step, to the stone door. Her hand touched its cold, rough surface, and her usually steadfast emerald eyes shimmered with tears.

“Mother, why did you do this?”

“Mother, I was enough to bear this. Why did you let my sister face such cruelty?”

Felicia spun around, tears pooling in her reddened eyes. For the first time, as the Empress’s eldest daughter, she confronted the mother she’d always revered with her most serious question.