She was led into what appeared to be a palace.

  The man guided her with assured strides through several corridors, passing countless doors that only heightened her curiosity. She took in every detail with wide, astonished eyes; she had never seen anything like it. From time to time, she stole fleeting glances at the mysterious stranger, now visible only from behind.

  After several long minutes, they arrived in a spacious room flooded with sunlight. The furnishings—and above all the canopy bed—spoke of remarkable wealth. The place seemed to serve both as a bedchamber and a sitting room, clearly intended to receive guests.

  Without a word, the man left her there, leaving the girl alone. Shortly afterward, a woman entered. She introduced herself as her handmaiden, then helped her undress in order to bathe her in a large tub whose water somehow remained mysteriously warm. She carefully combed her hair before dressing her in garments befitting her “status.”

  Bewildered, the girl understood neither the treatment she was receiving nor what was expected of her. The handmaiden remained silent, refusing to answer even the simplest question. Once she was certain the girl lacked nothing—water and food—she left the room, locking the door behind her.

  ???

  Minutes slipped by, slowly stretching into hours. No one came to see the girl again, and she began to wonder what it all meant. Her curiosity gradually gave way to disappointment. She sat for a time, trying to gather her thoughts and make sense of what had happened. She passed the hours as best she could, alone, the silence broken only by the sound of her own breathing.

  The windows that lit the room did not seem to open. They overlooked a covered garden from which no sound rose—as though even nature itself were holding its breath.

  In one corner of the room, she discovered a bookshelf. The volumes it held appeared to be written in a language she did not know. She tried to decipher a few of them, but without success.

  When hunger finally made itself known, she turned to the dishes that had been laid out for her. Believing she likely had nothing to fear, she tasted them despite her unease. The refinement and variety of the food surpassed anything she had ever eaten. There was everything: red and white meats, fish, cooked vegetables, side dishes, seafood… Various drinks, including water and wine, completed the meal. Out of caution—and because of her age—she chose not to touch the alcohol.

  Hours went by, and the light filtering through the drapes slowly faded until the room was almost plunged into darkness. The girl then lit the candles and oil lamps placed around the chamber.

  Night had fully fallen when, still wondering why she had been brought here, the door finally opened—and her heart leapt into her chest.

  ???

  The visitor was none other than the man who had brought her there. He closed the door behind him. Imposing as he was, she did not dare speak first, though he did not leave her waiting long.

  “Good even.”

  He stepped toward her, but halted when he saw her retreat a step.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Fear thee not. I shall do thee no harm.”

  “Who are you? Why did you bring me here?” she finally asked. “Why did you make me change clothes? What ‘status’ was that woman talking about?”

  The man regarded her for a moment, silent and thoughtful.

  “I am _____, Emperor and sovereign of mine Empire. And thou… knowest thou not who thou art?”

  “O-of course I do. I’m nobody. My family is nothing special, and neither am I…”

  “Hast thou truly dwelt all this while in ignorance? Thy name is Cerena, and thy parents are not mere common folk, as thou hast been led to believe. Precious is thy blood—and for that cause did I seek thee.”

  “E-excuse me? I don’t understand… Cerena? That isn’t my—”

  Confused and shaken by doubt, the girl could not finish her sentence.

  The man stepped closer, utterly confident.

  “Thou wert born a princess—yet not a princess as any other. The power that floweth through thy veins maketh thee the sole soul in this world who can grant unto me the heir I require.”

  “W-what?!” she exclaimed, stunned. “You must be mistaken. My family isn’t—”

  “They did deceive thee. Those whom thou callest thy parents are not, in truth, the ones who gave thee life.”

  A shiver ran down the girl’s spine as her heart tightened. Had her entire life truly been built upon a lie?

  “They did raise thee, and for that I am indebted unto them,” he continued. “Yet thy birth is not theirs. Thy power hath not yet fully awakened, yet I perceive it with utmost clarity. There is no doubt.”

  She swayed slightly, her face paler than ever. His words struck her like a blade driven straight into her heart. Drawing a long breath, she asked:

  “What… power… are you talking about?”

  “Thou shalt know in due time.”

  She fell silent, thinking for a moment, unable to dispel her confusion.

  “W-whatever it is you expect from me… I… I refuse,” she finally said, her voice trembling.

  “Thou art afraid, and yet here thou standest. As I have told thee before, I shall do thee no harm, so long as thou obeyest me.”

  He moved closer, closing the distance between them in an instant until barely a few centimeters remained. She tried to retreat, but her back was already pressed against the wall.

  “Alas, I have little time to spare. For thy own good, it would be simpler to accept.”

  “N-no! No, no, no! I refuse!” she cried, shaking her head.

  He drew a deep breath and sighed.

  “I understand.”

  Terrified, the girl met his gaze as he stared into hers, unmoving. Suddenly, he lowered his eyes slightly, as if lost in thought, and the tension between them seemed to dissipate. She let out a breath of relief, sensing that he had finally relented.

  But the moment she looked away, dizziness overtook her and her balance faltered. A warm haze enveloped her, and then everything went dark.

  Whatever happened afterward, she remembered nothing of it.