When she was but a little girl in Galorien, before it fell into the clutches of Nicaea, she lived a life befitting a princess. Her father was an important advisor of the king and her mother was of noble birth. There was nothing she asked that could not be given to her, but then again, she didn’t want a lot of things. She had beautiful dresses, colorful ribbons, and the finest shoes – all of which she couldn’t appreciate back then. Their house was big, not as grand as the palace, but it was something not everyone can afford. However, just like the faces of her dead family members, the memory was barely clinging at the edge of her mind. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be free.

“Just relax, Dawn,” reminded Lady Cecilia softly. The lady was responsible for Dawn’s simple blue dress. It was not adorned with any precious stone. To compensate for it, Lady Cecilia made Dawn wear weaved golden necklace accented by a sapphire that rested on the creamy complexion of her chest. Smaller stones were weaved with the gold thread in a symmetrical semi circle around the blue gem stone. The gown was cut low on the chest, more revealing that what she would otherwise wear. Lace made up the sleeves of the dress as well as its back. The duchess was too excited for Dawn to wear the gown that the younger woman said nothing about her discomfort wearing it.

“Yes, my lady,” she answered quietly. Elys was at the other side of Lady Cecilia as they entered the dining hall. She had forgotten what it was like to be free.

The dining hall was busy with interaction between highborn lords and ladies. It screamed extravagance, from the thick curtains to the gold accents painted on the wall. There was no fault to be seen at first glance, it was perfect, except that Dawn saw every person in the room as an imperfection that needed to be eliminated. The bright colored dresses of the lords and ladies, their perfectly arranged hair, every pearl and precious stone strung into the ladies’ hairs – all of these were stolen riches. Nicaea was a plague that bled every nation it conquered dry. Dawn forced a smile.

Elys was a well-behaved girl, acting like the lady she had said she didn’t want to be. Dawn thought the girl just couldn’t help be the person she was born to be. The duchess introduced both girls to the other guests and both acted the part they were supposed to play.

Not too long after, the food was brought in. Sighart came in with it. Not usually late for his appointments, but he had just come from a brief discussion with the captain of the palace guards. Nevertheless, the crown prince entered with an air of command, but before his presence was noticed by his father, he caught sight of Risey standing among the servants. He thought twice about his next move, and decided to take his chances. 

Sig motioned for Risey to come closer and when she was close enough, he leaned in closer so he could whisper, “I hope you have not forgotten. Tonight after dinner, I wish to speak with you.” It was not a request. Of course, with Sighart, it was never a request even if he punctuated it with a polite smile. 

Dawn saw the interaction from where she was seated. It was curious what he told the servant that couldn’t wait until the dinner was over. If only she could get closer to him, then she could reach into his mind and read his thoughts. What could he be hiding behind that careless smile? 

She looked away, but found his brother, Jan Leon watching her. Not meaning to be seen as a rude person, she acknowledged his attention with a small smile before turning her attention to the Emperor as he spoke. His voice boomed like a thunder in the dining hall. He thanked his guests for their presence then acknowledged the presence of his younger brother, the Duke of Masseria. After which, he managed the expectations of everyone present with regards to the activities in the coming days, until finally, and to Dawn’s relief, he offered the food for everyone in the table.

It was a feast, one that she had not have the pleasure partaking with since she was little. A part of her felt guilty that she should be enjoying herself while her people suffered the tyranny of these people. The food was good, but it tasted bitter on her tongue. She placed only a small amount on her plate and very slowly consumed it. 

“Are you not feeling well?” the duchess asked, noticing Dawn.

“Perhaps it is just the long journey, my lady,” she answered. “I truly am not used to travelling.”

Lady Cecilia nodded and sympathetically placed a gloved hand over hers. “I understand. I shall send you early into your rooms then.”

“No, I am perfectly fine. A bit tired, but I am fine. Besides, this is a rare opportunity for me.” Because she had to get closer to her target. She could use the connection with the duke’s family and she would exploit it tonight.