With a composed demeanor that hid the raging storm inside her, Andromeda turned away from the chaotic scene. She looked at the maid nearby, who had silently watched the upheaval. With controlled steps, she walked up to the maid. The maid wore a black uniform and had her brown hair neatly tied up.
Dennis was her first maid, loyal and incredibly smart. Sometimes Andromeda felt that Dennis deserved more than just being a maid. But there were moments when she was grateful to have her around. Dennis had passed away long ago, and seeing her now stirred up strong emotions in Andromeda's heart, even amidst her anger. It wasn't love or a special connection that bound them. It was more about the memories of good times. But there was no time to dwell on such feelings in the midst of her rage. She had made a small mistake due to her anger.
'I should have done this at night. Now I've only made myself look suspicious.' She thought to herself as she stood in the courtyard, feeling the gentle breeze.
The thought of that small being being alive still made her restless, but she needed to see her mother first.
"Help me clean up," Andromeda's voice was calm, as if the violence she had just shown was far away. Her eyes met the maid's, with an intensity that hinted at the storm she had been through. Her knuckles were bloody, and her dress was stained, making her seem unreal.
The maid quickly nodded, her own emotions probably a mix of confusion and concern. Dennis signaled the other maids, and they promptly gathered what was needed, the air thick with unspoken tension. The chaos in the courtyard faded away, leaving an eerie quietness.
Andromeda returned to her chambers, where everything was back to normal. She looked around silently. She had grown used to seeing the citadel in ruins, so walking through these restored halls felt strange. She was led to her luxurious bathroom. A warm bath was ready for her, a comforting refuge amidst her inner turmoil. As she eased into the warm water, her thoughts wandered between memories of her past life and the new reality she was in.
The water embraced her, both cleansing and grounding her. The evidence of her anger washed away, tinting the water slightly pink. Andromeda's thoughts swirled like ripples in the bath, a mix of anger, confusion, and an odd sense of satisfaction that she couldn't explain.
Weariness settled upon her—an urge to momentarily slip into the tranquility she had felt while bathing, away from the chaos and the haunting specter of the future. She yearned for a breath of serenity, however fleeting. Yet she knew that she couldn't hide in here forever, and she grappled with the task of facing her. She had no intention to hide but the truth was a complicated path; she needed to find a way to justify her actions. A clever way to get out of the mess she has created in her fury. Her dissatisfaction was obvious from her lovely face that had a deep frown. And as she stared at her reflection in the tub, a thought occurred to her. She could use 'that' as an excuse for her fury and strange behavior and if that didn't work, she will just have to act like a child. After all, aren't children capable of doing foolish things without reason?
Emerging from the comforting bath, she swathed herself in a plush towel given to her by the maids who dried her up as she stood there still thinking, her vibrant red hair cascading like flames over her damp shoulders. In her room, a delicate sky-blue dress awaited her—a garment that embodied innocence and elegance with its high class fabric. With a gentle touch, she was adorned in the dress by the maids, its soft folds draping gracefully over her small figure.
A dainty ribbon, a work of art in itself, found its place in her wavy red hair that brushed her shoulders, adding a touch of playful charm to her dignified appearance. As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her hazel eyes met their own reflection, and a moment of quiet reflection settled upon her. The turmoil inside her hadn't lessened—it still churned fiercely. But beneath that storm, a glimmer of clarity had emerged—a recognition that the path ahead was a maze of complexities and contradictions and she was the daughter of none other than Duke Eleftherios Ruelle Bethel.
She had missed her perfect chance to eliminate that snake but it was okay. After all, she was going to have plenty of chances to finish her up before she could bite them. This time, she wouldn't be fooled by the familial bond nor the affection she held for her sister. She would take everything for herself. There was no forgiveness. Not to her sister, nor the prince and not even the nobles that filled the capital…
With deliberate steps, Andromeda left her room, her heart a blend of emotions she chose to contain. Her destination was clear—her mother's chambers beckoned. The same chamber she had stayed for a long time, the chambers of grand duchess of Embercliff.
Dennis had followed her, walking silently behind her Andromeda walked. Dennis didn't voice her inner thoughts but just like other servants, she wondered the reason behind unrestrained violence that Andromeda had displayed. Princess Andromeda was always an arrogant and confident child but she had never misbehaved. She also adored her little sister in her own way. She was too young to show such a display and so, she wondered the reason behind the Princess looking as furious as she did earlier. The rage and anger and especially that killing intent. If princess Delphine was a normal child, she would have died there. The thought had made a chill run through her spine. Princess Andromeda had wanted to kill Princess Delphine. She knew she could never utter these words out loud. But a gaze at the child walking in front of her made feeling even more conflicted.
Andromeda on the hand, didn't care for what her maid thought or what her impression was on all of the servants of estate since that was just something she didn't care for. The only one whose thoughts mattered was her mother and father. Since her father wasn't back from training grounds, she needed to get the situation under control.
The doors to her mother's chambers stood before her, a portal to an inevitable yet uncertain confrontation. The echoes of her recent actions still lingered, and as the female guard on the door tapped lightly on the door, she readied herself for the impending clash that awaited her on the other side.
"Your Grace, Princess Andromeda has arrived." And as the female guard announced that, the doors opened slowly by themselves a little. Andromeda was well aware. The puff of heat she felt when she entered the room was a stark contrast to the coldness that oozed her mother. The maid who opened the door left with a bow to Andromeda, "Princess." Andromeda though kept her eyes on her mother.
The Duchess Anastasia permitted Andromeda's entrance with a subtle inclination of her head, allowing her daughter to step into the expansive office. A wave of nostalgia swept over Andromeda as she reacquainted herself with the familiar surroundings, each corner a repository of memories from days long past. With a respectful nod, she acknowledged her mother's presence before extending her formal greetings.
"Mother," Andromeda's voice held a restrained respect, and with eyes clear of any emotions that could give her away, "I trust you are in good health."
Duchess Anastasia, a woman of sharp intellect and refined demeanor, presented a countenance that bore the coldness of an arctic wind. Her gaze, an enigmatic canvas meticulously shielded, scrutinized her 9-year-old daughter. With calculated composure, she inquired, "Andromeda, you may proceed to explain the motivations behind your actions."
Andromeda took a breath, her posture rigid yet her eyes held conflict and unmasked unease as they met her mother's frigid gaze. Her thick red long lashes trembled as if trying to stay composed, "Mother, an uncontrolled surge of fire consumed me—a fury inexplicable and overpowering. I did not intend harm upon Delphine, yet in that moment, control eluded me."
The Duchess listened, her gaze unwavering, as if she could dissect Andromeda's words to extract hidden truths. "Lack of control, my dear, has consequences that can alter destinies."
Andromeda inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the gravity of her actions. Her small face troubled and she looked at her mother with a sad face, "I understand, Mother. But I assure you, Delphine was not my target. My fury was directed at something amorphous, an intangible force." She looked as if she was scared herself, scared of whatever she had seen in that moment. But of course, It was all an act to appear innocent.
Andromeda had deceived plenty of people in her past life and so she was confident in the control of her expressions.