She sat alone in her spacious and magnificent room, quietly enjoying her breakfast. The sunlight poured in gently, filling the room with a warm, soft glow. She had deliberately opened the large windows, wanting to take in the clear expanse of the blue sky, where birds flitted gracefully back and forth in the morning air.
Serah gazed out, a faint, composed smile playing on her lips. Everything was silent, yet imbued with a sense of peace. The only sound came from the gentle clinking of the knife and fork as they met her plate. There was no need for her to witness the false display that Louis had put on today.
Ah, Louis. Just the thought of him caused a subtle shift in her mood, stirring a quiet tension within her as she considered the mysteries surrounding that man. A single, pressing question lingered in her mind ever since she had discovered the truth: Louis maintained a secret relationship with Helena, one of the palace servants. How long had this special connection existed? Had they grown close only recently, or had they perhaps shared a bond even before she had entered the palace?
Serah remained composed, yet internally, a small unrest gnawed at her. She could not allow herself to accept the possibility that she might have been regarded merely as a tool.
As her thoughts drifted while contemplating Louis, a sudden knock echoed at the door of her chamber.
“Come in.”
With a firm and composed voice, Serah granted permission to whoever stood outside to enter her room.
“Good morning, Your Highness.”
Several servants stepped inside while pushing a food trolley plated in gold.
“We have brought the dessert.”
The golden trolley was wheeled further into the room, revealing its splendor—an assortment of exquisite cakes accompanied by beverages that looked refreshing and carefully prepared.
The servants immediately began transferring the contents of the trolley, arranging everything neatly upon the table.
“Did you enjoy the breakfast that was prepared for you this morning?”
A tall man with a solid build and a commanding presence stepped inside without hesitation. At once, everyone bowed deeply in respect.
“Your Majesty Louis,” the servants spoke in unison.
Serah, who had been calmly enjoying her meal, rose from her seat and offered a slight bow to King Louis.
“Your Majesty, everything you have provided is truly exceptional,” she said gently, offering polite praise for the king’s consideration.
“That is enough. Please, sit back down,” Louis said, motioning for Serah not to be so formal with him.
“Thank you, Your Majesty…”
Serah returned to her seat at the dining table.
Louis pulled the chair across from her and sat down without delay. A servant immediately poured tea into a high-quality ceramic cup bearing the royal insignia for Louis.
“I hope my visit has not disturbed you, Princess Serah,” he said while lifting the teacup in his hand.
“No, on the contrary, I feel honored by your presence,” Serah replied.
The man observed Serah as she continued eating her breakfast with calm composure, as though all her attention was focused solely on the plate before her. She did not even glance in his direction, and such behavior was unusual. Serah would normally devote her entire attention to the king, gazing at him with eyes filled with admiration and brilliance. For reasons unknown to him, her demeanor had changed this morning.
“Would you care to accompany me for a walk in the garden later?” Louis asked, his eyes never leaving her, as though testing an unspoken suspicion.
“I regret that I cannot, Your Majesty,” Serah answered politely, without hesitation.
“Oh?” Louis paused, surprised, though he quickly masked it. “And may I ask why?”
“I plan to finish several books I am currently reading today.” Serah glanced toward the large wooden bookshelf behind Louis, polished to a flawless sheen and standing solidly against the wall.
“I see. I was unaware that Princess Serah had taken up a new hobby,” Louis remarked, feigning mild surprise. In truth, he knew she had never been fond of reading and assumed she was merely offering an excuse.
Serah met his gaze with a serene smile. She carefully placed her fork and knife beside her plate, resting them upon a clean white napkin.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and Germania by Tacitus.
“Have you ever heard of these books?” she asked, her voice light, as though answering his unspoken doubt.
“I have heard their names, but I am not truly familiar with them,” Louis admitted, a faint tension slipping into his tone. He had not expected her to mention such renowned works on warfare. He himself had never read them—only heard of them through others.
“They are remarkable books,” Serah replied. “You might consider reading them as well. They may prove useful in the future.”
A faint smile touched her lips as she noticed the subtle shift in Louis’s expression.
I must be cautious. Something is not right about her, Louis thought. This was not defiance—this was a quiet, deliberate challenge.
“In that case, I shall take my leave, Princess Serah,” he said at last, realizing there was nothing more to gain from staying.
Louis rose from his seat. The attendants bowed once more. Serah inclined her head deeply in respect, remaining seated.
“Thank you for your visit, Your Majesty Louis,” she said as she watched him depart.
After he left, Serah allowed herself a faint, knowing smile. She would no longer play the role of his admirer. Instead, she would focus on strengthening herself and preparing for what lay ahead. Sooner or later, Louis would inevitably grow weary of her.
After Louis had left and the servants had cleared out of the room, Serah closed the door behind her and locked it tightly. She walked toward the window, still wide open, and gazed out at the vast expanse of blue sky above. A gentle breeze brushed against her face, and for a moment, Serah closed her eyes, savoring the caress of the wind.
“Regina, I will return soon…,” she whispered softly to the wind, her voice carrying a quiet determination.
......................
Meanwhile, Louis walked through the palace corridor, radiating a dark aura. He truly felt challenged by Serah’s demeanor earlier. He strode toward his study, irritation written across his face. The two guards on duty exchanged uneasy glances.
Upon entering his study, he immediately vented his frustration by pounding his fist heavily on the desk.
“How dare she underestimate me!” he exclaimed, breathing heavily. “What exactly is she trying to do?” Louis struggled to control his emotions. His gaze shifted to his own bookcase.
“Damn it!” he muttered in frustration, yanking open the glass-covered wooden cabinet with such force that the sound echoed through the room.
He pulled out several books and began searching through them.
“Nothing…,” he said after checking the volumes he had taken out.
He continued to pull out more books, stacking them on the desk. “Still nothing!!” he shouted again, his annoyance growing.
After several books were removed and piled high on the desk, the object of his search was still nowhere to be found.
“Arghh, damn it!!” he groaned, flinging the remaining books from the cabinet to the floor.
“GUARDS!” he called loudly, summoning the men stationed at his door.
“At your service, Your Majesty!!” The two guards quickly opened the door, entering and bowing in respect.
“Call Sir William here immediately!!” he barked, an outburst of his pent-up emotion.
“Yes, Your Majesty!!” the guards responded instantly, moving swiftly to carry out his command.
“Serah…, don’t think you’re clever in front of me…!” he muttered, a sharp glint in his eyes.
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