Episode 41
Eliano stiffened at the mention of Pamela—an involuntarily unpleasant reaction crossed her lovely face. She composed herself and spoke coldly:
“I want to pray with a pure heart, so please don’t speak of vulgar things.”
Damien sneered: “Yes, always keep your body and mind clean. It’d be awful if Father whipped that precious body of yours because of anger.”
Eliano felt her rage boiling over. The events at the Empress’s court had worsened her chronic nervous exhaustion—her mind was already fraught. Damien was adding fuel.
She took a deep breath, resisting the urge to shout. But she snapped instead:
“You dodge the whip by using me as a shield—how convenient for you. You look just like Father—nasty through and through. Sometimes I can’t stand it. To think someone like you is my own flesh and blood.”
Damien’s green eyes flickered with anger. Eliano plunged ahead, venom clear in her voice:
“I know you’re secretly flirting with Liliana Sanders. How shameful—pursuing an engaged lady like she’s some prey! If you blow your chance with Liliana, Father will be disappointed in his dear son.”
Insulted, Damien sputtered. Eliano pressed the point:
“You think you could just charm Liliana into giving up the crown princess role as soon as Father refused the emperor’s proposal? Don’t tarnish Rosana’s honour. As viscount, uphold your reputation.”
“Eliano—!” Damien’s roar echoed through the entrance hall. Eliano only sneered.
“You probably think you can just kidnap her – bosam style. Want my help?”
Damien shoved her into the wall with surprising force. Her shoulder ached, but she stood firm.
“See? You’re just a bully. If words don’t work, you use violence—just like Father. Blood doesn’t lie.”
“Shut up—!” Damien’s face was crimson with fury. Eliano responded dryly:
“If you really want to break me, whip me like Father does—and see if I’ll ever kneel to you.”
With a final shove, she sent Damien staggering.
“Come on, Penelope! Let’s cleanse our hearts at the temple!”
Penelope bowed quickly to Damien and followed Eliano, who heard Damien’s distant shouting as they left.
She seemed strangely relieved as she rode away—justifiable after Damien’s cold cruelty.
At the temple, Eliano went straight to the statue of Macarisera—the “fairy of luck”. The delicate sculpture, neither clearly male nor female, seemed almost alive.
Penelope, touched by the statue’s presence, joined her in prayer.
With closed eyes, Eliano pleaded,
“Please grant me clear reason and sharp perception — let me stand unwavering, as I once did with my husband in Zacador, holding the title of Empress.”
A vision of Flint Howard’s eyes flashed through her mind, but she couldn’t understand why.
The statue before her, once dull grey in the palace’s shadow, now glowed with warm silver in light—a matching feeling stirred within her.
Her black‑obsidian earrings felt warm, and her green eyes glowed. She studied the statue, then quietly departed.
Back at the estate
Isabella’s social debut was a resounding success. As the Duke Rosana’s daughter, she earned genuine praise. Although she lacked polish compared to her sister, her family name kept troublemakers at bay.
“Elisabella, as Rosana’s daughter, you have no need for a debut challenge,” Eliano reminded her.
Isabella leaned in, whispering, “It’s awkward—everyone staring at me. Can’t I just hide in the corner?”
Eliano smiled and whispered back,
“You’re Rosana. You’ll get used to attention. Damian will come—stay close to him.”
When a young gentleman invited Isabella to dance, Eliano shifted aside. Isabella had already danced with three well-bred young men—each dance increasing her social value.
She was fresh and alive in a way Eliano had never been – a younger sister’s charm.
“Eliano, where is Brother Damien?” Isabella asked.
“I’m not sure,” Eliano replied, revealing with a half‑grin that Damien had slipped onto the terrace along with Liliana—another twist that amused her.
A whispered rumor
Eliano overheard nearby ladies’ conversation.
“Did you hear? Zacador has just returned the late Duke Howard’s remains… Are they seeking reconciliation? Could a marriage be arranged?”
Her face hardened in an instant.
A marriage alliance with Zacador… This felt like the beginning of a nightmare—or a cruel replay of her past life.
