dusk skies | s.shenzi

prologue

At last, I have finally finished all of these paper work.

I leaned on my chair as I stretched my arms of stiffness. I was quite fatigued from working all day and it was just after sunset. As I started to walk to bed, the side of my eye caught the glorious sky. I glanced upon the beautiful galaxies as I relaxed my body on the comfortable cushions of my bed.

The stars were shining twice as bright, as the gaze of the moon spreads gently into to the satin like night sky. It was a beautiful night, the same dusk skies as 5 years ago. Back when I looked from this window, heartbroken and in vain. Back when I use to dream of my future, being his reliable empress. I was naive back then.

I gave everything for this marriage, including my powers.

I sighed solemnly, as much as I want to stay here. I am needed elsewhere. Or ironically, I'm not needed here anymore.

I have done all my efforts for this community, and for my husband, but I shall humble myself. I have done all my work in secret, and even gave the credits to other officials, but even how large my impact is to the community, I will never be good enough in anybody's eyes. To the empire and to even my husband.

Especially since she came back.

I heard a lot of things. That she was my husband's mistress, concubine or even exclude me completely, as his empress. He was also seen with her, for the past few months. She was praised for every slightest movement she does. She was truly the most treasured in this empire.

She was indeed the best candidate as the empress, intelligent, smart, beautiful, and was actually dotted by the emperor. I was just a replacement, since she was struck by a life long illness. But now she has fully recovered.

It's time to step down.

As I gathered all my paper work, I picked up the box that was carrying them. I was going to send them off to the royal scribe. Since I was going to leave, I did all my paper work this week that was for 3 years of my term. It's a good wedding gift, I guess.

As the creak of my door opening echoed through the hallway, I started to roam the palace. Since I was in the west wing and the office was in the central quarters, I still have quite the adventure to walk. The sound of my feet pattering along the marble floor was quite theraputic. It harmonized with the wind and the breeze.

This walk was not simply calming but engaging, the clear view of the sights from the huge windows of the hallway has been my favorite part of living in the palace. The city lights, swaying trees, and forest critters. It was such a beautiful sight. Now, I will never get to do this again.

I was so lost by the surroundings when a sudden clack from ahead startled me. I gasped as my grip from the box slipped and the papers cluttered everywhere. I hurriedly cleaned up the mess I made and leaned down. The man infront of me apologized as he hurried to gather the clutter.

"Your Majesty? Why are you outside in this hour?" I looked up from the floor to lock eyes with someone. It was Nathan, the royal scribe.

"Lord Nathan! Well, I was just about to send these and my clumsy self seem to slip and clutter. Pardon me" I chuckled awkwardly.

"It's dangerous to roam in the palace this late, Your Majesty. Please allow me to help you with the papers—„ He smiled reassuringly. I suddenly remembered something and nervously tried to stop him. As he he read through one of the papers, I panicked.

"Ah, no my Lord. I can't let you do that let me—"

—Bang

The box of papers have fallen once more, in the hands of Nathan. He gasped in melancholy as he read through the papers. Suddenly, his empty emerald eyes stared in disbelief. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"I—is this, what I think it is?" He frowned.

"Yes, I'm d—divorcing with him . . . „ I slowly stated, hoping not to trigger him so much. Nathan was a big supporter of the emperor, I was quite taken aback by his sadness. I expected him to be happy, now that his emperor finally has a chance to marry the woman he truly loves.

Nathan was still awfully quiet so I continued „ The empire will finally get the empress they truly wished for. So I'll be leaving, for the emperor and my sake." I smiled sadly and continue to gather the papers once again. Until Nathan whispered.

"If he lets you . . ."

I turned around, confused.

"What my Lord? I didn't quite catch that?" Although the hallways was silent, I didn't hear what the man whispered. He then smiled.

"It's nothing Your Majesty! I do understand your point, he did deprive you of many things the kind empress truly desired" He sighed.

Like his presence, Nathan thought to himself unsurprised of the empress' choice. He sometimes walked by the young empress, watching as she grew up into a great leader as herself. But her eyes was still the same, same longing expression.

The past 5 years have been rough for the young miss, he understands she has waited enough. Those past five years she endured. He treated this lady like a friend, and he grew up with her in a distance, like an older brother in the army. So he have always felt worried about her.

But seeing her finally grow wings, and some backbone, he shouldn't worry anymore.

"I'm just worried what His Majesty would do after she says goodbye . . ."

He watched as the young lady left, back to her quarters. He turned around carrying the last of his favored empress' duties who was getting ready to say goodbye.

Meanwhile, the solemn woman have just gotten back to her room calculating what Nathan had said.

„He did deprive you of many things the kind empress truly desired . . ." I sighed in sadness.

Does he know I miss His Majesty?

And why did he react like that after hearing my departure?

It's as if he was devastated. I admit, we don't have the closes relations but his emotions was more than that. As if he sees me as a younger sibling.

I slowly let my dress fall to the ground, getting ready for a warm bath. I whisk the warm bubbly water of my fingers revealing of my reflection against the night sky. I smiled slowly submerging myself into the water, followed by a relaxed sigh.

I was satisfied for once, my job, my life, my accomplishments, I could finally leave. The breeze strolls in and I shivered. But I watched as the curtain dances with the air.

The veil was carried by the wind as it flowed, ever so gently, but could never wisp away. I'm just glad my marriage didn't turn out to be like this. A marriage without freedom, but still look so beautiful as it tries to flow.

As I finished cleaning and relaxing my body, I dried myself with a towel. Entering the room, I put on a robe and got ready to sleep. The comforting soft sheets gave me an image, an image of my husband lying next to me. I sighed.

I'm already insane.

I should get rid of these thoughts and get ready to live my life without him, even if he wasn't even there back then.

I should be living my life without his memory, back to my empite. Where I could lead a peaceful life as an explorer, discovering myself, travelling, and even exploring the beauty of the world just to forget about him.

I sighed. Slowly dozing off to sleep, wrapped around the heavenly satin sheets as I cuddled the pillows.

I miss you, Kiel . . .

וו×

a.n

it's out! the prologue of 'dusk skies'! i hope you enjoy! by now, chapter one is in the works so please stand by!

vote, comment and share, my friends!

07/14/22