dusk skies | s.shenzi

chapter i

“Come in.”

As I entered the range, the smell of gun powder engulfed my senses. My breath was getting caught in my throat as I gasped for air. It was a mere scene of the battle field and I'm hyperventilating already. The memories in the bloody front lines came clashing back, it was mildly traumatic for me. But I'm not here to cower around.

“Lord Nathan. I didn't expect you to appear yourself.”His low but vehement voice overpowered the sound of gunshots in the range. He himself, was practicing shooting. He has already mastered all the weapons in the empire's artillery at the age of 14. This could only mean one thing. He was frustrated.

But his statement. I was quite alarmed of his forcefulness, as if something have angered him. The news I'm sending might dampen his mood even more.

I shouldn't have personally sent this matters myself, but someone needs to explain in behalf of the empress. The poor woman has been through so much already. Plus, I didn't expect he was this agitated.

“I—It's quite an urgent matter, Your Majesty.”I slowly stated, trying not to trigger him too much. His fiery eyes glared on the target, pointing the shotgun at it. I was silenced by this but he grew impatient.

“Spit it out Nathan.”He started to tense up, gripping the shotgun in his hands.

“It's about Her Majesty.”He obviously relaxed. So, Her Majesty wasn't an urgent matter. I frowned. Am I wrong about something? Nevermind.

“What about her.”He said as he gracefully shot the target from a mile. He then dropped the gun and took off his gloves. I frantically searched for the letter in my brief case and adjusted my spectacles.

“H-here.” I nervously handed the letter to him, praying to god that the man wouldn't snap. He took the envelope and turned around.

Why can't she be more patient. The man thought to himself as he gripped the envelope in his hands. Nathan gulped at the man's anger.

“Didn't I tell her not to send me letters.”He threw the envelope to the ground, which he didn't even read. I exhaled and prepared for the worst. I then opened my mouth and said.

“Her Majesty wants a divorce, Killian.”

Meanwhile, In the Demetrius Palace, was the empress. She was excited, excited to be free. She knew that he would immediately sign the divorce agreement, for he loved another. It was her fault after all, if she didn't bring up the engagement, it wouldn't have happened.

I was just relieved. I have let go of my selfishness and entitlement that caused all this in the first place. I was guilty. I postponed a dying woman's wish, a marriage between two hopeless lovers. Now, this is the price I had to pay.

I packed all my things last night

“Your Majesty, I have brought you a farewell gift!”A young woman's voice squeeked through the garden. It was Zoey, my maid. She was the most loyal, caring and charming girl, I was really glad I have her as a friend.

“You didn't have to Zoey—”I smiled.

“It was a souvenir! Back when I visited Detnox Mountain. I know you wanted to go there so . . . ”She handed the small box with a big smile, so I couldn't help but accept the gift. I pulled the beautifully tied ribbon and opened the box. A gasp couldn't help but escape as I glanced at the item.

It was a stunning amber pendant, inside was a firefly fossilized inside of it. It was the beauty of time itself. I heard it was these were such expensive treasures in the mountains. She didn't have to but I'm grateful for her gift. I would treasure it forever . . .

“Do you . . . Not like it?”Zoey smiled awkwardly as she looked into my shocked face.

“N-no! I love it Zoey! I— Thank you” I smiled genuinely, almost crying to her. She was the only person that actually knew me so well. This girl is one of the reason I kept staying for so long. She was the only person I could talk to in this place personally. She was a sister to me.

“I wanted to give you that on your birthday but you we're already leaving. ”She smiled sadly, eyes filled with despair. I couldn't bare to see my friend like this. So, I hugged her.

I hugged her tightly, crying on her shoulder. She cried on mine too. I would miss this girl. I would miss all her love and care. And I want to say it to her.

“Thank you—”

“Your Majesty.”A knight arrived in my quarters, It was Wilbur. Sir Wilbur Johansen is my personal knight, and is also my husband's former soldiers. I carefully wiped the tears on my face as I stood up.

“Greetings, Sir Johansen.”I lifted my head high as I fixed my posture. Zoey bowed at Sir Johansen as she sent him a big smile, while he returned a small one. Zoey immediately reddened as she quickly ran out of the room. Something's going on between these two. I smiled.

“The grand arrival of a royal family member is about to be held in three hours. A formal greeting is needed from Her Majesty.”He bowed and left the room. I sighed. It must've been mother-in-law.

“Thank You, Sir Johansen.”He bowed once more and left the room.

I better get ready then.

After I finished bathing, I then put on a robe and got ready to be dressed. The entry of a dozen maids was expected, I was putting on a large dress.

Putting on the dress with the help of the maids was quite a cinch. I thanked the maids as I looked into the mirror.

“Her Majesty looks very lovely in this dress!”Joanne, one of the maids said as she smiled at my figure as she swiftly combed my hair. I smiled back.

“This was sent by His Majesty 2 years ago, I think this is a good outfit to wear in this occassion.”I replied. This was Kiel's present on my 21st birthday, I received it much later but I was grateful because this is one of the 5 gifts he gave me.

It was a casual one used in tea parties, puffy  but ascentuated my upper body. Completed with a corset, The dress was done. I loved it but never had an opportunity to wear it. But since I was already leaving, I wanted to use it for the first and the last time because I will be returning it to him. And everything he and hus family gave me.

After I finished getting ready, Sir Johansen escorted me outside. Standing on the pathway, I sighed as the piercing heat enveloped my body. The afternoon sun was my weakness, even though a veil was covering me. I was starting to get dizzy. From both the heat and fatigue.

“Are you alright? Your Majesty?”Sir Johansen stated as he looked at my frail blinking. I nodded slowly, trying not to faint.

I haven't got enough sleep from last night, since I was busy packing my things. I only had an hour of sleep after I eventually realized I had to get ready for my departure. I was tired, dizzy and nauseous. I couldn't help but lean on Wilbur's shoulder to catch a few shut-eye.

A few moments have past and mother-in-law hasn't arrived. So I continued sleeping while Sir Johansen kindly lend me his shoulder. Not until someone spoke.

“So this is what you have been doing since I was gone, Adelaine?”

He is back.

וו×

a.n

chapter one is out! pardon my late updates but i actually had discovered that i am nearsighted! so i had to adapt to my eyesight because i have glasses now. i experienced nausea for a bit but i'm back. i promise for more earlier updates so please stand by!

also, thank you so much for the support in my prologue, i appreciate it so much!

vote, comment and share, my friends!

07/20/22