The Theodoran Traitors

Chapter One ~ Athena

I was done for, weren't I? There was no other reason I'd be here. Well, at least I had a good life. I only wish it could have been a little longer.

"Please raise your head." I groaned inwardly but obeyed nevertheless. I slowly lifted my head and looked at the person before me. They were smirking at me, probably thinking of miscellaneous ways to make me suffer at their hands.

Attempting to hide my fear, I forced a smile that likely screamed, 'Get me out of here!'. If they noticed, they didn't show it, which didn't help me calm my nerves.

"Are you the famous Sleuthing Star?" Huh? I was taken aback. Did I hear right? Or was I just hearing things now? Have I finally gone insane? No, Athena, calm down! I took a deep breath, and when I was sure my voice wouldn't betray me, I answered the question. "Yes, Your Majesty. That's me." Oh, thank God, that sounded somehow natural. But why would he be curious about me? There wasn't any news about trouble in a palace or anywhere in the Theodoran Empire, for that matter. That was the whole reason why I decided to come here on vacation.

The Emperor's face transformed from a smirk to a satisfied smile. Awkward seconds passed before he burst into laughter. The once-tense atmosphere shifted, but I remained on edge. I bet all my fortune that he was trying to give me a heart attack!

"Great! I'm in luck." That was all he said while he continued to laugh. If he weren't the Emperor, I would ask him if he were losing his mind and give him the contact information of my therapist. However, since it was the Emperor, I didn't say a word and waited for him to calm down.

While he was laughing his ass off, I seized the opportunity to have a good look at him. There was a saying that the current Emperor, Apollo Theodoran, was one of the most handsome men in the Empire.

With hair as dark as a moonless night and eyes like lush forest canopies, he had a mysterious charm that attracted attention wherever he went. His raven-black hair framed a face that seemed to hide countless untold stories, and his deep ocean eyes had an enchanting sparkle that could captivate even the most stoic of souls. And when he was laughing, his charm only shined more.

And that was not all. Even though he would soon reach his fifties, he looked like he was in the middle of his thirties. Speaking about unfairness! I would give anything to look exactly like him when I reach his age.

"What's your name?" he inquired, his voice smooth and commanding. I felt a shiver run down my spine at the sound of it. When did he stop laughing? Did he see me staring at his face? Would I get punished for that? No. Now that I think about everything again, I wasn't brought here to be locked up for something I didn't do or anything similar. And just because there wasn't any news or rumours about troubles in Theodoran, that doesn't mean there wasn't one. It could be that the Emperor was skilled at keeping things from escaping, or perhaps the problem had only recently arisen.

I raised since I was kneeling, and I couldn't introduce myself like that. Once I was on my legs, I straightened my back and took hold of the edges of my dress with both hands, my head was bowed, and I softly yet gracefully introduced myself. "I beg your pardon for the delay in my introduction, Your Majesty," My eyes met the Emperor's as I continued. "Allow me to present myself properly. Your Majesty, I am Lady Athena, second daughter of Duchy Gracie, a humble representative of the kingdom of Maruvia. It brings me great joy to have this opportunity to make your acquaintance." I could feel the weight of his scrutiny upon me, but I refused to let it sway my composure. I held my head high, displaying the poise and dignity expected of a noblewoman in his presence.

"Very well, lady Athena. Let's cut right to the case." He said with a low uninterested voice. I flinched for a second, unsure if I had done something wrong. Anxiety returned like it was chased by wolves who hadn't eaten anything for months, at full force and almost escaping from my mounts, which wouldn't end pretty. With the flick of his fingers, someone, who I think was chancellor, showed by his side. I hope I masked my surprise well. I mean, he just showed up out of nowhere. Anyone would be surprised!