Celeste de Secramise.
The second Princess of the Arbezela Empire, and the twin sister to the Crown Princess.
Follow Celeste in her journey as she assembles a group of the most capable men to aid Ariana in her quest to ascend the throne.
"After such an arduous journey here, you must be exhausted, Princess Celeste."
"Not at all. I thank you for the warm welcome, venerable King Carlos of Xek, and renowned first Prince Akelade." Lifting her skirts, Celeste curtsied, like how she would have done in the presence of her father. "Once again, I sincerely apologize for the absence of my sister, Princess Ariana de Secramise on behalf of the Arbezela Empire. As she had other duties to attend to, she was unable to make it."
King Carlos laughed heartily. "No worries, your Highness. Xek would be more than happy to have the both of you visit the next time."
Celeste smiled and nodded, as Akelade stepped up uncomfortably close to her. She fought the urge to shrink back. They had only ever met twice before, yet he was acting as if they were familiar with each other. "I—it's been too long, your Highness...I hope you enjoy the banquet we've prepared..."
"Thank you, Prince Akelade." She mustered a cordial smile as King Carlos promptly dragged his son away.
Celeste shook her head. He really hadn't changed.
News of Celeste's arrival spread through the palace like wildfire.
In another part of the palace, two cloaked, masked figures fuelled with spears.
The taller figure jabbed straight and cast his opponent's weapon out of his hand, sending the spear clanging to the floor. "Insufferable fool! You're part of the elite squad of Akelada, the army of the Sun God, and this is all you have?" Panting, the other person shakily raised himself on his spear. "Your Highness, I, Abaal, must protest! Not as a member of the elite squad, but as your childhood friend! Your stamina and strength is simply unrivalled! In fact, it's monstrous!"
The cloaked man growled at Abaal through his mask, lunging at him. "What are you trying to say? I'll wrangle you to death!" Just as he had fisted his hand in Abaal's collar to make good on his word, gossip from the palace maids nearby floated over.
"...have you seen the princess from Arbezela?"
"Oh, my. Which one?"
"Her Highness Celeste, the second princess. It seemed that her sister was unable to make it this time."
"I caught a glimpse of her upon her arrival. Her beauty is truly unparalleled! Even as a woman, I was captivated by her looks!" One sighed wistfully. "The banquet will be starting soon. If only I would wait on her while she's here!" Another squealed.
The man tilted his head, their words having sparked his curiousity.
The second princess, huh...
It wouldn't hurt to take a peek, right?
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Having the freedom to now do as she pleased as a guest in the palace, Celeste wandered the halls, admiring the architecture. She stopped to lean against one of the carved pillars, fanning her face.
