Shatter Me Twice

IX

RHEA
The late afternoon sun casted a golden hue across the grand estate of the House of Nobles, its rays filtering through the intricately stained glass windows. Inside, I was ensconced in my room, seated comfortably with a cup of fragrant tea and a plate of buttery biscuits. The room was serene, the air filled with the soft murmur of a distant harp played by the House musicians.

I was savoring the calm when the door to my room creaked open. A maid, her expression solemn, stepped inside. "My lady, Lady Elowen requests your presence."

Lady Elowen, the crown princess and Iyan's sister, was known for her poised demeanor and her meticulous nature. I had often admired her strength and elegance, and I wondered what could be so urgent as to summon me from my peaceful repose.

I set my tea cup down, and arose, following the maid through the opulent corridors of the House and into my carriage. My mind raced with possibilities as I arrived the Royal Home, gracing the grand hallways adorned with rich tapestries depicting heroic battles and ancient legends, their colors vibrant under the warm light of the chandeliers.

Upon reaching Lady Elowen's chambers, I was ushered inside. She greeted me with a warm, though slightly troubled, smile. "Evangeline, thank you for coming," she said, her voice gentle yet edged with a hint of unease.

She stood before the grand windows of her room, the light from the setting sun casting long shadows across her elegant figure. Her gaze was distant, as if she were looking out into a vast unknown, lost in thoughts she could not easily share. The air around her was heavy with a tension I could feel even before she turned to face me as I entered.

"My lady, I hope all is well?" I inquired, my voice gentle but filled with concern.

She turned slowly, her movements graceful yet laden with unease. "Not exactly," she replied, her voice tinged with a subtle hint of distress. "I seem to have a bit of a predicament."

I took a few cautious steps forward, sensing the seriousness in her tone. As I approached, I couldn't help but notice the slight tremor in her hands, the way she shifted her weight from one foot to the other as if struggling to remain composed. "What seems to be the trouble?" I asked, my concern deepening.

She clasped her hands together tightly, her fingers interlacing in a gesture that betrayed her anxiety. A thoughtful frown creased her brow, and she hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "I cannot seem to find my cat, Seraphina."

My mouth almost fell open in disbelief at the nature of her 'predicament,' but I quickly composed myself, masking my surprise with a calm demeanor. Still, I couldn't quite hide the way my eyes narrowed in an incredulous gaze. Was she truly this distressed over a missing cat?

"I've looked everywhere," she continued, her voice gaining a slight edge of desperation. "On the table, under the furniture, along the hallways. Yet, she remains elusive."

Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with an earnest plea that tugged at my heartstrings despite the absurdity of the situation. I fought to keep the amused smile from creeping onto my lips, feeling the corners of my mouth twitch in rebellion. "I've checked every nook and cranny, but I cannot find her. I'm worried about Seraphina. It's not like her to just wander off. Could she have been... kidnapped?"

Before I could respond, she pressed on, her words tumbling out in a rush as if she feared losing the thread of her thoughts. "That's a bit unlikely, though, isn't it? Who would want to steal a princess's cat?"

She paused then, a rare silence settling over her as she seemed to contemplate the absurdity of her own suggestion. Her expression was one of deep thought, as though she were sifting through every possible scenario in her mind, trying to make sense of it all. When no revelation came to her, she sighed softly and refocused her attention on me, her eyes pleading and vulnerable.