At least I'm Alive

Disliked

The Afternoon came around, Abela received a letter sealed with the Imperial family's crest.

"Robin sent a letter early this morning?" Abela told herself.

She opened the letter, and brought the paper out.

"Dear Lady Abela,

It would be delightful if you attend my grand tea party attended by many female nobles. I've heard alot about you, and I would definitely like to talk more. It will be happening tomorrow. My apologies if this is sudden.

Sincerely, Empress."

Abela was surprised with what she got.

'from the Empress herself?' she thought.

But instead of feeling grateful, she rather felt suspicious.

It's rude to send invitations the day before. Mostly to someone who is busy.

It's not a secret that Abela is training to be a warrior. Yet, the Empress herself made a reckless move.

'is she a good or bad?'
Abela thought.

Abela will definitely attend since it's a challange.

Abela went out of her room, and headed to the garden.

Duchess Frida was sitting down admiring the garden.

"Mom!" Abela ran to her.

"Oh? You're here?" She replied.

Abela sat beside her and said "Are you coming tomorrow?"

"No, I already told them a few days ago I will rest since I'm pregnant." She sips tea.

"What? No fair! I'm supposed to be training tomorrow yet I got the letter today. So I have no choice but to go." Abela complained.

For the first time, Duchess Frida was flustered.

She choked on her tea, as her eyes widened.

"You...got it just today?" She said surprised.

"Mom, you're always so composed, what's the matter?" Abela was confused.

"Sweetheart, you have to prepare yourself." Duchess Frida said as she grabbed Abela's hands and held them.

She continued..."being invited like that, means that you somehow got in the Empress' bad side."

"Why would I get on her bad side?" Abela tilted her head.

"Are you in any way involved with the imperial family?" She asked.

"Well, I've met the emperor a few times due to Ajax...and got invited to some places because of him..and.." Abela hesitated.

"What is it?" The Duchess asked as her grip tightens.

"I..may have a romantic relationship with the crown prince...?" She quietly said.

Duchess Frida let go, and massaged her temples

"I see. It's alright...now I know why."

Abela asked "Why? Did I do anything wrong?"

"No, it's just because...the Empress...she is very greedy. She does not want any woman to get involved with the imperial family. Just herself.

Other wives of the king left just because the Empress threatened them.

She then had Prince Robin...who she harshly neglected. She's one of the people who despise the Ortiz family.

There are rumors going around the dukedom that she's the one behind all of those attacks from before." She sips tea.

"Mother, what if I see Tori...?" Abela hesitantly asked.

Regardless of how much torture Tori made, Abela was not afraid to meet her.

Rather, she felt angry. Unlike before, she got traumatized..but as she stayed there locked up and wounded on that tower...all that grew inside her was hatred.

She wanted revenge no matter how long it will take.

And it was all because her inner Eagle spirit had grown.

The Eagle spirit is a superior. A spirit for Imperial families.

Therefore creating a mass of strength. That makes Abela feel a sense of courage.

"I see you're quite prepared to meet her. I don't know what crazy things will happen tomorrow but..." She pats Abela's head and says

"Go get em' tiger." And smiled

Abela went back in her room

She went out on her balcony and leaned on the balustrade.

As the cold wind blew...she thought.

'I shouldn't be afraid of any of them. They should be afraid of me.'

...

It was the day of the tea party.

The pressure was real.

Abela had just finished fixing herself.

Her hair was tied in a low bun, with her regular braids on the side.

She wore a long peach dress, and wore simple accessories.

A few days before while she was bedridden, she got a haircut.

Her hair length is now above her shoulders.

Abela entered the carriage alongside with Ajax who had fully rested.

Inside, they sat face to face as the carriage moves.

"Why didn't you rest?" Abela asked.

"I couldn't master. You were close yet so far away." Ajax looked down.

"So, does the prince know about you?" Abela changed the subject.

Ajax nodded.

"Alright. Now butlers stay on the side. Don't make yourself obvious or else those women will say that I commit child labor" she joked.

That made Ajax a bit more relaxed.

They arrive at the royal garden, the same as before.

Abela was a bit early, yet there were a few women there.

Including...Hena and Lenore.

Abela ran to them, and said "Hey! You guys are here too."

"Yeah, I was nervous for this day to come." Hena said.

"Atleast you got yours days earlier. I got mine yesterday afternoon." Abela quietly said.

Which surprised Hena and Lenore.

"What? That's wrong! Receiving an invitation just like that means the Empress is against you or something!" Lenore whispered.

"What's the problem? I can face her head on! The emperor is on my side anyways." Abela said.

Hena laughed "That's true. We're right behind you Abela!"

During Abela's rest...the three of them became close.

Hena always visited Abela because of her guilt, and would run into Lenore.

They had a simple cup of tea and the three of them immediately clicked.

Now...

"The Empress has arrived!" Her personal coachman announces.

This is where the battle begins.