Suddenly, the library doors burst open — and in ran the twins.
"Elo, are you hiding in here?" Edric asked, striding toward her.
"The sun is shining outside and you haven't even looked out of the window. No wonder you're so pale," added Alaric, in his usual tone.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your utterly non-irritating presence, my dear brothers?" Eleanora asked dryly, without even lifting her gaze from the map.
"So glad you asked, beloved sister," Edric said. "We came to show you our new abilities."
Now standing at her table, both brothers smirked.
"Do you even clean this place? Looks just as messy as it did last month," Alaric teased.
Eleanora just rolled her eyes. She had neither a reason nor the mood to reply. Honestly, she hoped they would simply go away, so that she could focus back on the project.— but since they were still standing there, clearly waiting for permission to perform their little trick, she sighed.
"Fine. Let's see what you've got, your royal brattinesses."
"We've discovered," Edric began…
"…that we can see the future," Alaric finished. "For example — we see that in five seconds, you'll be trapped in a bear hug."
And before she could react, they were on her — arms wrapping tightly from both sides.
"So? What do you think of our new powers, little princess?"
"Very impressive," Eleanora laughed, unable to hide her amusement. "And where, pray tell, did you get this 'ability'?"
"That's not important," Edric grinned. "What is important… is our next vision."
Both boys placed their hands dramatically on their foreheads. Their fake groaning and heavy breathing echoed through the library — mixed with Eleanora's stifled giggling.
But the moment didn't last.
The doors slammed open again.
The royal couple entered, flanked by guards.
"Eleanora Rose Bleckwhite," her father thundered.
"Would you like to explain what happened at last night's ball?"
Eleanora swallowed. She hadn't seen her father this angry in a long time. And she was starting to feel afraid.
She began mentally reviewing everything that had happened — or, at least, most of it.
"I… I entered the ballroom after realizing my name hadn't been announced, which left me rather confused," she began.
"A few minutes later, Lady Hedda pulled me aside and told me that you had decided to let me remain anonymous for the evening. She said you'd enchanted my mask so only a few chosen guests could recognize me. After hearing that, I decided to enjoy myself — to dance, eat, and drink. Then a man approached and asked me to dance. I panicked a little and ran outside for fresh air…"
"You're lying," her mother said calmly.
Eleanora sometimes truly hated her mother's ability to detect lies.
"You knew it was Luceris — your future husband. And the best thing you could think to do was humiliate our entire family?
What you did was foolish, and now you dare lie to us on top of it? You've disappointed us. That's not how a future queen should behave."
Eleanora couldn't hold back anymore. She knew she was supposed to stay quiet — even her brother's hand on her shoulder silently urged her to do so — but she couldn't.
"And how should a future queen behave, Mother? How should your ideal daughter act when you try to marry her off to a man she doesn't love — someone she doesn't want to be with?
Should she smile and nod and do nothing, like a puppet? Because that's not how you raised me."
"Enough, Eleanora," her father snapped.
But her mother continued, voice still calm.
"We raised you to know your duties. And as for Luceris — you're still too young to understand what love really means. You don't even know what you want yet.
We're simply helping you by choosing a husband who will bring you a happy and stable life. And who knows? You might even come to love him."
Eleanora clenched her fists, her voice now steadier.
"But I don't want him. Please — just give me one more year. Let me finish my education. If by then I haven't found someone you approve of, then… then maybe I'll accept Luceris."
Her parents shook their heads.
"You will marry him, Elie. It's already arranged. We can't afford to wait until you finish school. The wedding will take place this winter. Accept it."
It felt like a punch to the gut.
"This winter?" she repeated weakly. Then louder, "So you really want to get rid of me that fast? Do my feelings not matter at all?"
"You are the future queen," her mother said, stepping closer and gently touching her cheek.
"You must sacrifice your own desires for the good of your kingdom — and your family. That's part of your duty."
"And what if I don't want to?"
"The crown chose you, my child. From that moment on, your wants no longer matter."
Eleanora knew there was no point arguing further — but she didn't want to give up just yet.
Her brothers stood behind her like silent statues, each of them gripping a shoulder gently. It was a comforting touch, wordless and grounding — the same as always.
None of the siblings ever had to face their parents alone. Even if they didn't speak up, their presence meant something.
"In three hours, Hedda will come to prepare you for dinner with Luceris," her mother said.
"I'm tired of your resistance. He is the man you will spend the rest of your life with. So please — behave like a future queen. Like someone from our bloodline."
The doors closed behind them with a soft but final click.
Silence hung in the room.
Eleanora could feel her heart still racing. The encounter had left them stunned. For a moment, no one said anything — only glances were exchanged.
Then Edric broke the silence with a smirk.
"Daisy is with the children and our wives. Want to join them?
I have a feeling they're already plotting something wicked."