As promised, Lianna arrived at the Thomas manor.
She found Daphne in the private sitting room, staring out the window, a cup of untouched tea on the table beside her.
Lianna's usual bright demeanor was tempered with concern as she approached.
"Daphne," Lianna said softly. "Are you alright? I was worried about you all night."
Daphne turned from the window, a tired smile gracing her lips. "Lianna," she said, pulling her friend into a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm... tired. And more than a little scared."
Lianna held her close. "I'm so sorry, Daphne. What happened was unthinkable. The way the Emperor looked at you... and the Empress..." Lianna shivered.
Daphne pulled back, her eyes meeting her friend's. "That's not even the half of it," she said.
Then she recounted her family's new plan to use the competition.
As she finished, Lianna's face paled. "Daphne, that's insane. The Empress would never allow it."
"She won't have a choice," Daphne replied, "We're going to put the Emperor on the spot."
A happy smile then spread across her face. "But that's not all the news."
Lianna looked at her, confused.
"My brother," Daphne said, "he asked for my parents' help. He wants to ask for your hand in marriage."
Lianna's eyes widened, a slow blush creeping up her neck and staining her cheeks. "Finn?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Daphne nodded, a laugh of pure joy bubbling up from her chest. "He told our parents that he's in love with you and wants to ask for your hand. He's just waiting until after we handle the situation with the Emperor."
The two friends stared at each other for a long moment, the fear and uncertainty of the morning replaced by a fragile, beautiful hope.
Lianna burst into a smile, tears welling in her eyes, and she pulled Daphne into another tight hug.
In a world of imperial schemes and political betrayal, their friendship, and a simple act of love, felt like a powerful victory.
...
Aidan found Prince Alaric on the training grounds, the rhythmic clang of steel and the shouts of men a jarring backdrop to the anxiety that radiated from him.
Alaric stood with his men, a sheathed sword at his hip.
Aidan didn't waste a moment on pleasantries.
"We need to talk," he said in a low voice, his eyes darting to the soldiers nearby. "Somewhere private."
Alaric's eyes narrowed, sensing the gravity in Aidan's tone. Without a word, he turned and gestured for Aidan to follow him to his personal study.
"What is it?" Alaric demanded, turning to face him. "What is so urgent that you risk speaking of it on my grounds?"
"We've found a way to save Daphne from the Emperor's command, but we need your support."
A deep scowl formed on Alaric's face. "I told you to wait for me to find a solution, Aidan."
"This is our solution," Aidan said, his plan pouring out as he explained Finn's idea for the beauty competition, detailing how they would use the Emperor's own declaration against him to demand Daphne's freedom.
"No," Alaric said, his voice hard. "I will not support this."
"Why not? It's our only chance."
"It's a ridiculous risk," Alaric countered.
He began to pace the room, clearly agitated. "Daphne doesn't need to prove herself to anyone. Her worth isn't measured by a public spectacle. She is a masterpiece as she is. She shouldn't have to jump through hoops and parade herself before the entire empire just to be free."
"She knows the risk," Aidan argued, his own frustration rising. "And she agreed. This isn't just my plan, it's hers. We are going to present this to the court tomorrow. We need you to stand by us, Alaric. You are the only one with enough influence to keep the Emperor from simply dismissing us out of hand."
The two men stared at each other, the weight of their friendship and their competing loyalties filling the silent space.
Alaric's jaw was tight, his mind warring between his pride and his devotion to the woman he had claimed for himself, even though she was oblivious to his claim.
The fate of the Duke's plan, and Daphne's life, now rested on his decision.
...
The following morning, in the Imperial courtroom, nobles and ministers, still reeling from the events of the ball, yesterday, gathered in hushed groups.
The Duke of Thomas and his allies were already present, forming a formidable front within the larger crowd.
The great doors opened and the Emperor and Empress entered. They moved to their thrones, and the daily session of court began, with ministers and lords addressing the monarch on various matters of state.
It was after the discussions that the Duke of Thomas raised his hand.
The Emperor, his gaze sweeping the room, granted him permission to speak.
The Duke's voice rang with a formal authority no one had heard from him before.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply. "I come before you not to defy your will, but to uphold it. Your declaration last night, that my daughter, Daphne, is the Most Beautiful Damsel of Eldoria, is an unprecedented honor. An honor that should be earned, not simply bestowed."
A ripple of shock went through the court.
"For years," the Duke continued, his gaze steady, "the Imperial family has sponsored a competition to find a woman of true and unrivaled beauty, a beauty of talent, wit, grace, and mind. This tradition has been allowed to fall dormant. I, and the members of this court, ask that you revive it, Your Majesty. Let the winner be crowned the true Most Beautiful Damsel of Eldoria, The Rose of Eldoria and in exchange, grant her one wish."
The Emperor leaned forward on his throne, a glint of dangerous amusement in his eyes.
The Empress, however, was already on her feet, her face contorted in fury.
"This is an absurdity!" she shrieked, her voice echoing off the high ceiling. "A ridiculous spectacle to mock Your Majesty's decree!"
The court held its breath, waiting for the Emperor's word.
Then, a voice cut through the tension.
"I suggest that His Majesty should ponder on this before making a decision"
All eyes turned to the speaker.
It was Prince Alaric.
The entire court gasped in a collective wave of shock. The General, known for his stoic silence and his unwavering focus on matters of war and national security, had never once commented on a social issue.
The Emperor leaned back on his throne, a slow smile spreading across his face. "A most... intriguing proposal, Duke Thomas," he said.
He then gestured to the room filled with whispering nobles. "This is not a decision to be made lightly, and it affects the honor of the entire empire. I will give you my answer tomorrow morning."
A collective murmur of relief, mixed with anticipation, swept through the courtroom.
The Emperor's gaze then fell upon Alaric, his expression unreadable. "As for you, Prince Alaric," he said, his voice dropping to a low command, "you will join me. I find myself in need of your counsel."
The Emperor rose, signaling an end to the session, and strode from the courtroom with Alaric at his heels.
The two men disappeared behind the large oak doors, leaving the Empress to seethe in silence and the Duke's family to face a new day of uncertain waiting.