All-day, I was busy with the wives of Leo's court, doing everything yet nothing at all, gossiping about the latest bachelor, exchanging tips in fashion and petty affairs. Vanessa was adamant in sticking by my side, whispering and joking about little comments spoken by a nearby lady.

The hot rays of the sun shone done on the open lands of the estate. Vanessa had suggested we ladies get some sun and roll balls on the lawns. It was a sort of pastime the ladies of court participated in.

"4/10!!" the guard announced, his deep voice booming above the applause. He was in charge of updating the ladies of the current score. I smiled politely, trying to get accustomed to the game but to be quite honest, it was growing increasingly dull.

"What happens now?" I ask, joining the women in another slow clap while our balls were fetched by the servants.

"We throw them again and again and again until we tire empress" she smiled boastfully as if this was the most satisfying distraction in the world.

"Empress?"

It was the calming voice of Lizabeth. Thank heavens she had followed me outside. "Might I suggest I escort you to the room empress? You seem tired"

I smiled warmly and nodded in agreement before looking to Vanessa. "Yes...I do tire rather quickly when left in the sun. I bid you farewell" I say, gathering my dress to follow Lizabeth.

"Lizabeth!" another woman who was lounging in the shade called. "I do remind you to recognize your place?" she said through a tight-lipped smile. "You spoke out of turn?"

I knew there was hostility between the two.

"Oh, my apologies Sivanka! Bless your humble heart for reminding my poor soul" she says, sarcasm dripping from her tongue.

"Do not forget again. Perhaps we must whip you into servility?" the busty lady smiles. Lizabeth simply rolls her eyes before nodding. I smiled awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the exchange.

Vanessa steps beside me, folding her hands into her dress. "I think it has been a long day. Empress, you would wish for Lizabeth to escort you to your quarters?"

"Yes, very much, "I say rather eagerly. I look to Lizabeth and she nodded, leading me back to the palace.

—-

"What was that about?" I asked, nosey to understand the exchange.

"Nothing empress. It is irrelevant" Lizabeth grumbles.

"Well... It is not irrelevant to me" I assure her. She stopped in her tracks and turns to face me.

"As of recent, I used to be a lady of the court, but my father thought it was in his best interest to fuck with the young emperor and humiliate him. So...my family and I were stripped of our titles and I was pushed to a lowly servant girl"

"Lizabeth...I'm"

"Don't empress.... I don't need your pity." she snaps. I nodded warmly and continued walking letting the silence of the atmosphere guide our path.

——

2 weeks later

I tried to do anything to busy myself before the banquet tonight. I didn't feel like going but of course, I had no choice. I was the queen of Genovia, the new face of change.

As I walked through the palace on the way to my room, a strong arm wrapped around my waist. "Calla" the voice calls; it was Leo.

"Oh, Leo." I was a bit surprised to see him so early in the day but still greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.

"I have something to show you" he whispered against my lips before kissing them. I smiled and looked up to him, gently running a finger against his lips to wipe off my sheen. I had to admit, seeing less of him over the days made him just a bit more tolerable. I guess distance did indeed make the heart grow stronger?

"Will I favor the surprise emperor?"

"Oh, I think you will find it quite ...thrilling" he bragged showing off a handsome smile. He took my hand into his, escorting me through the grounds of the palace. Further, we went through the palace halls and out to the garden. He stopped his path and turned to face me. "I must cover your eyes. If not, the surprise will be ruined"

I nodded eagerly, even more excited than before about the mysterious display. He pushed his palms onto my face before leading me down the rocky path. We walked a couple of more minutes until I finally found my voice to speak.

"Where are you talking me Leo" I giggle, gently lifting my hands to grab his wrists.

"You'll see. We are almost there" he whispered into my ear. Maybe he had already started the renovations to my secret library and wanted to show me its progress!

Oh how exciting!

We finally stop at the path; the gentle sounds from nature guiding our spirits. I felt a bit of heat from the front but thought nothing of it. Maybe the rays of the sun shone ahead.

"Surprise!" he shouted, taking his hands off my eyes.

And it was then, that my face turned from cheer to utter sadness. There, rising before me, was a thick cloud of black smoke. Greater and greater it grew until it reach the clouds in the air.

It was a little wooden shed that was on fire; but it was not just any wooden shed... it was my wooden shed.

"My library!" I screamed, running over to try and put out its flames but Leo grabbed my hand, preventing my advancement.

"Leo! Let go of me! My library is on fire!"

"Calla" he says my name.

"Don't you care? Hurry! We can still put it out."

"No...we can't" he says rather comfortably.

"Why are you so calm!" I shouted, trying to break from his grip.

"Because I was the one who set it on fire." he bragged, looking into my eyes.

"What?" I gasped. My heart arrested as I heard his admission. He nodded, not fearful of denying his truth and guided me closer to the flames.

"I set your shed on fire Calla" he repeats himself again, snapping to a nearby guard. Soon, two guards entered into the clearing, carrying a small box of white letters and envelopes. The guard walked over to where we both stood.

"Leo...what is the meaning..." I whispered again but froze as I looked inside the chest. An icy chill ran down my spine as I see the contents of the case.

Upon closer inspection, where the letters I had written to my family. There must have been dozens. Closer I walk to touch the letters that were buried deep inside the box. There were a couple of letters that looked foreign... one of them was entitled to me....from Cedonia!

"My family!" I gasped lunging to grab one but before I could carry out my action, the guard shut the box closed and walked to the fire.

I turned to Leo, looking into his eyes, pleading with him to stop.

"Throw them in" he said with no remorse.

"Nooo!!!" I screamed, running to get them but it was too late. The guard threw the crate into the air, letting each letter fall into the flames.

I collapse to my knees in utter defeat, trying to understand his thinking and rationale.

"Shame. It seemed like they really missed you." he gloated, taking his spot next to me. So all this time... he had never sent my letters...they hadn't even had stamps. "Especially Sarai." My heat heart froze as I heard my sister's name. It was a title I had not been accustomed to in such a while.

"She probably sent 8? Maybe 9 letters wondering about your whereabouts. I hope they don't think you're dead." he smiled carelessly.

"Why...." was all I could muster up the spirit to say, thick tears started dripping down my cheek.

"I told you I hated liars Calla" he shrugged, still inspecting the fire as it burned the wood.

"Leo...I never lied..." I say, trying my hardest to sound genuine. How could he had possibly known of my library? I made sure to cover my tracks.

"You never lied? Is that why your school for the women is in flames? And why the letters to your family are in ashes?"

I was silent, still looking to the shed as it burned in flames. He pulled me into his reach, grabbing my jaw and lifting my chin to meet his gaze. "Don't ever lie to me again Calla or it will be much worse than this," he warned, rage filling his hazel brown eyes.

I had to admit... I was scared.

He let me go, kissing my forehead before he left. I listened to the sounds of his feet diminish before I queried him once more. "Who told you?"

"What business is it to you" he scoffs.

"I have every right to know who betrayed me." I declare, pulling my shawl closer to my arms, the chilly breeze surrounding the exposed frames of my body.

"They didn't betray you...they were loyal to the emperor and Genovia. No matter how much you deny it, I am above you Calla. Remember this" he bragged before leaving to head back to the palace.

———-

How could Leo have known?
I only told two people.

Lizabeth and Vanessa.

I couldn't imagine Lizabeth betraying me? We were still getting aquatinted but I knew she would not stoop that low. For what gain would she have to tell Leo?
But maybe she was more loyal to Genovia than me? She had been living here all her life? What kindnesses did she owe to me?

But maybe it was truly Vanessa?
I knew she would do anything to look favorable in Leo's eyes.

I was truly at a standstill of emotions.
I wanted to push my thoughts of Lizabeth's betrayal out my mind but my heart was curious to see if I could truly trust her.

I walk into my quarters and see Lizabeth dressing my bed. Paxton leaped from the pillows and ran to my feet, circling around me to play.

She smiled at the mischievous fox before smiling at me. "Empress" she bows, still continuing her chores. I walk to remove my shall before leaning against my desk.

Paxton ran to play in the corner of the room, nibbling on the ends of a wooden stick.

"I will be blunt and cut straight to the chase." I say, breaking the comfortable silence we had just moments before.

"Empress?" Lizabeth speaks, stilling smoothing the surface of my bed.

"Can I trust you Lizabeth?" I say. She stops her movements before turning around to face me.

"Empress?" she says my title, confused at the question she thought she heard.

"Can I trust you Lizabeth? As a friend and confidant?"

I see she is taken aback by my interrogation, folding her arms above her chest. "Empress...surely you can trust me? What would convince you otherwise?" she says through a rigid tone.

"My library was burned down today along with my letters"

"What!" she gasped, just as appalled at the news as I was. Silence encompasses the room before I speak again. "Leo said someone told him but I only told two people. Vanessa and you?" I reminded her.

Lizabeth looked into my eyes then frowned, turning to pick the sheets from the floor, finally understanding the gravity of the conversation.

"We'll empress.. I can promise you my loyalty, but your trust? Well, that is something I must earn... Isn't it?" she frowned, there was a hint of betrayal in her voice.

"Yes" I nodded carefully, "And will you ever earn it?"

"I suppose that is up to you Empress," she says, bundling the sheets into her arms before departing the room. Just before she left, she turned around to meet my gaze. "I did not tell him Calla and I did not tell him to burn your letters nor about the library. I know a snake when I see one and Vanessa is the snake"

She pushed the basket above her hip before bracing for her departure. "Is that all empress?"

My heart sunk as I saw the sadness in her features. Of course Lizabeth was loyal! How could I ever think it was her. She was truly my only supporter, encouraging me and taking the time to be patient with despite my childish optimism.

"Lizabeth" I pout, trying to find the words to apologize. I should have never questioned her loyalty, but before I could express my sentiments, she left the room.

Author Note:

I would have rocked his world if he burnt the letters my family sent. I would be upset if it was my letters but if my family had 6 letters they sent and you just burned them??? I'm rocking his world!!!