"Move it, you filthy wench! Stay in line!"
A guard roughly shoved two of the maidans toward the long line of captives, yelling at them harshly. Trembling with fear, they quietly joined the others without protest.
By the time the caravan reached the capital of Flareon, it was already afternoon. The scorching sun blazed overhead as Hazel walked obediently with awe in her bright eyes. Jo and Rue clung to her like shadows.
Flareon's capital, Lumi, was far more breathtaking than Hazel had imagined. Her dreamy eyes were wandering in every corner of the wide path that led to the majestic, luxurious palace built from shimmering red goldstones. Surrounding the main palace were smaller castles and cottages, each radiating the wealth and elegance of the grand capital.
The entire palace grounds were heavily guarded by soldiers in red armor bearing the crest of the red dragon. They looked skilled—strong, silent, and merciless.
On either side of the path stretched orchards, vineyards, and enchanting gardens filled with gulmohars, primroses, lavenders, roses, sunflowers, and many other rare and unknown flowers. Their sweet fragrance lingered in the warm air, mixing with the cheerful songs of birds.
Hazel noticed a bunch of elderly officials in formal robes gathered around the Second Prince, speaking to him. But there was no sign of Sirius.
Her hazel eyes scanned the royal crowd instinctively, even before she fully realised what—or rather, who—she was searching for.
"Sirius... I really did meet someone by that name. But why that name? Is he meant to shine brighter than all the stars?" A wistful smile played on her lips, trembling with a trace of nostalgia.
Her mind wandered back to her childhood—the lonely, dark nights in that dusty attic when she looked up at the sky and found comfort in that brightest twinkle: Sirius. To that lonely little girl she had once been, that bright star had been more than light. It had been a friend, a protector… her whole universe.
Suddenly, a gentle pressure on her wrist and a familiar whisper interrupted her reverie.
"The Princess seems quite cheerful for someone held captive in Flareon," came the voice, teasing softly from behind.
With a quiet sigh, he added, "Aren't you afraid, even a little? You do know the Emperor of Flareon isn't exactly known for mercy."
Hazel turned to him with an open, serene smile, her expression startled Sirius, puzzling him more, "Would fear or worry help me now?" she said lightly. "What's the point of worrying about something I can't change?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a half-smirk of amusement, "So wise, Your Highness.
He leaned in slightly, voice low and playful.
"But, careful, Princess. That kind of calmness might just make us curious enough to keep you here forever."
"Keeping me here as a prisoner?"
Hazel grinned mischievously.
"Unfortunately, a Maid Princess without a trace of magic in her blood offers little value to the mighty Flareon. If you truly wanted power, you should've captured my sisters, blessed by Hecate's magic and grace."
Noticing that Sirius was subtly guiding her away, she asked with confusion, "Are you trying to help me escape? Wait—at least let me take those two children—"
"Escaping from Flareon's grasp is impossible for now," Sirius replied gravely.
"Let them stay at the front of the queue. If they cling to you, it will draw attention. You must stay unseen."
Gently placing her at the end of the line, he leaned in and whispered urgently, "Don't reveal your identity, Princess. Keep your head down and avoid the Emperor's gaze. I will help you return safely to Bloom—once the investigation is over."
Just as he turned to leave, Hazel called after him cautiously, "What is wrong with my identity? Wouldn't it help me return sooner?"
Sirius paused. A shadow passed over his face before he murmured gloomily, "Remain hidden until the interrogation ends. I promise that I'll ride you back to Bloom myself."
Hazel's curiosity deepened at his mysterious words, "But why? What will—"
Before she could finish, Sirius cut in, a rare hint of impatience in his voice, "If you catch the Emperor's attention… no one will be able to get you out of here. No one."
And with that, he slipped into the sea of guards, vanishing as quickly as he had appeared, leaving Hazel stunned and full of questions.
The fear she had been suppressing with thoughts of the palace's beauty now returned, rising like a storm within her. The closer she came to the towering wooden doors of the palace, the paler her face became. Her heart pounded in her chest like a war drum.
The guards showed no kindness. Roughly pushing the captives forward, they forced them to kneel in the grand court, like criminals awaiting judgment. Each maiden trembled under the weight of fear—except Hazel. Though worried, her mind drifted to Sirius' warning words as she stole frequent and cautious glances around the grand courtroom.
A glimpse of Sirius, just a few feet away, leaning casually against a curved pillar, offered her a flicker of comfort.
The courtroom of Flareon was immense, adorned with fine paintings and sculpted stonework. A deep red velvet carpet stretched across the floor, leading to a massive throne of crimson,carved from red diamonds. Compared to Flareon's riches, Bloom seemed modest, almost nothing.
Moments later, all the nobles and officers, along with Sirius and the Second Prince—lowered themselves into deep bows as a tall, broad-shouldered man entered. His presence was commanding, his aura heavy with dominance.
He had pale blond hair and piercing red eyes that gleamed like rubies. There was no softness in his strong, ageless face. He ascended the throne with arrogance, gesturing everyone to rise as the hall echoed with a thunderous chorus.
"Hail to the Mighty Emperor! May the glory of Flareon shine forever!"
He lifted one massive hand, silencing the voices with ease. His eyes swept over the young women before him.
"Only these girls?" he asked in a gravelly voice, laced with scorn, "They look far too filthy to be worthy of warming a royal bed."
His gaze lingered on them, shameless and appraising. Then came the cruel order.
"Take off those rags. One by one. Let me see if any among you has the charm to please her Emperor." A nasty smirk twisted his rigid face, "Perhaps, I shall bestow my favor upon one or two of you."
The nasty command sent a chill through Hazel. That single line confirmed what Sirius had tried to warn her.
She was in danger—grave, unavoidable danger.