Chapter 13: Shameless

                                    

                                          
Third's POV
One week had passed since the fateful incident, yet Roseanne remained bedridden, locked in a battle for her life. The security around her Palace had intensified, with strict restrictions on who could enter. Only a select few were permitted access, including her siblings, who hovered anxiously whenever possible.
Diana, deeply concerned, maintained a constant vigil at Roseanne's bedside. Each passing day seemed to drain the colour from Roseanne's complexion, leaving everyone on edge. The Celestial Lord and the Head of the Achelous worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Diana's sudden loss of consciousness, which had caused an uproar within the House of Auclair and Achelous. They thoroughly investigated the chimaera's unexpected attack during Diana's engagement ceremony. It was evident to them that the incident had been a deliberate act by someone with malicious intent.
Standing amidst the Elders and others, Diana faced the disapproving gaze of Ceasar Aeolus, his eyes seething with venom. Roseanne, technically the lowest in rank among those present, received a dagger-like glare from Leonard, who wanted to retort but held his tongue as Diana gently touched his back.
Diana's silver eyes blazed with a mixture of fury and defiance against Astrach Aeolus. It was he who had fervently advocated for Leonard to engage Diana and Aiden.
With a voice dripping with challenging authority, Diana retorted, "Are there any laws that forbid me from being here?"
Caesar Aeolus was quick to reply, "It's your position."
Diana countered firmly, "I am no longer just an Astrachess Junior, but also the fiancée of the Scion, a direct heir to the Celestial Lord. Among everyone in this room, I hardly believe I'm the least qualified to be here."
Diana raised her eyebrows, locking her eyes with Caesar. He huffed in anger, resembling a petulant child, while others exchanged uneasy glances, silently wishing for the confrontation to end. Nicholas and Augustine stood by, pondering their next steps.
As the heated argument continued, their attention shifted to the lifeless chimaera's body sprawled on the ground. The room fell silent as the onlookers contemplated the creature, their thoughts clouded with uncertainty.
Voices of disagreement and frustration filled the air. "How do we determine who was behind this attack?"
"We may already have an idea," Nicholas suggested, drawing the room's focus back to him.
Flashback
It was the day that would indelibly alter the course of Roseanne's life. She stood at the precipice of her 17th year, a young woman attempting to escape the turmoil that had become her parents' tumultuous relationship. The heaviness in her chest suffocated her, making every breath a struggle.
In the past, Roseanne had sought solace among friends or found refuge within the academy. The House of Auclair, once her sanctuary, had lost its warmth and familiarity over the years. It no longer felt like home.
Adira and Valeria had moved on to marital bliss while her other siblings had scattered, leaving Roseanne as the sole caretaker of her beleaguered parents. Only a few years ago, she had requested to live permanently at the academy, seeking escape from her chaotic home life.
Following a bitter argument with her parents, Roseanne reluctantly found herself at a party, an environment she loathed, teeming with people. Her simple black dress with strategic straps revealing hints of skin created quite a stir among students and even a few teachers.
Roseanne was known as the consummate good girl, unwaveringly obedient, and a paragon of academic achievement. The notion that she might indulge in such rebellion was almost inconceivable. Her friends exchanged meaningful glances as she reached for a glass of Eldrith wine.