Chapter 26: The Real Heir

                                    

                                          
Roseanne's POV
Dressing for the formal occasion, I chose the white and light blue dress that always felt like a second skin to me. It was delicate yet powerful, a reflection of the complex blend of emotions I was grappling with. The Celestial Lord's summons left no room for negotiation, and with my return from the expedition with Diana, the weight of his command settled heavily upon us.
A chill ran down my spine as I stepped into the Grand Hall. The grandeur of the room, with its soaring ceilings and intricate tapestries, seemed to amplify my nervousness. Adriene, Eden, and Amelia were already present, their expressions mixing curiosity and anxiety. I don't have to ask where Adira, Valeria, and Ruby are; they always arrive late, even later than the Celestial Lord.
Amelia's voice cut through my thoughts. "I wonder why His Majesty called us all here," she murmured, nudging me slightly. Her tone was concerned, and her furrowed brow betrayed her deep contemplation.
"I have no idea," I replied, though my mind was racing. The Celestial Lord's summons was unprecedented. 
Usually, when he gathered us, it was to strategise about threats or disasters—an attack from the Northeast, a rebellion that needed quelling. This time, though, the air was thick with something more ominous.
I wonder if the rebellion got their power and regrouped again this time. But last time, Amelia and I had already destroyed all their essential men, and it was impossible to regroup that fast. 
Yet, I shouldn't underestimate my enemy.
"Hi, everyone! Is someone dead?" Ruby's voice rang out as she made her entrance, her usual bravado hiding the same tension we all felt.
"No one's dead, Ruby," Eden responded, his chuckle tinged with dark humour. It was a rare moment of levity that didn't entirely dispel the unease hanging over us.
Usually, we also gather as a whole when somebody dies, especially from close family. Except it rarely happens.
I was so drowning in thoughts that I didn't realise Adira and Valeria were there. 
"Thank you for waiting for me." 
The Celestial Lord entered with an imposing presence, his regal robes sweeping behind him like a storm. Beside him stood the Stellar Regent, her very presence eliciting a wave of disdain within me. Her previous actions had left an indelible mark on my psyche, an acid burn of distaste that made my skin crawl every time I thought of her.
My eyes were fixed on the person next to him, the Stellar Regent. For some reason, I loathed and was disgusted by the way she acted last time. Acid gurgled inside of me, making my skin crawl and wrinkle whenever I was reminded of what had happened.
I thought of her as a mere pawn with nothing else to do. I think I would be fine as long as she doesn't speak, which is impossible, I might add.
The hall fell silent as the Celestial Lord's voice boomed. "I have decided to establish a competition to determine the true heir of the House of Auclair."
What?
A collective gasp swept through the room. The shock was palpable. This sudden announcement felt like a seismic shift, a challenge we hadn't anticipated.
Why does His Majesty want to establish a competition now? Out of time, he wants to find an heir to the House of the Auclair.
"The competition will commence the day after tomorrow," he continued, his voice cutting through the silence with cold finality.