The empress selection

"My lady, wake up..."

Sunlight filtered through the glass window as a woman with soft brown hair and expressive black eyes stood beside my bed, her maid's uniform neat and familiar.

I opened my eyes slowly, the morning light falling across the room.

"Lady Calista, wake up. Today is the most important day of your life," she said, her voice bright with excitement.

I looked at her with lazy eyes lots of emotion was buried within those calm eyes.

"I know!"

I replied, the words lacking any enthusiasm.

She hesitated while asking this question.

"My lady!, You don't want to go there, do you?"

"Whether I want to or not doesn't matter."

I said quietly, a faint sadness slipping into my voice.

Her face fell. Sadness filled her eyes and she looked at me with a helpless expression.

"Daisy,"

I said, offering a small smile that said 'alright'.

The words were meant to reassure her, even if they felt empty to me but she needed that reassurance at that time she wanted to hear these words that her lady is alright.

She smiled back, though her eyes remained worried.

"Come," I added, rising from the bed. "Assist me in the washroom."

I went to take a shower and she followed me as usual after finishing the morning routine.

I stepped out of the washroom, and the other maids were waiting with piles of clothes.

"Look, my lady! Your mother specifically chose every colour and design for you," Daisy said, joy lighting up her face.

I glanced at the beautiful, expensive gowns. Words formed in my mouth without permission "They really wanted me to..." I whispered, to myself with a bitter smile.

"What, my lady?" Daisy asked, innocence written across her face.

"Nothing," I said, a faint smirk touching my lips.

I scanned each gown, but my eyes stopped at a red gown. The low neckline revealed the shoulders, and the floor-length silk shimmered in the sunlight. Rare gemstones were carefully sewn into the fabric, sparkling like tiny stars it reminds me of the gown that was gifted by my mother.

"Lady Calista, look at this green gown! It will go beautifully with your crimson hair," Daisy said, her excitement impossible to hide not knowing that my eyes refused to waver from that red gown.

I looked at the green gown... and then back at the red one.

"I want to wear the red gown," I said clearly, my voice steady.

"But...."

Daisy hesitated. Her eyes pleaded.

"No Daisy," I said, calm and certain.

Her face fell slightly, but she knew me better than anyone. She nodded silently.

It was easier to move forward than to linger in silence.

"Wow... you look amazing, Lady Calista," Daisy whispered, eyes wide with obvious delight. "I didn't think this would go with your crimson hair, but iIt it suits you perfectly. And the diamond necklace makes you even more beautiful."

I was almost ready when a maid knocked at the door.

"My lady, Lady Thalorien is calling for you if you are ready," she said.

"I'm almost ready," I replied, expressionless.

"Okay, my lady," she said, bowing before leaving.

I glanced at the mirror. For a moment, something flashed in my mind, and then everything went blank.

"My lady... Lady Calista!" Daisy shouted in fear. "My lady !"

I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

My face looked as though it had aged years in a single moment my eyes darkened and my breathing became uneven.

"My lady... why do you look so pale?" she asked, concern etched across her face.

"Are you alright?" she added hesitantly giving me a glass of water.

I nervously took a sip from it and gave it back to her I closed my eyes for a few seconds and replied

"Yes, I'm fine," I said, though my breath came out heavy and uneven. I looked like someone who had seen a ghost.

"Let's go," I added quickly, desperate to leave this place this room, this mirror.

Daisy still looked worried, but she said nothing

And neither did I because it has no point to discuss these things she knows I can't give the answer that will satisfy both of us.

The room was large, filled with luxurious furnishings that spoke of wealth and nobility.

A

lady in her late thirties sat there, a cup in her hand. Her crimson hair framed a face that could rival any woman in her prime, and her green dress radiated her status and elegance.

When I knocked, she looked up.

"Oh, my darling, you've come! I was waiting for you," she said, smiling but the warmth never reached her eyes it's like the owner talking to their pet that was going to be sold soon.

"Oh, honey, look how beautiful you are. Every piece of what you're wearing from head to toe was chosen by me," she added, brushing my diamond necklace.

She shot a glare at Daisy.

"Didn't I tell you to remove her ring?" Then after turning back to me, she smiled again. "Honey, you should let go of your past why don't you?"

Her hand touched my hair, but the gesture was far from gentle it was a warning. Obey her, or else.

"I... I will remove it," I stammered, my body shaking.

Her smile vanished instantly. "Why are you trembling? Did I do something to frighten you?" she said with trembling eyes.

I could only shiver, silent. She looked at me one last time before turning back to her chair.

I was about to leave the room when someone entered.

"Are you leaving today?" He asked with his deep voice.

The man stood near the window, sunlight catching in his striking white hair. His body was built like a soldier's strong, disciplined, shaped by years of war. His fair complexion and deep black eyes made him stand out wherever he went.

"Yes, Father," I said, tugging my hair back behind my ears.

He raised his hand to pat my head, but stopped midway when his gaze shifted to the lady sitting across the room.

He looked back at me.

His eyes were cold but not emotionless.

"Just do your best," he said his voice was tight, as if he had swallowed something he wanted to say.

"Okay, Father." I bowed slightly and said goodbye.

I didn't look at my mother. I didn't want to face that cold gaze again-the one that pierced my heart every single day. Without looking back, I walked toward the room's entrance.

Daisy followed quietly behind me

A luxurious carriage awaited me outside. Its dark brown exterior gleamed softly, and every detail of its design spoke of expert craftsmanship made by a master who understood both beauty and strength.

I stepped inside the carriage. Daisy joined me, settling quietly at my side. I wasn't waiting for them to come see me off but they came anyway.

I didn't know why, maybe they wanted the world to believe they cared for me Or maybe they simply wanted to remind everyone of their authority.

Either way, it made me feel nothing.

The girl who once clung to love had died a long time ago. What remained now was only a corpse one that no longer cared for affection or concern.

I looked at them and smiled, lifting my hand in a small wave because I had to play the role of

their obedient daughter 'the perfect doll of Thalorien' wound up with a key, performing exactly as expected. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn’t notice Daisy’s expression

I think Daisy noticed the emotions I was trying so hard to hide.

"My lady," she said softly, "if you don't want to become empress, then just fail the selection. You only need to make one mistake."

She spoke while nervously tapping the seat with her fingers. It was her habit whenever she was anxious. A smile curved her lips a forced, fragile one she didn't quite believe in herself.

I reached out and placed my hand over hers, stopping the tapping.

"I will fail," I said, giving her a reassuring smile.

I will not become empress.

I never can.