🌙 The Villainess Will Walk Away 🌙

▒98▒ 🔸 Shadows of the Past - 5 🔸

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Leah, always sensitive to Anisha's well-being, eventually uncovered the truth about Izana's secret meetings with an unknown person within the palace's labyrinthine halls. She had tried to discreetly follow Izana on several occasions, but he proved to be a cunning individual. Hailing from a scholarly family with a legacy of producing emperors' advisors, he was a master of wit and deception.

Despite her best efforts, Leah couldn't identify the person Izana was meeting. She felt a sense of betrayal and deep concern for Anisha. Leah had been overjoyed to see Anisha find a friend, witnessing her happiness grow day by day. Now, she was faced with a dilemma. She didn't know how to broach the subject with Anisha, or if she should reveal this mysterious secret at all..

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Under the shadow of the once-majestic Life Tree in the Empress palace garden, Anisha and Izana's meetings continued, as they had for some time now. The tree, a relic of a bygone era, had once been a symbol of beauty and vitality, admired by all who visited the garden. However, its glory had faded, much like the empire itself, after a devastating fire consumed the palace years ago, leaving the tree barren and lifeless.

Beneath the skeletal branches, Anisha and Izana delved into hushed conversations, their voices carrying the weight of the empire's uncertain future. Their discussions often revolved around the empire's current state, the looming threat of an impending civil war, and their shared concern for Edger, the crown prince..

However, for a couple of days, something seemed different..
Izana appeared unusually absent-minded, his thoughts seemingly adrift. Anisha, noticing this change in her friend, couldn't help but inquire.

"Is everything alright, Izana?"

She asked with concern, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Izana sighed, his gaze distant for a moment. Then, he spoke, his voice tinged with worry..

"It's about my brother......"

He confessed, and then began to share his concerns and thoughts with Anisha, opening up about the troubling situation surrounding his family, older sibling and the Imperial court..

Anisha's discovery about Izana's older brother, had a touch of bittersweetness. She had known about his existence but had somehow forgotten over time because He lived in a neighboring empire, receiving treatment for his long-standing illness since childhood.

People in this empire had also mostly forgotten about Him, as his name was rarely spoken, and his absence had faded from memory. Izana shared details about his brother with Anisha, painting a vivid picture..

Eric Bellacian..

The firstborn of Marquis Hansel Bellacian.. Izana's older brother..
Eric was said to resemble their mother, with soft lavender-colored hair that fell just past his shoulders, typically tied back in a low ponytail. His eyes, once a vibrant shade of purple, now bore the marks of the hardships he had endured due to his illness..

Anisha learned that for several months, there had been no contact from Eric. No letters, no news. Their father had attempted to reach out to the townhouse where Eric had been staying, but there was no response. Filled with worry and a sense of urgency, he had decided to go to the neighboring empire to search for his ailing son, a decision that weighed heavily on the Bellacian family and added a layer of concern to their already complex lives.

Edger's discontent over Marquis Bellacian's journey to the neighboring empire was palpable. The Marquis, and even Izana, had tried to persuade him that this was all about finding Eric, but Edger paid little heed to their words. It was clear that Edger's resistance was influenced by external forces.

The heart of the matter lay in the temple's dislike for the neighboring empire. The Easter Empire emphasized manpower and technology, paying little heed to holy power and religious institutions like the temple. With Edger's court increasingly populated by temple-affiliated individuals, their influence was beginning to show.

However, Marquis Bellacian remained resolute in his quest to find Eric, caring little for the whispers and concerns of others. Izana, recognizing the urgency of the situation and the need to clear Edger's mind from the temple's influence, frequently visited the crown prince to discuss matters and bring some clarity to his now-clouded judgment. But things are not going as Izana planned.

Izana's concerns deepened as he realized that Edger's one-track mind was resolute in its course, unwilling to entertain the advice or perspectives of others. Edger remained steadfast in his beliefs and judgments, even when the situation clearly indicated otherwise. This growing sense of stubbornness and inflexibility within Edger only heightened Izana's anxiety, as he witnessed the path his friend was heading down. At this rate the empire will be in danger as well, a civil war could break out at any time if this goes on..

Anisha couldn't help but express her growing apprehension.

"He wasn't like this before.."

She confided in Izana..

"Yes, he had a one-track mind, but he always considered the well-being of the people. He was wise, never this stubborn."

The change had been stark, and Anisha traced it back to the arrival of the saint in the palace. It marked the beginning of a dramatic shift in the empire's dynamics. The temple's influence had grown, and Edger seemed to have fallen under its spell.

Both of them sighed thinking about the current situation..
The Emerald Palace garden, once vibrant and full of life, now carried a solemn air. The scent of the Life tree's charred bark still lingered, a stark reminder of the tragedy that had befallen the palace. As they conversed, Anisha and Izana shared their concerns, their voices carrying a heaviness that matched the somber setting.

They couldn't help but wonder how to navigate the uncertain waters of politics and power, all while trying to steer Edger back to the path of wisdom and empathy they had once known him for..

From a distance, Leah stood watchful, her eyes never leaving Anisha and Izana. She had always cared deeply for Anisha's well-being, and now, with the added mystery of Izana's secret meetings, she felt even more suspicious.

Anisha had become happier since meeting Izana, but Leah, as her guardian, couldn't ignore the complications that seemed to be arising. The palace maids couldn't help but gossip about Anisha and Izana, their meetings beneath the Life tree becoming a subject of intrigue and chatter. However, Anisha paid no mind to the whispers and speculations that swirled around her, but Leah was concerned about this.

Leah kept a close eye on them, always ready to step in if needed, her worry growing alongside the mysteries surrounding Anisha and her newfound friendship with Izana..

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