Chapter 3 3

The following morning, Priscilla found herself attended to by two maids, who carefully dressed her and styled her hair. Within the grand expanse of the Vortex Palace, where the presence of women was a rarity saved for a few guards, the trio made a unique exception. Camila and Greta, the two faithful maids, were the sole attendants responsible for catering to the new empress's every need.

"My lady," Camila gently interjected as she set the comb aside, her voice carrying a note of gentle insistence, "it is customary for a newlywed bride to pay her respects to the empress's mother at the Grand Fire Palace. Everyone is eagerly anticipating your arrival."

Priscilla gazed at her own reflection in the mirror, the elaborate attire she was about to don contrasting sharply with her personal preference for lighter, more comfortable dresses. Nevertheless, upon hearing Camila's reminder, she offered a subtle nod of acquiescence.

"I know, since everyone is waiting for me, I shouldn't keep them waiting for me," she replied as she got up. Greta, light the incense before leaving."

Greta nodded before quickly following the order. Then three of them moved out of the Vortex Palace. A palace maid led them the way towards the Grand Fire Palace. In the meantime, Empress Sirikit, Razia, and Aiko were there having tea.

"Greetings to the empress mother," Priscilla said, bowing a little. Cairo looked at her daughter-in-law and smiled. She put the cup on the table and then looked back at her daughter-in-law.

"Call me mother; hearing empress from you makes me feel like a complete stranger," she said gently. Priscilla smiled and nodded.

"Have your seat, my dear," Cairo said, gesturing to the empty chair. Priscilla nodded and obeyed silently.

"I must say, the new empress is really obedient and also beautiful," Razia commented before glancing behind Priscilla. Seeing only two maids, she frowned.

Oh, the new empress only has two maids to serve her." There was a mocking tone in her tone: "I think we should arrange a few more maids in Vortex Palace; even my Aiko has 15-20 maids in Zuma Palace." Finishing, she laughed lightly.

Behind them, Priscilla, Camilla, and Greta frowned upon hearing Razia's words. Even Cairo looked at Razia before turning her attention towards Priscilla, who was pouring tea like nothing happened.

Priscilla served tea to both Cairo and Razia, then smiled and said, "This is my first attempt to Surrender myself completely to royalty. I hope on this first day I did not do anything to displease my mother."

Cairo smiled before taking the cup and sipping on it. Razia narrowed her eyes at Priscilla but still accepted the offered tea.

"Empress Priscillia, as a royal, you need to have more people in your palace, Razia said. Is there anything wrong?" Aiko added, looking at her.

"Of course not," Priscilla smiled. "Even I am too pleased to know that there is someone who really cares about my wellbeing. How can I take that the wrong way?"

The word "someone" really seemed to strike a nerve in Aiko. Those who hear will think of it as a compliment, but if anyone looks deeply, it seemed like kind of a mockery.

"I am happy the empress took my words seriously. I will arrange for a few people to serve you," Razia replied.

"I appreciate my aunt's great thinking, but my two maids are enough to take care of me. Besides, I always lived with a smaller crowd, so I am not habituated to having too many people roaming around me." Priscilla declined immediately.

Razia's brows knitted as her fingers around the cup tightened. Aiko sneered inside, but on the surface, she looked collected.

The Empress just arrived and stepped into royal life for the first time. Let her adjust first; besides, if she wants more maids, she can give her order for it herself." Cairo interjects, relieving the situation.

"Of course." Razia nodded.

Aiko looked at Priscilla with disgust within but smiled brightly on the outside and said, "I was bored here because I thought there was no one around my age. But since the empress is here, I think we can get along."

"You naughty girl, you've already found your companion," Razia laughed.

"Priscillia, let me introduce you. She is the former Empress Razia, and her daughter is Princess Aiko. They are currently living with us. After a great tragedy, her husband died and her life was under threat, so his majesty, the late Emperor, took them in as guests. It is our responsibility to take care of them," Cairo explained. Priscilla listened carefully before looking at the two people sitting before her.

"I am glad to have you here as family," she replied.

"And also, Princess Aiko is betrothed to Second Prince Panshak." Priscilla looked at Cairo.

"Prince?"

"In addition, there's also a Princess, I should inform you that she is currently absent but will be arriving in two days, allowing you the opportunity to finally meet he," the attendant conveyed.

Priscilla acknowledged this revelation with a subtle nod, her awareness expanding to encompass the notion of having a sister-in-law. While she had heard mention of the second prince before, she had never crossed paths with him or been apprised of his engagement.

"Empress, now that the ritual is concluded, shall we proceed to the Rose Palace?" Aiko interjected with palpable excitement. This was her first opportunity to explore the Vortex Palace, the inner sanctum designated for the empress's residence. Although she had been betrothed to the second prince, she had never relinquished her dream of becoming empress. Now presented with the chance to explore this realm, she was determined not to let it pass her by.

"Of course, Princess Aiko," Priscilla replied, offering a warm smile before glancing at her maids, who responded with silent nods.

Following their farewells, they embarked on the journey back to the Vortex Palace. Aiko's eyes eagerly roamed every corner of the palace, her wide grin a testament to her delight. However, as she entered one of the inner chambers, the scent of burning incense filled her senses, causing her head to swim with dizziness. She struggled to comprehend what was happening, feeling as though her surroundings were spinning out of control.

"Princess Aiko, are you all right?" Priscilla inquired, her concern evident in her gaze as she observed Aiko.

"I...I..." Aiko faltered, unable to articulate her distress as she clutched her head with both hands.

"Greta, assist Princess Aiko; she appears on the verge of collapsing," Priscilla instructed, prompting Greta to provide support by placing a hand on Aiko's shoulder.

"I want to go back, I..." Aiko managed to utter.

"Of course, Greta, please escort Princess Aiko back to the Zuma Palace," Priscilla instructed, her expression growing increasingly serious as she observed Aiko's disconcerting state. Greta complied, leading Aiko away from the perplexing scene.

Priscilla's gaze lingered on their retreating figures, her face now etched with deep concern.

"My lady," Camilla ventured, speaking almost in a whisper.

"This palace is far from ordinary. While His Majesty and Empress Sirikit may seem benevolent, I can't shake the feeling of insincerity when it comes to this mother-daughter duo. Remain vigilant, so we don't inadvertently make any missteps."

"Understood," Camilla affirmed with a nod, her senses attuned to the unsettling undercurrents within the palace.

In Lily Palace ,

Razia was reading a book when Greta led Aiko inside. Razia looked at them and suddenly rushed towards her daughter.

Aiko, my dear, what happened suddenly?"

Greta helped Aiko sit on the chair. "Princess felt slightly unwell in Vortex Palace, so my lady ordered me to lead her back. Since Princess has reached her palace, I will take my leave," Greta informed before slightly bowing and leaving the palace.

Razia held Aiko's body as she narrowed her eyes. She was energetic when she left for the Vortex Palace; then how come she's become unwell?

Aiko rubbed her forehead and then looked around.