?|THE LAST PIECE|?{Wmmap}

A few days ago

Athanasia completed her morning lesson and, as usual, sought out her sister.

To her utter dismay and indignation, she discovered only a letter awaiting her.

The note revealed that Ashaya had been compelled to depart hastily for a mission abroad, promising to return in a few weeks, and expressed her deep affection for Athanasia.

Athanasia was profoundly distressed by her sister's abrupt departure and a lack of proper farewell, feeling abandoned as Ashaya ventured to another country without her.

How could she betray her like this?

Lily found herself in a challenging position, struggling to manage the brooding Athanasia, who stubbornly refused to engage in any activities properly.

......

The two members of the imperial family were having lunch on the Diamond palace as their custom.

"How could she?"
Athanasia exclaimed, her arms crossed and her expression radiating discontent.

Their conversation had initially revolved around her dance lessons and the anticipation of her upcoming birthday, until the subject of Ashaya emerged.

Claude remained silent, savoring his meal while Athanasia vented her frustrations.

A routine she had adopted over the past few days after Ashaya's departure.

The image of Ashaya flickered in Claude's mind; she bore an uncanny resemblance to him, every detail mirroring his own, save for her distinct personality, which diverged sharply from his.

She exuded kindness and charm on the surface, yet beneath all of it lay a twisted, cunning, and possessive nature.

Her stubbornness was unparalleled. Indeed, she was the most obstinate individual he had ever encountered.

That little girl had an uncanny ability to extract anything she desired, and if met with resistance, she would employ any means necessary to achieve her goals, never once faltering.

"Hesitation is the greatest weakness."
He chuckled inwardly, recalling the mischievous grin she wore when she uttered those words after infiltrating his personal treasury.

The atmosphere in the grand hall had been charged with anticipation, as both parties had invested considerable time and effort into reaching an agreement that would benefit their respective realms.

But at the last minute the king imposed certain stipulations.

Although the stipulations were reasonable and fair Ashaya knew her proud father the emperor would never agree to it, meaning ultimate failure of the discussions.

She did not intervene in any manner during the discussion and diligently played her role as a bodyguard.

She would find an opportunity to talk personally to the king and settle the matter.

Ashaya found herself in the chamber assigned to her, a modest yet respectable space befitting her status as a guard from the empire.

Feeling the weight of fatigue upon her, she chose to rest.

........

King Heron stood solemnly before two graves, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow upon his silhouette.

In his hand, he held a delicate bouquet of white lilies, the flowers his daughter cherished the most, his face etched with sorrow.

"Natasha..."
he whispered softly.