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Chapter Text

The Eorka Empire is on fire, the evil Penelope Eckhart died after trying to harm the true princess of the duchy, poor fools, who believe in the falsehood of that empty doll with pink hair and a superficial smile, but even so, evil was unleashed and death began to absorb them.

People were dead, demons had taken over everything and the one that everyone swore was a saint, turned out to be a demon who had achieved her goal.

Callisto Regulus leaned on his sword to remain standing. His right eye looked at what was once the empire, but now there was only rubble and ashes. The imperial guards had been greatly reduced and the battalion of the Eckart house has fallen and only very few are still standing.

"Your highness!" he exclaimed, calling their attention. "What will we do?"

Callisto doesn't know what to say, since Derrick Eckhart himself executed Penelope, he knew that nothing would go right and now he found out.

"There's nothing to do," the prince says, earning several exclamations, as they didn't seem to expect something like that from the prince. "We're dead."

He had been in the war for ten years, so why was he giving up now? There was no reason to do so, but that was just his reality.

"We're paying for our sin," Callisto said, under the gaze of many. "They believed an impostor, and killed an innocent person."

Duke Eckhart, who had heard everything, lowered his gaze. He had blindly believed that Penelope had attacked and poisoned Ivonne, but the truth was that she was innocent, Ivonne herself mocked Penelope's death, glad that it was Derrick who would kill her. Reynold, for his part, looks the other way. The last thing Penelope told him was that she hated him, that she wished him death itself and while the blood came out of the wound caused by her older brother, she smiled.

"I can finally die and never see them again" was what she said, to simply die without more with a smile on her lips

He had not been able to say anything, Penelope that time did not defend herself, that time she only looked with hope that Derrick would kill her, and that killed him.

Immersed in his thoughts, he did not notice that a very strong magic had surrounded the entire empire, capturing everyone with those demons and for some strange reason, immobilizing them.

"What is happening?" asks a knight. "Your highness."

"I don't know," Callisto denies.

In front of everyone, a huge squadron of knights dressed in red and blue, led by a red-haired man.

His gray eyes scan everyone and it is only a matter of time, when the knights without fear and without care begin to destroy everyone. Without remorse, they begin to kill everyone, until there is no one left, and those who were frozen by magic, remained in disbelief of what had happened, because those knights had killed all the demons in a single blink.

—Prince Callisto—the red-haired man with gray eyes speaks, who is stained with the blood of traitors and demons—I introduce myself, royal guard and leader of Obelia's first squad, Sir. Felix Robane

The magic that holds them back has withdrawn from their bodies and they look at each other, still in disbelief of what had just happened.

—Obelia?- asks Callisto—What is Obelia doing helping us?

Before he can say anything else, it is Reynold who speaks.

—Why are you barely helping us?!— the pink-haired man exclaims loudly

—What arrogance— says a brown-haired knight —Watch your words, in front of you is Captain Robane

Reynold clicks his tongue. He is annoyed by the tone that knight has used.

—As we were talking prince, Obelia did not come to protect Eorka— the commander denies, earning a look from everyone

—What do you mean?— questions Derrick, who leans on his sword —What absurd idea is that?

—Under the order of Emperor Claude de Alger Obelia, we are here to kill all those who were involved in the death of Princess Robane— expresses the red-haired Sir. Felix Robane —My daughter, Penelope Robane, also known as Penelope Eckhart

The mention of the name of the false princess makes everyone tremble. Princess Robane? What did that mean? Duke Eckhart looks at the redhead and when their eyes meet, he notices the disgust and hatred in his gaze.

"What the hell does that mean?" Reynold asks, incredulous that the bitch they had killed was the daughter of that guy. "She was a bastard!"

There is no answer, but there is a strong blow to his stomach from the redhead.

—Watch your mouth when you talk about my daughter— Felix says furiously—She has blood purer than yours

They remain incredulous, still not believing what they have heard.

—Obelia has no reason to attack Eorka— Callisto denies

—Eorka should not have killed my daughter, for a demon— Felix denies, he has noticed that the mention of the demon has made some tremble, then he makes a sign to one of his knights— Bring her

In front of them, the one who was supposed to be Ivonne Eckhart was chained, and Layla knows that those chains are not normal at all, because they make her pale skin bleed, and that bothers her, but she cannot use her magic to protect herself, and she can only use her hurt girl card so that the Eckharts free her.

—Father, help me! — she screams, trying to seek the protection of that old man — Brothers, help!

When the Eckarts try to approach, the Obelian knights stop them, under the watchful eye of Callisto, the redhead grabs the brat's long pink hair with force.

—Princess Eckhart, something to say to your father and brothers — says Felix mockingly, it seems that neither he nor the Obelians have fallen for that brat's game, as he takes out his sword and places it on the girl's neck — Talk to them.

No one understands anything, until the blue eyes fill with tears, which only make the Eckharts tremble, but not Callisto.

—No? —Felix mocks, then passes his sword through the girl's neck

—No! —they shout, their voices are broken

Ivonne's (Leila) head falls, her eyes look dull, thick black blood stains the ground and a deformed face appears, many feel disgusted, others look incredulously at what had just happened, while the Eckharts are held by several guards, surprised to see Ivonne's true face.

—Do you feel pain? Well, that's what I felt when I found out that my daughter is dead— says Felix with cold eyes —Oh duke, my daughter was not to blame for what happened, but her selfishness did not allow her to see that a child is very careful and not something that can be left as trash

—I...—the duke's voice breaks —I... She...

—What trash— a knight snorts —My captain, what will we do with the trash?

Felix hums, the answer is on the tip of his tongue.

“Claude has allowed us to kill them all, they are all guilty of my daughter's death, but you, Prince Callisto, can go with your knights and the wizard,” he points to the blond, who blinks several times along with his most loyal ones. “My daughter's love for you has kept you safe.”

Many feel cold at that, but when Felix raises his hand towards where Callisto is, a shield appears in front of him, and Felix smiles sadly.

“The love my daughter had for you was strong, so much so that it has protected you,” Felix says sadly. “Go away, your majesty, you are the only thing my daughter has left and I will fulfill your wish to keep you safe, my emperor is waiting for you to give you asylum.”

Callisto, incredulous, looks at the shield in front of him. When did Penelope protect him? He doesn't know, but Cedric takes advantage of the opportunity to get them away from there, staying at a considerable distance.

"It's time, last words?" Felix asks, as he takes out his sword and points the sharp blade at Reynold's neck.

"Wait!" Duke Eckhart exclaimed, seeing a thin line of blood coming out of his second son's neck. "Reynold must not die! It was my fault! I was a bad father!"

"Are you sure?" Felix mocks, his gray eyes shining dangerously, there is no kindness in his gaze, it is clear that he only wants to see the blood flow. "You don't want to tell your father the truth about the necklace."

Reynold feels his shoulders tense. The necklace, the necklace with which he framed Penelope years ago.

"I don't know what..." he couldn't say more, because the pain of the sharp blade was beginning to hurt him. "Fine! It was me!" I stole Ivonne's necklace and blamed Penelope!

The members of the duchy looked at the pink-haired man, but instead of getting an answer, they only got his head roaming around the floor, which completely destroyed the duke and his heir.

"My son," whispers the eldest of the Eckhart brothers. "No, my son."

"Who's next?" suddenly asks the redhead, who begins to smile in a cold and sadistic way. "There are no volunteers? What a shame."

The duke watches as the red-haired man (who claimed to be Penelope's father) approaches where his eldest son is, the only one he has left, if possible, and after saying something in his ear; which he can't make out what it was, but which affects Derrick, he watches as the redhead pierces his sword through the chest of his greatest pride, who falls dead, and then approaches where he is.

—I'm sorry we have to go through this— Felix says without any emotion —But you killed my daughter, I think we're even, right?

—We only killed Penelope, but you killed my three sons! — Duke Eckhart shouted

Felix laughs coldly, there is no humor in him, there never will be, because that duchy has taken away the reason he has lived all those years, his beloved lost daughter, Penelope. His eyes filled with tears, his daughter, the girl he had loved so much since the moment he knew of her existence and had searched for her when she and her nanny were kidnapped; had died. She died without knowing that he loved her, that he had searched for her for years, that he had cried for her and that he longed to have her in his arms once again, but that was not going to happen, they had burned his daughter's body.

—Duke, tell me something... — Felix speaks, attracting the Duke's attention —Did you ever hold Penny in your arms when she was still a child? Did you escort her to a ball? Did you tell her how pretty she looked even when she just woke up? Did you ever tell her that you loved her?

The Duke remained silent. He never did that. He had lost his wife and only a few years later, his daughter. He had adopted Penelope, but he never gave her the attention she needed and deserved, he simply replaced it with jewels and expensive dresses. Seeing that, the man in front of him had every reason to ask for justice for his daughter, one that they themselves had taken care of killing.

—She was my everything — Felix continued speaking, his eyes filling more and more with tears — After the death of her mother, I had nothing left but her and you took her from me, you have taken my daughter and my father from me; He has taken his granddaughter from him

The duke looks away, the pain that the redhead showed was clear, he would never forgive him for what he had done.

"I'm sorry," says the eldest of the two

"That's not going to bring my daughter back to me," Felix denies, with tears in his eyes. "My baby is not coming back, she will no longer be in my arms, but I will make sure that you will not be with her again as much as you do

The Obelians did not feel remorse, while one of the knights that Felix himself had trained, carried a smaller figure in his arms. Emily, Penelope's only friend had not only been beaten by the housekeeper, but that spiteful woman had allowed the fourth squadron to abuse Princess Robane's maid, in order for her to "learn her place" what rubbish.

Felix's sword falls into the duke's stomach, who looks towards where the bodies of his already dead children are. Tears begin to fall from his eyes, if only he had questioned and investigated, Penelope would be alive and Ivonne... No, that wasn't Ivonne; now he could see her face, so horrible that it made him nauseous and disgusted.

"If it helps, consider her my daughter," the duke said, his voice coming out a little muffled, mostly because of the blood coming out of his mouth.

"Even if she regrets it, my Penny won't come back to me," Felix denies with tears in his eyes, who approaches where his squadron is. "So I'm sorry Duke, but that's no use at all."

The feared and respected Duke Eckhart looks with tears in his eyes at the back of the now known father of Penelope, Felix Robane, who simply leaves there, without any shame, without any problem of transporting Emily with them and feels like the worst trash.

He had no forgiveness, he; who knew what was happening with Penelope had decided to ignore things of his own free will and now he regretted it greatly.

—Forgive me, Penelope— the duke whispers, closing his eyes and letting himself be enveloped by darkness itself.

Chapter Text

The darkness is overwhelming. Darkness is something that now keeps him company and it is only a matter of time before whatever is suffocating him leaves him.

Callisto Regulus felt his body on fire, as if he were burning alive and the only thing that keeps his mind circulating (and sane), is the fact that Penelope had put a protection spell on him, a spell that he didn't even know existed or that it was even on his person.

When he opens his eyes, he has noticed that he is floating, floating on a black space, with darkness embracing the whole place and therefore him, Callisto knows that he is possibly in limbo, although that seems crazy to him, because he is not dead, right?

His ruby ​​orbs have focused on his surroundings, where although there is nothing, it also lets his moments lived with Penelope be around. Moments that he has treasured since he met the magenta-haired girl, moments that he knows will now remain as memories, the most precious memories that he had in those moments.

His body moves calmly, there is no discomfort, no annoyance whatsoever; when a soft white light appears in front of him and only moments later, there are magenta ribbons flying around him, ribbons that become long hair and later he can see beautiful greenish eyes with gray reflections, so rare and unique that for some reason; they make his heart vibrate.

—Princess? — he questions, he does not want to say that last name that has tormented him for so many years — Is that you?

—Your majesty— he greeted, his voice no longer has any evil, he no longer has negative feelings, but on the contrary he seems to be at peace — It is a pleasure to see you, you look so healthy

Callisto does not know if it is a reflection, but his hand tries to touch one of the cheeks of the woman in front of him.

—Your majesty?

—You call me your majesty, when I'm still a prince— Callisto slowly denies, as if that were important

—For me, you've always been the emperor— she says, smiling and "resting" her head on the palm of the blond's hand —I've only thought that you are the only one capable of leading the empire

—Do you believe it?— Callisto questioned in a calm voice, he doesn't want to fight, he doesn't want to, he just wants to keep talking to her —Why?

Penelope laughs amused at the situation and that only makes Callisto feel even more lost.

—What's so funny?— asks Callisto when he knows he won't get an answer to the "Why?"

—His majesty looks more handsome than I remember— she points out

"Shameless woman" Callisto thinks, but still, for him, she is more than perfect in those moments.

—Your Majesty, why do you look at me like that? — Penelope asks calmly

—Looking at you, you look a lot like your father — Callisto points out

Penelope's eyes fill with tears that are not shed and Callisto feels like an idiot. He doesn't want her to feel bad, he doesn't want her to cry, but instead, he notices a small smile appear on her face.

—Dad — she says quietly — I couldn't see it, I didn't know he...

—He loves you — he answers, he knows he sucks at that, he's no good at comforting people, but he still tries to comfort the lady in front of him — Princess Penelope Robane

«Robane, Penelope Robane» that was her name, a name that meant many things.

—Dad loves me — the lady whispers in a soft and lumpy voice — Daddy loves me

Callisto feels bad. Penelope, who had always dreamed of having a family that loved her, had now left her father alone, a father she could never see again.

“Your majesty,” she calls him, her voice denoting respect. “Dad, what is he like?”

“He's good with the sword, too good I must say,” the blond says in a calm voice, that's all he could say.

There's nothing to say, but even so, Penelope approaches where he is, and although she knows he's a ghost or an illusion, she can feel the warmth she carried in life and a soft fragrance.

“I think it's time for you to come back,” Penelope says, moving away from him.

“Wait, princess,” she says, attracting his attention. “What did you like about me?”

—What I liked about you? — Penelope asks again, then smiles —Your hair is so blonde that I thought it was like a golden fairy dust around it, your red eyes so similar to ruby ​​that I thought they were beautiful gems that captivated me, your swordplay, and your attitude, they caught my attention so much!

—Just that? — asks Callisto, still surprised

—Also your sincerity, your arrogance, Oh by the Eorka dragon, you have driven me crazy for you! — she exclaims with emotion

Callisto is speechless, he can't believe what she has told him, but the sincerity in her eyes; she was the only one who could leave him speechless and thinking a thousand things. Penelope approaches him again and Callisto feels a satisfying sensation, as if he could really feel Penelope's soft lips on his.

—Goodbye your majesty — smiles Penelope

She fades away, and Callisto feels afraid, too afraid and he doesn't know why, he doesn't wait, he does know. Penelope Robane was the only woman who was looking for him, Callisto; not the crown prince, and that was something he wanted again.

—Wait! — he shouted, but there is no answer —Penelope!

But there is only echo, she is gone and Callisto can only begin to fall into despair, because he wants her back, he needs her back, she was his everything.

—I can help you — says a voice, which sounds like some entity —I will give her back to you, but you will have to put the sword and the rose together

Callisto does not understand what is being said to him, but it is only a matter of time before the darkness that surrounds him begins to take on different colors that seem like erratic swirls and soon, he feels himself falling into the void itself and before falling into unconsciousness; She can see red eyes like her own, but they seem to be more aggressive and behind that guy, there are other eyes watching her, some yellow and two green and one that is a beautiful paler shade.

Callisto feels like she can tremble, her body moves involuntarily, but still, when her sight can finally focus, she can notice that she is in front of the palace door and there is music playing from inside

Callisto feels like she can tremble, her body moves involuntarily, but still, when her sight can finally focus, she can notice that she is in front of the palace door and there is music playing from inside.

«Where am I?» he questions to himself. There is something that makes his hand heavy and he can see that it is a body and he recognizes it as the murderer who was going to kill him in the past, or would be his future now, he doesn't know! The guy whimpers, and Callisto is ready to back off, when he remembers that there is Penelope in there, his Penelope.

—Let's do this— Callisto smiles, he just wants to see the lady who had protected him without him knowing—It'll be fun

With quick and fierce steps, he enters the banquet that has been made for the traitor he has for a brother, earning several exclamations that amuse him.

—Ahh! On the floor!
—What is that? Blood?
—What you have in your hands...
—Isn't it a person?!

Callisto doesn't look at them, he only observes the traitors in front of him, his damn stepmother and his idiot half-brother.

—Happy birthday brother— he says in a serious voice, although he wants to throw himself at him and kill him, instead he drops the body of that guy on the perfect red carpet

—C-Callisto!— exclaims that idiot

—Crown Prince! What does this mean?!— the queen shrieks

Callisto clicks his tongue, he feels sick about that bitch telling him what to do.

—What does it mean?— he questions mockingly, while taking the hilt of his sword, and pressing it against the guy's body —My dear younger brother, you should personally go and leave the invitation in the future and not let someone else do it, after all, I don't hurt children

Callisto hears the gasps of many, and wants to laugh. Referring to his brother as a child was a sign that the youngest was not in a condition to be in the position of prince, much less, to hold a place within the imperial family. Callisto enjoys the look of the queen, she looks offended and that's what she wants, so while his brother excuses himself in a foolish and poor way, he turns around and among the crowd he sees the beautiful magenta hair that belongs to only one person.

"There you are" thought Callisto, and left the palace, going straight to the labyrinth, hoping that she will go to the labyrinth again, like that time.

"Your highness?" they suddenly ask and Callisto resists smiling when he hears the beautiful voice

When he turns his face, he can see Penelope, just as he remembered her, that green and black dress made her look more serious and he bet it was her idea, because if he remembered anything very well, it was the change she had had.

"Princess, what are you doing here with the bastard of the empire?" Callisto mocks about his own nickname

Penelope doesn't understand what's happening. When she arrived she woke up days ago, she realized that something was happening, something was different, but she didn't wait for that difference (possibly imagined) to envelop the young crown prince, but now that she saw him differently, that still seemed very strange to her.

"I wanted to see him," she says, her voice is not afraid, nor fear, but even so, Callisto notices that there is something she doesn't tell him. "To console him."

"Is that so?" the blond questioned with a smile on his face. "What news, what a nice detail."

Callisto marvels at the soft pink tone that has managed to rise up her cheeks, it was as if she was sorry for what had happened, when suddenly, he notices how Penelope trips over something and by reflex, he holds her waist, hoping that she wouldn't get hurt.

—Your Highness— he says quietly —It's very close

Maybe it's the reaction of years, but he pushes Penelope away from him, although of course; he doesn't do it quickly but carefully, he hates the idea of ​​hurting her and only wants to tell her a thousand things, but instead, he sees her leave quickly, but this time; she doesn't have a cut on her neck, she's not leaving traces of blood and with some luck, she won't run away from him now.

Penelope doesn't understand what has happened, that scene was nothing like she expected

Penelope doesn't understand what has happened, that scene was nothing like she expected. As she left the labyrinth, she felt a tickling in her body, as if the closeness between them just a few moments ago was something normal.

Her black sneakers don't make any noise thanks to the grass, but even so, she is ready to leave the place, when she collides with someone.

—I'm sorry! — Penelope exclaims, the last thing she wants is for someone to tell Derrick about the incident

—Princess— speaks a soft, calm voice but for some reason it doesn't give her security

Looking up, she could see who she had collided with, it was Marquis Bernadi, who was looking at her with concern.

—Marquis! — Penelope exclaims in surprise —I'm so sorry, I was thinking about other things

—Excuse me my princess— laments the white-haired man —May I know where you're going?

—I'm going to look for my older brother— she answers, she knows she has to keep up the facade in front of the others, she sincerely just wants to go to the duchy and rest —I'm already tired and I want to go back

The marquis can't say anything anymore, Penelope has fled the scene, instead, he stares at where she had gone, and feels a burning in his chest, something asking him not to let her go.

Penelope, for her part, has entered the living room and is looking for Derrick, who, upon seeing her, makes a quick gesture to her, causing him to approach her.

“I'm already sleepy,” she excuses herself, the last thing she wants to do is fight. “I'll go now, I'll tell the coachman to come back for you.”

Derrick clicks his tongue. Penelope has been acting strangely for days, but even so, it begins to torment him. What was happening to her? He doesn't know, he can't understand it, instead, he just watches her leave, and ignores that just as she leaves, a shadow follows her closely.

Penelope, who has been in the carriage, feels that her entire being is heavy and it is only a matter of time before she falls asleep, while the coachman continues to handle the horses' harnesses, unaware that things will begin to change from that moment on, because Callisto would not let that demon torment the beautiful lady and for that, she needed a special person.

Félix Robane.

Chapter Text

When the coachman arrives at the Eckhart duchy, he waits a moment to see the lady get off, but when he sees that she doesn't, he opens the door himself, having the vision of his young lady sleeping peacefully and feels peace.

John, that was his name; he had entered the duchy a year and a half ago, and unlike the others; he had not been carried away by the rumors that there were about the lady of the duchy, for him, Penelope Eckhart was a girl who filled her lack of affection with jewels, so; whenever he could, he gave her a daisy in the most sincere and harmless way possible, obtaining as a result bright and happy eyes.

Calm, he passes his hand under the multiple layers of fabric that protect his lady's legs and his other hand on her back, thus managing to carry her and staying still for a moment until he noticed that his young lady stopped moving, perhaps looking for a comfortable position.

His firm but calm steps led him to the huge entrance where the only one who greeted them was Emily, who was giving him clear questioning glances.

— My lady has fallen asleep in the carriage — John says, making Emily look at him — I couldn't just leave her there and there was no one who could help me

— I understand — the little freckled brunette nods — Thank you John

— A pleasure Emily, I have to take her to her room and later I will return for the young duke —

John doesn't wait for anything else and begins to follow Emily calmly, of course, until they come across the butler, who watches them and then the lady in his arms.

— What did she do now? — the older man questions, looking tiredly and frustrated at Penelope, which irritates John and Emily

— My lady has fallen asleep in the carriage, Master Derrick is still at the party — Emily says, her voice coming out calm, something that John couldn't manage

— Really? — Pennel says abruptly — Why is it that every time this girl is near someone, there is trouble?

John can only press Penelope's body closer to his chest. He hates Pennel, that butler did not deserve to be even close to Penelope, because he had always been the one who covered up the other maids' misdeeds with the lady, and Emily had told him that; and now she confirmed it.

—Anyway, come on Emily, we have to make the princess of the duchy comfortable — John said as he continued forward — After all, I doubt that anyone would care if the lady's integrity is damaged or not, but the duke would care

Emily said nothing and followed her companion, leaving the butler standing there in the hallway. John knows that he plays with fire, but he had promised to protect Penelope, no matter what the cost, which is why he had not hesitated a bit when he had to speak that way, much less when he had to express himself like that.

Upon reaching the lady's room, John carefully places her on the bed, so that she could rest and go out to find his honored master. As he walks down the halls towards the stairs, he bumps into the duke, who looks at him.

"John, what brings you here?" the duke asks, watching him, and John takes advantage of the fact that the butler is not there.

"Oh duke, you see the lady told the young duke that she was returning to the house earlier, but when she arrived, she was asleep," he says calmly, then puts on a shy face. "I left her in her room; but no one wanted to help me and the butler hinted that I must have simply woken her up and left her at the entrance of the mansion, I was afraid that something would happen to her and the lady would be desecrated.

The duke's face is clear, he is upset. John knows that lying is dangerous, but he also knows that Emily will back him up, so they would be practically one step ahead, because the duke sometimes takes care of Penelope.

—You did well John, you can go back for Derrick —the duke says, his voice sounds serious

—Yes my lord, with your permission —John smiles shyly

As he walks, he smiles. With any luck, tomorrow or at that time, Pennel would have a lot of problems, because insinuating that he left the lady of the house there at the entrance in the middle of the night, was to give away the virtue of the house and the duke was not going to allow that.

The duke, for his part, walks towards Penelope's room, and upon entering, he can see his daughter sleeping comfortably on the mattress with Emily taking off the necklace and the few accessories she was wearing, so he hurries to close it. As he walks down the hall, he thinks about what John had told him, if that was true, then he would have to scold Pennel because he had insinuated that it was best to leave the lady of the house outside of it, knowing that she could be in some danger, he could not let that go.

Callisto looks out of his room's window at what was once in ruins. He doesn't know how he managed it, but he's back and now that he was in his room, he saw the letter he had made again and felt satisfied. The letter was simple, it told Duke Felix Robane that someone similar to his daughter Penelope had been seen in the Eorka empire, the letter also stated that she was adopted by a family that didn't really love her and that they used her as a replacement for their real daughter, it sounded cruel, he knew it, but he had to show him that his daughter was alive and of course, avoiding the fate that awaited her; it wasn't written in stone, because he couldn't lose her again. Tired, he lays down on his bed, hoping that the damned assassins wouldn't come back and he could rest at least that night.

«FlashBack/Dream»

Callisto felt like he was on something comfortable and it was only a matter of time before he woke up and they had to frown as they felt the light hit their face.

“Damn,” he said, his voice sounding tired and hoarse, perhaps from the time he was unconscious.

“Glory and blessings to his highness Prince Callisto Regulus,” they said several times.

With quick reflexes, he sat up in bed and could see several maids, led by a lady with brown hair and blue eyes.

“Who are you?” Callisto asked, looking at the woman in front of him. “Where the hell am I?”

—My name is Lilian York, and I am the head of the Esmeralda palace, in the Obelia empire— she says, making Callisto remember a little more of what had happened

—Oh shit— the blond imperial whispers, as he sits on the bed —How did I get here? The last thing I remember was that Sir Robane brought us... He brought us! My people, where are they?

When Callisto tries to get up, a moan comes from her person and it is only a matter of time before the brown-haired woman comes to help him.

—Calm down, your highness, your wounds have been treated, but we do not know for sure if something else can happen to you— the brunette points out, as she helps him adjust the pillow on his back —We are here to help him get dressed and meet with the emperor, the princesses, the prince and Duke Robane

The mention of the duke makes Callisto accept, she has thousands of questions. So he hurriedly accepts the help and before he knows it, the soft white fabric of the shirt covers the old and new scars, surprisingly; the ladies don't seem to be scared by seeing his wounds, in fact, they seem to be used to it. When he finally looks in the mirror, he can see the suit he has put on, it seems to be as comfortable as possible, although he doesn't wear any jewelry, it seems that he doesn't lose the status he has by birth, a prince.

"Please come with me, I have to guide you to the dining room," says Lady York

The hallways that Callisto walks through are wide, bright and in a calm atmosphere, very different from that of Eorka. When he reaches what is supposed to be the dining room, the lady who accompanies him smiles and knocks on the door.

—Your Majesty, permission to enter— she asks in a clear voice

—Come in

When they enter, Callisto has a view of the long table with overflowing food and several chairs, which only four are occupied at the moment by those she wants to assume are the imperial family and a redhead similar to Sir Robane, except that he had several gray hairs in his red hair.

—Glory and blessings to the sun and stars of Obelia — Lilian says, bowing — Prince Callisto Regulus is here

When Callisto is ready to speak, the two girls who are dressed to match, but who are distinguished by their long brown and blond hair, approach him, holding each of his hands and smiling brightly.

—Hello! — the blond-haired one greets, giving him a huge smile —My name is Athanasia and she is my cousin/sister Jeannette

—Hello — the brunette smiled shyly

Callisto observes them. They are both different, but they have the same color of eyes, as blue as beautiful jewels that can attract attention. He doesn't know what to do.

"What am I doing here?" he questioned in a loud voice. "Why have they brought me here?"

"You'll soon find out," says the blond wearing white and blue clothes. "Meanwhile, I introduced you to Gabiel Robane, Felix's father and Penelope's grandfather. Grand Duke, I introduced you to Prince Callisto Regulus, who was Penelope's love interest.

Callisto moves nervously, but why? The man who is surprisingly taller than him, approaches where he is, and is quickly hugged in total surprise.

—Oh son, when I was told that my granddaughter's love was fighting against that demon, I thought something might have happened to you— the man said, while looking at him with something he couldn't identify.

Callisto still doesn't understand how he is in that situation, but suddenly, a voice he knows has reached his ears.

—Your highness!— exclaimed Cedric, who has entered the dining room, wearing comfortable clothes and no longer covered in dirt or dried blood from his wounds.

—Cedric— says the blond, while approaching him—Are you still alive?

The whole place fell silent, as if that was the most normal thing between the two, although it seemed that it was; when suddenly, the one with glasses smiled.

—Yes, your highness— the other boy smiles calmly —It's good to see that you're fine too

Yes, it seemed to be a good relationship.

—Hey Claude, why don't we have that kind of relationship? — the blond dressed in black and red questions

—Shut up, idiot— says the one he could point out as "Claude"

While they were talking to each other, what caught everyone's attention was; that the door to the dining room suddenly opened, revealing Felix, who was covered in blood and his cold gaze was on everyone, but even so, he seemed to be exposed in various ways.

—Felix— called the imperial in white and blue clothes, whom Callisto knows as Claude

—Glory and blessings to the sun of Obelia— he says in a monotonous voice and without any emotion, bowing

Callisto now verifies that this man is the emperor who has given them refuge, but that doesn't finish saying what is happening.

—Felix— the emperor speaks again —How did it all end?

—They're dead— the redhead says, his voice sounds hoarse —But... Penny's body...

The emperor doesn't say anything, he simply hugs the redhead, who begins to cry desperately.

—They killed her, Claude! They killed my daughter!— he exclaimed loudly, his eyes filled with tears, Callisto feels like he's seeing Penelope; on that occasion when she broke down because of Derrick Eckhart's scolding —The girl I searched for for almost fifteen years! They took my heart from me! Father, our girl is dead!

«Fifteen years» think Callisto and Cedric. For fifteen years, the man in front of them had searched for his daughter, a daughter who was now dead, and who he would never see again. Meanwhile, the grand duke switches places with the emperor and hugs his son tightly, he was also crying desperately.

—Brother Callisto— the two girls called, attracting his attention

—What?— he questions, clearly he is not good with children

—You have very powerful magic in you— the blonde girl said

—It looks like Sir Robane's!— the brown-haired one exclaims

Callisto thinks about what she has been told, how could that be possible? Why protect him? And soon she remembered the kiss they shared that time when she blew up the island that was the base of Leila's people. Her ruby ​​eyes meet those of the beautiful silver color and she doesn't know what else to say to him, she just tries to give him all her feelings with her gaze.

—Prince, my house is yours— said the Grand Duke, who she now knew was Penelope's grandfather —Everyone will be under our care...

—And you will be supported by me— says the Emperor, making everyone look at him —Therefore, you will be known as the Imperial Prince Callisto Regulus of Alger Obelia

—It's a bit of an idea...— Callisto begins to say

—Perfect!— the girls express

Callisto wants to refuse, but seeing the dead look of the Robane men, he knows he can't refuse, he can't because even he, the bastard of the Eorka empire, has a heart, one where Penelope was.

—Alright— he says quietly, earning a surprised gasp from Cedric, who looks at him as if he was totally crazy for accepting that situation as if nothing, it was clear that he didn't expect that —Sir. Robane, Penelope was weird, shameless, mocking, sarcastic, terrible at expressing her feelings, but when she was next to Emily or me, she became a sweet person, who could talk for hours about various things, no matter where she was, or with whom.

The atmosphere between the two is very clear, both mourn the loss of the magenta-haired lady, and she can only feel the warmth in her hands thanks to the two girls who remain by her side, while she watches the two redheads continue to mourn the death of the princess of their home.

«End of Flashback»

As that dream or memory begins to fade away from him, Callisto sits up in his bed quickly, his breathing ragged as he waits for the redhead to arrive soon, because he couldn't bear to lose the lady once again.

Morning came quicker than expected, and Emily was waiting for her young lady to get up, though she didn't have to wait long; soon, she was already tossing and turning in bed, until she got up.

“Oh Emily, I hate the sun,” she says, her voice sounding sleepy, earning a smile from the brunette, who quickly puts down the warm water for her young lady to wash her face. “Is there a way to cover it up?”

Emily can't take it anymore and starts laughing.

“My young lady, the sun can't be covered with a finger,” the little maid says, then smiles a little more. “Unless it's the end of the world.”

Penelope snorts and when her eyes meet Emily's, they both start laughing. Only a few minutes later, Penelope's face is clean and her stomach is full, Emily certainly knows how to cook. For her part, Emily begins to help her with washing her body; and finally they are studying the dresses in the closet.

“What do you want my lady?” Emily asks, looking at the beautiful fabrics there. “Long or short dress?”

“I think a short dress would be best,” Penelope says, getting Emily to nod. “The heat will be unbearable today.”

“And it doesn't fail, my lady, so far; two maids have fainted from the heat,” says Emily.

Penelope frowns. She doesn't care about the others, only Emily, so she would have to ask her maid to be careful. The last thing she wanted is for her to look bad because of the heat!

—Emily— she calls, catching the attention of the brunette who was taking out several short dresses— Please, I want you to be constantly hydrated and to have at least one orange within reach, it helps on hot days

—Yes, miss!— the brunette smiles happily

Finally, Penelope decides on a navy blue dress with some white decorations here and there, her hair was loose and adorned with a beautiful headband that matched the beautiful color of the garment.

—That's it— Emily smiles, then makes the bed —Miss, why don't you go out for a while?

—I would like to, but the last thing I want is to see the young masters— Penelope says

Emily sighs. She hates that her miss has to abstain from doing some things, in order not to bother the residents of the house, so she proposes another idea.

—Why don't we go to the library— the brunette says, remembering her young lady's love for books

—I like the idea— Penelope smiles—Let's go!

The two leave the room already cleaned (something done by both of them) and walk down the halls, just when she is going to go down, they run into Reynold Eckhart, the second son of the house, who upon seeing Penelope, smiles mockingly.

—What are you doing outside your room, bitch?— the pink-haired boy asks, crossing his arms

But Penelope doesn't say anything, she simply continues on her way, as she has done for the last few days.

—Aren't you going to talk?— Reynold suddenly asks, while he grabs her arm and pushes Emily aggressively—Talk, bitch

Penelope frowns. She hates it when someone messes with Emily, her best friend and only ally in that hell.

—Don't ever lay a hand on Emily again, because unless the duke has raised a piece of shit, I don't want you near her— Penelope says.

—You...— Reynold whispers in frustration.

When he was about to say something, Penelope just turns around and walks away with Emily by her side, causing him to clench his fists and hit the wall. When they get to the library, Penelope hugs Emily, her body trembles and her eyes have tears that haven't left her eyes.

—I'm sorry— Penelope whispers, her voice shaking —I couldn't protect you, I'm a bad teacher

—No my lady, you're not bad— Emily denies, as she helps her teacher sit on the comfortable chair that is near the window that looks out onto a dead end of the duchy's garden —Miss is good

—Reynold could have hit you— Penelope whispered —He's sorry

Emily denies, her miss was very hurt because of the Eckhart brothers and only she can stay by her side.

—Everything will be fine my lady— she says trying to keep the magenta-haired girl calm —I'll be here, always by your side, you have my word, I'll die for you if necessary!

Oh Emily, she had no idea of ​​the power of her words at that moment.