Chapter 180 --180
As Elara entered the Fourth Princess’s Palace—the same place she had once been brought to—she couldn’t help but notice the difference. Before, it had felt cold. Sealed. Like a palace meant to be abandoned rather than lived in.
Now, there were flowers. Greenery. People moving about, servants and guards alike, life returning to the halls.
As she passed, everyone greeted her respectfully. Elara responded with brief nods, her pace unbroken, until she reached her chambers.
The doors closed behind her.
Just because she was "only" a princess—and because she had long since abandoned extravagant gowns and useless formalities—didn’t mean she could dress however she pleased. These people treated jewelry like a divine necessity.
She had already refused heavy necklaces and thick chains, but even so, the bracelets on her wrists felt exhausting. The cufflinks, the brooches—each one added weight she didn’t need.
And then there was the cape.
A blue one.
The emperor wore red. And since she was acting as his stand-in, she was required to wear something similar. The fabric itself wasn’t uncomfortable—soft, finely made—but having something constantly resting on her shoulders was irritating all the same.
She pulled it off and tossed it onto the sofa.
Two servants entered quietly and knelt, bowing low. They were about to step forward to assist her when Elara raised a hand.
"I want to be alone."