Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Snake in Gold
Juhtmed's crimson eyes narrowed, locking on the woman standing before him. She exuded an aura of authority and danger, her golden robes gleaming in the dim light of the chamber. Ana Meridia. The name itself carried with ambition.
"What brings you to my chambers, Lady Meridia?" Juhtmed asked, his voice carefully measured, betraying none of the unease surging beneath his calm exterior.
She stepped closer, her movements graceful, predatory. "I came to see you young prince do i need a reason to see you..who managed to survive. Its… surprising, given the circumstances."
Juhtmed tilted his head, feigning ignorance. "Circumstances? Do enlighten me."
A faint smirk tugged at the corners of her lips, but her gray eyes remained unreadable. "Oh, nothing of consequence. Only that you've been hovering on the brink of death. Some thought you wouldn't make it. I suppose they underestimated you."
Juhtmed clenched his fists beneath the covers, his mind racing. Was she testing him? Searching for weakness? Or perhaps gloating? He couldn't be sure, but he had to tread carefully.
"I suppose I owe my survival to the gods," he said smoothly. "And to the loyal care of my attendants."
Meridia chuckled softly, a sound as cold as winter frost. "Yes, your dear Lian. Such devotion is rare in this palace. You must cherish it."
Her words felt like a veiled threat, and Juhtmed stiffened imperceptibly. "I do. Now, Lady Meridia, forgive my bluntness, but I fail to see the purpose of this visit. Surely, a woman like have something better than to idle conversation with a sickly prince."
Her smile widened, though it never reached her eyes. "How sharp-tongued you've become, Juhtmed. I rather like it." She moved closer, stopping just short of his bedside. "As for my purpose… consider this a gesture of goodwill. I wanted to ensure you're recovering. After all, you still the son of the emperor the palace would be so dreary without your… presence."
Juhtmed's mind churned. A gesture of goodwill? From her? Is she testing me, probing for signs of weakness. He couldn't afford to falter.
"I appreciate your concern," he said, his voice steady. "Though I must admit, it's surprising. I was under the impression you and I had little reason to interact."
Meridia's eyes glinted with something—amusement, perhaps, or malice. "Oh, Juhtmed, you wound me. We're family, are we not? And family must look out for one another."
"You right," he replied, the lie sliding effortlessly from his lips. "How very thoughtful of you."
She studied him for a long moment, her gaze piercing. Then, without warning, she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You've changed, my dear prince. There's something new about you, that wasn't there before."
Juhtmed's heart pounded, but he refused to let it show. "Its true something had change," he said evenly. As he though. She still not aware of my memory loss.
Meridia straightened, a genuine laugh escaping her lips this time. "Well...i can see that."
She turned, her golden robes trailing behind her like a serpent's tail. As she reached the door, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Rest well, Juhtmed. I hope you'll recover well."
With that, she was gone, the door closing softly behind her.
Juhtmed exhaled slowly, his mind reeling. Her visit was no mere courtesy. She had come to test him, to see if he was still the weak, helpless prince she had always known. But he had held his ground.
Still, her final words lingered in his mind. *She wish me a good recovery, but hearing it from her lips only reinforced my thought about the culprit.
When Lian returned moments later, carrying a map and more notes, she stopped short at the sight of Juhtmed's expression. "Your Highness? Are you all right?"
He looked at her, his crimson eyes sharp. "Lady Meridia was here."
Lian's face paled. "She was here... I wasn't aware of her visit to see you?"
"Yes she wish me a good recovery its what she said," he said, his tone bitter.
Lian hesitated, then set the map and notes down carefully on the table. "What should we do, Your Highness?"
Juhtmed's gaze fell on the map, his mind already forming a plan. "Nothing we just wait..," he said quietly.
His expression confident as he look at the map. "Lets see..."
I don't understand anything about the map and ive never read one i always use my phone for that.
"Hm..." embarrassed as what he going to say.
"Something wrong your... highness."
He replied "I can't read the map its maybe...due cause of my memory loss.."
"Sorry your highness i should have considered this when i brought you the map..Let me read it for you."
Lian carefully unfurled the map, her fingers smoothing its edges as she placed it on the table. The detailed parchment depicted the vast Celestia Empire, its borders sprawling with rivers, mountains, and cities marked in elegant script. Juhtmed leaned forward, feigning curiosity while masking his unease.
"Here, Your Highness," Lian began, her voice steady despite the lingering tension from Lady Meridia's visit. "This is the capital, Jumalanna, where we are now she also being called Taevane jumalanna but nobody call it like that....To the south lies the Verdant Reach, fertile lands that supply the empire's grain and livestock."
Juhtmed nodded, taking the information. "And these?" He pointed to clusters of small symbols dotting the map.
"Those are fortresses and key cities," Lian explained. "Each is controlled by a noble family loyal to the First emperor—or so they claim. The stronger alliances lie in the central territories, closest to Jumalanna But in the borderlands, loyalty can waver."
Juhtmed's gaze sharpened. "Wavering loyalties. Are any of these families known for their dissent?"
Lian hesitated. "The House of Dervain, in the eastern territories, has been quiet lately. I've heard they refused the recent summons to court, citing troubles with a group of bandits. And then there's House Caelora in the south; their allegiance has always been... opportunistic."
Juhtmed filed away the names, his mind weaving potential threads of conspiracy. "Good. Tell me about the Emperor's alliances. And other kingdoms?"
Lian moved her hand to the western side of the map. "The Northern Territories, ruled by Princess Aria's husband, their continent is know as Lumetorm there capital is called Lumi its a snowy territory and they are vital for their military strength. They act as a buffer against incursions from the sea. And in the the east, our neighborhood the Kristallid a neutral country and also an democracy they provides crucial support and trade routes."
Juhtmed nodded thoughtfully, his fingers tracing the map's intricate lines. "And internally? What are the Emperor's most pressing concerns?"
"The succession," Lian said without hesitation. "Although the emperor has shown no sign of wanting to influence the court, there are whispers that he already has a favourite. The court is divided between those who support Prince Patrick and those who quietly hope for Prince Elden's return. The detachment of the Emperor and the court towards you has left your own position... shall we say... precarious."
Juhtmed's jaw tightened. "There nothing i can do for now....." His voice was low, almost a growl. "But that will change."
Lian looked at him, her expression softening with a hint of admiration. "I believe in you your highness."
Before he could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. Juhtmed tensed, his hand instinctively clenching the edge of the blanket. "Enter," he called, his voice regaining its regal tone.
The door open, revealing a young man. The boy bowed deeply. "Your Highness, i brought a message from the Emperor himself."
Surprised he replied "The Emperor..are you sure." Lian look at him and said "Its a personal messenger send by the emperor he wore the colors of the kingdom your highness."
Juhtmed nod and let the young man contine.
"The Emperor summons you to the court tomorrow morning...Its also add that he already been a week since you woke up and must attend you duties as a prince."
Juhtmed's heart quickened. The court? Already? I don't have any excuse to make He fought to keep his composure, nodding curtly. "Inform His Majesty that I will attend."
The young man bowed again and left, closing the door behind him.
Lian turned to Juhtmed, worry etched into her features. "Your Highness, pardon me to my reckless are you well enough to face the court you just woke up last week?"
"I have no choice," he replied, his tone resolute. "If I refuse, it will only fuel their perception of me as weak. This is an opportunity to observe, to gauge my enemies—and my father."
"But Lady Meridia," Lian said hesitantly. "She may use this opportunity to undermine you."
Juhtmed smirked, though there was little humor in it. "Let her try. I may be unprepared, but I'm not defenseless." And i must know the reason behind this sudden summon.
Lian nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Then I'll prepare everything you need. anything to help you make a strong impression."
"Good," Juhtmed said. "And one more thing—.I don't think i will able to go there by myself..iv'e been stuck in this bed since i woke up i dont my body will follow."
Lian hesitated "My statue don't allow me to step in the court your highness--"
Cut by juhtmed "I need you to go to the court with the me i have something in mind for tomorrow and i need you."
"Fine if its what his highness want." As she bow lightly.