Chapter 12: Chapter 11: New Member, New Masquerade

Chapter 11: New Member, New Masquerade

King Aldric sat silently beside Seraphina’s bed. His head rested on her lap, sleep finally taking him after hours of silent watch.

A soft melody stirred him. It wasn’t from a dream — it was real. His eyes snapped open.

Seraphina was awake.

She was humming. Singing.

“Seraphina… my love,” he whispered. “Where did you learn this song? It feels... ancient, like a part of me.”

She smiled. “My mother sang it. Back when we still believed in hope. When we needed to remind ourselves we were more than what our chains said we were.” She paused. “It’s a spark — a light in dark places. And now... I’m ready to stand again.”

She reached out and touched his cheek.

“We’ll survive this, my king.”

Aldric swallowed. “I’ve burdened you with too much,” he said. “I never meant for you to carry the weight of my war.”

She shook her head. “We share this war. And we will share its healing.”

Her voice softened. “My little sister. She was in the adoption center…”

“I want her here. With me.”

“I had her brought here,” Aldric said. “She’s safe in the castle.”

Seraphina’s eyes filled. “I need to see her. I dreamed of her laughing in a field.”

Just then, the chamber doors burst open.

“Mommy!”

Tahlia flew in. “You’re awake! Miss Merriweather made me dessert — it tasted like sugar stars!”She hesitated.

“The guards said the adoption center wanted too much gold… because I’m a princess now.” She looked down. “But I just want to stay with you, Sister. I don’t want to be a burden again. I remember… before. When I got beaten for wasting coin…”

Seraphina pulled her into her arms. “No one will ever hurt you again. You’re not a burden. You’re a daughter — mine.”

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She looked to Aldric.

“Even though we shared the same father, I’ve always seen her as my daughter.”

Aldric said nothing — just smiled.

Tahlia’s eyes lit up.

“But… is the masquerade still happening? I know it’s for big people… but I want to go, Papa.”

Aldric nodded.

“Oh, the masquerade is still on. Don’t worry — you’ll be there.”

The grand ballroom shimmered with golden light and music. Nobles danced, laughed, and whispered.

The music stopped.

A poised woman took the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen… Her Royal Highness, Princess Tahlia Norfolk, has a few words.”

Tahlia stepped onto the stage

“I just wanted to say… this night is special. Because my family — and my dad — said we should open part of the castle for your families too.”

Gasps and murmurs.

“I want to play with your kids! Even though Papa says this party is for grown-ups,” she added with a grin.

Laughter followed.

“And,” she giggled, “Papa says some of you stay away from your kids so much… they might start loving the nannies more!”

The crowd’s laughter grew even louder as parents began calling their butlers to bring their children from the guest quarters. A young adult whispered “I do love Nani more than you!” Questions floated through the air—where was this new family section located? Could toddlers or even babies attend? The atmosphere shifted, the masquerade transforming from a formal event into a warm celebration of family and connection.

Aldric stepped onto the stage behind her.

“You weren’t supposed to say the nanny part,” he teased.

Then: “But yes. The family section is open — bring your children. Every child must be with their Leader Butler. That’s a royal order.”

He rested a hand on Tahlia’s shoulder.

“One more thing.”

He paused.

“This little potato has been calling me ‘Dad’ all week… and I’ve decided to make it official.”

A wave of gasps.

“I’m adopting her into our royal family — from tonight forward.”

Tahlia threw her arms around him. The crowd exploded in cheers.

Seraphina stepped onto the stage beside them, taking both their hands.

The ballroom was sealed tight. No spies allowed.

King Aldric had packed the room with loyal guards and Leader Butlers. None could enter without clearance.

In a distant control room, Ms. Nightfall watched it all unfold , silent.

She scanned the security feeds, hands folded.

The princess had become a symbol now.

Which meant the masquerade wasn’t just a celebration — it was a target.

And she wasn’t here just to watch. it's time to analyze, see through masques.

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This is a world shaped by secrets.

On paper, the structure is simple: Doctors — always of royal blood — sit at the top. Butlers serve the realm, tasked with everything from cleaning and building to managing estates. Guards hold the weapons and enforce the law. And at the bottom, commoners — once known openly as slaves during the reign of the last king — live in quiet obedience.

But behind this elegant order lies a hidden reality.

There are secret organizations. Some are legal, like the Secret Police, or the powerful and silent Council of Doctors. Others operate in the shadows — illegal and elusive — like the Secret Agency, the mysterious Organization X, and even lesser-known rogue spies such as Rock the Chadw or Ms. Tech.

In this world, the truth is buried deep beneath layers of protocol, loyalty, and deception. And those who uncover it rarely escape unchanged.

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