Shadow Over the Heavenly Throne-Chapter 72: I’m so screwed

Evening silence wrapped the estate like a velvet cloak. The sky held the fading hue of purple, and qi lanterns lit the garden paths with a soft glow.

Calista stepped down from the carriage slowly, carefully cradling the sleeping Shion in her arms. The girl instinctively nestled against her, the bag of new clothes clutched to her chest like the most precious treasure.

Calista carried her through the hall, ignoring the silent servants. She entered her room, laid Shion on the wide canopy bed, and covered her with a blanket. For a moment, she gazed at her face, quiet and peaceful—so different from just a few hours ago.

She smiled.

"Good bunny."

She turned and left without a sound, heading toward the garden.

The evening was warm. On a marble bench by the pavilion sat two familiar figures—Veynessa with a goblet in hand, and Sylphia, leaning against her arm, gazing at the starry sky. Both were silent until they heard the familiar footsteps.

"Oh, you did come," Veynessa said without turning her head.

"I couldn’t possibly miss an evening in the company of such esteemed ladies," Calista replied with a mocking smile, sitting on the other side of the bench. "Besides... I believe you owe me something, Veynessa."

Veynessa snorted, but before she could respond, the ring on her finger flashed briefly and sharply.

On the table between them appeared a square, black package adorned with golden runes. Qi shimmered around it like warm air over a fire.

Veynessa didn’t look, but she could feel the weight of Calista’s gaze. That small gesture — a reminder of the debt — was more personal than most battles she had ever fought. For a moment, she wished she could turn back time. But she knew Calista never forgot.

"Did you really have to remind me publicly?" Veynessa muttered without looking at Calista.

"But of course," Calista replied sweetly, reaching for the box. Her fingers brushed the runes, which immediately went dark. "Thank you kindly."

She tucked the package into her spatial ring, her smile gaining a predatory gleam.

Sylphia frowned. "What was that?"

Calista glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Then, without a word, she pulled her onto her lap. Sylphia gasped in surprise but didn’t protest.

"Curiosity is the first step to hell, kitten," she whispered, brushing the tip of her nose.

Sylphia blushed lightly, unsure whether she wanted to flee or stay.

"But... was it something serious?"

"Everything is serious to me," Calista murmured with a smile.

For a moment, silence fell.

"You know," Calista said suddenly, still stroking Sylphia’s hair, "there was one more promise."

Veynessa sighed deeply, like someone who already knew her fate.

"I thought I could avoid that part of the evening."

"Naive," Calista said with a smile. "It’s bath time."

Sylphia immediately sat up. "I... I should go. I have training at dawn and—"

"Sit," Veynessa said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Sylphia froze mid-motion. Her eyes flicked to Veynessa, and seeing that look—stern, unyielding, sharp as a blade that doesn’t recognize the word "no"—her shoulders dropped. She lowered her gaze in embarrassment and slowly, almost silently, sat back on the bench. Her movements were small, as if trying to disappear under their gazes.

Calista laughed softly. "Let’s go, before you change your mind."

***

The bathhouse was enormous—marble, with a high ceiling adorned with paintings of dragons and phoenixes. Steam rose from the stone springs, and the air smelled of jasmine and something sharper—as if steeped in the essence of battle and relaxation.

Calista undressed first and entered the water like a queen to her throne—with grace that didn’t ask for attention but demanded it. Veynessa joined without a word. Sylphia resisted for a long time but finally entered, embarrassed and blushing.

Calista didn’t miss the opportunity—she pulled her closer, and when Sylphia felt the soft, warm curves of Calista’s body against her back, her arms stiffened and her breath quickened. Calista dipped her hands into the water and skillfully began washing her hair, gently stroking her nape. Sylphia sat still, cheeks flushed, gaze fixed on the water as if she wanted to disappear beneath it. She didn’t know what confused her more—Calista’s touch, her scent, or the way her body coiled around her effortlessly, like a snake embracing not to crush but to warm.

"You know..." Calista finally spoke, still tending to Sylphia, "I wanted to ask how you’re doing after that fight."

Veynessa closed her eyes. Her voice was quiet.

"Physically? I’m fine. As always. Emotionally..." she hesitated, then shrugged. "It still hurts. I really believed I had a chance. I picked an opponent who should have been perfect for me—I had the style advantage, the knowledge, even a plan... And still I lost. That’s what stings the most."

Sylphia suddenly moved and slid off Calista’s lap, as if her body had just remembered it had agency. She dove deep into the water, splashing droplets and slicing through the steam.

Calista watched her with amusement, then slid closer to Veynessa. Her hands, cool compared to the hot water, wrapped around her friend’s breasts from behind without warning.

"You lost this time," Calista whispered with a mischievous giggle at Veynessa’s ear, "but I know you too well. If there’s ever a rematch... you’ll win. You’re the type who never gives up. Every loss only drives you harder, right?"

Her fingers tightened, and Veynessa hissed, half in surprise, half in amusement. She suddenly turned, grabbed Calista’s hands, lifted them from her chest, and before the other could react, flipped her over her shoulder with the skill of a master.

With a splash, Calista vanished underwater.

"Perverted maniac," Veynessa muttered, but a faint smile curled her lips.

Calista surfaced with a triumphant gleam in her eyes, shaking her hair with the grace of a siren.

At the other end of the bathhouse, near a wall of carved jade, Sylphia stood quietly, neck-deep in water, trying to hide. Her eyes followed Veynessa and Calista, but her posture betrayed tension—as if every droplet of steam was her ally in disappearing.

Calista suddenly looked her way.

"Hah! Don’t think you’ll escape me too!"

She dove and splashed toward Sylphia, who squeaked in surprise and tried to flee. Calista couldn’t stop laughing, wrapping around her like a snake.

From the side, Veynessa watched—her daughter writhing in Calista’s embrace and Calista’s smile. Her eyebrow lifted, and the corner of her mouth twitched.

"Hold onto that little rascal tight!" she called out with amusement, then jumped into the water with a loud splash.

Water sprayed as she joined them. Calista laughed, Sylphia squealed again, trying to escape both of them, and Veynessa held her mercilessly from the other side. Their laughter echoed off the marble walls, and the steaming water seemed to dance to the rhythm of their unexpected joy.

A sincere, soft smile appeared on Veynessa’s face—one rarely seen, even by those close to her.

***

Meanwhile, in the darkness at the back of the castle, a shadow darted between columns. A figure wrapped in a long cloak glanced around nervously, holding a hammock under one arm. It stopped near a side gate, cautiously reaching for a scroll with a qi-dispersing seal, when suddenly the air trembled.

"Pharos. I expect to see you in my domain in 5 minutes. Don’t be late."

Kaen’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried through the walls like a decree.

Pharos froze. Cold sweat immediately trickled down his neck. He stared at the hammock as if it were the source of his doom.

"I’m so screwed," he whispered dramatically.

***

At the same time, in one of the upper towers of the royal wing, a soft knock echoed. The door to King Aldrich’s chamber opened, and a servant in a blue-silver uniform entered.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head, "a letter has arrived bearing the royal seal of the Star Bastion Academy."

Aldrich raised an eyebrow and took the envelope with a gesture. The shining wax seal bore the symbol of a crown and a runic quill—the mark of their elite academy.

He broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. He read in silence for a moment, then leaned back in his chair with a quiet sigh.

"At least one thing went according to plan," he murmured with a smile.

The letter read: "It would be our highest honor if Kaelis Tharien would accept a mentor position at our Academy. We believe his talent and experience would be invaluable to future generations."

***

Soaked and exhausted, Sylphia finally reached her room. The warmth of candles and the aroma of herbs soothed her senses, but her mother’s words lingered in her mind.

"Don’t be afraid to just be a child sometimes."

She slipped onto her bed, wrapped herself in a blanket, and stared at the dark ceiling. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel the need to prove anything. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. But today... today she could just be Sylphia.

She smiled softly and closed her eyes.

"I’ll enjoy this childhood as long as I can."

This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶