Rohan guided Athanasia back to the banquet hall, his smile gracious as he announced, "I'm afraid Athanasia isn't feeling well. We'll have to take our leave." The guests murmured their well-wishes, and the Emperor and Empress looked concerned.
Athanasia forced a weak smile, playing along. "I'm so sorry. I think it's just the heat."
Rohan's arm remained around her waist, holding her close as they bid their farewells. Once outside, he helped her into the carriage.
As the carriage rolled away from the palace, Athanasia pulled away from Rohan, her eyes red-rimmed. "I want to go to my uncle," she said, her voice firm.
Rohan's expression turned stern. "No, Athanasia. You're coming home with me."
Athanasia's voice rose in desperation. "He's my only family. I don't want to leave them alone. Please, Rohan, take me to them."
Rohan's jaw clenched, and he shook his head. "I'll send for the best healers to tend to your uncle. You can't go there now."
Athanasia's eyes flashed with anger and determination. "Why not? What are you hiding?"
Rohan's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes unreadable. "Nothing, Athanasia. Just trust me."
The carriage ride continued in tense silence, Athanasia's mind racing with worry and suspicion.
Athanasia's furious gaze locked onto Rohan as she demanded, "Stop the carriage at once." Rohan's eyebrow arched in surprise. "What is the meaning of this, Athanasia?"
Athanasia's voice was firm. "I request that you stop the carriage, Your Highness. I shall proceed on my own." Rohan ignored her plea, but Athanasia shouted to the coachman, "Stop the carriage immediately!"
The coachman hesitated, then brought the carriage to a halt. Rohan grasped Athanasia's arm, his voice low and commanding. "What are you doing, Athanasia? Please, sit down."
Athanasia shook off his hand, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Release me, Your Highness." Rohan's expression softened slightly. "Very well, I shall accompany you."
Athanasia refused, her voice cold. "That won't be necessary, Your Highness." Rohan's face darkened. "I'm afraid it's not a request, Athanasia. As my fiancée and the Crown Princess, it's imperative that you have an escort. It's not safe for you to travel alone."
The coachman nodded and started the carriage moving again. Rohan turned to Athanasia, his voice low and serious. "Athanasia, I couldn't help but notice that you managed to summon the Phoenix earlier."
Athanasia's face was shocked. "What do you mean?" Rohan's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes piercing. "You've awakened the Aries treasure. I'm not sure you're aware of the implications."
Athanasia's mind reeled as she processed Rohan's words. What treasure? And what did it have to do with her? Her eyes narrowed, suspicion simmering beneath the surface.
As Athanasia entered the mansion, she expected a warm welcome from the staff, but the halls were eerily silent. Her butler, Kan, stood by the door, his usual warm smile absent.
"Welcome, milady," Kan said, his voice subdued. "We've been expecting you." Athanasia's eyes narrowed, sensing something off. "Where is everyone?" Kan hesitated, glancing at Rohan before responding, "The staff are...preoccupied, milady. Your uncle's condition has taken a turn."
Athanasia's concern deepened. "I want to see him now." Kan nodded and led her to the Duke's chambers. Rohan followed closely, his presence a constant reminder of Athanasia's growing unease.
As they reached the Duke's chambers, Athanasia's anxiety spiked. What was going on? Why was everyone acting so strangely? She pushed open the door and rushed to her uncle's side.
Athanasia rushed to her uncle's bedside, her voice trembling. "Uncle, Uncle, what happened to you?" She gasped as she saw the strange black roots and stargazer pattern is covering his body.
Athanasia took a step back, covering her mouth in shock. "No...no...it can't be." Rohan grasped her from behind, trying to calm her down. "Athanasia, control yourself. It's alright."
But Athanasia was beyond consolation. She burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs. She ran to her room, Rohan following closely behind.
Athanasia frantically searched her room, her eyes wild with desperation. Rohan asked, "Athanasia, what are you doing? What are you looking for?"
Athanasia's voice was barely audible. "It's not here...Butler Kan...Butler Kan!" Kan entered the room, out of breath. "Yes, Your Highness?"
Athanasia's hands were trembling as she asked, "What...what's happening to my uncle?" Kan's expression was somber. "I don't know, milady."
Athanasia's eyes welled up with tears again. "Where's the necklace Nathan gave me? I need it." Kan looked puzzled. "Your Highness, I don't know. You lost it when you were little. Why do you ask?"
Athanasia's voice was shaking. "No reason...it's just important to me. Please, if you find it, give it to me." Kan nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."
Let's give your novel a shape. Here's a rewritten version with added depth, emotion, and background:
As I stood in the grand foyer, I turned to Butler Kan and instructed, "Please prepare the carriage. I'm in a hurry."
Butler Kan's eyes narrowed slightly as he addressed me with a hint of formality, "Your Highness, where are you headed in such haste?"
I didn't have time for explanations, so I simply repeated, "Please, Butler Kan, prepare the carriage."
Just then, a strong hand grasped my wrist, and I was pulled closer to a chiseled chest. I looked up to meet ROHAN's intense gaze, his eyes blazing with a mix of concern and possessiveness.
"Where are you going?" he demanded, his voice low and husky.
I tried to shake off his grip, but he held tight. "Let go, Your Highness," I said, attempting to reason with him.
His grip only tightened, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Let go, Rohan," I insisted, my voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.
Finally, he released my wrist, but his eyes never left mine. "Tell me where you're going," he pressed, his voice unwavering.
I took a deep breath and relented, "I have to meet Nathan."
Rohan's eyes narrowed. "Nathan, as in Count's daman Erveldote son NathanErveldote? "
I nodded, and he asked, "May I ask why?"
I sighed, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. "I don't have time for this, Rohan."
As I turned to leave, Rohan's voice stopped me. "You won't be going anywhere without me."
He followed me to the carriage and slid in beside me, his presence commanding the space. "I'm coming with you, and that's an order," he declared, his eyes daring me to defy him.
I rolled my eyes, familiar with his stubborn streak. "Sometimes, you can be so...infuriating," I muttered.
Rohan's lips curved upward, and he leaned in closer, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "That's what happens when you're dealing with a high-handed prince."
The carriage lurched forward, and we were off, the tension between us palpable.
"Now, tell me, my dear fiancée, why do you want to meet Nathan," Rohan asked, his eyes fixed intently on mine.
I sighed, collecting my thoughts. "It's about the pattern on Uncle's body – the Stargazer Flower. Nathan gave me a necklace, or rather, an emulate he created with his powers. As you know, the Erveldote family possesses the treasure of the Constellation of Cancer, Polix."
Rohan's interest piqued, he leaned forward. "So, what about the emulate?"
"He gave it to me for protection," I explained. "When I was little, I awakened my powers, but they were hard to control. The same pattern started covering my left arm, and the emulate helped suppress it."
Just as Rohan was about to respond, a third voice chimed in, "You're right, Athanasia."
We both turned to see Phoenix in a tiny bird formation, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.
"A curse, triggered when hope is shattered, causes the treasure to turn black, and...and this happens," Phoenix said, its voice dripping with an eerie tone.
I stared at Phoenix in shock, my mind racing with questions. "What are you doing here?"
Phoenix puffed out its chest. "I'm showing respect. I'm your treasure beast, capable of taking any form, but since this thing is so tiny, I have to take this form."
Rohan's gaze never left Phoenix, his expression unreadable. Phoenix, noticing Rohan's stare, taunted, "Hey, brat, what are you watching? Is it your first time seeing the mighty Evil Fire, the Ferocious?"
Rohan's smirk grew, but his eyes remained cold. "Isn't your name Phoenix?"
Phoenix snorted. "That's what she calls me, but you can call me the Great Ferocious. You hear me, you arrogant brat?"
The tension between Rohan and Phoenix was palpable, and I wondered what would happen next.
I'm the mighty Ferocious, bound to serve Athanasia. And you, brat, are quite the observer."
Rohan's smirk grew, but his eyes remained cold. "I've never seen a treasure beast like you before."
Phoenix snorted. "Of course not. I'm one of a kind. And don't call me 'brat' again, or I'll show you my true form."
Athanasia intervened, trying to diffuse the tension.
Rohan's gaze shifted to Athanasia, his expression softening slightly. " what do you think Nathan's involved in the curse?"
Athanasia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling. The pattern on Uncle's body...it looks similar to the one on the necklace."
Phoenix chirped in, "The curse is linked to the treasure of constellation of cancer, polix. If it's being corrupted, it could have severe consequences."
Rohan's eyes narrowed. "We need to investigate further. Athanasia, you're not going anywhere near Nathan without me."
Athanasia raised an eyebrow. "You're not my keeper, Rohan."
Phoenix chimed in, "Oh, but he wants to be, doesn't he, Your Highness?"
Rohan's glare turned toward Phoenix, but Athanasia just smiled, enjoying the banter.
Let's continue the scene:
I couldn't help but chuckle at Rohan's boastful claim. "Who are you calling an arrogant brat?" I teased, trying to keep a straight face.
Rohan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm the crown prince of this empire, and I'm unmatched – a god among mortals."
I laughed, the sound awkward and forced. "Hahaha, please stop. You're both being ridiculous."
But before I could intervene further, Phoenix piped up, and the bickering escalated into a full-blown argument. "Hey, brat! You have the treasure of that stinky brat Pisces, don't you? I can smell it all over you. Try to stay away from me!"
Rohan shot back, his voice rising. "How dare you! I'll have you know, I'm the greatest prince this empire has ever seen!"
I let out a deep sigh, exasperated by their childish behavior. "You two are impossible. Can't you just get along for once?"
The carriage ride continued in an uncomfortable silence, with the tension between Rohan and Phoenix palpable.
As we approached our destination, I wondered what other challenges lay ahead.
Rohan's glare intensified, but Athanasia just laughed softly. "I think we've established that Rohan wants to keep an eye on me, Phoenix."
Phoenix chirped in agreement. "Yes, Your Highness. He's been watching you like a hawk."
Rohan's face darkened, but Athanasia's smile only grew wider. "Well, let's focus on the task at hand. We need to find out what's going on with Uncle and the curse."
The carriage came to a stop, and Athanasia stood up, smoothing her dress. "We're here. Let's go meet Nathan and see if we can uncover any clues."
Rohan followed suit, his eyes never leaving Athanasia's face. "I'll accompany you, of course."
Phoenix snorted. "Like you need an invitation, brat."
Athanasia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Let's just get this over with."
As they stepped out of the carriage, Athanasia felt a sense of trepidation. What would they find out about the curse and Nathan's involvement?
Rohan guided Athanasia back to the banquet hall, his smile gracious as he announced, "I'm afraid Athanasia isn't feeling well. We'll have to take our leave." The guests murmured their well-wishes, and the Emperor and Empress looked concerned.
Athanasia forced a weak smile, playing along. "I'm so sorry. I think it's just the heat."
Rohan's arm remained around her waist, holding her close as they bid their farewells. Once outside, he helped her into the carriage.
As the carriage rolled away from the palace, Athanasia pulled away from Rohan, her eyes red-rimmed. "I want to go to my uncle," she said, her voice firm.
Rohan's expression turned stern. "No, Athanasia. You're coming home with me."
Athanasia's voice rose in desperation. "He's my only family. I don't want to leave them alone. Please, Rohan, take me to them."
Rohan's jaw clenched, and he shook his head. "I'll send for the best healers to tend to your uncle. You can't go there now."
Athanasia's eyes flashed with anger and determination. "Why not? What are you hiding?"
Rohan's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes unreadable. "Nothing, Athanasia. Just trust me."
The carriage ride continued in tense silence, Athanasia's mind racing with worry and suspicion.
Athanasia's furious gaze locked onto Rohan as she demanded, "Stop the carriage at once." Rohan's eyebrow arched in surprise. "What is the meaning of this, Athanasia?"
Athanasia's voice was firm. "I request that you stop the carriage, Your Highness. I shall proceed on my own." Rohan ignored her plea, but Athanasia shouted to the coachman, "Stop the carriage immediately!"
The coachman hesitated, then brought the carriage to a halt. Rohan grasped Athanasia's arm, his voice low and commanding. "What are you doing, Athanasia? Please, sit down."
Athanasia shook off his hand, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Release me, Your Highness." Rohan's expression softened slightly. "Very well, I shall accompany you."
Athanasia refused, her voice cold. "That won't be necessary, Your Highness." Rohan's face darkened. "I'm afraid it's not a request, Athanasia. As my fiancée and the Crown Princess, it's imperative that you have an escort. It's not safe for you to travel alone."
The coachman nodded and started the carriage moving again. Rohan turned to Athanasia, his voice low and serious. "Athanasia, I couldn't help but notice that you managed to summon the Phoenix earlier."
Athanasia's face was shocked. "What do you mean?" Rohan's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes piercing. "You've awakened the Aries treasure. I'm not sure you're aware of the implications."
Athanasia's mind reeled as she processed Rohan's words. What treasure? And what did it have to do with her? Her eyes narrowed, suspicion simmering beneath the surface.
As Athanasia entered the mansion, she expected a warm welcome from the staff, but the halls were eerily silent. Her butler, Kan, stood by the door, his usual warm smile absent.
"Welcome, milady," Kan said, his voice subdued. "We've been expecting you." Athanasia's eyes narrowed, sensing something off. "Where is everyone?" Kan hesitated, glancing at Rohan before responding, "The staff are...preoccupied, milady. Your uncle's condition has taken a turn."
Athanasia's concern deepened. "I want to see him now." Kan nodded and led her to the Duke's chambers. Rohan followed closely, his presence a constant reminder of Athanasia's growing unease.
As they reached the Duke's chambers, Athanasia's anxiety spiked. What was going on? Why was everyone acting so strangely? She pushed open the door and rushed to her uncle's side.
Athanasia rushed to her uncle's bedside, her voice trembling. "Uncle, Uncle, what happened to you?" She gasped as she saw the strange black roots and stargazer pattern is covering his body.
Athanasia took a step back, covering her mouth in shock. "No...no...it can't be." Rohan grasped her from behind, trying to calm her down. "Athanasia, control yourself. It's alright."
But Athanasia was beyond consolation. She burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs. She ran to her room, Rohan following closely behind.
Athanasia frantically searched her room, her eyes wild with desperation. Rohan asked, "Athanasia, what are you doing? What are you looking for?"
Athanasia's voice was barely audible. "It's not here...Butler Kan...Butler Kan!" Kan entered the room, out of breath. "Yes, Your Highness?"
Athanasia's hands were trembling as she asked, "What...what's happening to my uncle?" Kan's expression was somber. "I don't know, milady."
Athanasia's eyes welled up with tears again. "Where's the necklace Nathan gave me? I need it." Kan looked puzzled. "Your Highness, I don't know. You lost it when you were little. Why do you ask?"
Athanasia's voice was shaking. "No reason...it's just important to me. Please, if you find it, give it to me." Kan nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."
Let's give your novel a shape. Here's a rewritten version with added depth, emotion, and background:
As I stood in the grand foyer, I turned to Butler Kan and instructed, "Please prepare the carriage. I'm in a hurry."
Butler Kan's eyes narrowed slightly as he addressed me with a hint of formality, "Your Highness, where are you headed in such haste?"
I didn't have time for explanations, so I simply repeated, "Please, Butler Kan, prepare the carriage."
Just then, a strong hand grasped my wrist, and I was pulled closer to a chiseled chest. I looked up to meet ROHAN's intense gaze, his eyes blazing with a mix of concern and possessiveness.
"Where are you going?" he demanded, his voice low and husky.
I tried to shake off his grip, but he held tight. "Let go, Your Highness," I said, attempting to reason with him.
His grip only tightened, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Let go, Rohan," I insisted, my voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.
Finally, he released my wrist, but his eyes never left mine. "Tell me where you're going," he pressed, his voice unwavering.
I took a deep breath and relented, "I have to meet Nathan."
Rohan's eyes narrowed. "Nathan, as in Count's daman Erveldote son NathanErveldote? "
I nodded, and he asked, "May I ask why?"
I sighed, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. "I don't have time for this, Rohan."
As I turned to leave, Rohan's voice stopped me. "You won't be going anywhere without me."
He followed me to the carriage and slid in beside me, his presence commanding the space. "I'm coming with you, and that's an order," he declared, his eyes daring me to defy him.
I rolled my eyes, familiar with his stubborn streak. "Sometimes, you can be so...infuriating," I muttered.
Rohan's lips curved upward, and he leaned in closer, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "That's what happens when you're dealing with a high-handed prince."
The carriage lurched forward, and we were off, the tension between us palpable.
"Now, tell me, my dear fiancée, why do you want to meet Nathan," Rohan asked, his eyes fixed intently on mine.
I sighed, collecting my thoughts. "It's about the pattern on Uncle's body – the Stargazer Flower. Nathan gave me a necklace, or rather, an emulate he created with his powers. As you know, the Erveldote family possesses the treasure of the Constellation of Cancer, Polix."
Rohan's interest piqued, he leaned forward. "So, what about the emulate?"
"He gave it to me for protection," I explained. "When I was little, I awakened my powers, but they were hard to control. The same pattern started covering my left arm, and the emulate helped suppress it."
Just as Rohan was about to respond, a third voice chimed in, "You're right, Athanasia."
We both turned to see Phoenix in a tiny bird formation, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.
"A curse, triggered when hope is shattered, causes the treasure to turn black, and...and this happens," Phoenix said, its voice dripping with an eerie tone.
I stared at Phoenix in shock, my mind racing with questions. "What are you doing here?"
Phoenix puffed out its chest. "I'm showing respect. I'm your treasure beast, capable of taking any form, but since this thing is so tiny, I have to take this form."
Rohan's gaze never left Phoenix, his expression unreadable. Phoenix, noticing Rohan's stare, taunted, "Hey, brat, what are you watching? Is it your first time seeing the mighty Evil Fire, the Ferocious?"
Rohan's smirk grew, but his eyes remained cold. "Isn't your name Phoenix?"
Phoenix snorted. "That's what she calls me, but you can call me the Great Ferocious. You hear me, you arrogant brat?"
The tension between Rohan and Phoenix was palpable, and I wondered what would happen next.
I'm the mighty Ferocious, bound to serve Athanasia. And you, brat, are quite the observer."
Rohan's smirk grew, but his eyes remained cold. "I've never seen a treasure beast like you before."
Phoenix snorted. "Of course not. I'm one of a kind. And don't call me 'brat' again, or I'll show you my true form."
Athanasia intervened, trying to diffuse the tension.
Rohan's gaze shifted to Athanasia, his expression softening slightly. " what do you think Nathan's involved in the curse?"
Athanasia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling. The pattern on Uncle's body...it looks similar to the one on the necklace."
Phoenix chirped in, "The curse is linked to the treasure of constellation of cancer, polix. If it's being corrupted, it could have severe consequences."
Rohan's eyes narrowed. "We need to investigate further. Athanasia, you're not going anywhere near Nathan without me."
Athanasia raised an eyebrow. "You're not my keeper, Rohan."
Phoenix chimed in, "Oh, but he wants to be, doesn't he, Your Highness?"
Rohan's glare turned toward Phoenix, but Athanasia just smiled, enjoying the banter.
Let's continue the scene:
I couldn't help but chuckle at Rohan's boastful claim. "Who are you calling an arrogant brat?" I teased, trying to keep a straight face.
Rohan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm the crown prince of this empire, and I'm unmatched – a god among mortals."
I laughed, the sound awkward and forced. "Hahaha, please stop. You're both being ridiculous."
But before I could intervene further, Phoenix piped up, and the bickering escalated into a full-blown argument. "Hey, brat! You have the treasure of that stinky brat Pisces, don't you? I can smell it all over you. Try to stay away from me!"
Rohan shot back, his voice rising. "How dare you! I'll have you know, I'm the greatest prince this empire has ever seen!"
I let out a deep sigh, exasperated by their childish behavior. "You two are impossible. Can't you just get along for once?"
The carriage ride continued in an uncomfortable silence, with the tension between Rohan and Phoenix palpable.
As we approached our destination, I wondered what other challenges lay ahead.
Rohan's glare intensified, but Athanasia just laughed softly. "I think we've established that Rohan wants to keep an eye on me, Phoenix."
Phoenix chirped in agreement. "Yes, Your Highness. He's been watching you like a hawk."
Rohan's face darkened, but Athanasia's smile only grew wider. "Well, let's focus on the task at hand. We need to find out what's going on with Uncle and the curse."
The carriage came to a stop, and Athanasia stood up, smoothing her dress. "We're here. Let's go meet Nathan and see if we can uncover any clues."
Rohan followed suit, his eyes never leaving Athanasia's face. "I'll accompany you, of course."
Phoenix snorted. "Like you need an invitation, brat."
Athanasia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Let's just get this over with."
As they stepped out of the carriage, Athanasia felt a sense of trepidation. What would they find out about the curse and Nathan's involvement?