Priscilla rested in her room, dimly lit by the sunlight filtering through the heavy curtains. She was surrounded by fluffy pillows and a small mountain of books stacked on her bedside table, a reflection of her insatiable love of reading. Although the bandage on her arm reminded her of the incident, the pain was now little more than a mild discomfort. It was much more bearable than the bruises and blows she had endured in her fencing training, where she had never allowed the gentleness associated with being a princess to define her limits. Her greatest regret, however, was not the injury itself, but the fact that she had missed her weekly martial arts lessons. Those lessons were one of the few times she felt in complete control of herself and her surroundings.

  She held a history book in her hands and tried to lose herself in its pages, but the memories of what had happened at the ball would not leave her alone. She closed her eyes for a moment, and the image of Selene came back with an intensity that made her press her lips together. Selene's disturbed look, her hateful words and the moment when everything went out of control were still vivid in her mind. Still, she had chosen to remain silent. Neither her grandmother, the Queen, nor the members of Parliament knew the details of the confrontation. When questioned, she lied and said she did not remember how it happened. It was a decision she had made in the moment, but as the days passed, she was not sure if she had done the right thing.

  Part of her silence had to do with where she had placed her dagger. “Maybe I shouldn't have put it in my thigh,” she thought over and over, like a constant reproach. Although it was a natural choice for her, in such a formal setting as the ball, it could have been interpreted as carelessness or even unnecessary provocation. But there was something else that kept her silent: a mixture of guilt, caution, and a strange fascination with Selene's true intentions. She wasn't sure she wanted to open that door.

  She tried to clear her mind and concentrate on her recovery. She gazed at the ceiling, decorated with intricate frescoes that told stories of heroes and gods from ages past, while her mind drifted to more personal memories. Her parents. She could barely remember their faces. They had died when she was a child, and the circumstances remained a carefully hidden secret. Whenever she asked, the answers were vague, evasive, or accompanied by uncomfortable looks. This lack of clarity fed an uncertainty that grew over the years, leaving a painful void in her heart.

  Then, like a flash, an idea came to her: the Oracle of Delphi and the Pythia. She had read about them in various ancient texts. Though many considered them legends or superstition, Priscilla was intrigued by the possibility of finding answers in something beyond the earthly.

  The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most important spiritual centers in Ancient Greece. According to legend, people from every corner of the known world came to the temple of Apollo in search of divine wisdom. The Pythia, the priestess who acted as an intermediary between the gods and mortals, sat on a tripod over a crack in the earth. It was said that by inhaling the sacred vapors that emanated from there, she would enter a state of trance that allowed her to utter enigmatic prophecies that the priests interpreted for those who consulted her.

  Generals, kings, and even humble peasants had traveled great distances to hear her words, believing they contained hidden truths about their destinies. For many, Delphi was a bridge between the mortal world and the divine. Though those times seemed distant, the echoes of these traditions still reverberated in the oldest corners of the Roman monarchy.

  Priscilla knew her world had changed, but she could not ignore the symbolic power of the oracle. In the privacy of her room, she pondered: “Could a figure like the Pythia give me the answers I need?” The idea seemed far-fetched, even childish, but deep down, something told her it was worth a try. What if the answers to her parents' deaths were not to be found in the corridors of the palace, but in a place where the divine and the human intertwined?

  Priscilla made a firm decision. She knew she couldn't live with the doubts that consumed her. It was time to seek answers, and although the idea of going to the Oracle at Delphi sounded risky, something inside her told her she had to try. With that thought in mind, she asked the servants to help her get to her grandmother's chambers.

  When she entered, the queen greeted her with a warm smile and a look that conveyed both love and concern. — My child, is anything wrong? — she asked, studying her granddaughter's face carefully.

  Priscilla shook her head gently as she took a seat beside her grandmother.

  — Not at all, Grandma. I just need to talk to you about something important.

  The queen clasped her hands with Priscilla's, expecting a serious conversation.

  — Of course I will, my dear. Is it about the accident? Have you learned anything new?

  Priscilla sighed deeply before answering.

  — I wish. But no, it's not about that. I want to go to the Pythia, Grandmother. I want to consult the Oracle of Delphi to find out how my parents died. — Her voice was firm, and her eyes shone with unwavering determination.

  The queen frowned slightly, surprised by the request.

  — Why the Oracle, dear?

  — I know it sounds irrational, but I feel I might find something there. I don't know if it will be a clear answer, but at least a clue. I can't go on with this uncertainty. I have to know what really happened.

  The queen was silent for a moment, looking at her granddaughter with a mixture of pride and regret. Then she made a decision. — My child…

  — Priscilla interrupted, squeezing the queen's hands tightly. Her voice cracked a little, revealing her frustration. — I can't live like this. We deserve to know the truth, and I deserve to do my own research.—

  The queen gently caressed Priscilla's cheek, seeing in her not only the child she had raised, but a woman of unbreakable spirit.

  — I would never deny you such a thing, my daughter. In fact, it fills me with pride that you would use your intellect and your will to seek what you need. Of course, you may go.

  Priscilla's eyes filled with gratitude as she smiled warmly.

  — Thank you, Grandmother. You have always been the best. I promise to leave as soon as my wounds are completely healed.

  The queen nodded solemnly, though there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  — So be it, my child. But remember, you are not alone in this. I will be here, waiting for your return, ready to support you in all things.

  Priscilla leaned forward and hugged her grandmother tightly. For the first time in days, she felt some relief. Though the road ahead seemed uncertain, she was determined to face it. The journey to Delphi would be the first step to the truth.

  The warm embrace between Priscilla and her grandmother was interrupted by one of the servants who entered with a respectful but urgent gesture.

  — We have a young man who wishes to see the princess. — he announced.

  — A young man? Priscilla and the Queen asked in unison.

  — Mr. Maximo Valois, Your Majesties.

  Priscilla raised her eyebrows in surprise as she looked at her grandmother with some uncertainty.

  — Oh… — she murmured, unable to hide a hint of emotion in her voice.

  The queen, with her usual calm, smiled slightly before giving instructions.

  — Take her in the wheelchair to the library. Be careful and make sure they are there.

  Priscilla nodded and said goodbye to her grandmother with a nod of her head. Soon after, the servants carefully took her to the library, a large and majestic room with shelves reaching to the ceiling, full of knowledge and secrets. It was there that Maximo arrived, accompanied by his mother.

  — Princess. — Maximo's mother said with an impeccable bow.

  — Princess. — Maximo repeated, also bowing, but with a more relaxed touch.

  Priscilla smiled, grateful for his visit.

  — Thank you for coming. I've had nothing but visitors from the Parliament lately. They're a pain in the neck.

  Everyone laughed quietly at her remark. Maximo's mother was the first to approach to check on his condition.

  — How are you, miss? Are you recovering well?

  — I am recovering as fast as a dolphin, Mrs. Valois. I feel very fortunate.

  — You didn't lose much blood? — Asked Maximo, his tone indicating genuine concern.

  Priscilla shrugged slightly, downplaying the importance of the matter.

  — Not enough to worry about.

  Madame Valois nodded, reassured by the answer.

  — We are very happy, Princess. I have come to accompany my son, but for now I will take my leave. I hope you will enjoy Maximo's company.

  — Of course he will. Thank you for your visit, Madame Valois.

  With a final curtsy, Max's mother left the library, leaving them alone. They looked at each other for a few seconds before bursting out laughing simultaneously, breaking any tension.

  — What have you been up to these days? — Max asked, smiling. — You must be dying of boredom.

  — Not really. I've been reading a lot. History to be exact, although it's not as exciting as I expected. I hope you can recommend some books before you leave.

  Maximo crossed his arms and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. — Really? This is the royal library. If you can't find something good here, where else would you go? — They both laughed at his remark.

  — Well, I can't walk much, so I haven't been able to choose my own books. — Priscilla admitted, pouting to get another laugh out of him.

  Max shook his head in amusement. — What kind of books would you like to read, Cil?

  The nickname, said so casually, made her smile.

  — You read a lot of philosophy. Pick three or four books from that area for me, please.

  Without saying anything else, Maximo got up and walked to the philosophy section. His eyes scanned the titles quickly, looking for something he thought would be suitable for Priscilla. From a distance, she couldn't help but watch him closely. There was something fascinating about his relaxed posture and the way he moved, confident and determined.

  She noticed his broad back, the way his strong shoulders stood out under the fabric of his shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms as strong as his character. Priscilla shook her head slightly, trying to dispel these thoughts.

  While Maximo continued to explore, Priscilla took the opportunity to call the servants and ask for some sandwiches, tea, and soft music to accompany the gathering. A few minutes later, he returned with three books in his hand.

  — I think you'll like these. — He placed the books on the table in front of her and began to describe them one by one. — This is an introduction to Aristotle's philosophy, very easy to understand. This other one is on ethics, and while it is a bit dense, it has some fascinating ideas. And the last one… well, this is a classic on politics. I'm sure you'll find something interesting in each one.

  Priscilla listened attentively, delighted not only by the recommendations, but also by the passion with which he spoke of each book.

  Priscilla looked at him with a slight smile on her face.

  — Would you like me to recommend some to you?

  Maximo raised his eyebrows, intrigued, and nodded enthusiastically.

  — Of course, surprise me.

  She pointed to the shelves with precise gestures.

  — Column three, middle shelf, book number nine. Same column, but on the bottom shelf, book number four. And… column seven, fourth shelf from the bottom, book number six.

  Maximo memorized the directions and approached the shelves with a determined air, ready to discover the surprises Priscilla had prepared.

  The books Priscilla had selected were carefully chosen to pique Maximo's curiosity:

  The Knight Errant, an epic work of fiction about a nobleman who, after losing his family in a political betrayal, wanders through Europe trying to redeem his honor. It mixes adventure, political intrigue, and romance, and is a popular text among young aristocrats looking for something more exciting than the royal chronicles.

  The Thousand Nights of the Phoenix, a collection of fantasy stories set in a faraway kingdom, full of magic, prophecy, and heroes who defy the impossible. Very popular due to the influence of Eastern tales that had reached Rome via trade routes.

  Spheres of the Firmament, a work of astronomy based on the theories of Claudius Ptolemy and other ancient astronomers, adapted with illustrations and simple explanations for the scientifically curious. Priscilla knew the latter would appeal to Maximo, given his interest in knowledge and the wonders of the universe.

  Maximo returned with the books in hand, smiling as he leafed through them.

  — Interesting choices, Cil. Especially that last one. Astronomy, eh? I didn't expect that from you.

  She shrugged, amused.

  — There is more to me than you imagine, Maximo. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

  They both laughed as they continued to chat about their favorite books, exchanging ideas and discovering even more things they had in common.

  The day passed with unexpected calm. Priscilla and Max spent hours discussing the books, alternating between laughter and lively debate. Each page they mentioned seemed to open new doors to their thoughts, and in that space of shared words, time seemed to stand still.

  But like all moments, this one also came to an end. With a slight regret in his tone, Maximo finally stood up.

  — I have to go, Cil. My family is waiting for me for dinner, and if I'm late, my mother won't forgive me.

  Priscilla smiled warmly.

  — Then I won't keep you. I really appreciate your visit, it was just what I needed.

  Maximo bowed slightly in a gesture of respect, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed his affection for her. — It has been a pleasure. I hope you enjoy the books, and perhaps you'll give me your opinion next time we meet.

  She nodded, holding the books he had recommended, and watched Maximo leave the library. His departure left a silence that, while not uncomfortable, felt a little empty after the day's lively conversations.

  Back in her room, Priscilla arranged the books on her bedside table, running her fingers gently over the covers. Maximo had a good eye for choosing reading material, and she was eager to get started. For now, she decided that the night would be perfect for exploring one of the philosophy texts he had so highly recommended.

  As she settled between her pillows, the night breeze blowing through the open window, she thought about how refreshing his company had been. Despite the recent incident, this day had brought her a respite she hadn't had in a long time.