36. Emptiness

**Ester**

I watched as the sun descended in the sky. Orange and violet blended together behind the clouds. “What a beautiful sight,” I said out loud.

Amanda lowered her head. “My Lady, if you want I could find a frame for you. If not, would you like for me to go out and purchase a new one?”

I stared at the picture I was holding close to my chest. “There is no need, I will go shop for one tomorrow. You’re dismissed for the day. Have a nice rest.”

“I wish the same for you, my lady.” She bowed at her waist. “Please feel free to call for me if you need me.”

“Thank you, Amanda.”

She left and closed the door behind her. Now I was alone in my room back at the palace. I returned to staring out the window.

“That look on her face… It feels strange to have people worry about me.”

I crossed my ankles and stayed on the seat for a while longer, head against the windowsill.

_________

Anna and Melissa walked through the front door laughing just as I was heading down the stairs on my way to the kitchen for a snack. I raised my eyebrow. “You guys hang out today?”

Anna giggled and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear while Melissa smiled brightly at me. “I wouldn’t say ‘hang out’, but it was pretty great,” Anna said.

“It was so cool! I wish you were there to see it,” Melissa added.

“Well, I’m here right now. Can you tell me about it?” I folded my arms over my chest and tilted my head.

“It’s nothing big.” Melissa flipped her black ponytail over her shoulder. “I mean, Hernia’s servant just happened to pour Hernia’s dog’s food all over her and her dog chased her around the yard. It was liquid, by the way. Who would have thought that karma would bite her in the butt for what she did to Anna.”

“Melissa!” Anna punched her shoulder. “I said not to say anything! I’m going to my room. Goodnight, Ester.”

I smiled at her as she ascended up the stairs before turning my attention back to Melissa. “Is that all that happened?”

Melissa shrugged. “I mean, what else could there be?”

She headed to the door but turned around before she opened it. “I meant what I said. You and I should hang out sometime. I know that Sirius would like that.” The door was closed.

I sighed, letting my arms fall to my side. Melissa probably had something to do with that poor girl’s accident, but I didn’t have the energy to think about it. The bottom of my nightgown made contact with my knees as I continued heading to the kitchen. After getting a bowl of grapes from the fridge, I left to go back to my room but something made me stop.

I ended up turning a knob to enter the throne room.

The glass walls gave me a better view of the sunset and Nightveil. The sky had become darker, but there were still hints of sunlight.

Despite all the changes made to the palace over the decades no electric lights were ever installed in the throne room. A large antique chandelier hung above and the candleholders that weren't standing were attached to the walls on the other side of the room. At that moment I didn't think about how I was stabbed in this room. My mind was blank. The view had my complete attention, just like when I sat near the windowsill in my bedroom.

The door opened. "Ester? I didn't realize you would be here. How was your trip back home?"

I glanced over my shoulder to see Chester walking towards me. He wore a red cape with gold trimming draped over one shoulder and a white button up shirt.

He followed my gaze. "Oh this? I just left a meeting with some of the officials."

Once he was close enough to see his reflection in the glass, he sighed. I tilted my head. "Is something wrong?"

He tried to hide his exhaustion with a small smile. "The minister of agriculture has been on my ass, excuse my language. He has it in his head that I'm overlooking the farmers due to me creating the seminar. I don't know where he got that idea. Adam refuses to hear anything other than what he believes."

"Oh." I lowered my head. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. He's always the type to speak his mind but I've never seen him that adamant before. He's been in his position since before I inherited the throne. Maybe the changing times are getting to him." He looked at me. "Forget that. You don't seem like you're well."

My fingers tightly clenched the bowl. I looked up at him. My mouth opened before it closed again. I turned my back to him.

"I have to go." It was a farewell. I started to walk away but Chester made an unexpected move.

He reached out and grabbed my wrist. His action caused me to turn back around and gaze at him. One of the grapes fell out of the bowl and bounced once as it rolled away.

His hold on my hand was firm yet cautious. He didn't want to cause me even the slightest pain.

"Please don't hide away. I want to know that you're okay," Chester stated. "Did something happen at the Hermonia Mansion?"

Tingles from the spot that he held me traveled down my arm and spread throughout my body. I couldn't put the feeling into words. And I didn't know how to describe the dark cloud over my head so I just faked a smile.

"Y-yeah. Actually, would you be interested in sponsoring a new clothing line? My dad is thinking of embedding zestria crystals with some new designs. Uh, is that something you would like?"

He stared directly into my eyes, the smile gone. The lack of proper lighting made his features appear darker. More haunted.

"Is that what you want me to do? Sponsor his new project?"

I nodded "Yes. But that's only if you want to. Christopher's my father so I like seeing him succeed."

Seconds passed. There was no shift in his gaze, no sign that he bought my attempt to switch the subject. In the end, he let me go.

His lips stretched into a smile. "Have a good night, Ester. I'll arrange a meeting with your father and see what he has to say."

I returned the smile then thanked him. After uttering a thanks, I walked past him out of the throne room.

**Chester**

After I was sure she was gone, my attention shifted to the view of the landscape. I placed my hands behind me. "Amanda."

My servant materialized out of the ground. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

The sun completed its descent.

"Tell me what happened at Hermonia Estate."