In Time And Memories

Chapter Ten

The atmosphere feels heavy or maybe it's just me since I'm the only one who feels empty while my beloved father and adopter sister spends their time filled with laughter.

It feels like I'm not ever here.

"By the way, I heard that you're getting closer to the prince, Celestia?" Father suddenly asked; shifting their topic.

I can't tell if they're doing this on purpose. Talking about the prince and Celestia's closeness right in front of me. Can't they have those kinds of topics while I'm away? Are they seriously tormenting me?

A topic about the prince and Celestia would have been harmless if only she doesn't like the prince.

My right hand clenched into a fist under the table while my left hand continued to hold the fork as I eat our dinner. I have to control my temper- No matter how angry or jealous I feel, I have to control it so that I won't be punished again.

"Father..." Celestia's voice became low and careful. Oh well, it seems like they're still aware that my presence is here.

"What? It's okay, there's nothing wrong with that," he gently said to Celestia. I felt his glance at me. "Right, Azelaine?" his voice is laced with coldness that I've never heard before from him whenever he talks to me.

This is a first.

And what do you want me to answer that question? Should I just pretend that it's alright and there's nothing wrong with it where in fact, I feel so angry and jealous?

Never in my entire existence felt so much emotional pain.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Oh now, she's sorry? My patience is getting thinner as I stay longer in this dinner. I've already lost my appetite the first thing I saw Celestia's face.

Not even a word came out of my mouth. I stayed silent the whole time until I decided to leave this ridiculous dinner with them. It felt like my stomach is turning upside down while they chat and laughed together. I couldn't help but pity myself.

That was my place.

My father used to shower me with compliments and show off how proud he is of me- From having a joyful conversation with me to not even uttering a word.

Ever since that day happened- Which is a month and a week ago, my father seems to change a lot at that time. I understand his anger before but it feels injustice that until now, he treats me coldly. I repented what I did to her but why does it look like they want to brush it on my face again and again?

Does an adopted daughter more important than his daughter? His own flesh and blood?

I did a few mischievous things before too that angered him but this... This feels so unfair. He used to forgive me and understand me- So, what happened now?

"My Lady, are you alright?" Rina asked me with concern.

I sigh and sat on my bed. "I'm fine. I just feel tired," I reasoned out. She went to me and started to remove my garments. My hair is untied then brushed thoroughly.

My chest feels stuffy because of the corset; I feel relieved when it was removed.

"I heard that the duke invited young ladies to befriend Lady Celestia." I know, I heard that too earlier. I stayed at the training grounds to avoid such commotions.

Tomorrow, I'll visit the Imperial Palace again to see Prince Pierre. Our relationship is still stable despite Celestia's effort to get closer to the prince. He mentioned that he only sees Celestia as a friend and that's all.

"Prepare my dress for tomorrow," I commanded Rina and she obediently nodded her head. She left my room after that so I can finally rest.

-

Rays of sun peaked through the window, illuminating my room. Another had come means another day to survive. It's an unending routine for humans until they die.

"My Lady, the carriage is ready," Rina announced.

"Alright. I'll come down in a bit."

Even if the prince had already assured me, I'm still wary of Celestia. I trust the prince with my heart but I can't seem to trust Celestia at all.

The whole ride was silent, even the people on the road seems to be silent. As far as I can remember, there's no event or even visitors will come in the empire today- So, where the lively streets of the Meliean Empire.

"We have arrived, Lady Laurenze."

My eyes squinted because of the sun and yet the breeze is so cold that I can feel it through my winter clothes.

The butler, as usual, escorted me to the prince's palace. The servants here treated me as if I'm their master- With utmost care and respect. Most of them are praising me because of the things I did and for being the talented lady I am.

"I ask you to wait for the prince, My Lady. He'll be here shortly," Roenir, the butler, said to me before he exited himself.

The coffee table is full of sweets and tea but I don't have any guts to take a bite. I'm not yet hungry, I'll just wait for the prince.

After minutes of waiting, I finally heard some heavy footsteps coming on their way to the room. My heart started to pound and I decided to greet him with a hug. I hurriedly went to the door to open it- As soon as I did, I hugged him tightly.

But his torso seemed to be a bit different from the last time I remember. It's a bit more muscular and his waist became wider. Also, his scent...

Did he changed his perfume?

"I missed you," I said to him, ignoring those changes that I had noticed. When was the last time I visited? Was it that long that there are changes in his body and scent?

"Azelaine?" Huh?

I turned my head on my right and saw Prince Pierre with a shocked look on his face. My mouth gaped then slowly looked up at the person I'm hugging right now.

There are times that I really want to vanish and this is definitely one of those times.

A pair of red eyes peeking through his black hair and a blank face, staring at me intently. When I realized who it is, I abruptly removed my arms around him and horror filled my guts.

I never expect that I'll meet the crown prince with such embarrassing act.

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