In Time And Memories

Chapter Eighteen

A few days have passed ever since Prince Urus left the empire. He only sent me a letter about his escapade and the news about the postponement of Celestia and Prince Pierre's engagement. He said that he managed to convince the emperor to postpone their engagement and wedding by saying that he should be the first one to get engage and wed.

Surprisingly, the emperor agreed. However, it was not easy on the queen's side.

The queen was angry but she can not do anything about it because the emperor made that decision. She tried to oppose but it was all in vain. So Prince Pierre and Celestia will not be husband and wife until me and Prince Urus got married.

I'm still angry by the past events of my life; my dad still treats me coldly, the second prince refused to meet me, and I became Prince Urus' fiancee. Not to mention that Celestia has been getting on my nerves.

"My Lady," someone knocked on my door, probably one of the maids. I didn't said anything but she opened the door and bowed her head to me before entering my room. There's an envelope on her hand with a sigil of the Imperial Family, that only indicates that the envelope came from the Imperial Palace.

"I was told to deliver this to you politely." Of course, her voice have a hint of annoyance while handing me the envelope. She won't meet my eyes either. She's avoiding my gaze.

I still didn't mutter a word and just grab the envelop from her hand. The maids in this duchy has started to treat me differently, as if Celestia has became their new master. I can't help but think about my older brother. How will he treat me if he found out that I became the Black wolf's fiancee? Just by thinking that he will treatly coldly left a whole in my chest.

All of my thoughts were cut off when I noticed the sigil on the envelope. This letter did not just came from the Emperial Family but from the emperor himself.

Why did the emperor sent me a letter?

My eyes went to the maid then she suddenly run off. I scoffed. I heaved a sigh before opening the letter. There is only one page and a brief message.

Greetings, Lady Laurenze

I am inviting you to the palace as the future crown princess of Meliean Empire. As the emperor of this empire, there are certain things I need to discuss with you on behalf of the crown prince who has gone on an escapade. I will be waiting for your visit to the palace.

I chewed on my lip. I have a gist of these certain things to discuss but who knows, I might be wrong. However, it is the emperor who sent me a letter so I have to oblige.

Besides, I wanted to meet Prince Pierre and this might be a good reason to visit the palace.

--

The road has become familiar to me every time I went to the Imperial Palace. The commoners glanced at the carriage; some looks fascinated but some has a hint of hatred on their eyes.

This world is run by hierarchy, that is why the people on top can get away easily from their crimes and the poor has no choice but to experience the unfairness. It is quite annoying, to be honest; a rich word coming from the daughter of a duke.

I only sigh and brushed off my thoughts. It's not like I can do anything about it... Yet.

"We have arrived, My Lady."

The butler guided me to the emperor's office. The emperor usually have his visitors in the throne hall; he only meets with the high ranking nobles and any member of the royal family in his office.

I feel nervous as this is my first time being called by the emperor himself, with the power he holds, he surely intimidates me.

My head immediately bowed at the emperor and I am not allowed to make eye contact unless the emperor acknowledges my presence. What a way to indicate his authority.

"Your Imperial Highness, the lady of House Laurenze has arrived."

"Raise your head, Lady Laurenze," the emperor said and I oblige.

Silver hair and golden eyes, the signature feature of the Imperial Family of the Meliean Empire. The complete opposite of Prince Urus' black hair and red eyes. No wonder why people kept on doubting whether the emperor is indeed the father of Prince Urus.

However, the late empress also does not possesses a black hair and red eyes.

"How are you, Lady Laurenze? People are now expecting more from you since you will be the future crown princess of this empire," the emperor said with his deep and rasp voice.

I smiled. I admit that it gave me more pressure even though I totally hate the idea. "I am completely well, Your Imperial Highness. It is only right for the Melieanans to expect from their future crown princess." However, I must wear my mask.

As expected, the emperor laughed with delight. He must have heard some information about me and how outstanding I am when it comes to certain things.

"Just like what Urus said, you are fitted to become the crown princess." That made me want to raise my eyebrow but I can not do that. "And who knows? You might even become the empress of this empire."

I sigh. Of course.

"I called you here today since I wanted to personally tell you that on your sixteenth birthday, a banquet will be held to announce your title as the crown princess and Urus' fiancee." The emperor paused and his expression became serious. "You should cut your ties with the second prince and set those feelings aside."

My mouth gaped. I knew that the emperor will tell me about my title as the crown princess but I never thought that he knew about my relationship with the second prince.

A smile formed on my lips. God knows how good I am with pretending. "Of course, Your Imperial Highness. My relationship with the second prince has already ended, I will no longer harbor any feelings with him."

The emperor nods at me with a hint of smile on his lips. While my hand are balled into a fist to remind me that I must endure this.

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