In Time And Memories

Chapter Twenty-Two

The month of June has come; only a few weeks and I'll celebrate my sixteenth birthday. That also means I'll be officially announced as the crown princess.

My eyes went to Fiona. Ever since that day, she has not left my side and continued to serve me. Maybe some of the servants still care for me like her. 

I put down my cup. "Is there any letter came from my brother?" Fiona stopped cleaning the shelves then gave me a brief look. 

"None, My Lady. Do you want to send him a letter?" 

I shook my head. "No need." There is no point in sending him a letter. Even if I did, it might took a while since no one knows where he is. He is travelling all over the empire or even at the neighboring kingdoms. 

The wound I got from cutting my neck still stings and it's still fresh. I just hope that before my banquet, it's already healed so that it will be easier to hide.

If the news of my attempt will reach the ears of the high society, they'll just surely ridicule me. 

As I kept myself inside my room, the days passed by faster than I expected. And just like that, my banquet will held tomorrow. 

The emperor sent me another letter; saying that my banquet will be held in the Quevillian Palace and it's already being prepared by the palace servants. I am grateful with the efforts of the emperor and is touched by it.

I don't hate the emperor, I was overwhelmed rather. But now that he's taking the role of being father than my own, the feeling has subsided. 

"Fiona," I called my maid.

"Yes, My Lady?"

"Is the duke present?"

"Yes, My Lady. The duke is currently in his office," Fiona answered. 

My hand tightened around the envelope just like how my heart tightened. I admit. My hatred to my father has deepened and yet, I'm still willing to invite him to my banquet. He's still my father after all.

"Fetch my coat. I will meet the duke," I ordered her and Fiona obliged. With Fiona around, I feel a bit better.

My heels made a loud sound as I walk through the hallway towards my father's office. The butler saw me and knocked on the door. "Your Grace, Lady Azelaine is here," he announced then opened the door.

I thought he won't open the door for me.

When did it started to feel cold whenever I step my feet in this office? Ah. Maybe it was when he scolded because of Celestia. 

I roamed my eyes and was surprised to see that Celestia is not here. 

"Celestia is in the royal palace," he said.

I scoffed. Of course.

"Father," I called then walked closer to his table. "Here's my invitation for tomorrow. I'm still hoping that you will come to my banquet." I kept myself as composed as possible. 

His forehead creased. "What for?" 

It made my heart dropped to my stomach. My teeth gritted. 

How long are you going to keep making me feel disappointed in you, father? 

"Is it not natural for a father to celebrate his daughter's birthday?" My voice almost cracked but fortunately, I kept my cool.

He glanced at the invitation. "Alright." Then he looked at me. "I'll tell Celestia to come with me."

"She's not invited, father. I don't need her there," I protested. 

His expression hardened. "Then what do you need me for?"

Is he for real? Where has father gone to? It feels like this person was not the same one who raised me with full of love and support. 

"You are my father," I emphasized the last word to make him realize what is his role in my life.

I watched his hand grabbed the invitation and tore it right in front of me. My mouth gaped and a bitter smile formed on my lips after I realized what he did. 

It feels like he just tore my heart too.

"Then, I will no longer be your father. You won't need me in your banquet anymore." 

A laugh escaped through my lips as I stare at the invitation. It started from a snicker until it became louder and louder. I laughed like a crazy woman while tears are running down to my cheeks. 

Or maybe I am crazy.

Ever since my relationship with Prince Pierre, it felt like I became crazy. I started to feel jealousy that it lead to threatening Celestia just because she's exchanging letters with him. I started to feel miserable whenever I can't meet him. I started to lose my sanity because I love him.

Love? What the fuck is that?

The people never love me, they never adore me. It was simply jealousy since I can do anything; since I kept showing them what I'm capable of.

Right. How can I forget myself? How can I forget the things I can do?

I wasn't a lame lady like who I am today; I was a dignified lady who's good at anything. Prince Urus is right, power is power. I should have known better.

"Very well, Duke Laurenze. You are no longer my father as I will no longer your daughter," I paused to wipe my tears. 

What a waste.

"Starting tomorrow, I will be the crown princess, the future royal consort of Crown Prince Urus, and I will be the empress of this empire." I stood up properly and looked down on him.

I smiled. "I will obtain everything to become more powerful than you, Duke Laurenze, and I will never ever let Celestia take that from me." I left the office with a cold heart.

This is my redemption. I will never let anyone abuse me anymore, either it is physically or mentally. They are the one who did this to me, they created a crazy woman so they must pay for it.

The duke, Celestia, and especially Prince Pierre. 

I left the manor and left my clothes there aside from the important things. Fiona left with me and no one dared to stop us. I went to the palace and asked for an audience with the emperor. As expected, he let me in. 

"What brings you here without any notice, Lady Laurenze?" The emperor asked.

"I no longer bear the name of house Laurenze, Your Imperial Highness." I bravely looked at him and said, "I ask to take refuge in the royal palace as I will soon be part of the royal family." 

A smile appeared on his lips; it is not just a simple smile. I know that the emperor has something in his mind. He gestured his hand and his personal butler came.

"Very well, Lady Azelaine. I will bestow Therilian Palace to you and it will be under your authority." The butler is surprised with the emperor's statement, I too was surprised but it turn into a smile. 

Therilian Palace is strictly given to an empress, not even a concubine nor a queen can have it Having its authority is a huge honor since it means that you have an authority as equal with an empress. 

"I am deeply honored, Your Imperial Highness." 

This is just the start.

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wew.