In Time And Memories

Chapter Twenty-Four

As soon as the sun shines, the servants started to prepare for the banquet. The first phase of the banquet is a luncheon, solely to celebrate my sixteenth birthday. 

After the luncheon, there will be a small tea party along with the noble ladies. While the second phase of the banquet will start later at evening, that is when the emperor will formally announce my name as the crown princess. 

I still hate the idea of marrying Prince Urus, however, I can not deny that being the crown princess is at my advantage. 

Besides, I think I have to accept this fate.

I would rather marry him than being abused in that household. He is constantly out of the empire so it means I still have my freedom. 

Oh.

Right, I almost forgot. Even though he is the crown prince, it doesn't mean he will certainly ascend to the throne. Prince Pierre is still here and majority of the nobles are on his side. If he gained more support, he might successfully overthrow Prince Urus. 

And I can't let that happen. 

"My Lady?" I snapped back into reality when I heard Fiona's voice. 

She handed me an envelope. "A letter came for you." I examined the envelope first and saw the insignia of the crown prince. My face immediately turned sour.

Speak of the devil.

"Thank you. You may go." Fiona bowed first before turning her back on me. 

I glanced at the letter and later on decided to open. This is the second letter he sent me and I can't help but wonder what this is all about. Hopefully, it's a news of extending his escapade.

Dear Lady Laurenze,

It is so unlike of me for sending you a letter. However, I believe that by the time this letter reaches you, you are celebrating your birthday. Therefore, I greet you a happy birthday. I hope you are having fun in your banquet. Well then. 

I sigh and burned the letter. Jerk. My eyes went to the mirror and I was surprised because the corner of my lip is slightly upward. 

My face contorted and wiped the smirk out of my lips. I can't be smiling just because of his letter. It's simply a greeting and nothing more. 

--

The luncheon started with simple greetings and most of the nobles gave me a present. I enjoyed the party and had interesting conversation with other noble ladies. 

I was notified that there will be more guests later in the evening. 

After the tea party, I excused myself to retire into my room and fell asleep. There is only a small gathering but I already felt tired, what more later at the evening banquet?

When I opened my eyes, it's already dark inside and I can hear the servants rushing to prepare for a larger crowd. While my personal maids are preparing my clothes and accessories. Fiona was the first one to notice that I have woken up.

"My Lady, your bath has been prepared," she stated and helped me get out of the bed. 

They are busy attending me while all I can do is stare at the ceiling and my reflection on the mirror. Everything passed like a wind and I just realized, I am standing in front of the grand door that leads to the ballroom. 

The door slowly opened and I was greeted by the bright light. I glanced at my side, the emperor has arrived to escort me. 

"The emperor of Meliean Empire and Lady Azelaine of house Laurenze has arrived!"

I let out a heavy sigh. The emperor offered his arm and I did not hesitate to link my arms with his. For the past few days I stayed in this Imperial Palace, the emperor became my father figure. 

"Raise your head, Lady Azelaine," he whispered to me. 

"Greetings to the magisterial emperor and Lady Azelaine of house Laurenze." They all bowed their heads before us. At the opposite side, I saw the queen and Prince Pierre bowing their heads as well.

That sight is what I have been looking for. 

"Raise your heads," the emperor stated after we arrived in front of the throne. The ceremony went on until it's time for the main event. 

I kneeled in front of the emperor and beside him is the pope, who is holding the tiara. Both of them will be the ones to declare my title as the crown princess and will serve as the officiate of this ceremony.

The emperor started his speech the later on, his grand adviser handed him a scroll. 

"On this day, 14th of June, Lady Azelaine has reached the age of sixteen; the right age to officially become the crown princess. If the lady accepted the task of  the crown princess, she will be part of the Imperial Family," the emperor paused. 

"Do you accept and recognize yourself as the crown princess of this empire, Lady Azelaine?"

My eyes looked up. "I fully accept the title, Your Imperial Highness," I said with any hesitation.

"Do you pledge to fulfil your role as the crown princess and as a member of the Imperial Family?" 

"I pledge with my heart and life that I, Azelaine, will fulfil my role as the crown princess and a member of the Imperial Family." 

The emperor looked satisfied as he rolled back the scroll and stepped back. Next is the pope. He also started his speech to bless me then after that, the emperor came back with a sword on his hand.

"Bow your head, Lady Azelaine," the pope said. I obliged. 

I felt the coldness of the metal on my head, as well as its heaviness. The pope put the tiara on my head and someone tied the cape around my shoulders. Then, the emperor tapped the sword on my shoulder. 

"As the emperor of Meliean Empire, I hereby announce Lady Azelaine as the new crown princess, who will serve and fulfil her duty. You may rise." 

This is it. I am now the crown princess of this empire.

I stood up and faced the crowd. All of them bowed their heads. "Greetings to the crown princess of the Meliean Empire." 

The side of my lips went upward as I scan the crowd. My smirk widened when I saw the distaste expression of the queen while I saw Prince Pierre in my peripheral vision. However, I did not waste my time to give him a glance. 

I will show them all that abandoning me is a regretful decision.

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