In Time And Memories

Chapter Thirty

For the past few days, I stayed in my room ever since the day I collapsed after that terrible breakfast we had. The doctor said that I need to rest to regain my energy. And ever since that day, I never saw one of them. Not even the emperor.

That's because I also refused to see anyone.

It felt like I was lost again, I lost myself again. I did managed to stop Prince Pierre and Celestia's shotgun wedding, I won against the queen, I am in power to do whatever I want to do.

But why does it feels like I'm missing something?

"Your Highness," Fiona called me softly. "The emperor's advisor is here to convey you a message." She continued.

"Ask him what is it." Fiona nods then turned her back.

I'm pretty sure it's about Prince Pierre's banquet. It will be held tomorrow but I don't want to attend it. I'm tired. I need to take a break from facing them.

"The emperor was asking if you can attend the banquet tomorrow, Your Highness," Fiona reported back. I sigh and then stood up to lay down on my bed.

I fixed myself on the bed before speaking. "Just tell them that I still don't feel well." My eyes was shut tightly and I heard Fiona's footsteps moving away.

I'm not sure how long I will be like this. There are a lot of things that has been pestering my mind and I don't even know what to do anymore. I kept on maintaining my composure even though my knees wanted to collapse.

Revenge is not an easy thing to do, huh?

Part of me wants to stop everything I wanted to do and just ran away where I can be at peace. But another part of me doesn't want to give them an easy life. That would be so unfair.

The days has gone by and everything went back to how it's supposed to be. I was back at the office, however, they didn't let me attend any gatherings for now.

It's convenient for me since I still don't want to interact with someone.

Prince Urus' letter came; still asking me how I've been. Although I still burned it in the end, his letter somehow made me a little bit better. Aside from Fiona, no one has been asking me if I'm alright.

I can feel that Fiona cares about me but I don't think it goes the same with him.

"Your Highness, do you think it was one of the maids?" Fiona suddenly asked. It looks like there was something in her mind that made her quiet while cleaning my office.

"What is?"

"You know, the one who controlled the duke," she trailed off.

So she's been thinking about that while I completely forgot that my ex-father was under control.

I shrugged. "Who knows? If it's one of the maids, I would probably suspect you." That's not a lie. Fiona was not affected by the control and it will only makes sense if she is the controller.

"Then why have you not suspected me, Your Highness?" She asked curiously.

"Because I have someone in mind."

"You mean, Lady Celestia?" My eyes immediately went up her to examine her face but her expression is telling me that she was just speculating.

I hummed. "How can you say so?"

"I mean... it was obvious that Your highness hate her and she's also suspicious. Ever since the duke left Your highness out, she keeps stealing your place." Well, she's not wrong.

Fiona pouted. "And now, she became Prince Pierre's fiancee. Is it not supposed to be you, Your Highness?"

I still don't know what's her real motive. If Celestia likes Prince Pierre, she should have just did something to caught his attention and covetted him. But why did she has to control and stole my father too?

Now that I've been thinking about it, most people I know are suspicious and I don't know anything about them.

Prince Urus and his life is a whole lot mystery. I don't even know what is his ability. Not to mention, the death of Empress Thiane. My brother's reputation was something I didn't knew until Xiel said it to me.

He said that my brother should have joined the knights instead of being a researcher. Does that mean my brother became a researcher in order to find her?

Also, Queen Frizella. I never knew how crazy she is. I even idolized her before for being the epitome of elegant. Now what? I'm fighting against her along with his puppet son.

Each and every person here is making my head hurts. Why can't they just be a normal people who doesn't hide some secrets?!

"If you are me, what would have you done?" I blurted out.

Fiona hummed while she's thinking. "Of course, I will be angry, Your Highness. I honestly think that everyone will be angry," she paused and heaved a sigh.

"You were left out by your own father, the servants treated you poorly, your lover has abandoned you, and then your sister became his fiancee. It is something not everyone could handle, Your Highness." She flashed a sad but comforting smile.

"Being angry is your defense after going through all of that and there is nothing wrong with it, Your Highness."

Fiona's words struck like a warm comfort to me, after thinking that I must have gone insane like a devil. Her words made me feel that I'm still human.

The time went on and on that I belatedly realized that another year had passed by. A year since I have been engaged with Prince Urus. Since today, we celebrate his birthday even though he is absent.

As for the past months, he didn't failed to send me a letter.

My eyes went to Celestia, who's quietly sitting on the corner of the room. No one is here aside from a few servants and the imperial family. I watched her hand softly caressed her bulging belly. My eyes squinted before retreating my gaze.

I heard that she will give birth two months from now.

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