In Time And Memories

Chapter Thirty-Four

For the past year, all I did was to train and do some political works under the commands of Emperor Ytrius. Then a month before my coming of age ceremony, I have officially became a member of the imperial knights.

"Frowning as always, Princess," Cain commented. I rolled my eyes on him and he just laughed.

Cain and I became friends. I know, it sounds impossible after our differences last year but it just happened.

He went towards me. "I thought the emperor will let you manage your own battalion."

I'm assigned to be a captain under the White Preveur since that battalion is still small compared to others. I wasn't expecting to be a commander but being a captain is still higher than I expected.

"I'm glad that the crown princess is in our battalion." The commander of White Preveur, Duke Thebion Klaurile, suddenly appeared. I turned my head on him and gave him a salute.

Cain scoffed. "Princess, this is unfair. You saluted to him but you didn't to me," he complained.

"He's my commander, so it's natural," I said indifferently. Thebion stucked his tongue out to tease Cain more. While Cain is complaining beside me.

"By the way, I heard that the Black Zierg will come back any time soon," Thebion stated, totally ignoring Cain who kept on blabbering.

Cain looks arrogant at first but he's another idiot.

"I know," I muttered. The emperor already told me that since my coming of age ceremony will be in a week from now. It's only necessary for Prince Urus to come home before my ceremony and our supposed wedding.

From afar, I can already see Fiona running towards us. "Your highness!" She shouted.

"Y-Your... Your high...ness." She's gasping for air after she arrived in front of me. I reached for my water bottle then gave it to her.

"Calm down, you don't have to run." She nods her head after drinking my water. Fiona heaved a sigh, finally regaining herself.

"The emperor is looking for you. Prince Urus is back," she announced.

Well, that's fast.

We went to the throne room where the emperor meets Prince Urus. Some knights are also there with Prince Urus. Maybe to commend their hardworks during the escapade.

I stand behind the emperor and I noticed Prince Urus' slightly creased forehead. Then I realized that I'm wearing my knight uniform.

He probably didn't know that I joined the knights until now.

"Your royal highness, I would like to leave the king of Astareth kingdom in your hands," Prince Urus said coldly. Then, an old man was brought in front of the emperor. I just noticed that there are some people tied in chains.

"Very well." Emperor Ytrius cleared his throat. "Bring that man in the dungeons with his family as well."

The said king and his family didn't even tried to protest. It's as if they accepted their fate.

After commending Prince Urus and his knights, we are gathered in the emperor's office. The whole imperial family is here. I can already see the distaste on Queen Frizella's face. Even though Celestia is not an official member of imperial family, she's here.

"The long awaited royal wedding is finally around the corner." The emperor chuckled. "Prince Urus, since you are here. Why not help Princess Azelaine to prepare for you wedding?"

Prince Urus glanced at me first. "If it's fine with Princess Azelaine, then I'm more than willing to help." A forced smile appeared on my lips.

Why does it feels like he's cornering me?

"It's totally fine with me, Your highness," I retorted back.

The emperor nods. I already have my wedding gown prepared but since Prince Urus just arrived, his clothes are they only thing they have to worry.

The servants became busier than usual as they started to decorate the imperial palace and its pathways. Even the capital is being decorated.

And right now, Prince Urus and I went to the temple to check the location since this is where the wedding ceremony will take place. My eyes roamed around and it is decorated beautifully.

I squinted my eyes. Is this how they decorate when they hate the groom?

"I thought people hate you?" I mindlessly asked him.

Prince Urus froze and he slowly glanced at me. I bowed my head to apologize after realizing what I just asked him. I couldn't do it out loud due to embarrassment.

"They do. The decorations are for you, not me."

He is the first one to walk out. I only sighed before following him. That must have been awful for him but I'm too embarrassed to apologize properly.

"You still have time to oppose, Princess. Just tell me," he uttered. I stopped on my tracks and he stopped too. My eyes went to the ground.

He's right. I still have time to oppose, I don't want to marry him, and I don't even like him. But I'm not doing it. This is the only thing I have since everything else has abandoned me.

I looked straight to his eyes. "I'm not going to oppose, Your highness. Just as much as you are fighting for the throne, I too. I want to have my revenge, Your highness, and marrying you is the only weapon I have even though I hate wielding it."

He also stared straight through my eyes, as if he's reading my mind.

When I married him, I can play the lives of those who trampled on me as much as I want. They will grovel on my feet, begging for mercy.

"Your reputation will turn upside down, Princess. Are you sure?"

Who cares about reputation? They showed me that even if having a good one, people can still turn their back on you.

I smiled. "Even if I became the villain in their eyes, I couldn't care less."

I was a lady who know nothing but showing a great facade, a lady who can do everything and has everything. But with a blink of an eye, everything has changed.

"Then, I'm willing to be a villain with you, Princess."

———