In Time And Memories

Chapter Thirty-Six

Celestia turned her head to the man lying beside her and her lips formed into a sweet smile. Her fingers traced the lines of Pierre's face. There's only a thin layer of blanket that covers their body.

She's been dreaming of this moment, to be this close with Pierre, the man she loves. Ever since she laid her eyes on him, there is no second that she doesn't want him; even she has to steal him from Azelaine.

"You're so handsome, My Prince," she whispered.

While on the other hand, Pierre has woken up. He jolt up from the bed which startled Celestia.

"What the fuck happened?" Pierre is holding his head and his eyes are shut tightly. His head is throbbing that he couldn't even open his eyes.

Celestia closes their gap and tried to hug him. "Us. That's what happened, My prince. It is the best moment that happened to me." But Pierre only pushed her away. Celestia winced.

He went out of the bed then harshly pulled the blanket away to wrap it around his waist; leaving Celestia hugging herself to cover her body from the cold

"Stop calling me that," he said through gritted teeth then turned his back on her.

Celestia knows it too well, why Pierre doesn't want her to call him, My Prince. She knows it too well but she still stubbornly asked.

"Why?! Is it because of her?!"

Pierre let out a heavy sigh. "Yes. It is always because of her. She's the only one who can call me that." Not even a single name was mentioned but Celestia already knows it. It is the same woman she despises for having everything and simply just for existing.

It is Azelaine.

Azelaine. Azelaine. Azelaine. It's always been her, no one else but her. She's intelligent, gorgeous, well-respected, born in a rich family, has good fighting skills. Everything.

Azelaine has everything, while Celestia has nothing.

Abandoned by her own parents on the streets, lived poorer than a rat, her face is not even special, she's not as intelligent as Azelaine, and she's weak.

And it's still the same. Azelaine has the brigthest spotlight as she marries the crown prince and the crowd is cheering for them. While Celestia remains at the shadow, has no other choice but to watch and cheer with the crowds.

She's smiling but her teeth are gritting behind those
lips. She's clapping but she badly want to throw punches.

Celestia may successfully coveted Pierre but Azelaine gained even more.

She averted her eyes away from them to glance at Pierre beside her. But the emotion on his eyes just poured more gas on her burning heart.

The emotion of regret and pain is written on Pierre's eyes. That was supposed to be him. He was the one who's supposed marrying Azelaine but he let go of that chance. Turning his back on her is the biggest regret he have but he has no other choice.

Pierre truly loves Azelaine, however, at the end of the day, he's still his mother's puppet. It's painful but that's the truth he is aware of.

Although, he still hopes that maybe one day, he can properly show his love for her.

——

I tried my best to smile and wave my hand for the melieanans who cheered for me. After we went out if the temple, we rode the royal carriage to bring us in the imperial palace.

Not even a word was uttered between us after we left. Besides, I don't even know what should I say to him.

My mind is still thinking about his kiss earlier. I mean, why would he even kiss my tear?

I glanced at his side. There are still a lot of people who shows their support on him and keeps on congratulating him but not as many as my side. People are swarming beside me to offer their flowers which I can't even accept.

Because if I did, it will worsen the crowd. Some might even get hurt.

Shortly after, we finally arrived at the Ezckelian Palace. This is where the banquet will be held since this is the biggest palace and a place for official gathering.

I was about to go down of the carriage but a hand was offered in front of me. It's Prince Urus' hand so I accepted it. Even though there is a total silence between us, I'm still glad that he's guiding since my knees won't even cooperate.

When we entered the palace, another crowd of guests greeted us. Another crowd, another greetings. This is tiring me out.

I just want to see my brother again.

"The emperor of Meliean Empire has arrived!" The guests bowed their head then greeted the emperor. His expression seems brighter than usual and I also noticed that he's greeting some nobles.

My eyes glanced at his back. I was surprised to see the emperor's aunt, Duchess Haldery, sister of the late Emperor Sandrone. Beside her is her family, the house of Benriuxe.

They rarely attends some royal gatherings since the duchess has no interest in it. Whether it's for political gatherings or just a simple one. They don't want to be in the spotlight.

Prince Urus and I stood up then bowed our heads to pay respect to the emperor.

"Greetings, Your imperial highness." 

"Greetings. Congratulations on your wedding, Prince Urus and Princess Azelaine," he greeted back. I only smiled then averted my eyes to Duchess Haldery then greeted her. She seems strict at first but later on, her attitude became friendly.

As the party started, noble ladies and young lords has gathered at the center of the ballroom then dance together along with the music.

I can feel the piercing gazes from the nobles as if they're observing us. Urus is busy sipping his wine while I'm too tired to even dance so I prefer sitting down. Besides, I still can't see my brother.

I thought he's going to say something important?

"Let's ask his highness for a dance!"

"Are you mad? Her highness is beside him."

"That's fine. I don't think her highness will mind. Did you know? It's not like they are married because they love each other."

These ladies can't keep their mouth shut, can they? They can't even control theirselves while I can clearly hear them. However, it's not like they're completely wrong either.

I saw them walking towards our table on my peripheral vision but they all halted my brother suddenly appeared in front of us.

"Brother..." He smiled at me then he looked at Urus.

"May I borrow my younger sister, Your highness?" I didn't heard say anything but I assumed that he nodded his head. My brother offered his hand and accepted it wholeheartedly.

I thought we're going to dance but instead, he took me outside. l

"Come, she's waiting in the garden."

She?

———