In Time And Memories

Chapter Fourty-Seven

There was a knock on the door which made Emperor Ytrius halted on what he is doing. The door opened and it revealed his royal adviser.

"Your imperial highness, Duchess Laurenze is here," he announced. Emperor Ytrius nods and let Duchess Linia enter the room. She smiled as soon as they see each other. It has been years ever since they last saw each other.

Around 13 years, perhaps?

Duchess Linia and Emperor Ytrius shares the same ancestors, which makes them relatives. Although they do not share the same bloodline anymore.

"Ytrius," Linia called. There are only a few people who can call the emperor by his name. Linia sat on the coach. "How are you?" She asked.

"Fine... Always the same after I lost her," Ytrius answered. Linia's face became solemn after hearinf that. She knows who he's pertaining to and that is none other than his late wife, Empress Thiane.

"Ytrius..."

He only smirked. "So? What about you?"

"Well, my daughter hates me, no, she resents me for leaving her behind."

"I'm sorry to hear that, if only I knew then I should have stopped you."

Linia shakes her head and sighs. "It's fine. It was for her, anyways. It was for the future."

Linia's disappearance was connected to Thiane's death. The three of them believed and entrusted each other to save the empire, the future, from a catastrophic event which is yet to come. That same catastrophic event can destroy the whole continent and will result to hundred thousands of death.

It was Thiane's prophesy.

"Did you know that your husband adopted a child?"

Linia blinked. "Yes, I am aware. Yver told me. Although I find it strange because Radiel is not the type to adopt someone, especially we have our own daughter."

Linia was perplexed when Yver told her about Celestia. She gave it some thought but she couldn't think of a valid reason since she knows Radiel too well. Duke Radiel will not adopt someone without consulting her or someone in their family. Besides, they already have two children so why the need to adopt?

She even thought that maybe he only did that to make a good deed. Radiel is a good person so that is plausible too.

"Did you even met your husband?"

"No, I haven't. I only got back again." After she met Azelaine on her wedding, Linia left the empire again and came back a few days ago.

"I think you will have a long conversation with him." That made Linia confused. "Apparently, Azelaine and her father had a huge argument before she became the crown princess. Frow what I know, Radiel favored his adopted daughter more and he disowned Azelaine," Ytrius continued.

Linia is lost for words and doesn't know what to react. She never imagined that to happen because Radiel loves Azelaine so much.

What happened now?

——

As usual, Azelaine is in the training grounds along with the White Preveur knights. They are the only ones occupying the ground since the other knightd has their own duties.

"Your highness." Suddenly, a servant went to her and called her name. The servant bowed before continue speaking. "Lady Celestia is looking for you."

Her eyebrow arched. "What for?" She knows that Celestia will only annot her.

"Tell her I refuse. If she wants to talk to me, then tell her to come by herself," she commanded the servant and it seems like they understood it well.

The servant delivered Azelaine's message to Celestia which made her angry. "How dare she? I'm a royal fiancee," she muttered to herself. Celestia has been angry at Azelaine ever since she postponed her engagement with Pierre. Not to mention, she ridiculed her.

Celestia stood up and marched her way to the training grounds. She has to talk to her especially her wedding is already near.

"Your highness," she called with her sweet voice after seeing the knights around Azelaine. While Azelaine rolled her eyes before turning her head to Celestia.

"What?" That irked Celestia more.

She smiled sweetly. "May I invite you to a tea party? You see, I recently received a gift and I wanted to share it with you." Azelaine knows how fake it is but in the end, she surrendered. It's not like Celestia will leave her alone either.

Both of them sat on a gazeboo in the imperial garden. Celestia's servants served the tea and some pastries to partner it.

"Tell me what you want so I can leave." Azelaine didn't wasted any second.

Celestia put her cup down. Her face flashed a frowned. "Leave Prince Pierre alone," she said straightforwardly. That made Azelaine taken aback and she looked at Celestia amusingly.

It's not the same Celestia who is timid and lame a few years ago. It seems like she finally showed her colors; Azelaine thought.

She snorted. "Leave Prince Pierre alone? As far as I can remember... he's the one who kept coming closer to me." She smirked. Azelaine leaned closer to Celestia.

"He's the one who can't leave me alone."

Celestia gritted her teeth, her hand is clenching. She wants to pull Azelaine's hair but she remembered Urus. She can't hurt Azelaine because she's the crown princess. One wrong move and they can banish her from the palace.

"How dare you..."

"You can have him, Celestia. Guard him well. I already have Prince Urus and the throne," Azelaine muttered and smiled widely. "That alone holds a higher position than Prince Pierre."

"You're an ambitious woman, Azelaine."

Oh?

Azelaine scoffed. "And I thank you for that."

Celestia is infuriated while Azelaine can taste another victory. They are having a silent glaring battle when a servant suddenly run to them.

"L-Lady Celestia and Princess Azelaine... please calm your hearts for I'm about to deliver a dreadful news." Azelaine's eyebrows furrowed.

"What is it?" The servant gave them a look before speaking.

"The duke of house Laurenze was found lifeless on his bed."

———