In Time And Memories

Chapter Fifty-Four

It's the day; Pierre and Celestia's wedding. I'm anxious of what will happen after their wedding. Even if Urus assured me that the coronation will take place five months from now, I still can't give up the duchy.

My brother haven't seen me nor tried to send me a letter, even from my mother. I hate to admit it but I do need their help.

Prince Urus' hand tightened to calm me. "It will be alright. No need to feel anxious... I've got you," he assured me. I heaved a sigh then nodded at him.

I am not dense. I know that Prince Urus has fallen in love with me; his feelings developed for me. But the things is... I don't know how am I supposed to answer that. Sometimes, I kept wondering if there is need to reciprocate it because I am afraid.

Love was the main reason why I was hurt. Now that it's here again, I am afraid that it might hurt me again.

I don't want to feel the same betrayal before.

When we arrived at the hall, a lot of noble families looked at us. The guests watch us as if we are some amusing show and we are the star topic of the gossips. At this point, I'm just used to it.

"The crown prince and princess of Meliean Empire has arrived!"

"Your highness, it's so good to see you!" One of them greeted Prince Urus. It seems like their smiles are fake, if I know better, all of them are probably Pierre's support.

Their gazes shifted to me. "You too, Your highness?"

You too?

"Well, I have not heard about your names nor saw your faces once." I smiled sweetly. Prince Urus snorted to supress his laugh. They all looked flushed, no one tried to utter a word. Prince Urus and I just walked past them and went sat on our thrones.

The party went on until the newlyweds have arrived. All of the guests greeted them with joyful expressions and welcoming gestures. 

There are a lot more guests than we have on our wedding. Well, that's because these are Queen Frizella's allies and the nobles hates Prince Urus so not much of them came on our party.

"Prince Pierre and Princess Celestia looks so great together!"

"I know, right? Both of them are gorgeous."

"And both of them are really kind."

I almost snorted. These nobles are outsiders, they don't know what is going on inside these walls. One is devil and one is a puppet. Maybe they do make a good couple together; a place that I will never fit in.

The ball has started and most noble ladies and gentlemen went towards the middle. I was watching them peacefully when a hand suddenly appeared in front of me.

It's Prince Urus.

Without any hesitation, I accepted his hand and I let him drifted me to the middle. He's smiling gently as he sway my body. This is the first time we danced together.

His gazes are soft and gentle, just like how our body moves along the music. The ballroom feels like our own space, it's just me and him. No one bothered us and let us feel this dance. I love how peaceful it is.

I don't want to stop this moment.

I wonder if we stayed like this, will we ever enjoyed every minute?

"You are such a great dancer, Azelaine," Prince Urus said.

I chuckled. "You are fluttering me. Stop that."

"Why? I'm only speaking the truth." He smirked. I only scoffed and shrugged it off. We were having a nice conversation but it did not last long.

One of the vassal head of the duchy went forward to mention the inheritance. Of course, a lot of people also wonders who might be the new head of such big dukedom, a dukedom that once crowned the emperor. Laurenze dukedom holds such authority.

"We held our meeting and all of us came into one decision." I held my breath. My eyes went to Celestia and Queen Frizella; as expected, both of them are smiling widely.

I couldn't stop myself from standing up which caught everyone's attention. Even Prince Urus stood up then held my hand.

But before I could even say a word, the door opened.

A loud gasps was heard all over the main hall and next to it were murmurs, probably wondering how come the person they thought has died is now walking and breathing inside these walls.

I saw Queen Frizella's eyes widened and her expression has become agitated. But now they are here, all I can feel is relief.

Celestia can't have the dukedom now.

"I, Duchess of house Laurenze, Duchess Linia has returned, Your imperial highness."

"She's alive?!"

"I thought Duchess Linia was long gone?"

"No one said that she has died."

"But it's been over a decade since the last time we saw her!"

Even the vassal heads were shocked upon seeing my mother in flesh. She is dressed in a red gown which made her more intimidating. I almost couldn't recognized her since she looks different from the first time I saw her.

Her eyes went to me. I thought she will gaze at me with an angry expression because I forced her to reveal herself but she didn't. Her gaze is still soft and she even smiled at me.

"Mother..." I uttered. Their heads turned to me as I curtsy to acknowledge her presence.

After that, all of the nobles bowed their heads to her. Perhaps, they are aware of her standing in this. She is the rightful head of the Laurenze dukedom and not only that; she also holds a great power.

"Welcome back, Duchess Laurenze. It was despairing enough that Duke Laurenze are no longer with us. So, I am glad that you have decided to come back." Those are wise words coming from the emperor.

"I heard that there is quite an issue since the dukedom has no leader right now," she trailed off and turned to the vassal heads. "But now that I am here, perhaps, there will be no problem anymore."

Count Negeordia cleared his throat amidst of the silence. "Of course, Your excellency. We will be delighted to accept you as the head of Laurenze dukedom as it is rightfully yours," he said which is agreed by the other vassal heads.

Duchess Linia smiled then looked up at the emperor. "Your imperial highness, I am also here to announce my alliance."

"Go ahead." The emperor gestured his hand.

"I, Duchess Linia of house Laurenze, announce that our dukedom will support Prince Urus Varzilion to be the next emperor of Meliean Empire."

———