In Time And Memories

Chapter Fifty-Six

All of us are busy, anxious, and yet some are expectant. Most are angry or disappointed. Today is a huge day for the Meliean Empire as a new emperor will sit on the throne along with his empress.

My eyes glanced at the tiara which sat on the top of my head. Today, I will wear a crown that symbolizes my position as the empress.

Many will try to covet this position, by hook or by crook, but I will fight those people just to keep this.

I looked at Fiona, who's standing right behind me, staring at me with her teary eyes. Looking at her, I realized that I haven't properly thanked her for serving me with kindness. So it is only right that I have to grant her wish.

"Fiona," I called her attention. She immediately became attentive.

"Yes, Your highness?"

"Thank you for everything," I said with a smile. Back in the duchy, all of the servants turned their back on me. Well, it's not like it was intentional but among all of them, Fiona became a friend to me.

But instead of smiling back, Fiona suddenly burst into tears. "Are you going to kick me out, Your highness?!"

My mouth gaped. I wasn't be able to utter a word since I am too dumbfounded. Did she misunderstood my grateful words? Did she think the reason why I am thanking her is because I will kikc her?

I just chuckled at her. "Of course not, I just realized that I haven't thanked you properly," I said to clear up the misunderstanding.

She stopped crying and looked at me with her doe eyes. I know that I am younger than her but I couldn't help myself from adoring her. Fiona is cute, you know.

"You don't have to thank me, Your highness." She sniffed. "It's my job to serve you and I am happy because you are the one I am serving right now." Her words touched my heart pretty well.

"I am sure people will be happy that you will be the empress. I know that they will like you, Your highness."

Like me? Right.

If it was the fifteen-year-old me, I would be joyful to hear that people like me. But now, it doesn't even matter to me if they like me or not.

In life, you just have to be you.

People come and go, no matter how much they like you. But the only thing that will never go is yourself. What people think of you doesn't matter, it won't change your life, just don't let it control you. What matter most in life is yourself.

I learned all of that in a hard way.

The servants arrived with my gown for today's event. It's in color red, a color for the empress, and there's a golden linings on the bodice and on the hem of the cape. There are also golden accessories hanging on the shoulder.

My hair was made into a bun and braids are wrapped around the bun. While my make-up is a bit bolder than my usual look. The eye make-up is in a smokey form and there's an eyeliner too.

"As always, you are so gorgeous, Your highness!" They complimented me.

I only smiled and stared at my reflection.

A knock on the door was heard and one of my servants opened it. I thought it was Prince Urus but it turns out, it's just the royal butler.

He bowed his head first before greeting me. "Greetings, Your highness. It is time for you to go to the Ezckelian Palace," he informed me.

"Alright, I will be right there."

When I walked out of the Therilian Palace, I was suprised with the number of people inside the imperial palace. The knights, servants, and even the guests are scattered around.

The decorations are also beautifuln it fits the event of welcoming a new emperor.

I was walking through the hallway when the commander of Golden Xazuiqiel and Prince Urus' grandfather, Commander Duke Arthoion. This is the first time I saw him up-close or probably the very first time I see him in person.

He have this intimidating aura just like Prince Urus. His hair are already gray as a sign of aging but his eyes are still bluish.

When he stopped in front of me, both of us bowed to each other; to show respect and as greetings. I just noticed that he's wearing his knight uniform. "Greetings, Princess Azelaine. I am glad to finally meet you." His voice is deep and sounds dangerous.

I smiled. "Greetings, Your excellency. I feel the same way, I am glad to finally meet the famous duke of Arthoion Dukedome and the commander of Golden Xazuiqiel."

His face brightened and he also let out a chuckle. I thought he's a scary person but I think he's just intimidating due to his reputation. A lot of people respects him for achieving so many remarkable events for the empire.

"You know how to use your words, Your highness. You are making this old man happy by your mere words."

Is that a compliment? Well, maybe it is.

Duke Gawain offered his hand to me and I accepted it. He was probably sent to escort me but why me? Isn't he supposed to escort Prince Urus instead?

"So, how was my grandson treating you?" He asked to strike a conversation.

"He is a good person and he treats me so well, Your excellency," I answered him truthfully.

A small smile appeared on his lips. "That is good to hear. Urus is a nice kid." He stopped on his tracks and then turned his head to me. "I take that you already know the truth."

Oh.

"Yes, he told me everything." I heard him sigh before we started walking again. Of course, he is Empress Thiane's father and Prince Urus' grandfather so he knows everything too.

"This may be a grand wish but I hope you will take care of Urus, Your highness. He is a broken kid who hopes to be loved by someone since the world is cruel."

Prince Urus also have to endure a lot of things and gone through some worst events. Being born in the imperial family itself is already a burden.

"Don't worry, Your excellency. I will take care of him as long as I am breathing." But I don't know if I can love him just like how he loves me.

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