Avishai•The villainess strikes back [DISCONTINUED]

When will we get married?

I spent most of that day reading books on blood magic.After hearing that Emmeline could use it, I immediately went to do some research.So before I knew it, it was time for dinner.

"My Lady, it's time for dinner."Carina said.

I rested my chin against my hand, sighing.I looked out of the window.It was raining heavily.

"I'll be skipping dinner.Keep the food and I'll eat it as supper."I replied nonchalantly.

I just wanted to do a bit more research on this blood magic thing.It seemed dangerous so I wanted to find out the most about it for future reference.Plus, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts too.Who was the good side?!Or is there even one?I burrowed my face into the book.Why was my life such a mess?

"Erm...I'm sorry in advance, My Lady, since you seem to be in a bad mood. However, the Emperor and Emperess arranged a dinner with you and Alastair tonight.I am afraid you have to get out of your room."Carina said, sighing.

I froze.There must be a reason behind why the Emperor and Emperess wanted to see me.If Alastair is included as well, that meant...

"They want to talk about our engagement."I whispered, lifting my head out of my book.

I already have enough on my hands. The events changed so much, I cannot count on my past life to predict the future.The hunting competition was completely cancelled with the situation The Empire faced.It was only three days till the royal ball of which were another three days till Emmeline came.

However, the question remained, would she still come?Emmeline's parents are still alive, and that accident where her parents died has not happened...There was no way Emmeline was responsible right?That was what happened in the game but in the game Emmeline did not have Accina...It does not matter!I will stop the accident from occuring so innocent people will not die!

'It is decided!'I thought proudly.

"Erm...are you going to head off to the dining room, My Lady?"Carina asked.

"Oh, yes.Sorry, I was a bit lost in my thoughts.We should go."I said, standing up.

I walked towards the door and Carina immediately started escorting me.Even after staying for almost a week at the palace, I still get lost sometimes.Carina was my savoir.

As we walked along the corridor, I realized the rain had turned into a thunderstorm outside.The rain was pattering against the windows, and every once in a while a bolt of lightning would streak across the sky, accompanied with the 'kaboom!' of thunder.Great, rainy weather, the foreshadowing could not be any more cliché.

Soon, we reached the dining room. Carina knocked for me then opened the door for me.I walked in nervously.

Everyone else was already there.I took a seat beside Alastair which faced the Emperor and Emperess.

"So, now that we're all here, shall we start?"The Emperor asked.

I gulped.It really was not the right time to discuss this right now.

The first course was laid on the table. I took small bites, just in case the Emperor or Emperess talked and I had to reply.Just as I had predicted, that was exactly what happened.

"So, when is your wedding, Alastair?"The Emperor asked.

Alastair lowered his knife and replied, "Astraea and I intend to wait after she graduates school."

"Have you planned out an exact date?"The Emperor asked.

"No, we have not, Father."Alastair replied stiffly, "I just want to give Astraea more time to figure out her feelings.Plus, her studies are important.An uneducated Emperess is dangerous for the empire.

I winced.I could feel the tension between them.I really did not want to be pulled into a part of this, even though I knew it was inevitable.

"Figure out her feelings?Whether she wants it or not she will be Emperess." The Emperor said, sending glares of disaaproval to his son.

Alastair hid his anger with a plastered-on smile.

"Perhaps you are right, Father. However, I believe giving her a choice is good for her.I am afraid that I fell for Astraea.Hence, I want to give her a choice cause I want her to be happy even if she is not with me."Alastair said.

The Emperor then shot a glare at me. I froze still in my seat.Luckily, the Emperor did not say a word but refocused his attention to his son.

"Hmph, you have such a weak heart, Alastair."The Emperor said, "How long?"

Alastair chuckled.

"The day I realized she was the girl I loved on the battlefield."Alastair said, "I confirmed my feelings this month after I got to interact with Astraea more."

I almost yelped.No kidding!Alastair loved Astraea for so long?Well, he technically loved her for 4 years if you count the years he loved Astrid.The Emperor turned to look at me, and I almost choked on my food.I hope the gods of my ancestors are on my side...

"Well, what witchcraft did you do for Alastair to fall for you?!"The Emperor said, laughing.

WHAT.I thought he was angry just a moment earlier.

The Emperess chuckled along with the Emperor in the most bizarre scene I have ever witnessed.Never have I thought royals would act this way.Their laughter sounded forced and faked.It was unsettling to hear them laugh.

However, when I turned to look at Alastair, I realized I must have failed to understand something.His face had darkened and he was looking slightly downwards.

I decided that it was better if I remained silent instead of replying the Emperor.

"Astraea is not that kind of lady, My dearest Father and Mother.Never compare her to those lowly and undignified people."Alastair said, raising his head, "Or I might be the cause of your early deaths."

The Emperor and Emperess immediately stopped laughing.An awkward silence filled the room for several seconds.Then, Alastair grabbed my wrist.

"Let's go, Astraea."Alastair said.

I could sense the anger and hurt in his voice so I let him pull me out of the room.I took one last glance at The Emperor and Emperess before weeft the room.They simply looked shocked.

Well, Alastair had more or less just warned his parents that he would dispose of them if they disrespected me.Still, I could not believe Alastair would be that angry over me.

We walked for awhile, but Alastair's grip on my wrist got tighter and tigher till it hurt.

"Alastair, can you stop?Your holding my wrist too tight."I said.

Only then did Alastair stop walking. He turned to face me then hugged me.

"I realized just how much you meant to me when you were taken as hostage.My entire world seemed to fall apart.After I thought I lost you once, I made a vow to make sure I'll never lose you again.I know you probably would not like this so I apologise beforehand, but I will be more protective of you from now on."Alastair whispered into my ear.

I became stiff.Why did these words sound so familiar?I could have sworn someone said that to me in my previous life...the person...who I have forgotten.

I plastered on a smile.

"Alastair, you don't have to apologise."I said, "You mean a lot to me too."

The same words...I tiptoed...the same actions...I kissed Alastair's cheek...as last time.