Everything for the throne

The Imperial Family

As the carriage moved forward, Marina glanced at the beautifully decorated carriage. The gems and stones used for decorating the royal carriage were expensive enough to buy a huge mansion, but Marina had no interest in them. Instead, she just stared at the royals who sat in front of her.
The silence was broken by Marina's calm yet cold voice.

Marina: Why me?

The Emperor and the Prince looked at the girl who carried a serious expression.
Prince Felix: Yes, Father, I have the same question. Why are we taking her with us?

Prince Felix added, though he didn't like the fact that a lowly, poor girl like her was riding in the same carriage as him. He wondered why his father had made such a hasty decision.

Emperor Justus: What's your name?

Marina introduced herself as politely as the Emperor asked her.

Emperor Justus: From today, you are Alice... Princess Alice.

Prince Felix: FATHER!!

As the Emperor took the name Alice, Prince Felix was stunned. He didn't expect his father to name an ordinary person like her with his sister's name.

Marina: Princess Alice...

Marina dragged the words, expecting the Emperor to explain things in detail. By looking at Prince Felix's expression, it was clear that the name wasn't just a name.

Emperor Justus: My daughter... who died in an accident a year ago... she was 6 at the time.

The Emperor said with sorrow. Marina looked at Prince Felix, who had tears in his eyes but looked at her furiously. He hated the fact that a poor girl like Marina was going to take his sister's place.

Emperor Justus: After her death, the Queen lost her peace of mind. She went insane. You resemble my daughter. I want you to become Princess Alice and help my Queen get back to her senses.

The Emperor, who was supposed to give orders, looked weak before Marina. Prince Felix didn't utter a word but just stared out of the carriage with tearful eyes.

Marina: I have some requests.
Said Marina, surprising the father and son.

Emperor Justus: Requests?

Marina: My father sold me to the Duke for 100 silver coins, which are enough for my mother's treatment and buying a land. My brother Max should be given education and training to become a Knight of the kingdom.

Marina stated her request.

Emperor Justus: Your wish will be granted.

Every single person in the room was surprised to the core.
Marina stood next to the Emperor, dressed in royal luxurious attire. The Emperor had ordered everyone to gather.

The Crown Prince Henrik looked at the Second Prince Felix, asking what was going on.

Prince Henrik: Who is this girl that resemble our princess?

But Prince Felix didn't say anything. That was when Henrik knew something was wrong.

In a corner, Concubine Zora stood with her twin children, Catharina and Carlos, who were still wondering about the new face.

Emperor Justus: The young lady here is now Princess Alice. The empty place of mine and the Queen's daughter is going to be filled by her.

It was like a bomb. People were starting to forget Princess Alice, and now her identity was taken by another person.

Emperor Justus: I hope all the respect and loyalty that she deserves will be given to her. Now that she is part of the Imperial family, she shall be treated the same.

Prince Felix didn't lift his head, as he knew this was going to happen. Prince Henrik was still without any feelings, just staring at the girl.

The twins didn't understand a word but were worried about their mother, who was clenching her fist and grinding her teeth.

Emperor Justus: Princess Alice would be introduced to the world in the banquet, which is going to be held after 2 days. Does anyone here have any objections?

The Emperor let out his orders. No one dared to say anything, but it was clear that no one there was ready to accept the fact of Marina becoming the Princess.

At the entrance of the room stood the Emperor and Marina. The Emperor held the doorknob, contemplating.

Emperor Justus: Be careful.

Marina couldn't understand the sentence, but she understood when they entered the room.

It was dark as the curtains were closed. The room was a complete mess. Things were scattered around, tables and chairs were turned over, and flower vases were broken into pieces. In a corner sat a woman whose hands and legs were chained. Her frail, weak body looked so delicate as if it would break any moment.

The sorrow and helplessness of the Emperor made Marina wonder about the situation. The woman lifted her head up as the Emperor walked towards her. The terrified look in her eyes made the Emperor freeze in his place.

Queen Sabina: You... did you kill my daughter? Bring her back... where is she?

She shouted with all her might. The mother who lost her daughter in an accident was out of her mind. The helpless husband could only feel pathetic and was helpless. Their hearts were like the shattered glass pieces that were on the ground.

Emperor Justus: Dear, look, our daughter is back. She is right here.

Said the Emperor, trying to convince his dear wife, in other words, trying to manipulate her.

The Queen peeked at Marina, who stood like a statue.
Queen Sabina: My... daughter... Alice... no... she is not her.

She whispered to herself. She was not ready to accept it until...
Marina: Is Queen Mother angry with Alice as she came late to visit Mother?
Marina gave a warm smile.

The Emperor, hoping for his wife to accept Marina, looked at her. After a few seconds of complete silence, Queen Sabina lifted her arms up, calling her daughter for a hug with a beautiful smile that she never had for a year.

Queen Sabina: My daughter...
She called. Marina took her steps and hugged the Queen, who had waited for her daughter's return for a year.

A tear escaped from the Emperor's eyes. He could again see the beautiful smile on his beloved Queen's face.

Everything is going to be alright... isn't it?