"your majesty, her highness, the princess, woke up again!"
A servant barged into the study and kneeled, in a hurry. If it was any other time, he would be punished for ignoring formalities, however...
"She is?"The emperor stood up calmly, and turned to the mourning court and announced," Meeting adjourned. If you will excuse me."
He sauntered out of the room, but as soon as he was out of eyesight, he dashed to the White Lily chambers.
Men couldn't casually enter the inner courtyard, as it was where ladies of the royal family reside. However, since his sons and younger brother were yet to marry, and his second brother's wife passed away, the only ones currently living there are his wife, his daughter, his younger sister, and his niece.
He was quite worried about his daughter, as she had been in and out of consciousness for the past week. The servants said she woke up one day, screamed, then passed out. The imperial doctor confirmed it was due to great shock, and she will recover soon.
But she didn't wake up until two days later, and it had been for a few minutes before falling asleep again. It has been like that for a whole week!
How could he not worry?
He didn't know when the next time she will wake up again be, so he sprinted to get there in time, leaving his servants behind.
''his majesty...*gasp*... Is really... fast !" a servant leaned on a wall catching his breath and waiting for the head butler to catch up. The emperor and all his guards were no where to be seen, already out of sight, yet the head butler was strolling like he had all the time in the world.
Silas and Liam were the slowest from the emperor's entourage, but at least they made an effort to keep up with the rest of the group made up of elite guards. Sebastián, on the other hand, was at most, walking briskly, although he kept a steady pace.
'the emperor has no mercy on an old man like me.' the old butler, who was left behind sighed.
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When Amourora woke up, she was surprised to see her mother still at her bedside. She drowned her in endless questions about her health. in the past she would have found it annoying and bothersome, but now, she enjoyed all the affection and attention she was receiving from her mother.
As she was the youngest, and the only daughter, she had been spoiled rotten by her family, making her become haughty and conceited. Her father spoiled her the most, her personality issues were mainly his fault.
Unbeknownst to her, her family members saw her as a linking bridge to the other family members. They weren't as close to each other as they were to her, maybe because she was little, and easier to get close to. Perhaps that's why they still tried to please her, even after she became a royal pain.
Since her past self had such a spoiled character, she will have to stick to character in order not to arouse suspicion. She planned to change into a proper lady step by step, but for now, her moody character will assist her with her plans in asserting dominance.
"mother, I'm fine." She hugged her tightly, basking in her warm embrace. " if you worry too much, then you will get wrinkles and lose your beauty, then father won't favor you."
What she meant to say is 'this daughter apologizes for worrying you'. But that wouldn't sound like her.
"then mother won't worry too much, okay?" The empress giggled at her cute daughter's words.
In her last life, her mother had weak constitution and caught a cold due to the drop of temperature and change of seasons, at least that's what the imperial doctor had said.
However, her health continued to worsen, until she coughed blood. She had passed away a little before Amourora turned nine. The imperial doctors said it was due to her unstable mental health.
At this time of year last time, she had difficulty breathing and a terrible cough, but this time she seemed fine, albeit a little pale.
Bam!
The emperor threw the door open, frightening everyone in the room, but soon composed himself. "ahm. Darling, I heard you were not feeling well ?"
He reached the bed with long strides, and Amourora jumped to his arms.
How long has it been since she last saw him? She didn't even say goodbye.
No matter how cold and distant he seemed after her mother's death, she knew he still loved her and her brothers, so she felt guilty for being harsh to him in their last encounter.
" daddy!" she wrapped her arms around his neck. He was surprised by her actions, but he still held her so she wouldn't fall.
"hm... I have been told you were critically ill for a while now. looking at you jumping around, healthy and active, I must have been misinformed." he clicked his tongue.
Only he knew how his heart lept out in joy. his daughter hugged him first! And she called him 'daddy' instead of 'your majesty', 'imperial father', or 'old man'.
That's right, tomorrow he can brag about it to Duke Vitale, Verita and Archer. See how those old men turn green with envy, did they think they were the only ones who have daughters and granddaughters? Hehe.
'imperial father, this daughter apologizes for worrying you and interfering with your busy schedule.' is what she meant to say, but the words coming out of her mouth were,
"daddy, why did you come so late? Do you know for how long I have been awake? Is there anything more important to you than me?" she complained.
"..." his eyebrow twitched.
"I have skipped an important meeting to be here in time, but we can't have that. To make sure it wouldn't happen again, let's first have you be a little more healthy. From now on you shall not play in the cold or eat anything besides nutritious food, and the doctor's prescription." he commanded.
'You have an objection against my actions? Huh? Be grateful, little lass. '
" !!! " why?! She has been dying to eat delicious dessert! Literally!
" your majesty," the empress quickly cut in. "our daughter just recovered, please don't be strict with her."
Her daughter might pass out from shock again! Why is this old fart stopping her from having fun? Does he want their daughter to be in a coma forever!
"this son greets imperial father and imperial mother" prince Edgar, the second prince bowed lightly. "I apologize for the intrusion. I have come to visit younger sister. These are a few simple presents to wish you happiness and good health."
He offered a fruits basket and medicinal herbs.
After him, prince Edmund, the third prince, came in, surprised by the harmonious atmosphere, it was rare to see all his family members in one place on an ordinary day. He didn't know why, but it had always been that way.
" greetings, imperial father, mother empress, Edgar, Rosabella." he bowed.
Unlike prince Edgar, he didn't come prepared. He just ran here from the training grounds, still covered in sweat and dirt. He didn't bring presents, and even his greeting and demeanor were clumsy.
Seeing her whole family rush to be there for her, filled her heart with warmth. She missed them.
She did not choose to come back to the past as her 8-year-old self, and she is still confused by some things, but since she is here now, she will do her best to change her fate and save those she cares about.
Fighting!