He waited for Lillian with a sweet smile. He opened his arms for a hug while looked at her affectionately. Lillian hastened to greet him.
"I greet His Highness, the third prince of Astarea, Prince Alex."
"You do not have to be so formal with me. You are, after all, my fiancé and we are soon to be married. Perhaps I make you uncomfortable?"
Alex reached out to hold Lillian's hand. He doesn't want the love of his life to feel uncomfortable around him just because he has a certain status. Hearing his concern, Lillian smiled. She held both his cheeks and looked lovingly into his eyes. She said, "It was an act of courtesy, Your Highness. I have never felt uncomfortable in your presence."
Alex smiled softly as he heard Lillian's response. He looked into her golden eyes, and for a second, he felt lost in them. They were both so in love, at least Alex thought so. He stroked her hair and said, "Should we go on a date?"
Lillian nodded excitedly in response. Alex smiled when he saw Lillian's reaction. He never thought this cold-blooded lady had such a sweet side. They had been very close since they were kids. But no one would have thought that the imperial family would send a proposal to her family. Her family accepts it since it will benefit them as well.
"We should visit the imperial palace tomorrow. This is a good time to get used to our traditions. Besides, you'll have to greet everyone at the palace soon for our wedding," Alex suggested.
Lillian nodded. She knew that the imperial family has a complex hierarchy. In Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess have the same rank as the Queen. The third highest rank are the imperial consorts, the princes and princesses. There are 3 imperial consorts, 11 princes and 3 princesses. After that, there are 5 noble consorts, 9 royal consorts, 14 imperial concubines, 27 royal concubines, and 19 royal ladies. The royal ladies are the daughters of each rank after the noble consorts. However, the imperial family consists only the king and queen, the princes and princesses, the imperial consorts, and the noble consorts. The other ranks are considered as diplomatic purposes.
She knew some of their background. Her mother had thought her before. All of the imperial consorts and noble consorts used to be a princess from a small kingdom. It is a shame for a princess to become the imperial consorts. The king had acknowledged their daughters or sons as the princes and princesses to avoid misunderstanding between Astarea and their respective kingdom. Since royal blood flows in them, the citizens must accept them as part of royal family members. Severe punishments will be given towards people who slandered them.
As they got into Alex's carriage, she asked, "Your Highness, why did you agree to this arrangement?"
Alex looked at Lillian with a confused expression. He replied, "What kind of question is that? Obviously because I have loved you since we were a child."
Lillian smiled. She knew it was all a lie. The imperial family would not send a proposal just because the prince liked her. But somehow she felt bitter. She thought to herself, "Will there be someone who really loves me?"
Lillian repressed it. She pretended to enjoy his company, when in reality she felt crushed. As if she were shackled. This engagement was a way for the imperial family to demonstrate their power. It was a way for them to bring her under their control.
It was nearly midnight. The whole day had been exhausting for her. After her date with Alex, she went straight to her bedroom. While she waited for Jazria to prepare warm water for her bath, she was lost in her thoughts. "I wish his answer was the truth," her little heart whispered.
"My lady, I have prepared your bath," Jazria said, interrupting her thoughts. Lillian nodded and walked to her bath. The warm water she soaked in made her feel relaxed. Suddenly she remembered her mother's words, "Dreams are meant to be crushed, Lillian! Like glass, they will shatter. Then you will realize what disappointment is. So do not dream and get in touch with reality. Never, get caught up in useless love. That is the only way to survive."
She chuckled bitterly, and said to herself, "I suppose you were right, mother."
Lillian got up and get ready for bed. Her mattress was really soft. It's like you're gently sinking into it. But even the soft mattress could not get Lillian to sleep. After a while of tossing and turning, she got frustrated. She paced back and forth in her room, trying to calm her thoughts.
"Ugh! Why do I can't sleep?"
Lillian became annoyed when her method did not work. She went downstairs to get herself a cup of water. As she went downstairs, she saw something. She stayed on her guard. Her eyes widened as she caught a clear glimpse. It was not a human being. The creature hovered directly in front of Lillian. It had the form of a girl and a blue glow surrounded its body. It's eyes were white and glowed in the darkness.
Lillian remained calm. It was not the first time she had experienced something like this. ''What are you and why are you here?" she asked.
"I am a nymph, Lady Lillian. I am here to warn you. Those you are meant to trust will betray you. See the worlds with your heart and you will know your true enemies."
After saying her words, she disappeared, leaving Lillian confused. She does not know what a nymph is. Let alone what she said.
"What?! Did you really disappear without explaining anything?"
Lillian is getting more and more annoyed. The nymph's words keep running through her head. The sun is about to rise and she still cannot sleep.
"I just want to sleep," she said. She went up to her bedroom and lay down on her bed. Just as she is about to close her eyes, there is a knock on the door.
"My lady, it is time to wake up! Please allow me to help you," Jazria said from outside her bedroom. Lillian kicked her bed and punched the air in frustration. Trying to calm herself, she replied, "Come in."
She clenched her fist and tried to suppress her anger. Jazria walked in and saw Lillian's condition. She asked cluelessly, "My lady, are you alright? Your body was shaking, and you looked like you had not slept last night."
"I am fine. Just leave me whatever I need and go," Lillian said in a shaky voice. Her anger was about to explode, but she did not want to scare Jazria. Jazria left after setting her breakfast down. As soon as she closed the door, the sound of things being thrown could be heard throughout the room. All the servants could hear Lillian's scream.
Lillian threw everything she saw to vent her frustration. Her room was a mess. If anyone saw her room, they might think there had been a tornado. She breathed heavily and slammed her hands on the table, "That nymph, I am going to find her and make her pay for it!"