It took me months to go back to the way I used to before the whole beauty product incident. I asked for everyone's forgiveness and promised them that I would no longer act irrationally. I also told them that I would think first and weigh the possibilities of my actions before I do something.
Although I knew that I was wrong for being a brat and being condescending, I secretly thought that, somehow, I was being wronged. I knew that they only did what I told them to because, well… I was their master and they worked for me. But even so, shouldn't they advise me otherwise? I was nothing but a four-year-old, they should know better than to blindly follow orders from a toddler. Why was I the only one apologizing?
And for the record, the launch of the products would have been perfect if not for Consort Alicia's case, which was an isolated incident. It didn't mean that the whole thing was unsuccessful or subpar. It was only because the products didn't go well with her skin type.
"Look at my calligraphy, Jenna. Isn't it neat?" I ask Jenna one morning in my study. She and I are now as close as we were before, as if nothing had happened.
"Di, My Lady," she agrees. "But I think you misspelled a word here. It should be IE instead."
Days go by uneventfully. I did my best to change and I was pretty confident that I did change for the better. I am now more mature and more "princess-like," even the Queen praised me for it.
Another year goes by and I turn five years old.
My Second Evaluation isn't as grandiose as my first. It is actually the same as for those who had and are currently having their Second Evaluation — no parades, no big number of chaperones, no songs of praises and well wishes from bystanders. It's normal. The High Oracle doesn't even show up this time.
I am led back to the Assessment Hall and my soul transported back to Cylian Paradise. Ningning shows herself to me and we play for a bit as she sets up small lights in the air like fireworks.
"I need to talk to you later," I tell Mariana who is happy seeing Ningning and I play.
"Just call me whenever," she answers. "It's nice to see you bond."
"She's bubbly." I open my palm and a beam of light falls on it; it passes through my skin, and enters my body, causing a tingling sensation in my hand. "I've dilly-dallied for too long. I didn't notice the time fly by."
"Yeah, time sure flies."
"I'm still rethinking my life choices; I don't want to make a fool out of myself again."
"It's good to hear. I'm here for you. Ningning will help you, too."
"Yes. Ningning is here for you, mortal sister. Ningning will help you. Ningning promises,"
"Thanks."
Our conversation ends and my soul returns to my body that is kneeling at the foot of Kismet's statue. Mother and I decided to stay longer to pray. I didn't pray though, since I will be talking with Mariana again if I do. I just fiddle with my fingers while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Prayer Hall.
"I heard there will be a banquet next month," Mother says as we return to the Royal City, looking out the carriage window.
So, it's time.
"Can I attend it, Mother?"
"As long as you have permission from the Queen."
"Why her? Why not Father?"
"Because the Queen oversees your etiquette lessons, and if she believes you're still lacking, you won't be allowed to participate in social activities," she responds and I nod with a pout.
The phenomenon I wrote about in the book about Zinnia's birth occurred that afternoon. The scent of zinnia flowers pervades the capital, attracting flocks of birds to Emilich's house. A strong wind blows through, and the Agri Bell, which has been silent for half a century due to its rope disentangling from the unreachable bell, rings twice.
When night falls, a messenger from the Emilich House rushes to Father's palace to announce that the Duchess of Emilich has given birth to a daughter, proving her purpose and breaking the curse.
It's time.
I can't afford to waste any more time because the plot will begin to unfold soon. The main character, after all, has been born. Zinnia Acantha Emilich. The future Flower of Society, who will entice four powerful suitors, one of whom is one of my brothers, has been born.