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Chapter 3 - Little Closer Than Before

Both of us entered our father's study where he called us for the announcement. I am nervous. It had been a while since I last saw him because, in my past life, he was someone who opposed Atticus becoming the Emperor more than anyone and I myself send him to Northern Frontlines. I took a deep breath as we entered.

I never used his study even after I became the Duchess. Why? Because the guilt inside me was too strong yet I ignored it. There were vases made out of pure gold, a huge painting of him with the late grand duchess. Many documents which needed to be done were here and there.

'' I didn't think I will be seeing you before leaving Waren'' I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard that voice which I was less expecting. My heart started racing fast and I felt a sudden rush of numerous feelings inside me at that exact moment. I looked up and my eyes fall on that person, the man who made promises of loving me, the man who made me chase after him and in the end pushed me into the pit of darkness.

'' Your Highness Atticus, I thought you had already left,'' Waren spoke coldly. His hand clenched around mine tightly. I looked at our hand and I realized that Waren was covering me from Atticus.

Atticus chuckled a little and pat his shoulder. '' You need to get habitat with my presence Waren, aren't you going to serve me in the future as my Loyal Servent?''

'' You are a little wrong about this, Your Highness. Isn't the position for the Crown Prince still empty?'' I heard Valmud's voice from behind. I turned my head and saw Valmud along with Vivian entering. Valmud was drenched in sweat, he must have been practicing. He was wearing a simple white shirt and brown pants but it didn't hide the fact that he has gotten the late Duchess's beauty traits within him. Black eyes which were the same as Waren's but sharper, red hair like the late duchess, his jaw wasn't sharp as he is yet to set his feet into youth given the fact that he is 17 this year. No wonder he will become the well-known playboy and troublemaker of Casvoner.

'' Valmud, do you think someone is more capable of becoming the Emperor than me?'' Atticus spoke rather in an irritated manner.

'' Isn't Second Prince getting more attention from the Mage Tower these days, Your Highness?'' Vivian said while smiling beautifully. Vivian, Valmud's twin and fourth highest-ranking female in the Empire, was only lower than the Empress and two Grand Duchesses. Her beautiful red hair which looked like a freshly bloomed rose, her small nose, and full pink lips as if they are touched by flower petals, and her deep black eyes can make anyone mesmerize. No wonder Atticus came after me after he was rejected by Vivian which eventually make me hate her for silly reasons.

'' Mage Tower still sees me in good light, Princess,'' Atticus said. Vivian chuckled and shook her head. She took step toward Atticus and said, '' Your Highness, good light can change into bad light anytime. Be careful with that,''

I watched Atticus's eyes and this stupid heart of mine still clenches in pain while looking at his shining eyes which were staring at Vivian. I still remember how much I tried to ignore his bright eyes which looked enchanted by Vivian. I can't blame him, Vivian is actually the most beautiful and smartest woman who will become the first woman to lead the Imperial 1st Knight of Order.

'' I will keep your advice in mind, Princess.'' Atticus smiled brightly.

'' It would be better for Your Highness to go back to where you belong,'' Waren spoke coldly. Atticus nodded and smiled. '' I will see you all in the Founding Ceremony.'' Saying that he walked past us or should I say walked passed me. He didn't even notice I was here, did he? How silly! I bite my lower lip trying to subdue the rising pain in my chest from holding in my emotions. I felt Waren's grip around me losing.

'' Tia, why are your eyes puffed?'' I heard Valmud speaking. He squeezed my cheeks and started looking at my face while frowning his eyebrows.

'' Why did you cry, piggy?'' He asked me.

'' She had a nightmare,'' Waren spoke.

'' NIGHTMARE!'' Vivian exclaimed. She pushed Valmud away from me and cupped my cheeks. I blinked a few times while trying to get adjusted but this isn't something new. In the past, Vivian cupped my cheeks and dolled me up whenever she got a chance until-

'' Were you so scared that you cried after having a nightmare?'' Vivian asked me. My eyes started getting teary once again. How good it could have been if it was just a nightmare!

'' You are scaring Tia.'' Waren started nagging Vivian. ''If you have a nightmare again tell e, and I will beat that nightmare,'' Valmud spoke. A chuckle left my mouth looking at those three barking with each other. Three of them turned their head toward me with their eyes wide open.

'' Brothers, Sister, I am no longer scared of nightmares, Thank You For Worrying About Me,'' I said smiling. Their eyes were wide open.'' Y-you called me sister?'' Vivian said not believing me. I stopped smiling and looked down, '' Can't I call you sister?'' Vivian hugged me tightly and said, '' OF COURSE YOU CAN CALL ME SISTER. I am your sister after all,'' Her voice was shakey but filled with warmth. I looked at Waren and Valmud. Both of their back was facing mine but I could see them wiping off their eyes. It's warm. I hugged Vivian and said, '' Sorry for being a bad kid till now,''

'' It's okay. You are the youngest for a reason.'' Vivian said smiling. It's great, They don't hate me.