Sun went down leaving only darkness around me, but who says darkness isn't beautiful at all? Stars shine the brightest on the darkest night. Tonight is nothing special yet it feels special to me. For some reason, my mind kept telling me I can look forward to tomorrow. A sigh left my mouth as I flipped to the next page of the book over Imperial History and how the current Emperor is a legend who only comes of rare.
'' Legend, my a##! Anaconda suits him better, devouring everything around him,'' I said while reading those extravagated praises about the emperor. I heard a knock on the door and turned my attention toward that. And to my surprise, it was Grand Duke Valentine who entered inside. I kept the book down and stood up, '' You should've called me, Your Grace.'' He glanced at me with unexplainable emotions written all over his face.
'' Head Maid said you didn't have dinner yet,'' He started speaking. I blinked a few times and frankly, a little part of me was excited by his concern about me skipping meals but that didn't last long after he continued, '' Tomorrow is a big day. If you get ill, things won't be anything helpful.''
I clenched my fist tightly. He only cares about my outer appearance in front of others. What I was even expecting from a man who thinks of me as taint over his name.
'' I was going to eat after finishing studying,'' I replied coldly. He nodded and put a box on the table. Being confused by his unexpected move I asked him, '' What's this?''
'' You don't have proper jewelry to wear with the dress Vivian brought for you so Vivian sent it for you.'' He replied. I felt my eyes getting teary remembering how excited Vivian was about me going to the National Ball with the Grand Duke.
'' I will leave this here but I hope you remember what I told you before.'' His cold gaze snapped me back to reality. that I don't belong here by their side. I nodded and smiled at him, '' I remember what you said, Your Grace. Don't worry, I won't get close to your children.'' He humed in response and his eyes fall in the book on the book.
'' Sending you to Dhakun wasn't a bad decision after all,'' He said. I understood what he meant. No simple 14-year-old can understand the authentic Imperial Language and politics behind the book written about every Emperor till now.
'' Maids will come to dress you up around 10 in the morning so be prepared.'' Saying that he walked away from my room. I looked at the red box on the table and took it to see what Vivian choose for me. A pink diamond necklace that matches my hair color perfectly and a pair of white diamond earring which is designed like tulips. I closed the box and tears started falling from my eyes. I couldn't stop crying while holding the box close to my heart.
'' I- I am s-sorry, I- I am re-really sorry b-but I-I am g-greedy for my f-family's lo-love. Wh-why? W-why can't I be close to t-them even in m-my second life?'' I choked on my tears. Vivian, Valmud, Waren, can't I ever be a family with you three? I am greedy, I desire so much. I lay on the floor while crying. I don't know why it hurts so much, but I can't deny that the reason behind my tears is my father. Ironic, isn't it? To one he is the best father in the world but to me, he is the reason behind my biggest scar.
The morning came faster than I thought and after waking up I found myself on the bed but didn't I fall asleep on the floor?
'' Ahh!'' I held my head tightly and groaned in pain. It was throbbing like crazy. God, is this revenge for complaining last night? What a great way of revenge! I got down from the bed and wore a cardigan. I need to drink some honey tea or else I will ruin today's event. I walked down and saw maids rushing all over. I couldn't understand why all of them looked like someone important was coming without any notice.
'' YOUNG MISS! YOU ARE FINALLY AWAKE!'' The head maid ran toward me. She looked exhausted.
'' What happened Milia? Someone is coming?'' I asked her. She was about to reply to her but one maid shouted.
'' THE IMPERIAL CARRIAGE IS HERE!''
Imperial Carriage? Why will be there one here? Head Maid's eyes widen and the door opened instantly revealing the face of the man I was least, least expecting to see.
For once I thought I am dreaming when he walked inside the mansion. 'A fallen angel' would suit him the most. Silver hair which always I was messy was perfectly combed and stuck back, and red eyes that shines just like ruby, flawless white skin, a jawline sharp as the tip of a sword, broad shoulders, well build upper body, and a small waist giving off a powerful vibe from him, white shirt over which he was wearing a silver waistcoat and black cloak with golden rose designed over that, it was none other than the so-called abounded prince of moon palace who is thought to be barbaric and ugly as a monster when his beauty is superior than Atticus. My breathing stopped when our eyes met. I never saw him dressing up like a member of the Imperial Family even in my past life. It was either his all-black worn-out knight robe or the silver armor of White Wolves. Never did I think he was this much breathtaking. Not only me but maids and knights who saw him there were mesmerized by his beauty and calming aura.
Izaak walked toward me and bowed like a nobleman before introducing himself,
'' I am Izaak Garbriall De Amanso, First Prince of the Amanso Imperial Family, and the one who is appointed by His Majesty to escort you to the Imperial Ball.''
My mouth was wide open in shock when he said those words. What's happening? Izaak, The First Prince, and my escort? He looked up at me and winked with a smirk on his lips. I gasped. I parted my lips to say something then I heard Grand Duke's voice from behind.
'' I didn't think you will be here so fast, Your Highness.'' He sounded cold. I turned around and saw the Grand Duke walking down with Valmud and Waren. They all looked calm at Izaak's sudden appearance. What the hell happened when I was sleeping?
'' I am a diligent person who fulfills his duty better than anyone, Your Grace. Of course, I won't be late to greet my partner.'' Izaak said while smiling but he was clearly being sarcastic. As soon as three of them came down they bowed and greeted Izaak just like they would do to any other Imperial Prince.
'' We greet the first Aster of Amanso Empire.''
They call him First Aster which means First Prince. Am I the only one who knew nothing despite being involved with it directly? But I choose to remain silent. I have to speak to Izaak personally to ask him about this.
Grand Duke looked at me then he looked at Head Maid, '' Take Valentiara away. She isn't look anything like the younger lady of Casvoner that's embarrassing in front of an Imperial Family Member'' He wasn't wrong, I was looking like hag. But heard Izaak saying something unbelievable, '' I don't think Young Lady is an embarrassment rather she looks like the fresh peonies in the Imperial Garden right now, Your Grace.''
I looked at him in disbelief as he was gazing at me. I look like peony right now? From which angle? For once I would've been fooled by that sweet smile he was wearing but I know him better than anyone in this room so I could catch the fact he was being sarcastic.
'' Your Highness-'' Valmud was about to say something but he was cut off by Waren, '' Your Highness, Please allow me to lead you to the living room till my sister gets ready.'' Izaak nodded and started following Waren. But he stopped in the middle and turned his head a little before winking at me playfully.
'' What the f#ck!'' I heard Valmud cursing. Even I was speechless by his sudden behavior. I know he is playful but to think he will be open about it, I can't help but feel stupid.
'' Do you know first Aster?'' I heard the Grand Duke speaking. '' Not really. I met him once when I was out in the capital market with Vivian.'' I replied to him. No point in lying because Vivian and the knights who were there are aware of that. '' You don't have any question?'' He again asked. I scoffed and tilted my head to meet his eyes.
'' You won't answer even if I ask you, Your Grace,'' I replied to him. '' Milia, bring me a honey tea, lobster soup, and Baguette. I will get ready after eating.'' Saying that I walked passed them. I heard Valmud calling my name but I didn't turn around. There is no need to get emotionally attached to them when I can't be a family with them.