'' Darkness exists for Light exists because of Darkness, Protect The Light Send Down by Your God for the Light can protect The Darkness. Keep eyes on the southern sky when Darkness and Light Meet.'' Izaak recited the oracle, it was hard to believe because in my past life, nothing came down from Heaven, and now suddenly this? My gaze was filled with confusion which didn't escape Izaak's eyes.
'' Why do you look puzzled?'' He asked me. I looked at him and gave him a doubtful look. '' Your Highness, you understand what this means right? Your position changed overnight thanks to this at the same time it exposes you to threats that you didn't face before.'' '' Princess, I have already seen the worst, nothing will change except those who used to attack me while wearing a mask will be attacking me directly.'' He sounded laid back but I knew what he meant which was the main reason behind my concern. I sighed and rubbed my forehead, '' You don't have any strong backup yet and two princes will leave no scope to embarrass you in front of everyone. Your Highness, You are still an abounded prince of Moon Palace to 96% of the people.''
Izaak nodded. For a moment I thought he will respond to my worry but I was wrong when he opened his mouth to speak, '' Who told you I don't have any power backup yet?'' I frowned in confusion, Izaak has someone to back him up? But who? He leaned forward and crunched down his shoulder a little, '' Princess, I am the man mentioned in the oracle, do you think Grand Temple will let anyone slander my name? And an upright yet sly fox like High Priest will let go of a golden ticket like me?''
Realization suddenly hit. How could I miss this? Indeed Grand Temple won't let anyone do any harm to Izaak when it's an order of the Almighty to protect him.
'' You are right, I apologize for my hasty response.'' Izaak chuckled hearing me. I blinked a few times looking at his smiling face. Izaak already looked like a sculptor made by God but his smile added life to it, on the first day of spring when gardens around the Empire were blooming beautifully with flowers in front of me a man was spreading the warmth of spring just by his sole existence. Why was I even worried? Can someone say a word against this lovely face? If only because of my wicked plans this lovely person had to die, would I feel less regretful?
'' Princess, why do you always stare at me with sad eyes?'' Suddenly Izaak asked. I snapped back from my thoughts and his face was closer to mine. I could feel his hot breath against my skin giving me a shiver in my spine. '' Are you scared of me?'' He asked with a dangerously low tone. I looked away and replied, '' Why will I be scared of you?'' '' You saw me using the power of darkness.'' Remembering the time when I first saw those shadowy hands it wasn't impossible not to feel scared yet I preferred to lie. I turned my head and looked directly into his eyes, '' I am not afraid of your darkness, Your Highness.'' Izaak didn't say anything except to keep that eye contact as if he was trying to find something through my eyes. People say eyes are the best way to know about a person but in my case, it wasn't true. Because if it were true then anyone could know how weak, broken, scared, and anxious I am. Neither in my past life nor in my life I could show my real self to anyone.
'' Are you done reading my eyes?'' I asked him. He moved back and smiled, '' Your eyes are beautiful just like a pink diamond which lost its shine after getting neglected over years.'' Was that a compliment? But it didn't feel like one. It's better to change the topic.
'' So, how did the Emperor name you as First Aster on short notice?'' Izaak sighed and mumbled something under his breath which I couldn't hear but after that, he continued.
'' After the High Priest announced him about the oracle, he called me in the afternoon over tea,''
YESTERDAY,
EMPEROR'S GARDEN
'' Your Majesty I didn't think you will ask for me?'' Izaak sat in front of the Emperor who looked pissed off just by his presence but he hide that as always. '' High Priest came to meet me in the morning. An oracle came down.'' Izaak grinned knowing what was coming forward yet he pretended to be clueless. '' For 14 years nothing came down, don't you find the appearance of oracle a sign?'' Emperor glared at Izaak who was smiling innocently but Emperor knew his son's smile better than anyone. '' You act as if you know about the content of it?'' He asked. Izaak shook his head and took the teacup in front of him to drink from that. Emperor clenched his fist and took a deep breath.
'' The oracle said that, ' Darkness exists for Light exists because of Darkness, Protect The Light Send Down by Your God for the Light can protect The Darkness. Keep eyes on the southern sky when Darkness and Light Meet.' you are the only one in the Empire who can use the power of darkness.'' Emperor said calmly.
'' So, what do you want me to do?'' Izaak asked while smirking. '' Tomorrow you will be introduced to the world officially both as Izaak Gabriel De Amanso, The First Aster and the wielder of Darkness.'' Izaak looked at the Emperor wearing a sarcastic smile, '' Are you aware of what you are saying? Making me the First Aster means you are giving me a golden ticket to the right of sitting on your throne. Aren't you worried about me using this authority over White Wolf?''
Emperor's reaction seemed as if he doesn't even care and Izaak got to know the reason behind his laid-back reaction, '' You will be busy in finding the person born with the power of Light and this time Empress and 2nd Queen will keep you in check directly.'' Emperor rose his left hand and pointed his finger at Izaak's chest,'' Also, I still hold your chains, First Aster Izaak.''
Izaak stopped smiling when he suddenly felt his heart getting stabbed continuously. He clenched his chest and looked at the Emperor painfully. The pain he didn't feel for a while suddenly made him fall to his knees. Emperor grabbed Izaak by his chin harshly, '' You are my son so if you don't want to die meaninglessly, don't go against me.''
PRESENT
I grasped hearing everything. Izaak had a sad smile on his lips and the eyes which always shined brightly suddenly turned dull.
'' Emperor has put a curse on me soon after I was born so that I don't become a threat to him. Though activating the curse also affects him negatively he usually doesn't use it.'' His voice was heavier as he was holding back his emotions. How can a father put a curse on his son just cause he wants to control him? I wanted to comfort him but I stopped.
I can't give him any reason to feel anything special for me. I looked away without saying anything even Izaak remained silent. Don't forget what you promised yourself Valentiara, this lifetime, Izaak can't fall for you. And with this, our long journey to the Imperial Palace came to an end. The real battle will start from the moment we will step inside the ballroom. The obstacles we will face from here will be different from what I prepared myself for but, I am Valentiara Von Casvoner who was best known for turning unfavorable situations into the most advantageous ones.