"You'll have to take care of yourself, Valeraine. Send us a letter whenever you want." My mother, Duchess Herona said.
We are standing outside the Thornfield mansion with my father, maids and other staff of the family. Outside the gate is the royal carriage where I will ride to go to the Land of Westeria. Lord Arzael is already there waiting for me.
I can't believe that I am really going to live in the Emperor's Land. Father stepped forward and hugged me. "I'm so sorry for getting you involved, Raine." he said, whispering into my ears. "But you'll be fine with the Emperor's territory, you just have to mind your actions to avoid his attention. He promise me that he will give you back to me once all of this are done."
I also hugged him back. "Yes, father. I won't let our family down."
After a few more words, I decided to get on the carriage and wave them my final goodbye. I look at Eleanor who keeps crying standing behind my parents. That woman and I grew up together, according to her that's why sending me off makes her feel sad. What if I ask the Emperor to take her with me as my personal maid in their land?
"Such a lovely family." Lord Arzael commented. "His Majesty Eryx can't accompany you entering the Westeria City since he visited the Sollaine Kingdom to clarify what happened yesterday between your family and the Grand Duke."
"I see."
"Take a good rest here, I will be in the other carriage following yours." he said before closing the door of my carriage.
A few more seconds and the carriage began to move and in two days I will enter the Imperial Palace. How come things ended up like this? I can't believe that I got involved with the Emperor directly.
"I'm sure that the Emperor already told you about our plan, Raine." my father said. He came to my room after ensuring that everyone in the mansion was asleep. "Grand Duke Bastian is a vicious man who will do everything to climb up. He can even use his own son as a tool for it. I don't want you to end up suffering in their family so when the Emperor suggested that idea, I grabbed it."
"He told me he will protect you in exchange, I will help him expose the Grand Duke."
So, breaking off my engagement was the Emperor's plan all along. He's not my childhood friend, he doesn't really want me to be his wife. Well, isn't it good? I can be free with this. It's just good to know that in this life, there are few people who are aware how evil the Grand Duke is.
"Do me a favor and just die, Ayaka."
I ignored those memories of my past in my head and took out the map from my bag. I stole this map from my father's library. From the map, the Westeria Empire is at the center of the whole country. Sollaine is located on the north side of it, Krestamore is on the west, Therondia on the east, and Zariya is on the south.
Westeria Empire is the land of the Imperial people; The Emperor, Empress, Empress Consort, and any other related royal family from their bloodlines. This is where the Light City is located, this is the most prosperous place in the country, and also the political and the trade center of the whole nation. The Castle of the Luna family also lies here, as well as the castle of the Empress consort. Many royal people live here from what I can see.
Next is the Sollaine Kingdom, this Kingdom produces a lot of scholars, they specialize in technology and science. Before, during the Late Emperor's era, they broke away from the Westeria because of the unfair imperial jurisdiction and favor, they embraced their freedom and tolerance. However, the current Emperor Eryx during his Crown Prince time, managed to take them back under the Westeria rules and care. They are the most powerful kingdom supporting the Westeria Empire because of their accomplishments.
My hometown, Krestamore Kingdom, was once known as the City of Dragon's on ancient times. But now it is known for producing skilled fighters, hunters, and swordmasters. This is obvious because my father is a skilled hunter, and his collections of animal heads. Moreover, our kingdom is the producer of skilled palace guards.
Next is the Therondia Kingdom, also known as the Snow Land. This is the coldest part of the country, the land is covered in thick snow. However, their land produces extraordinary weapons to protect the country. There are also rumors that they also have Snow beasts that can only be summoned with the order of the Emperor.
The last one is the Zariya Kingdom, there is nothing much written here about them but according to my father before, as Ayaka.This Kingdom is the home of the four guardians of the nation. No one knows what they are, or what they look like. The population here is very small but they said, living this land offers you enternall safety.
I dropped the map when the carriage stopped roughly. "Aww," my arms bump into the carriage wall because of the impact. Then I heard some noise outside. I'm about to step outside when a hand holds mine. The sudden rush of shiver runs through my body, only to see His Majesty's eyes looking at me.
"Stay inside." Hearing his order, I didn't really move, especially after seeing his face with blood.
What is happening? Why is he here?
Aside from the noise of their swords, I can hear their groans with pain. I place my hand on my heart while waiting for those noises to stop. I can't do anything but wait for someone to open the door for me and say that it's over.
But what if something bad happens?
I slowly reached the doorknob nervously. I don't wanna disobey the Emperor but I am afraid of living alone if ever something bad happens to them. I can just die with them. The moment that I opened the door, a guy with a mask rushed in my direction ready to stab my body.
"Lady Valeraine watch out!" It was Arzael's voice, but I don't know where he is. Before the bandit could even sway his sword into me, a huge figure stood before me.
"Y-your Majesty…"