‘Celine. Could you check on your brother, too? He appears to be bothered by something, but I can’t figure out what.’ He pleaded. 

My hand gripped tightly the door’s handle, while I lost count of how many seconds had passed since I stared at him. He tilted his head and repeated his question, as if I never heard it to begin with. 

‘Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow your request.’ I quickly muttered those words before I bowed goodbye and took my leave. 

For a moment, I prayed he would ask about how I was feeling. Maybe it was better this way. Longing for affection that wasn’t meant for me in the first place is a mistake. After all, I’ll be a pillar that people will rely on, there isn’t need to feel like this. 

The doors closed behind me and I exhaled in defeat. K, who stood by the door without moving an inch, his eyes followed every move of mine. 

‘There’s nothing you should worry about.’ My voice cracked upon speaking the last words — ‘I came with good news. The documents are ready to be put in work. Let’s head towards the western side.’ 

The signature of my father couldn’t change the possible response of the commoners. After all, this document was purely one of exchange between lands, and, because of this, people could still reject signing them. After all, it was their decision if they allowed me to pursue my plans. 

To change someone’s mindset can be impossible. In this Empire, not even once did a girl ascend to the throne on her own, ruling like an Emperor. While everyone knew about the Prophecy, no one expected it to happen in their lifetime. 

For my people, they expected this Empire to be ruled by my brother. More than 7 years they lived thinking this way, thinking that nothing could change — not until I was born. 

Born as the second child of the Emperor of WLIOR, I came to life, stealing my own mother’s life. 

Was there joy when I was born? I doubt so. 

I was different from everyone. My eyes shone brightly, like my brother’s, but mines were the color of the stars, not blue like his. While my brother, father and mother had dark-colored hair, mine was white as silk. Yet those weren’t the things that made me stand out. 

I was the first daughter to be born in this family after 1,000 years — but it never felt as if it was a blessing. 

The moment I was born, fear made its way into everyone’s hearts. 

Ruling from the shadows, my father prepared me for the day when I’ll ascend to the throne. My only priority before that was to always create possible ways to overcome disasters — from flooding, fires or drought. I prepared plans for every scenario I could think of. 

Yet, there was no doubt that commoners weren’t willing to cooperate with my ways to rule this Empire, for them, it felt like I was abusing my powers, but I’ve lived my whole life knowing a disaster would bring my world on the brink of extinction. 

It was certain that I would do my very best to save my people. 

‘I know it’s not my place to ask such a question, but it has been bothering me. Would you allow me to ask something?’ K turned to look at me. 

K lived following rules, for him, questioning orders was never an option. It was strange for him to express his worry to me, so I couldn’t say no to his request.

‘Of course. What is it that’s been bothering you?’ My approval came quickly, as we got further from my father’s office. 

‘What if people riot because they don’t like your measures? I’m afraid that they don’t trust you well enough to be willing to cooperate with your request — and to change their mind can be more difficult than we would expect. Not to take in consideration the prophecy.’ 

I’ve raised my eyes to look into his eyes, while giggling, ‘You’re more concerned than I am. Thank you for worrying about me. I will try to show them my true intentions. I know there are many people that talk behind my back and don’t want me to be the next Empress, but I’m afraid I’m the one who will ascend to the throne, so they better be prepared.’ 

‘What about your brother? He can side with those who don’t want you to rise to the throne.’ 

Hearing his response, I felt a metallic taste in my mouth, which didn’t wash off after swallowing a couple of times. I shook my head, disregarding any doubt that wandered inside my head. 

‘He won’t be able to — not as long as my father is still alive. People may have forgotten about the prophecy, but the Imperial Family can never forget it.’ — I paused for a moment to catch my breath — ‘I’m not scared. Even if this is to come, I’m more skilled than him, I can get my throne back. I have you and many people who are by my side. Such things can’t scare me.’ 

‘My life is in your hands, Your Highness.’ K told me. 

My eyes sparkled with hope, and the sun’s light embraced my body. This warmth gave me an unusual feeling of well-being that I appreciated. Only when the conversation ended, I realize that we got to the entrance of the Imperial Palace. 

Just before I could thank K for his deepest support and take our leave to resolve our affairs, an uninvited guest came to ruin the mood. 

I clenched my fist. 

Why now? From all the times?