Emelyn glanced at Edward as he left the room, his elegant posture following him. She didn’t believe how dumb she was-how could she forget the fact she was going to marry him? She clenched her fist and gritted her teeth, watching him as he walked away. Emelyn didn’t have the option to go back in time and refuse the offer, yet she knew she had to get along with it. Even if that included marrying the man she hated the most in the entire empire. 

The princess peeked her head out of the door, reaching a hand on the doorframe. Nobles watched her cautiously with a judging glare, but she didn’t care. She knew she had to do something with this royal business, even though she didn’t really want to. Emelyn ran in silence, trying to avoid tripping on the dress’s longer place. She had to talk to the prince, and as fast as possible. 

She’d rather marry one of those filthy nobles instead of him. Okay, that’s exaggerated, but she hated Edward more than any other man that she met in her entire life. Emelyn reached for his wrist as she stumbled a bit and leaned back, frowning. Her voice was rude and cold as she said: 

“Edward, I must speak with you.” She spoke as she stared into his eyes with anger, keeping a grip on his fist 

The prince scoffed and pushed her hand away, glaring at her with annoyance. He crossed his arms over his chest and growled, seemingly unhappy about the whole situation. Emelyn’s hands shook as she gulped, placing her hands behind her back as she waited for him to speak. 

“Don’t call me that, Sarah. Call me Your Majesty because I have an authority position on you. Don’t forget you’re just a citizen here in Kordania-your eyes are the only reason why you’re here.” 

Emelyn’s eyes widened and she felt like her heart tore in two. He didn’t just say this didn’t he? He had the guts to mention this to her face, just like that. Rather than trying to be respectful to his new wife, he spitted every thought he had about her. Emelyn couldn’t show him how hurt she truly was. She knew she had to make a good impression, once again. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and kept a poker face. 

“If you say so, Your Majesty. Anyways, I wanted to speak to you about a precious subject that has been running a lot in my head lately. I know this might be quite personal, so I’ll first be asking you if you accept that type of question...” 

Edward rolled his eyes and stepped back, running a hand along his brown hair as his ice blue eyes seemed to pierce through her skin. He lifted his chin and looked down at her like she was a burden he had to take care of. Like he was superior, like nobody could ever achieve the perfect he reached throughout the years. 

“Just ask your damn question, would you? I don’t have all day, figure this out from the fact I’m a prince and I’ll soon be the king.” The prince mentioned as he scoffed with disdain, looking at her up and down as his expression remained indifferent. 

Emelyn frowned and mumbled a few incoherent words, looking around the room. She looked back at her soon-to-be husband with an expression of hatred, trying to contain herself. She felt like she was about to throw a punch at him, and just run away. Yet she knew she couldn’t. Instead, she stepped on her pride and kept her composure, one of the things she did better than anyone. 

“Of course.” Emelyn replicated as she shook her head. “I was wondering how you were feeling about becoming a king, Your Majesty. Is this a lot of pressure? How was your life when you were a young prince back then? Were there some obligations you had to follow and that you must lead now?” 

Edward’s face became white as he clenched his fists. He trembled slightly, and for once, he looked vulnerable. Yet he had that tough expression on his face, and he was seemingly trying to control his anger and his surprise. Emelyn knew she caught him off guard, and she liked what she saw. Taking full advantage of the situation, she tried to hide her amusement, but she just couldn’t. 

“What? Is this a bit too personal for you, Your Majesty? I understand this feeling, everyone liked asking me this type of question for my eyes. I know how it feels-and it doesn’t look great for the one that has to respond, am I right? Come on, take your time...” 

Edward glanced at her with hatred and took deep breaths, his eyes fluttering with anger. Emelyn returned the gaze and smirked, enjoying seeing him in this state. He looked like he was about to slap her, and she couldn’t help but feel amused by all this. She liked the effect she had on him, yet she stood there with an innocent face as she waited for an answer. If he’d slap her, she wouldn't have been offended, she’d rather burst out laughing.  

“Yes, I must admit this was difficult for me, I was forced at the age of six to lead Kordanian troops to Mayain, even though I didn’t really want to. Anyways, Sarah, I don't know why you’d even care about me, so you’re excused.” Edward spoke calmly, forcing a smile. 

Emelyn was shocked. Flabbergasted. She watched him walk away, and she couldn’t believe what she just heard. He didn’t want to lead the troops to Mayain. He didn’t-He was a bit saddened by the whole situation. Emelyn felt her heart sink a little for being so angry towards him, and she sighed softly. Edward was innocent, and maybe that obligation was the reason for him to be so rude, ruthless, and emotionless. Feeling her interest grow slightly, Emelyn frowned and shook her head, trying to let go of all of this. 

Even though he didn’t really intend to destroy Mayain, he still did. It’s not because he didn’t want to that everything is going to be forgiven. Emelyn wasn’t ready for all this yet. Instead of following him, the princess stood there without a word, staring down at the floor. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how she had to feel about the whole situation. Anastasia poked her shoulder as she smiled softly, reaching both of her hands together as she got in front of Emelyn/Sarah. 

“Hello, Your Grace. Can I remind you something?” the maid asked as she narrowed her eyes, bowing in front of her superior. 

Emelyn watched Anastasia as she expressed her reverence and looked away. She sighed softly, not able to remind herself of this new reality-she was back in the royal family, yet with the ones she hated the most. She could not handle all of this-she acted like she could though. 

“Of course, Anastasia, I grant you the right to speak. Please do not forget to share me your respect since everybody talks about my hazel eyes as the only reason I'm here.” The princess said softly, trying to suppress a frown. 

The maid seemed uncomfortable with the subject for an instant, but she quickly regained her composure as she nodded, lifting her weight from one foot to the other. Her eyes flickered a bit, her hands wandering on her black hair. 

“Well, uh...There is something I’d like to share with you with your new position...Since we must make sure you will make a great queen, you will be tested casually to figure if you’d deserve that role. You must be a great person with a warm heart, because we don’t want a cruel queen on the throne.” Anastasia said, then she quickly changed her words. “I-I’m sure you will make a great queen, Your Majesty, don’t worry...” 

Emelyn’s expression softened as she tilted her head to the side. She didn’t know why, but she knew this was going to come. Of course, the Kordania empire wants to keep up a great reputation, as always. That’s why they employ a hazel-eyed woman with great manners to be their queen...The princess kept her annoyance inside her heart and nodded, locking eyes with her personal maid. 

“Thank you for telling me, Anastasia, I’ll make sure to act my best. I would never be cruel towards my people.” Emelyn promised as she dropped a hand on Anastasia’s shoulder, as she began walking away. 

She knew she had to clear her mind from everything. She just became the new princess-and soon-to-be-queen- this morning and this was a lot to take in. Emelyn took deep breaths and walked to the flower garden, craving fresh air. This was way too much for her- she needed time for herself. The princess breathed in the scents of the roses, sighing softly as her breathing remained shaky. She closed her eyes and walked around the garden, letting her senses lead her to a place of peace. 

“Breathe in... breathe out...” Emelyn spoke to herself softly in a voice lower than a mumble, sitting down on a bench. 

She exhaled, her face lightening up in a slight smile. She had time for herself...Finally...The princess gently grabbed tulips and stepped around, enjoying the feeling of being alone. Then, she heard a child’s scream of pain. It tore her heart in two. Emelyn felt like her heat stopped pounding, and she brutally opened her eyes, watching around her cautiously. She couldn’t leave that poor child alone... 

Without thinking, Emelyn followed the sound and ran away from the garden in her white dress, leaving her diadem on the bench.