2 : The Party

The next day everything went exactly how it was before I got married. And so it went like that for almost the whole week.

I was doing great until I remembered that my family will be invited to the New Year party in the Royal Palace.

"Emmy, we will be going to the New Year party at the palace!" as expected

"And you cannot refuse"

"But dad, you know why I refuse to go!"

I just didn't know how I would face the royal family as I felt that it was my fault for Prince Philip's death.

"I told you, sweetheart it was not your fall, it was because of his illness" My dad placed his palm on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes.

In the end, I couldn't refuse.

The day had come, I sat in the back seat of the car with my parents in the front seats. You guessed it, we were on our way to the party.

After some time we arrived. The guard opened the door for me. I got off and looked around. I remember feeling impressed by how much had changed inside since I last stepped inside the palace but not anymore.

It was like reading a book you've read once. You would not feel overwhelmed as much as you read it for the first time or maybe you don't get any feeling at all. But in my case, it was more like starting the same game all over again. I played it once, I knew the flow and I'm more aware of what I should and should not do. If I made the wrong moves before, I need to adjust my strategies. I do not wish to repeat the same mistake nor take the wrong path again, especially when I was given the chance to start all over again. But sometimes, some things are inevitable so I have to think of other ways to handle the situation.

Everything except the castle had completely transformed. The garden, the flowers, the tree, the fountain, pretty much everything else had changed. "Nothing lasts forever," they said.

I might not know most people who attended this party, but I can say that they are those people who have had so much influence on the Hiversorella Empire. All the gentlemen were in their best suits as the lady dressed in their beautiful sparkling dresses. I just wore a simple lacy white off-shoulder dress. I braided my front hair and let the rest down. It was slightly different from what I wore last time, but I prefer this look more.

It has been quite a long time since I last attended this kind of event, so I was told to follow my dad so I could greet his friends and other influential people he had known.

That was long as expected, luckily I chose to wear my flats. I found my way to a seat away from the crowd. I sat down and gently rubbed my calves to relieve the stiffness.

"Emmy? Is that you?" I was looking down but quickly raised my head as I heard a familiar voice.

"Elle?" I don't remember meeting her at this party, but what is more important is that I met her today.

We both hugged each other tightly. It was hard keeping in contact with her. She is the only Princess of the Hernandez bloodline. She was also the only child of the queen the empress, but she is the youngest. The queen was only able to get pregnant when she was in her late 30s.

I forgot to introduce the family tree of the royal family.

King Ethan Avery Hernandez, the current king of the Hiversorella Empire, the second son of the late king Fernando Hernandez and Queen Elenor Mariposa.

Queen Brianna Joseph, the current queen of the Hiversorella Empire, daughter of marshal Alexander Joseph and Madam Bianca Caroline.

Sabrina Chester, King Ethan's first concubine.

Georgia Rose, 2nd concubine,

Arthur Jersey Hernandez, the first prince. Son of King Ethan and Georgia. He is the first in line to be throned.

Philip Noah Hernandez, the second prince. Son of King Ethan and Sabrina. 2nd in line to be throned.

Elyse Irene Hernandez, the youngest princess. Daughter of king Ethan and Queen Brianna. 4th in line to be throned.

I do not know much about Harvey and I can't recall any information about him. All I have heard were rumors that he is an illegitimate son of the King with an unknown lady. And that his late mother's name was Lily. His appearance was known to very few people. He wasn't included in the royal family portrait and there was no picture of him in the media at all. But I remember his face as clear as day.

Elyse has always been busy since her childhood day. From what she told me, her mother, the queen, was very strict with her. The reason was that the queen could not let go of the idea of making her only daughter be the ruler of the entire empire, even though the rule in the empire is that woman shall not be the ruler or inherit the throne. So, during her childhood day, she would spend most of her time by herself. She would make Elyse join extra classes or dance classes, even sword fight training. But surprisingly, she is good with all the skills. She got the look, the wealth, the knowledge, the reputation, and many great things that everyone else desire. However, she didn't have time for herself to love and care for herself. To put it in simple words, she couldn't define what her happiness is. We both were in the same primary school and the same class. You know I was given a chance to be in the same class as the princes and princesses.

I would refer myself to a social butterfly but it's different for her. It was difficult for her to make friends with anyone, so I approached her and that was how we became friends.

"It's been so long since I last saw you, how are you?" I asked after pulling up from the hug and examining her figure. Still looking gorgeous as ever, but there was no sign of happiness in her eyes at all. They were dull.

"You know, the same as always" She showed me she fainted smile. I wish I could help her but all I can do is to comfort her. Many people and media portrayed her as a tough and cold young lady. But she was a softie and a sweet caring girl who craves affection.

"By the way, how is your shop doing this day?" her smile got a bit brighter than before.

"It was doing good. I wish you could have some spare time to visit my shop," I pretended to pout

"You know, I have so many works to handle in this huge palace," she jokingly pinched my cheeks to comfort me and chuckled "But I will pay you a visit when I have time"

"Yes, your highness the princess" we both laughed.

"Right, why are you sitting here away from the crowd?"

"My legs got tired of standing and walking around for a long time"

"I see, after all, it's been quite long since you last attended this kind of event"

"And yes, let me guess, you were trying to escape the crowd?"

"Ting-ting," she flicked her fingers, "Your guess is correct, milady" we both chuckled

"By the way, Elyse, do you believe in time travel?"

"Okay, what is it this time that you're imagining?"

"No, trust me on this one"

"You have no idea how serious you look right now, alright tell me about it"

I felt relieved than ever to have someone listen to my weird reality. But then a woman in a black silk dress appeared

"Excuse me, Princess, Her Majesty the queen, has called for you"

"Elle- I mean your majesty, you should go. There must be an urgent matter that the queen needs you right now. We can talk about it later"

I held her hand to help her stand up. She looked at me and whispered sorry and I just nod to let her know that it was okay.

I decided to walk in the garden alone. Thanks to the lamps that help brighten the path so I don't feel scared.

Then all of sudden a firefly appear in front of me. My instinct told me that this tiny creature will lead me somewhere, so I followed it.

Until I reached a fountain and saw two figures behind it. When I realized that they were making out, I quickly turned around, wanting to leave but the man's raspy voice stopped me in one place.

"Who are you? How did you find this place?"

To be honest, I have no idea where I am, I just followed the firefly.

"Are you deaf? Can't you hear me questioning you?" again he asked in his husky voice

"I lost my way and I am going back right now, s-so sorry for interrupting" finished my own sentence I started walking and sped up my pace without even looking back.

Ouch!

That was me who gasped in pain because I accidentally stepped on the stone and twisted my own ankle. I'm done I'm done

I reached out my hand to touch my ankle and took off my shoes. I tried to stand back up then I felt support from a pair of arms which startled me a bit.

"This is what you got when you try to be nosy in other people's business!" I looked at the owner of the cold raspy voice and it was no other than…

Harvey Hernandez!