1 Growing up

The sun's rays warmed me up from the cold breeze of the morning. Some parts of the curtains were not properly aligned on the widows which caused light to peak through. It did not bother me this time so it was not something I have to scold the maids for. My arms immediately stretched upwards when a sudden sensation of numbness cave in.

A sudden knock was heard from the door. "Lady Thraia, it is time for you to wake up. We have already prepared a bath for you. May we come in now?"

"Yes, you may."

I let them do their daily routine in helping me to get ready for the day. They paid extra attention to my bath essentials today since the last product that have been used caused a rash. It was a gift from a baron's daughter who I have met at the last tea party prepared by Countess Vaughn. I later on found out that the girl was already convicted for attempting to harm me.

"Too bad," I sighed, "She was merely a naive girl."

"Pardon, my lady?"

"Where is father?" I asked, changing the topic.

"The Duke went out even before sunrise, my lady." she informed me, "Lord Thraius—"

I raised a brow. "Did I ask you about my brother?"

Her head quickly bowed to avoid my gaze. "I am sorry, my lady."

The sudden mention of my brother's name made my stomach turn, it caused me to lose my appetite. I pushed the plate a bit away and took a napkin to wipe my lips. The guards noticed my expression and seized the maid on the spot.

"What are your orders, my lady?" the guard asked.

I got up, held the maid's chin in between my index and middle finger. "What do you want me to do?"

"Have mercy, my lady." she begged, fear was evident in her eyes.

I laughed sinisterly. "Do I really look like I'm capable of hurting others?" I gestured for the guards to let go of her, "Oh, well."

The guards went back to their positions and so did the maid. A sudden knock broke the deafening silence. Butler Jerald entered the room. "Good morning, my lady. A letter came by a few moments ago. It is from the palace."

He handed me the letter with the imperial seal. The Emperor is requesting for an audience, which is me. "Prepare a luxurious dress and accessories."

All of them quickly followed my order. A request from the Emperor is a big deal for everyone. Although I have been used to it by now, I am still happy that he acknowledges me. This may look like he's just doing it for formality since I am engaged to the crown prince but the Emperor genuinely favors me.

He bestowed me the title of crown princess even before the prophecy have been announced by the temple. That I, Thraia Salvatore, will be the most influential, wise, and blessed woman during the crown prince's ruling. Once the Emperor steps down, all glory will be directed to the crown prince. What more do they want? That is, of course, to secure the position with my presence.

There have been numerous attempts for the past years to trample the crown prince's name. My family is the richest amongst the other nobles which made me the candidate for the crown princess. But the prophecy gave more impact for them to choose me.

"Long live the Emperor, glory to your gracious deeds." I bowed as a sign of respect.

"My dear Thraia, you are more beautiful than the last time I saw you." he complimented.

A smile instantly appeared on my lips. "I, thank you, my grace."

"How have you been?" he asked.

"I am fine, my grace." I simply answered, "The studies have been doubling up now that the crown prince is about to debut to society. I have been locked in my room for the past days but it did not bore me to do so since the royal family's books pique my interest."

He chuckled. "This is my first time meeting someone who is happily talking about learning about the rules of the royal family." an amused smile was still kept on his face, "The crown prince should learn from you. He is lucky to have you by his side."

We went on with the conversations regarding the crown prince. He must be thinking that the crown prince always check up on me but in reality, he does not bat an eye in anything. He made it clear years ago that he is not happy about this arranged marriage. It did not disappoint me, I am not marrying him for love. The power he holds is what I want.

"I have to go and attend a meeting, Thraia. Please, do come visit me if you have time." he said dearly.

I bowed again. "I will, my grace. Thank you for having me today."

I watched him leave first before doing the same. The guards opened the door for me, and as if it was perfect timing, few nobles who talk behind my back were present. They must be here to request an audience from the Emperor for an urgent matter.

"My, my. Look who we have here to bless us with her presence, the crown princess," Lady Alicia of the Barren household mocked, "Glory to your gracious deeds."

"Thank you, Lady Alicia." I politely said.

"Did you also request an audience to talk to the Emperor?" another lady asked.

I shook my head. "The Emperor requested for me. He may be gone for a while, he went to an Imperial meeting right after we talked."

They looked at me with their doubtful eyes, a few whispered on the person closest to them. This atmosphere was not new to me. Their harsh words did not escape my ears since I have a fairly good hearing. I smirked mentally when the thought of them, not having proper guidance and education, is the reason why they can shamelessly defame me like this. I pity them for it.

"Lady Millicent!" their attitude changed when she arrived.

"Good morning, Lady Millicent!" a noblewoman approached her, "What brings you here?"

"I have come here to fetch father." she warmly said.

"Oh, my. You really have the father and daughter bond that everyone is envious of," Lady Alicia directed her words to me, "Like someone here."

"Are you here to see the crown prince, too? I have heard that you've grown closer." someone curiously asked.

I flinched when I heard that. If the crown prince likes her by any chance, he would definitely give her the title of queen once we are married. He will take the position on the same day and by then, everything he says is the law. The Emperor can take multiple concubines but the two positions that have power to rule are Empress and Queen. It made me tremble in anger but I concealed it so that no one will notice. I am threatened with the thought of not giving birth to a successor. If he loves her, he will not pay attention to me. That is, what I think will happen.

Not being able to give birth to a successor is a slap to the Empress. The people will favor the Queen and may request for me to step down. It happened once but it was already a long time ago, it is written on the royal family's history books. If it is true, then they must be planning about it as of now. He will do it when the current Emperor lies down on his deathbed.

"It would be good to have you as a queen," a nobleman complimented her, "We have seen your potential throughout the years. You care for the people, nobles or peasants alike."

I was about to turn around and leave when someone puts his arm on my shoulders. "What's the ruckus all about?" They were stunned when Arsenio appeared out of nowhere with his irritated voice. "Have you no sense of decency? The crown princess is right in front of all of you and here you are, talking big about letting the crown prince marry another woman. Do you want me to tell the Emperor and have him order off with your heads?"