The Decision

In the meanwhile, Professor Heidi was wondering, "Princess Brunia has still not returned... I'm sure that she's safe with the guards. But shouldn't she return home by now?"

While she was lost deep in her thoughts, a voice called out from behind, saying, "Looking for Princess Brunia?"

Professor Heidi's eyes widened with surprise as she turned around to see Countess Rosenthal standing behind her. The Countess continued with a wide grin spread across her face, "A pleasure to meet you, Professor! My name is Countess Ernia Rosenthal. I am employed as Princess Eina's high stewardess."

Professor Heidi thought in a fury, "This woman! She's the one who aggravated the matter between Princess Licha and Viktoria by blabbing about the Princess's job in the tailoring shop."

The Countess added, "I know someone who teaches at a university. I'd taken the liberty of recommending Princess Brunia. It seems my friend journeyed from Orosz to meet with the Princess."

At that moment, the rattling sound of the carriage, entering the palace gates with Princess Brunia, was perceived by the ears of both the ladies.

The Countess smiled and said, "Ah, splendid. She has returned safely. I should take my leave now; I have to return to Princess Eina's residence in 30 minutes. If you would, please excuse me."

The Countess left Professor Heidi with perplexing thoughts racing in her mind. Princess Brunia stepped out of the carriage and walked towards her room without a word.

*IN BRUNIA'S ROOM*

Brunia was looking at her offer letter from Doctor Dmitria and recollecting what had happened in the restaurant after Doctor Dmitria's offer to leave Cumsta.

*AT THE RESTAURANT (BRUNIA'S RECOLLECTION OF EVENTS)*

"How would you feel about leaving your responsibilities to the palace behind and studying your field of interest to be a Doctor under me?" Doctor Dmitria proposed. She then proceeded, "It's simple logic. There can only be one Queen that would replace your mother. Not to mention that being a Doctor is an easy task, but it's within your grasp. With a mind like yours, there's no limit to what you can achieve, Brunia! If you want my opinion, I'd say you need to get out of that palace and broaden your horizons; give your immense talents a chance to blossom in the real world."

Brunia replied, "I'm genuinely flattered, ma'am, but as a Princess in the Vermillion's royal family of succession, I have a sacred duty."

The Doctor countered, "But the succession is only temporary, Brunia. Eventually, your brother will take over the kingdom. Additionally, you are the third daughter, and your sister is an excellent candidate for Queen, so basically, your chance of being the Queen's successor is not in your favor."

Brunia's hands began to tremble with fear, and she clasped them with anger generating within her at the same time. She gasped with the harsh realization of Doctor Dmitria's response as it was more realistic than her ambition of taking over the kingdom.

Doctor Dmitria continued while handing her the offer letter, "Here's the offer letter with our hotel address written on it. We will be leaving for Orosz in a week; you should come.

Brunia took the note and spoke, "This is a bit sudden, ma'am." T

he Doctor answered with a grin on her face, "I will be waiting for you to say yes!"

*IN HER ROOM*

Brunia thought, "I know she's right; I'm never going to be Queen. It's completely unrealistic, but even so, what am I to do?"

*THE NEXT MORNING*

Licha screamed with glee and was twirling around, "I have a date with Vincent, Ron, Aiden and with Samar, etc. YAY!" She turned around to see Brunia looking at her. Licha thought, "OH NO! Brunie's gonna get mad at me! I have to listen to three hours of lecture about my conduct!"

But instead, Brunia ignored her and walked away, which was quite unusual for her typical behavioral temperament.

At lunch, Kaira dropped soup of her dress by mistake, she thought, "Goodness, now Brunia would get worried and tell me to wipe that up. I don't want to upset her!" Kaira started jiggling around and said, "Napkin! Napkin! I need a napkin! Don't worry Brunia, I will clean up! Please don't get upset!"

But it turns out that Brunia didn't care about it at all! And she plainly ignored her and spent the entire luncheon in silence.

At night, Leonora came into Brunia's bedroom and cheerfully said, "Goodnight, O dearest sister Brunia!! Love you!!" Brunia merely turned around and patted on her head silently instead of inviting Leonora to spend the night talking and sleeping in her room, she just patted on her head and ignored her too. Leonora was wondering and was concerned about her beloved sister.

A few days later, Brunia was still on the palace garden bench and thinking, "Today marks one week. I have until tonight to decide. I yet have not reached a definite answer. Perhaps if the breeze helps to quiet down my heart, I will see something that I didn't before."

Professor Heidi walked by and noticed the perplexion and tension spread across Brunia's face, and she asked with concern, "You seem to be distracted again. Would you care to discuss with me, whatever may be troubling you?"

Brunia answered, "I'm not sure. Thank you for asking, but I think it's best to solve this dilemma on my own."

Professor Heidi responded, "That holds true for most of life's worries. With that said, talking to others about your problems will help you to formulate your thoughts. I may not be able to offer much advice, but I will listen if you desire."

Brunia clasped her hands and blurted out, "Mistress, the truth is, I'm unsure if I should pursue the throne!!" She then narrated what happened after the presentation and Doctor Dmitria's offer.

Heidi merely says bluntly, "Oh? Being a Doctor is a magnificent idea!"

Brunia yelled with surprise, "WHAT!? EXPLAIN!!!! What about all the work you're doing to prepare me for the throne!!!"

Professor Heidi replied, "Studying under a university Professor will be an excellent opportunity for you. I have no reason to object so long it is advantageous for you."

Brunia continued, "Honestly, I think that I should become a Doctor; given my areas of interests and talents, it seems like a perfect fit. I look up to my mother, and that's why I've worked so hard for the throne. Perhaps it would be better for the future of Vermillion if my eldest distinguished sister became the next Queen to replace my mother before Adam comes of age."

Professor Heidi reminded, "Your Highness, you're distinguished as well."

Brunia countered, "Am I? I don't know! Even if I am, it's only because of how hard I've worked. I'm not special; I'm deeply flawed. I always have grudges, and I'm jealous of others because of their natural talents, but I choose to keep it inside. The truth is, I'm not even a good big sister; I don't deserve Leonora's respect."

Professor Heidi placed her hand in the pocket, took out her teacher's pointer, and directed at Brunia, saying, "Pay attention, my Princess; because it's time for a lesson! I've heard you say the same thing in Hindi when you came to receive Princess Leonora and me in the forest. Being pessimistic is not going to get you anywhere. Imagine, you're on your death bed; as your consciousness wavers, you would think 'I wish I had taken that chance, and I wish I lived my life differently.' But time will not turn back for anyone, not even a royal. Princess, you must be confident and open while making important decisions in being. You only have one life, and it's yours alone. So live it as you please because it's the only one you're going to get. Princess Brunia, you must make this decision for yourself. Whatever you choose, I wish for your continued health and happiness."

Brunia called out before Heidi left the palace gardens, "Mistress, wait! Thank you very much, this conversation has made things more apparent to me. As always, I'm eternally grateful.

*AT THE HOTEL PORCH*

Brunia walked over to the carriage in which Doctor Dmitria and her assistant were about to depart. Doctor Dmitria noticed Brunia standing behind her; she looked at her with a smile and said, "So, Brunia, you decided which path you're going to take?"

Brunia answered with composure and grace, "I have. For two weeks, I've done nothing but consider your offer, ma'am. And so, I've made my choice. I would love to go with you to Orosz--"

The Doctor's eyes gleamed with pleasure, and she responded, "Brunia, that's lovely!"

Brunia quickly added, "But I can't! Not now. Perhaps down the road." She then opened a suitcase and displayed several theses that she's written thus far. "Please take a look at them if you ever have the time." Brunia continued. She appended, "Should you find yourself in Cumsta, I would be pleased if you visited the palace and have a dialogue with me."

Doctor Dmitria responded, "So I can surmise from this that you really do want to be Queen."

Brunia replied, "Yes, for as long as I can remember that being on the throne for this kingdom has been my dream, even though it was unrealistic for a Princess to run the country. But by God's grace, I've had that opportunity, and I do not intend on wasting it."

Smerdria scoffed, "What a cliche!"

The Doctor asked, "I'm curious what do you intend to do if you don't become Queen. It's an incredibly different task to change careers in life."

Brunia answered with determination, "I'm well aware of that. But it all depends on my resolve. Even if the setbacks are worse than what I've already encountered, I will overcome those to pursue my dream. I may not be my beloved mother, and I may not be my talented sister, either. However, I sincerely believe that I can be sensitive to the pain of the people in the kingdom due to the frustration I have faced. With those feelings in my heart, I will do my best to fight for the throne with the hard work which I've always believed in is the path to success."

Doctor Dmitria said, "If you feel this strongly, I suppose that's that. We both will be disappointed not to have you by our side, won't we? Smerdria puts on a sassy disposition, but she's actually a huge fan of your writing. She even saves up your papers!"

Smerdria yelled, "DOCTOR!?"

The Doctor added, "Do come to visit us, won't you, my child? I'll take you to this place with the most delicious borscht."

Brunia replied, "Of course!"

Before leaving, Doctor Dmitria stated, "There's one more thing I would like to say about your presentation. The content was excellent, but if you want my opinion, I think that a standing ovation also came from the audience seeing how wise you are for a royal Princess; or any other female. Moving forward, I think people might expect from you more than you think, Brunia. I hope you do not mind me bragging to my friends that I met you as a companion."

Brunia smiled with tears in her eyes, which she was holding back. She answered, "I'm deeply honored by your invitation." She bowed and thanked her for the same, while they exchanged their goodbyes and departed deep into the night.

Brunia noticed that Professor Heidi was standing right there the entire time! Brunia asked with surprise, "Mistress!? What are you doing here! Good gracious! How long have you been standing there?! Did you hear that exchange!?"

Heidi answered, "I thought I had best to keep watch for danger on your way. Also, I'm sorry for eavesdropping, it was not my intention."

Nevertheless, she continued while extending her hand, "Even so, hearing that conversation impressed me with the sincerity of your resolve, Princess Brunia. If you wish to be a worthy candidate for the throne, let us work together to make your lifelong ambition come true."

Brunia smiled with her cheeks flushing pink, and her eyes overflowing with tears of joy. She accepted the Professor's hand and answered, "I will follow you as your apprentice, now and forever."

Professor Heidi counted, "Oh, no! Not forever!" At that moment, a woman was hiding behind the pillar and overhearing the entire conversation that transpired at that place. It was none other than Countess Ernia Rosenthal!

*AT PRINCESS EINA'S RESIDENCE*

The Countess said, "Interesting, Princess Brunia didn't give up on the throne. It seems we will have to move to eliminate her." She then ordered, "Give me a full report on Heidi Witzenberg! This woman has a story, and I want to know every last of it!!