Chapter 4: The Emperor

I started to slowly flicker my eyes open by the sounds of the birds tweeting. When I finally completely opened my eyes, I see a fancy designed ceiling. I groaned and slowly sat up. I felt the soft pillows and blankets around me. I looked at the window and see it's already morning! But earlier, wasn't it already late night? Does that mean I was asleep until morning?!

Oh yeah, I fainted because of so many things happening at once. Ugh, this sucks. I also saw the Second Imperial Prince of the Empire…was it really him?

"Where…am I?" I asked myself, looking around. The place where I am right now is unfamiliar to me. This is not my room nor my house! I'm so confused. This place is like…a noble's place!

I gasped, remembering where Joshua and the others are. I suddenly heard the door to this room opened. I flinched to my surprise, curious to know who it is. A middle aged woman walked in with a tray on her hands. On the tray, there's a plate full of different biscuits and then a glass of water. I just realised this woman is a maid.

"Good morning. I see you're finally awake, you're Highness" She said with a straight face as she placed the tray on the coffee table.

"Y-yes…wait what?!" I was startled when she called me 'Your Highness' Isn't that suppose to be for princesses and princes?? Is someone with me? It couldn't be possible that she meant me.

"It's time to fix you up" She said as she clapped her hands twice. A bunch of maids came through the room, carrying bunch of clothing and accessories on their hands. I widened my eyes how quickly they came in. What is this? Am I still dreaming. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I'm not imagining things. What is going on?!

They all lined up then bowed. One of them gently picked me up and then carried me. Is she carrying me because I'm too small? Curse this height!

They led me to a really huge bathroom and I see a large tub on the center. How can a bathroom be this big?! It's already like the size of my house now. Before I know it, I'm already in the tub and now they're bathing me. I am still in confusion on why they're treating me like this, I feel like I'm a princess. This really must be a dream, a very realistic one.

After bathing me, they dried and fixed my hair and made me wore a pink fancy dress. Whoa, I never wore a pretty dress like this! But still, I wanna ask them why they are doing this. Is this part of Joshua's present? How did he hire people to pretend be maids and find a place that looks like a castle?

"E-excuse me…but where am I? And why are you all doing this?" I asked while they brush my hair.

"Right now, you are in the 2nd Imperial Prince's room, your Highness" One of them calmly replied.

"Oh…what?!" I'm in the 2nd Imperial Prince's room?! Are they serious? If this is his room, then does that mean…I'm inside the empire?!

Empire…means that-

"Your Highness is done. Your presence has been requested with his Majesty, The Emperor" They continued. I widened my eyes. The Emperor?! Someone pinch me because I swear I'm still dreaming! If this is actually happening right now, what does the Emperor want with me?

After that, they guided me through the hallways as we walk. The inside of the empire is beautiful. I feel overwhelmed, it's my first time witnessing a place this big. As soon as we arrived in front of a huge door, there were two royal guards standing between the entrance.

"Her Highness, has arrived" She said then the guards opened the door slowly.

Revealing a large room, a long blue carpet to walk on, and a throne at the end. As I entered carefully, I see a man sitting on that throne. I already know who this is, it's none other than the Emperor himself. Sitting high and mighty, with his powerful aura around him. His gaze stares at me intensely.

I feel nervous. I have no idea what the Emperor is like but now seeing him, he has the same features as me. Red hair and golden eyes…

"Oh my, so it is true!" Someone exclaimed. A person standing beside the Emperor. Blonde long hair that's tied up, and blue eyes with glasses. He looks astonished while looking at me for some reason. I noticed that it's not only us in this room, when I looked around, there are other nobles around me staring at me with surprised looks.

I know I'm already so small but in this situation right now I feel extra tiny! I'm scared, I wanna go back to Elina and Sage. I thought as I fiddled my fingers, nervously.

"Red hair…" A deep cold voice made me look up. The Emperor still staring at me…I gulped.

"Golden eyes…just like mine" He continued.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor! Perhaps the child has some kind of magic to match the Imperial family's features" One of the noblemen said as the others nodded in agreement with him.

"Yes, your Majesty. After all, it is already happening a lot with the people in the town" The other added.

"I don't think so. I sense no magic on her features" The blonde man said while looking at me, up and down. I have no idea what's happening, but I should just stay silent.

"When the second Imperial Prince brought her here, he said she has the birthmark" He continued and everyone, except the Emperor, gasped. I widened my eyes. Do they mean the diamond shaped birthmark I have on my right shoulder?

I glanced at the Emperor and he's still staring at me, uninterested. I frowned then looked down. Just what is happening?

"Little girl, my name is Miles. I'm a Duke serving the Emperor as his adviser" The blonde haired man said as he bowed with a sweet smile. I gave a small nod and bowed back. Sir Miles seems nice.

"May I know your name?" He asked. Everyone looking at me, waiting for an answer.

"M-my name is Claire. Claire Sienna" I replied. Why did I stutter?! This is so embarrassing! When I told my name, Sir Miles widened his eyes.

"Your Majesty, she's actually the one" He said with a grin as he faced the Emperor's straight face. He still didn't respond and just keeps on staring at me. This is so uncomfortable!

"Your Majesty-"

"Not enough" The Emperor cut him off with his deep cold voice. Then as soon as he stood up, I feel even more nervous. I feel like I'm a bunny standing in front of a lion… I still stood still in my place, too scared to move. I have a feeling if I run away now, I would die.

While the Emperor approaching me, a sword appeared out of thin air on in his hands! Was that magic?! Wait, more importantly, what is he gonna do with it?!

"Your Majesty, you can't possibly mean…" Sir Miles said with a worried tone. What do you mean?! Is he going to kill me right here? I'm too young to die! And it's my birthday for christ sake.

"If she's really my daughter, then we'll have to see"

Daughter…? The Emperor is my…father?

I got distracted by what he said that I didn't know he's already in front of me. He's so tall and aside from his handsome face, he's still scary. I gulped. Suddenly, he raised his sword as if he's ready to slice me up! I am right! He's going to kill me!

I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for an impact of my death…

But to my surprise, I didn't feel anything. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing the sword so close to my neck. The sword is on halt, as if something is stopping it to touch me. The Emperor still looking down on me with his cold golden eyes. After a few seconds, he pulled the sword away from me which made me feel relieved and can finally breathe properly.

"A child who didn't cry after someone attempted to kill them…how interesting you are" He said with a slight amused tone in his voice I hear. He's not going to kill me?

"The sword refused to hurt you…so you are part of the Imperial Family" He continued as the sword disappeared. He started to go back to his throne. Refused? So if that sword didn't refused, I'll be totally dead right now?! This man is crazy! The noblemen have their mouths wide open as well as their eyes.

"The First Imperial Princess of the Empire…has arrived" They said. I widened my eyes. First Imperial Princess? Me?

Sir Miles looked at me smiling "Princess Claire, The Emperor is your father" Father? The Emperor is my real father?

"My real father..?" I slowly asked, smiling. I'm feeling a little happy because I finally found my real father! That explains why we have the same features. When Sir Miles was about to reply, The Emperor cuts him off.

"I may be your father but I don't see you as my child" He coldly said which made me drop my small smile and turn into a frown.

What?

He stands up, ready to leave. "I don't want another troublesome and useless child in this Empire"

What the…

"Call the head maid, let her take the pest in her room" He ordered Sir Miles as he starts to walk away.

"B-but your Majesty, aren't you gonna hold a celebration for the return of the Princess-"

"Do not defy me, Miles" The Emperor replied with an annoyed tone in his voice.

What's with this guy?!

"This is not a celebration. It's just another useless insect in this family. Keep her out of my way if you don't want me to spill blood" He seriously said with a dark glare that made me flinch. After that, he's completely gone in the room.

What was that?! Aren't I his daughter? Is that how you treat your children?! I found my real father but he doesn't seem like a father to me. It's obvious he doesn't like me and he even plans on killing me for real if I get in his way! What kind of father is that?

I scowled as I looked down with my fists clenched. I'm mad but the same time, I want to cry. Don't cry, you are a strong girl..it just hurts to see when you just discovered you real father for a long time and just to be treated this way. This must be a mistake, why is he like that?

"Oh no, so it's just the same" One of the noblemen started to whisper loudly.

"I thought it's going to change him but I was wrong"

"It's the Emperor after all, that poor child is going to end up just like her brothers"

Brothers? I have brothers? I inhaled, taking a deep breath, trying to hold my tears which I shouldn't let it out because I have to show them I'm strong! Suddenly, someone gently grabbed my shoulder that me look behind.

"Your Highness, let us take you to your room" A maid with dark brown hair said with a soft smile. I nodded slowly and followed her out of this traumatic room.

When we finally got to my bedroom, it's actually nice and pretty. Just like a princess would stay…like me, I guess. But it didn't even made me completely happy. I'm still upset about that cruel Emperor, he's the devil! While I was in deep thought, the maid behind me spoke.

"Your Highness, would you like me to prepare you some snacks or toys?" She asked as she kneels down to my level.

"Oh, um…okay" I replied. Just when I thought she'll be leaving after I gave my answer. She instead stared at me sadly. For some reason, I feel like I've met her before.

"Your Highness it really is you!" She exclaimed as she hugged me tightly. I widened my eyes, shocked to what's happening. Did she knew me before? When she finally let go, she has small tears in her eyes but still smiling.

"Princess Claire Sienna Richafort, you came back alive" She said as she fix my bangs. So I really am the Princess…but why is she crying?

"Forgive me, your Highness. May I request a chat with the First Imperial Princess?" She asked.

I smiled back "Of course, and please just call me Claire" I laughed awkwardly. The maid shook her head.

"I believe I cannot, your Highness. It's a disgrace to the Imperial Family" She said, standing up.

I frowned "The Emperor doesn't even treat me like a family, he called me a pest!" I ranted as I crossed my arms. Why would you call your own child a pest?!

"Alright, then I shall call you 'Claire' when we're alone" She bowed. I grinned. We both sat on the couches in the room as we face each other.

"My name is Tanya. I'm the head maid of the Empire" She said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Tanya!" I grinned and she chuckled back. Then, she sighed as she looks at me seriously.

"Claire…do you wanna know, how you got lost from your real parents?" She asked. I widened my eyes. Of course, I want to know. Why did they left me and how. I want to know the reason. I want to know why my father's attitude is like that. I nodded, eager to know.

"The Emperor you met is your father indeed. He was the brutal and cold Emperor in this country. But when he married your mother and started a family, he changed. When you were born, he was so happy that he cried while carrying you in his arms"

What..?

"The Emperor has always wanted a baby girl, that's why he was so happy that the last child is a girl. Born with the genes of The Emperor, it's already solid proof that you belong to the Imperial Family"

Genes of the Emperor, red hair and golden eyes, huh. I started to caress some of the strands of my hair while listening to Tanya.

"Your mother was so happy as well. Your mother is Empress Rena" She continued as she looks at me.

"My mother? Where is she now?" I asked, hopefully to get a good answer. Tanya stayed silent for awhile as she looks away. But sighed.

"She passed away"

oh…So, I didn't even get to see her. I looked down and a gloomy expression.

"When you were born, the Emperor assigned me to take care of you. This place was always beaming with happiness and peace. Your brothers liked you as well, you we're a happy family. Until…that night" She started to look down with sad eyes.

"What happened?" I softly asked.

"The Emperor suddenly went berserk. I was finished with my midnight chores and about to go back to my room, when I suddenly saw the Empress running towards my way. She has a scared expression on her face while she's carrying you"

"Your Majesty, The Empress. What happened?" I asked with so much worry. The weather right now is chilly, resulting her Majesty to shiver in her nightgown.

"Tanya. If the knights, especially my husband, asked where I am, I order you to not tell" She said with a serious tone. I was so confused and worried on what's happening. But I just nodded, obeying her orders. Why is her Majesty running carrying the First Imperial Princess?

"Thank you, Tanya" She replied as she continued to flee with the First Imperial Princess in her arms. As soon as she left, one of the elite knights approached me.

"Have you seen Empress Rena" They asked…no, it's not a question, it's as if its a demand. They didn't even called her Majesty with full respect.

"I have not" I calmly replied as I bowed. Then they started to walk pass by me. Don't tell me they're after the Empress. But why? Where is the Emperor? I was so deep in thought that I didn't know someone called out to me.

"Tanya! Something happened to the young Masters!" A fellow maid shouted in panic as she runs towards me.

"The Princes? What happened?" I asked as I run, going to the room where she came from. Something happened to the Imperial Princes, what could it be? As I got there, I opened the doors quickly. What I saw before my eyes, are the 3 Imperial Princes on the bed lying down, looking sick and panting. I widened my eyes.

"Please explain what happened" I asked the maid who's in charge of taking care of them.

"I was just passing by when I heard a loud thud and a whimper from their room. When I checked, I saw the three of them on the floor passed out" She said, her body shaking.

"The Royal doctor is here!" One of the maids exclaimed. We turned our heads to the doctor entering and quickly checked the Imperial Princes' condition. After a few minutes, the doctor spoke.

"They have been poisoned"

We all widened our eyes and gasped. Poisoned?! Who did such a thing?!

"The poison came from that milk over here" The doctor said as he examines the glass of milk spilled on the floor. It's the usual drink they have, given by the Empress before they go to bed. But how? Just then, a cold voice that made me flinched was heard.

"What's going on here"

We all turned to the owner of the voice and it's none other than The Emperor, himself. We all kneeled down, bowing. But something feels different…

"Your Majesty, the Emperor. The Imperial Princes have been poisoned. But not to worry your Majesty, its a poison that can be cured quickly" The doctor explained. I expect the Emperor to worry since he love his children but what he said is not what expected at all.

"So she has gone this far…do whatever you want with them. I have a bigger priority" He said with an emotionless tone as if he doesn't care at all. As soon as he said that, he quickly left with the other knights. I was shocked to hear the Emperor said that. Not only me, but everyone in the room.

After a few weeks passed by, The Empress has already passed away. They said she died alone in the forest. The Imperial Princes was successfully cured and is alright. But the once cheerful Empire is now gone. The Emperor's personality has become different, he has become strict and cold to everyone even to his own sons. Resulting the Princes avoiding their own father and distancing themselves from him. They do not talk to each other anymore, if they do, it's just the Emperor scolding them off. The Imperial family is now broken.

"But I always thought that you're still out there alive and surviving. I always pray that the First Imperial Princess is still alive but is lost from her true family. When I was taking care of you ever since, you are such a precious girl" Tanya said as tears flowed through her eyes and wiping it away.

I just sat there, mouth opened with my eyes widened. I looked down on my lap as I frowned. What happened to father? If he wasn't like that brutal attitude before, why did he change?

"Your Highness, I am so happy to see you right here before my eyes. The First Imperial Princess who has finally come home" She said with a soft smile. I gently smiled back then jumped off of the couch I'm sitting on. I walked towards Tanya and hugged her. She froze for a second but also hugged me back.

"Claire, I hope you can change him. I just know there's still hope for this Empire to be back just the way it was" She said as she caressed the back of my hair.

"I can try…no, I will" I said as I pulled back from the hug.

"I always wanted to meet my true family, I won't back down now just because my father treated me like trash" I proudly said as I put both of my hands on my waist. Tanya chuckled and ruffled my hair.

"You are just like your mother, who doesn't like giving up and is intelligent. Your bravery came from your father as well" She added with a smile.

After our chat, Tanya went back to her duties and now I'm left alone in this big bedroom. I lied down the soft bed. I need to change my father's attitude and talk to him if I can, but how? But If I get in his way, he might kill me!

I frowned as I sighed. "Just you wait, demon emperor! I will take you on!" I yelled as I wave my arms in the sheets.