Chapter 16

After that an awkward silence fell over the room. Each one waiting for the other to start a conversation. It made Amourora wonder if her family had always been this estranged. Wouldn't it be lonely if you didn't feel home even in the presence of your own family?

What should she say to start a conversation?

A conversation that she would benefit from? As each moment passed, she was getting more and more anxious about not making any progress on her goal.

She obviously can't ask them how their day went, her old self never did that. Whenever she talked it was about herself, what she did, what she wanted, the things she didn't like and wanted them to change...

"imperial uncle, you have fun outside the palace a lot, can you take me with you next time? Pleeease!" she showed a wide smile, fluttering her eyelashes cutely.

"uh..." the Royal prince shifted his gaze from her to the emperor.

"his highness has been traveling out of the palace quite often, lately." the emperor glanced at his younger brother.

The emperor wasn't voicing out a statement, but rather asking him what he was doing outside when he should be studying instead.

The emperor seemed to realize his brother didn't have any accomplishments in his life, all he did was play all day long.

The royal prince, Andrew, blamed his niece for bringing that topic up, but how could he when she was staring at him so innocently.

"Can Auntie and Avyanna come, too?" she continued to act oblivious to the growing tension in the room. "We want to go shopping for dresses for tea parties."

"Why not order a designer to the palace instead of visiting boutiques and tiring yourselves?" The empress tried to ease the atmosphere in the room.

"because I heard that around the end of each month the grand theater has a new show, we can't see it from the Palace." she reasoned, widening her eyes and smiling hopefully.

Nobody can resist her cute face when she pleads, even if she made a mistake, all she has to do is show them that innocent look and they will instantly forgive her. She used to show it to her father whenever he's angry, or she wanted to request something.

"perhaps it's a good idea." Angelina dabbed her lips with a handkerchief.

While her mother stood awkwardly, her aunt had the special ability to devise a compromise acceptable to both sides. That's a point where she was better than the empress, and she didn't waste each opportunity to rub it on her face.

"oh? Please elaborate." The emperor didn't seem to be amused with her intervention.

"well, your majesties have been a little busy as of late, and the children are bored and haven't stepped outside the palace gates for a long time, " Angelina continued, " recently, some of the noble families had been taking their children for a day out for a chance to witness our prosperous capital and see the lives of commoners.

"It's meant to teach them to be grateful for what they have and motivate them to study harder to improve our empire and give commoners better living standards. Usually the parents would take them, but as things stand... Andrew and I are willing to take them out for a few hours, if imperial brother allows it ." she also added." I will personally look after everyone, so please don't worry. Moreover, This will make everyone happy, the children get to play, and your majesty will have a more peaceful time completing your work. "

"... I will give it some thought. "the emperor nodded thoughtfully.

" is that a yes! "Amourora asked optimistically." Avyanna never visited the capital before... "

" do you want to go? "the emperor asked.

" yes. "she nodded.

The servants picked up the plates and set new dishes as soon as the emperor finished what's on his plate.

Amourora didn't mind the meat and vegetables dish to be taken away from her. Whatever gets her to dessert faster. Speaking of which, today's desserts were raspberry tarts, her favorite!

She remembers reading a story about an evil queen who loves raspberry tarts, she used to read that story to the children of the care homes. She wished she could share these treats with them, they will love it for sure.

She didn't realize she was lost in thought again until she looked up and everyone was staring at her.

She glanced at her father for help.

"are the pastries not up to your liking?" The emperor furrowed his eyebrows.

"it's good." she nodded.

"then, how about I let you go for a day out as a reward after you finish learning etiquette and manners?"

No way! If she learned etiquette she won't be able to act as freely as she wishes, and some of her plans will take longer to accomplish.

"no..." she mumbled. "it would take a looong time. What if I already have gray hair by then?"

"no it won't." the emperor chuckled. "it's not that hard, and you are very smart, you will be an elegant lady in no time."

"yes, and don't you want to be ready for the tea party?" The empress added.

"I think you—"

Looks like she has no choice but to—

Smash!

"I don't want to!" she slapped a glass bowl off table.

"escorts the princess to her room." the emperor commanded, his cold voice echoing through the giant hall. He turned to Amourora with a subdued voice "and stay there."

She stood up and stomped her foot.

"ow!"

Wrong move. Out of all days, why did she have to wear her ballet flats today ?

The emperor jumped out of his chair and picked her up into his arms. "careful, there's glass."

Everyone instantly stood up worried. It seems like a shard of glass penetrated through her shoes and pricked the sole of her foot.

"Call a doctor!"