Chapter 11

Time sure goes by quickly. And the day I've been long dreading is just around the corner—my debutante. These 9 years of my life went by so swiftly and now I'm turning 16 years old in few days. It sure is hard to believe that I've come this far into my life and have achieved so much in just few years. I have mastered all my skills as a Knight and can skillfully wield my sword in multiple ways, though I've not received my title as a Knight but that can happen later. Now I can use my magic to its full strength as well but still there are some things I need to perfect. Since it has only been 6 years of me handling my mana for magic, I'm not as experienced compared to Father and the Priests. I also assist my Father with the empire affairs, just to lessen his burden. Along with that I've been getting a gist of how it's like to rule an empire, it's definitely not easy. The first day I had started to take care of the affairs related to the empire, I was swamped with documents and spent the whole day with Father in his office. Since I was new to all that, Father had allowed me to do the paperwork in his office so if I need help, I can just ask him right at the moment. That day, Fathers workload had lessened by A LOT and from then on I started attending the administration meetings. The other higher ranking nobles and members of the administration expressed their gratitude for me assisting with the empire affairs. After a while, I got my own office when I got comfortable with handling empire matters. Ah I have overcame my androphobia; well the only thing I overcame is not having flashbacks whenever I'm near a male but I'm still extremely cautious around men and keep my guard up to the max. Now I get examined by the Head Priest yearly and they have seen quite a bit of improvement ever since I started training as a Knight.

Presently, me and Isaiah are having dance rehearsals for the debutante since I'll be escorted by Isaiah and will have my first dance with him. Though Father really wanted me to have my first dance with Prince Haven but luckily, Prince Haven was busy with his own affairs. Even if he did come to my debutante, I would've still danced with Isaiah. I'm suddenly brought back to my senses as our dance teacher Miss Madelyn tells us to stop. For the past few days, we have been having dance rehearsals with this grumpy teacher. Me and Isaiah both dread coming to our dancing classes; I'd rather do my extensive and harsh training or finish my piled up paperwork for the empire than this.

"I want to leave at this very moment!" Isaiah whispers to me, the displeasure clearly apparent on his face.

"Me too!" I respond back with the same expression. Our expression change to a smile in a split second when we heard Miss Madelyn call us.

"I'm going to have you both practice dancing to that song one more time and that'll be the end of this last class." Miss Madelyn informed us with strictness. I wonder if this woman even has any other expressions…why does she only have this one blank expression? It's so hard to decipher her emotions!

"Ok!" We both say with fake excitement. I hate this with my whole being! I don't understand the need to learn dancing again when me and Isaiah have both learned it throughout our childhood. It's just a waste of our time!

"Then take your places! 1, 2, 3!" Just as she counts down the soft melody of the instruments start playing and we began to elegantly dance away with the melody. The song lasted for 5 minutes and by the end of it, we both stopped and bowed to each other.

"Good work both of you. Well then have a great rest of the day. Goodbye." She said nonchalantly and bowed to bid us farewell.

"I'm so glad the dancing rehearsals didn't go on for much longer. I couldn't handle it any longer!" Isaiah whined as we left the hall.

"I truly hate dancing, I would rather do something else!" I whined along with him. "Ah that reminds me…you remember the plan, right?" I asked, almost whispering.

"Yes! We'll leave right after your first dance and go on a horseback ride!" He whispered back excitedly.

"Ok good! I'm going to go to my office since I have a lot of pending work piled up and you need to go train. I know you skipped this morning so don't even try to bring up an excuse!" I tell Isaiah with my eyes piercing at him and he quickly averts his eyes. And starts to back away from me which is something that I've gotten used to. "I'm being serious! Don't have me come after you to drag you to the training grounds!" I yelled at him as he ran away.

"I can't hear you!" He yelled back while running.

"I know you can hear me, you rascal!" I yell even louder as he left my eyesight. Ugh there is nothing I can do about him. He has become even more mischievous as he entered his teenage years, though our age difference is three years but he still acts like a little kid. He turned 13 years old this year and is turning into a fine young man if I take out the part of him being a mischievous brat. I guess some things really don't change and it's partly my fault for always letting him do whatever he wants but then again he does listen to me and does whatever I tell him to do. He has started accumulating his mana ever since he turned 9 years old which is pretty early for a royal descendent but nonetheless he started to practice magic ever since. It seems he'll become a prodigy regarding magic, just like how everyone says I'll become a prodigy in swordsmanship. He also mastered his skills as a Knight alongside with me. But now he doesn't take it as seriously and just skips his training whenever I'm busy with meetings and other empire affairs. He knows very well that I have Captain Gabriel inform me when he misses training but still he has the nerve to skip training. Nevertheless, I'm glad he's enjoying his childhood and teenage years to the fullest since that wasn't the case for me. I head towards my office and think about the possible things I have to do.

The next day came around before I even knew it. Everyone in the Palace were under so much pressure to get me ready for my special day—my debutante. Since the early morning, they had put me through so many things—a body massage with lavender essential oil, that leading to a lavender scented bath, a face mask and lastly getting my makeup done. All the hecticness from the morning was truthfully paid off since once I looked at myself in the body mirror, I was left speechless. I look over at my personal maid, Lily, with the biggest smile on my face.

"Thank you, everyone! And Thank you, Lily! I love it!" I expressed my gratitude with my sweetest smile which had them blushing.

I never liked to dress up as much but looking at myself, all decked up in jewelry and this gorgeous dress had me mesmerized. I could tell that the maids tried their best to keep it as simple as they can. I had on this iridescent dress with floral embroidery done which fit my curves perfectly and was paired with lavender diamond jewelry set. The makeup put on me was very light but it brought out my golden eyes and my brown long hair was styled gracefully in waves which had small gemstones decorated on it. To top it all off, a golden tiara was put on my head. The look all together made me appear innocent and elegant…just like how my mother looked.

"My Lady is a true beauty just like the late Empress!" One of the maids said excitedly but suddenly the other maids hushed her and the mood became gloomy.

"Thank you! I appreciate it!" I said with a faint smile. I knew they had went quiet because they didn't want me to be depressed on such a blissful day but I was already missing mother. Without even trying, the maids always ended up complimenting me on how I look just like the Empress, "A true beauty" they always say. As I get older, I seem to appear more and more like my mother, which I don't mind at all since I am my mothers daughter but it makes me miss her even more. I wish my mother was here to see me grow into an elegant lady.

I'm brought back to my senses with a knock on the door and I see my personal knight, Sir Grayson, standing there. My expression immediately changed to that of discontent. I didn't hate Sir Grayson but I hated the fact I needed to have a personal Knight and that too a male. I wish my old personal knight can be back with me but since I need to get used to being around men, father suggested me to have a male knight. I hated the idea and tried to convince father that I can take care of myself on my own but nothing worked and I had to personally go pick my knight by myself. I ended up picking Grayson since he appeared as someone who won't bother me much and I was correct. He'd follow me around like any guard but the moment, I told him to leave and do his own stuff, he'd leave without a word. I'm pretty sure he's scared of me since I always look at him like I don't care about his presence and give the most loathing look but there's no way of preventing me from giving such expression—I just despise men regardless of them being innocent.

"Uhm…Prince Isaiah is waiting for you at the reception room." He told me in not so confident voice.

"Ok lead the way." I responded with a blank expression. The maids were left shocked at how quick my aura changed. I proceeded to leave alongside Sir Grayson as he led me to the reception room where my brother was waiting. He opened the door for me and I was greeted by my charming brother. I must say the royal family sure has some good genes for both of us to turn out like a fine jewel.

"Good afternoon, my gorgeous sister! You look lovely as usual!" He reaches out his hand with a smile.

"Ah you flatter me too much! You, yourself, look charming!" I put my hand on his hand as I elegantly smile. We both could only keep up with that fake act for only few seconds and soon broke into laughter.

"Ugh I don't think I can hold onto this act in front of all the nobles who will come at the debutante ceremony. This feels like torture!" Isaiah says after laughing to his hearts content.

"This is torture! Any ceremony is torture and we'll have to put this front up so we can keep up our reputation!" I say with disappointment. "Ah don't forget about our plan! You have Dakota and Apollo ready, right?"

"Yes, ma'am! They are ready!" He says in a joking manner which makes me giggle.

"Ok sir!" I respond in which receiving a giggle from Isaiah. I turn around to see Grayson and Sir Daniel, Isaiahs personal knight, standing together all tensed up.

With the most detest look, I open my mouth to speak. "You both loosen up. If you guys go like that outside, everyone will think we torture both of you in the most horrendous ways." Instead of loosening up, they both became more scared and tensed. I can't possibly be this horrifying.

"Sis, you saying that with your abhorrent expression is not going to make them relax." Isaiah whispered to me.

"They should be used to it by now." I whispered back.

"I don't think they are…" He sighed. "Anyways, shall we leave and meet up with Father?"

"Yes!" I said with excitement.

Just as we were about to leave, our father was right in front of the door which startled both me and Isaiah since we didn't expect to meet him here.

"I see, I came here at the right time! Oh my, both of my kids look so charming!" Father compliments us.

"Thank you, Father!" Isaiah and I both said with joy. We both loved getting compliments.

"Then shall be depart to the ceremony hall?" Father asked as he reached out both of his hands so we can walk hand in hand.

"Yes!" Both me and Isaiah reached out our hands, though we may be old but still we're both little kids to our father. We started walking towards the Royal ceremony hall with our personal knights guarding us from behind. Just as we arrived to the ceremony hall, Father stopped.

"Ah before we enter, let me remind you both to stay for the whole ceremony. Don't pull one of your guys plan to escape this important event. Today is a special day for Irene! I hope you understand that too, Irene! No matter how many times I've allowed you both to not attend an event but today please be present!" Father pleads to us. It is dead silent while me and Isaiah exchange various looks as we are communicating through our eyes. "Should we stay?" My eyes expressed. "No!!!!" Was the instant response from Isaiahs eye. His eyes looked terrified which made me want to laugh.

"Father…we can't guarantee that…" I responded back after awhile.

"From the looks of it, it seems like you both are already scheming something…huh?" Father says while trying to make an eye contact with both of us but we avert our eyes each time.

"Father, the ceremony is about to start!" We quickly pull father towards the entrance. Immediately, the person appointed announced our presence to everyone attending the debutante ceremony. All the nobles of various ranking and girls who've been waiting for their coming to age ceremony were present on this very day. Me, Father and Isaiah came forth on the inside balcony which had staircases on the left and right side. Everyone greeted us by bowing down as Father began his small speech.

"As you may know, today is a special day for many young ladies who are coming to age. But today is especially special due to the debutante of the Southern Empires Princess Irene!" Father stated proudly. There was more to Fathers speech but my attention was already lost. I looked through the room full of unknown people, there were only some people who I have seen at meetings and that was about it. I can see many girls looking at me with admiration, envy, and even jealously. And on the other hand, many men looked at me with lust and fancy but some didn't even bat an eye at me. Suddenly my eyes caught hold of Aspens eyes just when father finished his speech. Aspens gaze seemed cold as usual, I could tell he didn't want to be here either. Well that is one thing I can relate with.

I am lead downstairs with hand in hand with Father and Isaiah while I'm in the middle; Father on my right side while Isaiah on my left side. It is announced that I'll be having my first dance with Isaiah. We both go in the middle of the hall while everyone has their attention set on us. The music began lightly as we both bow to each other and then proceed to dance with the melody getting louder. Both of our bodies gracefully moved along with the tune. The soft song together with the brother and sister dance had everyone be in awe and left them in admiration.

While me and Isaiah were over this whole dance. "A little bit longer and we'll be done." Isaiah said through his fake smile.

"Talk for yourself! I still have a dance with Father." I said without changing my soft expression.

"Right! Good luck! I'll be off now. Byeee!" I really wanted to roll my eyes at his response.

As the song came to an end, Isaiah and I bowed to each other while Father came forth to take my hand. Another song started to play while me and Father danced.

"I can't believe it's already your debut day!" Father said with a bittersweet expression. I just smiled and leaned on his chest, putting my head softly on his chest as we slow danced in front of everyone. "I love you, Father!" I softly said, feeling my eyes get watery.

"I love you too, my dear!" Father replied back with the most affectionate voice. Though I can't see my fathers expression at the moment but I can feel that he's softly smiling as we dance along with the music. The song came to an end and we both bowed to each other. Everyone was still stuck on that small action and were left in awe with the bond shared between the father and daughter.

After Isaiah and I greeted the important nobles, we got together and secretly go out of the ceremony. As soon as we knew we were safe and far away from the ceremony hall, we both got on our horse and left on a night horseback ride. It's something we didn't do often but whenever we did have time, we'd ride our horses to the heavenly land and spend some time with our mother. Today we were going to do just that.

*Havens POV*

Without anyone knowing, I arrived to the debutante ceremony of Princess Irene, my fiancee. At first, I didn't want to attend since I'm not even close to this girl but since we are engaged it is only right for me to attend. Also since my Knights kept talking about how the Princess never shows her presence which intrigued me. Though the engagement was set between us to keep the alliance in tact between the two empires but most importantly due to her mother and my parents believing that we'll be the best pair together. And due to that I'm curious to know how she is as a person now…well I wouldn't say the reason I came here was because I was curious to know how she looks. Maybe I was curious since the last time I remember seeing her was about 12 years ago. To my surprise, she has grown into an elegant woman. Though her gaze is very cold and indifferent, something I never imagined to witness but whenever she looks at her brother and father, it becomes soft and loving. From the side, I watch them dance and am captivated by the way her body moves. After their dance ended and the other ladies started to dance, my eyes followed everywhere Irene went. I watched her greet the nobles and then caught a sight of her conversing with Isaiah. They both looked around suspiciously. "What are they both up to?" I thought to myself. I get closer to them so I can get a clear view of what's about to take place. In an instance, they both stealthily make their way out the ceremony hall. And I'm left astonished. I also make my way out before anyone realizes that the Northern Prince, Haven, attended the ceremony. I quietly follow them as they head towards the stable. I watch them take a black and white horse out with them.

"I feel like a stalker." I said out loud to myself. I don't know why I'm doing this right now.

"Let's go!!" I hear both of them say as they start riding their respective horse. I watch as Irene quickly passes Isaiah which makes Isaiah whine.

"She's interesting…but this was such a waste of my time" was the only thought in my head.