Chapter:18 Whispers and Preparations

**Echoes of whispers and preparation**

As the day before Marcus's coronation ceremony dawned, the entire empire buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Preparation for the grand event was in full swing, with every corner bustling with activity and anticipation.

Amidst the joyous atmosphere and praises showered upon Marcus and the illustrious Aurelius family for their esteemed history and Marcus's capability at such a young age, there lurked whispers of discontent directed towards Anaya Aurelius.

Rumors swirled through the empire, fueled by gossip and speculation. It was whispered in hushed tones that with Marcus ascending to the throne, the Aurelius family would be elevated to royal status, and Anaya would be bestowed with the title of Princess Anaya, being the biological daughter of Myra and Ravel Aurelius.

While some reveled in the prospect of Anaya's newfound status, others harbored resentment and curses towards her. The once-quiet whispers grew louder, painting Anaya as an unwelcome addition to the royal family, stirring envy and bitterness among those who viewed her as an outsider.

As the day progressed, the tension in the empire reached a crescendo, with the fate of Marcus and Anaya Aurelius hanging in the balance, poised to be forever altered by the impending coronation ceremony.

As rumors swirled through the empire, the Aurelius household bustled with activity in preparation for the upcoming coronation ceremony. Amidst the grandeur and anticipation, Marcus, the central figure of the event, had his royal attire meticulously arranged, symbolizing the weight of the responsibility soon to rest upon his shoulders.

Myra, though frail in health, would grace the ceremony with her presence for the baptismal process of coronation, her strength and determination evident despite her physical limitations. Ravel, ever devoted, would stand by her side, ensuring her comfort and well-being throughout the event.

In the midst of the preparations, Marcus made a special request for a party gown to be prepared for Veronica, signaling her role as his esteemed partner for the ceremony, a testament to their bond amidst the grandeur of the occasion.

Meanwhile, Alexander, an integral figure in the proceedings, would also be bestowed with an important position, his presence adding depth and significance to the historic event.

With every detail meticulously attended to, the Aurelius household buzzed with anticipation, knowing that tomorrow's ceremony would be etched in the annals of history as a momentous occasion for the empire and the Aurelius family alike.

Amidst the flurry of activity, there was one figure untouched by the chaos: Anaya, a nine-year-old girl with black hair and striking green eyes, deemed a taboo among the nobility. Having never been introduced to high society, she assumed she wouldn't be attending the coronation ceremony.

Lost in her thoughts, Anaya was interrupted by a polite knock on her door a maid knocked on her door and asked for permission to enter. Surprised by the polite gesture, Anaya replied, "Yes, you may come in."Surprised by the courtesy, she granted permission for the maid to enter, reflecting on the newfound respect she was receiving. It was a stark contrast to the disregard shown by previous maids, a change undoubtedly influenced by Marcus's perceived care for her.

The maid entered with a tray of clothes and accessories, addressing Anaya respectfully as "My Lody." Anaya's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the title, a stark contrast to how she was usually treated. "For me?" she asked incredulously, eyeing the elegant attire laid out before her.

Yes, Miss Anaya," the maid confirmed with a gentle smile. "Master Marcus has sent these for you. He wishes for you to attend the coronation ceremony tomorrow as an important figure."

As the maid delivered Marcus's message and the clothes and accessories for the ceremony, Anaya couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. These gestures, she realized, were not genuine acts of kindness, but rather obligations tied to her family name. In that moment, she resolved to maintain her distance from those who only extended kindness out of obligation, rather than genuine concern.

As the preparations for the coronation reached their climax and the whispers of the empire swirled with anticipation, little did they know that amidst the grandeur and celebrations, unseen forces were gathering, poised to disrupt the delicate balance of power. In the quiet before the storm, an ominous foreboding lingered in the air, hinting at the turbulent events that would soon unfold, shattering the facade of peace and prosperity.