The First Step

Soon, Agnes left the bedroom before saying his goodbyes and went straight to the training grounds of the dukedom.

A few minutes passed as Inanna remained unmoved. She continued having a determine expression while sitting on the big mattress, thinking of the first step.

'If I remember correctly, everything changes by the time I turn thriteen. Meaning I must make a move now, but first, I need to be assured of something.'

It was then, Inanna turned her attention and gaze towards Lucy. When their eyes met, Lucy was already waiting for the child's orders.

"Lucy, how old is my sister turning this year?"

Inanna questioned with an innocent smile. Giving no hints of suspicion towards her hidden actions at her odd question.

She needed to know the date of when she precisely awoke to the past. Otherwise, her plans to change the future would be in vain.

"The Young Lady will be turning sixteen next month, My Lady."

Lucy replied as she stood in the same spot since their interaction.

Hearing Lucy's response, Inanna released a sigh she didn't realize she was holding on to from the worry of Lucy's answer. Now she knew that she still had time to change her family's future.

'That means I'm twelve years old. A year prior to the debut ball of when Lady Ariadne and the Crown Prince meet.'

However, it also meant that it was a year in anticipation of the assassination attempt of the Crown Prince from the empress. The year she met Kavin Castes for the first time.

This time, Inanna wished to be more of a help in order to be an ally of Kavin instead of an enemy. Assuring him she'd be no threat to him or anyone he holds dear.

'Maybe then, we can possibly become friends. Mere companions and nothing more. Yes... nothing more than that.'

Although Inanna knew she had to let go and move on from her one sided love, it was hard for her not to feel something for him. After all, he was her first love.

Yet with time, she would eventually move forward and perhaps fall in love with someone else. A man who'll return her feelings and share the same values as her.

Luckily, Lucy didn't question her actions as she simply awaited for her next orders.

"Lucy, get me a dress ready to go out. I'll be paying my father a visit."

"Yes, My Lady."

Lucy replied as she swiftly went to the white dresser to pick out the perfect dress for the occasion. She had a hunch that her lady was seeking her father for a significant purpose.

Even if she was still a child, she knew better than to underestimate the children of the Duke Bessa household. They are smart, intellectual, and respected individuals.

As Inanna waited, she couldn't help to look outside with anticipation. The nerves were kicking in as she thought of ways to convince her father on a particular topic.

'No, I'm must not fret. Even if he disagrees with me to join, I'll find a way into it without his approval, regardless.'

"My Lady, everything is ready."

Then Inanna got up from the mattress and made her way towards the bathroom where Lucy was waiting for her. It was a fresh new day to start. A change for a new beginning.

* * *

(Count Josefino Estate)

"Your Highness, I greet the blessing and future of the Amerta Empire."

A young boy with blonde hair and indigo eyes greeted the only son of the royal family as he bowed out of respect.

"Felix, enough. Between us four, there's no need to address each other with mere honorifics."

The young prince stated with a bored expression and a stoic tone as he sat on a burgundy velvet sofa where guests were welcomed inside the room by Count Josefino's Estate.

The sun, being his friend, illuminated his miraculous silver hair and golden orbs. His creamy and clear skin glowed beautifully with the sun's light.

Many would describe him as a mystical creature of the day. Precisely like an elf in children's fairytale books.

"You heard him, big brother. No need to greet His Highness in such a boring manner."

Another young boy spoke as he joked with the young lad beside him and leaned his shoulder against him.

Unlike his brother, he had ginger hair, and the same indigo colored eyes. Both brothers having their parents' good genes, which attracted plenty of young ladies for being utterly charming.

"Oliver, quit messing around and get off. We have important business to attend to. Remember, that's why we all gathered here today in discreet."

The young boy Felix elbowed his younger brother lightly off as he fixed his gray attire and furrowed his brows.

"Jeez. You're no fun Felix."

Oliver pouted as he sat on another burgundy velvet sofa across from the other sofa where the crown prince sat on.

"So, where's Isaak? It's the first time he misses a meeting? Any ideas why?"

Oliver questioned as he looked at the two older boys.

"The empress wanted to meet him, so he couldn't make it. He sends his regards to not making it."

Kavin voiced, looking outside the window from where he sat.

"The empress really seems desperate to make him the next emperor, although the emperor already has one to inherit the throne."

The blonde boy stated grimaced and displeased at the empress's wicked plans to overtake the throne for herself by using her only nephew, Isaak Haven.

"Which is why I gathered us here in the early morning while everyone is still in bed hours before going on about their day."

The young prince revealed.

"What are the plans? Are we going to poison the empress in her sleep? Or run her over by a carriage?"

The ginger haired boy cackled at his jokes whereas the other two merely sighed at his unserious antics.

"Oliver, would you quit acting like a child for once?"

"But I am a child!"

The younger boy jeered with a mischievous grin at his brother, but was shortly cut off by a slight low-pitch voice.

"Josefino, quit annoying your brother. As for your question, I do have one in mind, but we'll need a specific ally to join us."

The beautiful silver-haired boy voiced with a small smirk appearing on his rosy lips in contrast to Felix's eyebrow quirking upwards at the new information revealed.

"Who do you have in mind, Your Highness?"

The blonde questioned with curiosity.

"The Duke of Bessa. More importantly, their son. An ally I recently made."

The two brothers only looked at each other at their friend's claim and nodded their head in agreement.

"When do we begin?"

"A few days from now."

Kavin then got up from his spot and approached a vase filled with red roses set on a brown desk. He carefully grabbed one and took a quick whiff of the rose and smiled to himself.

He loved the color red, especially on things he found vastly beautiful. After all, it was his favorite color and his mother's favorite.

The other two boys merely stared at their friend with a serious and determined expression on the plans for the upcoming days to come.