chapter 13

The next morning, a man from the royal family arrived at our estate, carrying a letter. Grandpa quickly read it and rushed to Uncle's chambers, where I was also present.

As Grandpa entered the room, he hesitated when he saw me, then handed the letter to Uncle. Uncle's eyes widened in anger as he read the letter.

"What is it, Uncle?" I asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

At first, Uncle didn't respond. Instead, he poured water into a glass and handed it to me. "Athanasia, hmm... no, you read it."

He handed me the letter, and as I read it, my heart sank. The letter stated that I was required to report to the Imperial Palace to begin my training as a Crown Princess.

I remembered Rohan's words from the previous night: "Athanasia, there's a surprise for you..." Hehe....

"No, Uncle, that's Rohan and the Empress doing this. I don't want to go!" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of panic.

Uncle tried to calm me down. "Athanasia, listen to me, it's alright."

But I was beyond consolation. "No, it's not! Nothing is alright!" I shouted, before turning and running back to my room, leaving everyone behind.

After three days i was in the carriage,As the carriage doors closed behind me, I felt a pang of sadness wash over me. I was really leaving. I glanced out the window, watching as the familiar faces of my family faded into the distance.

Uncle's words echoed in my mind: "Should I go with you?" And my response: "No, there's no need for that." Adrian had teased me, saying I was cold-hearted, but Arion had remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Arion had always been like that - a cold, reserved person who didn't speak much. It was a trait that often made me feel like I was walking on eggshells around him. Adrian, on the other hand, was friendly and sweet, just like our aunt.

As the carriage began to move, I felt a lump form in my throat. I waved one last time at my family, trying to commit the memory of their smiling faces to my mind.

The carriage picked up speed, and soon the estate was just a tiny speck in the distance. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. I was bound for the Imperial Palace, where I would begin my training as a Crown Princess.

As the carriage rode on, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach. I thought about my family, and how much I would miss them. I thought about the Imperial Palace, and the strict rules and protocols that I would have to follow.

After a while, the carriage stopped in front of a large, imposing gate. The gate was adorned with the emblem of the Imperial Family, and it looked both beautiful and intimidating.

The carriage door opened, and a liveried servant bowed low. "Welcome, Princess Athanasia. We have arrived at the Imperial Palace."

I took a deep breath, smoothed out my dress, and stepped out of the carriage. The servant led me to the palace entrance, where I was greeted by a stern-looking woman.

"Welcome, Princess Athanasia," she said, her voice firm but polite. "I am Lady Sofia, the Imperial Palace's Mistress of Etiquette. I will be overseeing your training and education during your stay here."

I curtsied, trying to make a good impression. "Thank you, Lady Sofia. I am honored to be here.

Lady Sofia asked, "Princess, would you like to rest first or take a tour of the place?"

I replied, "I would like to take a tour, please."

Lady Sofia nodded, a hint of approval in her expression. "Very well, Princess. Let us proceed with the tour. The Imperial Palace is a vast and complex structure, with many wings and chambers. I will show you the main areas, and you can familiarize yourself with the rest over time."

She led me through the grand halls, pointing out various rooms and features. We walked through the throne room, the banquet hall, and the library, each one more impressive than the last.

As we walked, Lady Sofia provided a steady stream of information about the palace's history, architecture, and customs. I listened intently, trying to absorb as much as I could.

We eventually arrived at a beautiful garden, filled with exotic flowers and trees. A tranquil fountain bubbled in the center, creating a soothing melody.

Lady Sofia smiled, seeming to relax a bit in the peaceful surroundings. "This is one of my favorite places in the palace, Princess. I hope you will find it a refuge when you need some quiet time."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "Thank you, Lady Sofia. It's lovely."

Just then, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Lady Sofia's expression turned formal once more. "Ah, Princess, it seems we have company.''

Lady Sofia suddenly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness, Crown Prince."

I turned around to see Rohan standing before us, a charming smile on his face. I bowed and greeted him, trying to hide my surprise.

"Hello, Lady Sofia. Hello, my dear fiancée," Rohan said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I hope Lady Sofia has been a good help to you."

I nodded, trying to sound calm. "Yes, Your Highness. Lady Sofia was giving me the palace tour."

Rohan's gaze flicked to Lady Sofia. "Oh, I see. Lady Sofia, will you leave us alone? I want to spend some time with my dear fiancée."

Lady Sofia bowed and quickly departed, leaving me alone with Rohan. I felt a pang of anxiety and tried to call out to Lady Sofia, but she was already gone.

Rohan grabbed my hand, his grip warm and firm. "Huh? I look at Rohan, and he said, 'Did you like my surprise? Hahaha... Well, I was planning to tell you that day, but you made me angry, so I thought it would be good like this.'"

He leaned in closer, his breath tickling my ear. "Now I can see you all the time, whenever I want. Isn't it good?"

Before I could react, Rohan kissed my cheek, sending shockwaves through my body. I backed off a little, but he didn't let go of my hand.

"Let's go, let's eat lunch," Rohan said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I felt like I was being swept up in a whirlwind, with no control over what was happening.

Rohan led me to a beautiful dining hall, filled with lavish decorations and fine china. The table was set with an exquisite array of dishes, each one more tantalizing than the last.

As we sat down, Rohan smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I hope you're hungry, my dear. I've ordered all your favorite dishes."

I smiled politely, trying to hide my resentment. "Thank you, Your Highness. You're too kind."

As we ate, I maintained a polite conversation, answering Rohan's questions and making small talk. But inside, I was seething. I didn't want to be here, and I certainly didn't want to be engaged to this man.

As the meal drew to a close, Rohan leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smile on his face. "I'm glad we had a chance to eat together, my dear. Now, shall we take a walk in the gardens?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But then I remembered my manners. "I would be delighted, Your Highness. But may I first excuse myself to freshen up?"

Rohan's smile faltered for a moment, but then he recovered. "Of course, my dear. Take all the time you need."

I stood up, curtsying politely. "Thank you, Your Highness."

As I left the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. I had maintained my etiquette and decency, but inside, I was still seething with resentment.

As I emerged from the grand hallway, Lady Sofia awaited me with a gentle smile. "Shall I escort you to your chambers, Princess Athanasia?" she inquired, her voice soft and melodious.

I nodded graciously, and Lady Sofia led me to a lavish room adorned with lavender and white hues. The delicate furnishings and intricate patterns seemed to whisper elegance and refinement.

As I changed into a comfortable gown in violet and black colors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The weight of my new responsibilities as the Crown Princess's fiancée settled upon me like a mantle.

Lady Sofia escorted me to the gardens, where Rohan awaited my arrival. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he greeted me. "Ah, Princess Athanasia, you look lovelier than ever. Shall we take a stroll through the gardens?"

As we walked, the gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Rohan took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rohan's smile faltered for a moment, and he said, "Athanasia, how many times must I remind you? When we are alone, you must address me as Rohan."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I apologized, "Forgive me, Rohan. I shall endeavor to remember."

Rohan's expression softened, and he said, "You are forgiven, Athanasia. Now, tell me, what is the name of your cousin, Duke Kyle's second son?"

I replied, "His name is Adrian, Rohan."

Rohan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, yes, Adrian. I recall now. He addresses you informally, does he not?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. "Yes, Rohan. He calls me Athi."

Rohan's smile grew wider. "Then I shall address you thus as well, my dear Athi. You do not object, I presume?"

I felt a sense of trepidation, but I nodded graciously. "No, Rohan, I do not object."