Abandoned Princess

As they entered the capital, a lot of singing and dancing were performed on the street to welcome them. The people flocked beside the street to see their future Empress.

"Long live the princess!" the people called out.

Princess?

The word had put a sweet smile on her face.

As they neared the palace gates, trumpets were heard, signaling for their arrival. As she looked out into the window, she saw her dragon flew above her.

'Qeillith, I'm going to see him again' she said to her dragon.

'I am happy for you. The Fairy Queen wanted to bid her farewell so she came with me,' Qeillith said.

The Fairy Queen?

She turned to Alik who was riding his horse beside her carriage.

"Qeillith said the Fairy Queen is here," Cordelia said.

Alik only nodded.

That queen has been such a pain in the neck for him these past few days. She had kept asking about his personal life and had tried to peek at him when he was bathing in the river.

"Is there something wrong Alik?" Elizabeth asked.

"Nothing m'lady," Alik replied, galloping his way in front of the carriage.

As she descended from the carriage, announcers blew their trumpets first before they announced the arrival of the Duke and the future Empress.

She was going to see Olzan again, after 10 long years...

As they entered the hall, subjects from all over the kingdom had filled the hall just to catch a glimpse of the future Empress.

"They are here to see you, my dear," her father whispered to her.

"I know," she smiled.

They entered the Court of Royals to greet the Emperor and his Empress and to pay respect to them. The Empress was in awe of Elizabeth's beauty. She really did come after her mother.

'Eliza, my beloved sister by fate, your daughter resembles you so much. She made me miss you' the Empress thought, holding back her tears.

The Duke and Elizabeth bowed in front of the Royal couple.

"My dear child, you have grown up so beautifully. Raise your head sweet child and let me see your beautiful face," the Empress said.

Elizabeth raised her head slowly but kept her eyes down, she dare not look at the Royal couple directly.

"Philippe, don't you think she is perfect for our Edward?" the Empress asked her husband.

"Yes, indeed my wife," the Emperor smiled at his wife.

Elizabeth was indeed beautiful. Beautiful dark brown locks which fell carelessly on her shoulders, thick, long eyelashes that made her hazelnut brown eyes stand out, the fair complexion that made women envy her. But it wasn't her looks that captivated the Edward and made the Empress talk of her in awe, it was her brain, her elegance and the vibrant aura that emanated from her.

"Butler Erik, bring your master here. Tell him, Elizabeth has arrived," the Emperor ordered.

The butler, quick to his feet, went to the Crown Prince's waiting room.

The prince, on the other hand, was sitting nervously in the waiting room. He was told to wait there until his father would call for him. As he was about to stand up, the butler entered the room.

"Your Highness, it's time."

The prince nodded and tidied his attire. He was going to see her again, after a long, long time.

As he approached the Court of Royals, he saw a beautiful lady who was standing in front of his parents. He got captivated by her, the aura that surrounded her drew him in.

"Son, I am assuming you have met our lady Elizabeth," the Emperor said as he saw his son come out from the side.

The crown prince who was dumbstruck by Cordelia's emanating beauty stuttered in front of his father.

"Uh... y-yes, father. We have met," the prince said without taking his eyes of the lady.

The Empress laughed at seeing how his son's reaction upon seeing Elizabeth.

"Your beauty has captivated the Crown Prince's heart, my dear. Come, let us prepare for your coronation as the Crown Princess. It is my duty to prepare the future Empress," the Empress said as she stood up and approached Elizabeth, offering her hand which Elizabeth accepted.

"You have now seen her, let's go and prepare for her coronation," the Emperor said as he gestured for his son and to the Duke to follow him.

The Empress and Cordelia entered a room filled with extravagant gowns, jewels, and crowns.

"Your decision in choosing your attire will reflect on your future decision as an empress in the near future, my dear. Choose wisely," the Empress said.

"Is this a test, your Majesty?" Elizabeth asked the Empress in which the Empress only smiled in response.

"It depends on what you are thinking, my dear. The attendants will be at your disposal, take your time. The coronation will take place tonight. I shall leave you for now," the Empress said as she turned to leave. "By the way, what you will decide what to wear, you will be wearing that to your coronation," she added.

Elizabeth bowed to the Empress as she left.

"Your Highness, shall we take you first to go bathe?" the first attendant asked.

"Not yet. I need some time alone. Stay outside the door. I will only call for you when I am ready," Cordelia said.

The first attendant was confused as what Elizabeth meant but nevertheless, she complied to Elizabeth's request.

I want to prepare myself mentally for this first, she thought.

She sat down in front of a huge, golden dresser, staring at the mirror and found herself smiling.

"I never thought you'd recognize me," she whispered to herself as she thought of how the prince was staring at her earlier.