"My wish is strong, so I won't wish if I haven't thought it through carefully."
I chuckled slightly as my mother poked my small cheek. Her eyes narrowed, and her dimples appeared, making her even more beautiful. "But why, mother?"
My question made her pause, and I tilted my head, seemingly puzzled by my mother's behavior. "Mother, are you sad?" I felt her soft hand land on my head.
"Someday, child, you'll understand."
The surroundings darkened; I couldn't see anyone. I couldn't even tell where my mother was. Until it lit up again, and before my surroundings became clear, a scream escaped my lips.
"MOTHER!"
I saw my mother, tearful, kneeling, and bathed in her own blood. I knelt down, sobbing loudly and hugging myself. Many questions troubled my young mind, but I couldn't find any answers.
And beside her was a dagger, held by a masked man with large wings, who laughed as if he hadn't taken the life of my dearest mother. I couldn't even scream because something was holding me back, something wanted to explode but couldn't--
"IT'S NOT TIME YET."
"WAKE UP"
"AH!"
I woke up, panting and trembling. I felt sweat all over my body. My heart was beating fast, and I immediately hugged myself. I have many questions, questions about myself and who my truly my mother is in my life.
A strange dream. This wasn't just a dream with various events. I saw two scenarios. I was talking to my mother, and she mentioned something about a wish. And I also saw her death, the man with wings, and the words that forced me to wake up. Could this be related to my return to this body?
I looked at my window, covered by curtains. I saw a faint light trying to get in, so I was sure it was morning. Someone knocked on my door, so I let them in.
"My dear princess, Princess?!" Hera rushed to me, her face filled with worry. "Why are you so sweaty and panting? Did something happen to you?!"
She examined me, but I just shook my head. "I'm fine, I just had a bad dream, that's all."
She sighed, and the worry on her face disappeared. "Don't think too much about the bad dream, my dear princess. I'll prepare your bath because the dear king is looking for your presence for breakfast."
Breakfast with them again? Fate is truly amazing.
I just nodded lifelessly. If only I could go back to the academy, I would. It's also pointless to just mope around here in the palace.
After I bathed and fixed my attire, I left my room to go to the dining table. Just then, everyone was there, but it seemed they were waiting for me. Even though it wasn't really necessary.
Lily and Emerald were even annoyed when I sat down. "Why did it take you so long, and you have no consideration for your family who are waiting?" Lily's sharp tongue immediately started.
"Your Highness, all hail glory, I greet the King, Queen and the future king of Alsepius. I also apologize for my late arrival."
I even saw them all surprised by my demeanor, except for Zen and King Thaddeus, who were just quietly by the side. It was truly surprising because I managed to exchange sharp words with Lily yesterday.
Let me correct that, I am just honest with what I say, but I also know when to correct my mistakes.
Even Lily was stunned; she probably thought I would retort. My time is just wasted on people like her, so next time she shows that kind of behavior, I'll just avoid her.
The queen just looked at me seriously. Her gaze now was far from when she laid a hand on me. Did I misread the dear queen? "Let's just start and eat, we didn't wait that long."
We started eating, and that was also the signal for their conversation, which I knew I wasn't included in. If they weren't discussing strengthening the empire, their conversation was about their powers.
"I can enter the academy now, father." Lily said respectfully. "I assure you that the shame I caused will not happen again. Again, I ask for forgiveness."
Aamon and Zen just looked at her as if to say, 'We'll watch you closely.' I saw Blair and Emerald scoff, while Helena just nodded happily. The king just nodded at Lily's request.
"If so, I will make sure to prepare your carriage for your return, my child." Queen Elizabeth smiled at Lily.
I thought the conversation would move on to the academy, but Thaddeus managed to include me in the discussion. "And you, Ophelia? Do you want to return to the academy?"
Okay, my job just got easier. I thought I would have to visit him in his office to get permission to attend again. A smile appeared on my lips. "I am happy to return to the academy, father."
"But why, father? If you let her return to the academy, Ophelia will be in more danger. Especially since she has no power, she will just be a disgrace to our empire," Blair interjected, causing me to look at him.
His gaze towards me is very hostile now; I got annoyed by his behavior. I wasn't doing anything to him, but he was interfering in my life. I didn't say I wanted to risk my life if I got into trouble, did I?
"Yes, father, it's better if Ophelia stays locked up here. Because she'll definitely be safe," Helena added fuel to the fire. I saw Lily's subtle smirk.
"There's nothing we can do, and we can't force Ophelia if she wants to enter the academy," Aamon said coldly, raising the hairs on my arms with his tone. "If our sister wants to, we should just support her. It's not good for her to just stay here like a captive slave." His face brightened again, and he looked at me with a smile.
Great brother! You are truly my favorite. This is why I treasure you.
I smiled at what he said. I saw the queen clenched her fist while Zen rolled his eyes. I also noticed the sharp glares from Emerald and Lily towards me, while Helena's face was unreadable as she forced a smile. The king was just observing, but with his nod, it seemed my worries had lessened.
I am delighted to return to the academy again.