We arrived at the Imperial Palace just in time as I walked along the red carpet with my held up high, standing beside the Duke and Duchess of the honorable House Ainsworth. All of the nobles that were invited tonight wore extravagant gowns and tailored suits made from the finest silk as it was likely purchased from boutiques. I received a lot of warm greetings from the guests as they gave me expensive gifts to commemorate the day that I was born in this world.

As we sauntered through the majestic grand ballroom, I was greeted with the immense resplendent crystal chandeliers that spiraled down from the arching sky-blue ceiling that illuminated the glistening golden walls. The versatile porcelain floor tiles had a seamless golden floral design as it was so polished that anyone can be able to see their reflection within. A creamy palette of luxurious fabric draped over the walls, and it had an embroidery of a fierce golden lion with dandelion flowers surrounding it which indicates the symbol of the Imperial Family.

A harmonic melody drifted through the atmosphere as it came from a group of instrumentalist that were placed at the far end of the hall. They were playing a variation of classical music eloquently as every note of that tone was weaved with such beauty.

There is a spacious banquet stationed on the other side of the hall. It has an variety of exquisite and sumptuous main courses along with delightfully rich desserts made by top-notch chefs and patisseries.

Being able to have a lavish birthday celebration like this is a privilege only for the nobles. I know that I should be grateful since the one who arranged this fancy party is the Imperial Family, but it seems like I am unable to comprehend the minds of the aristocrats despite being one myself. I would be completely satisfied in just having a simple lunch with my cliques.

"Greetings, His and Her Imperial Majesty, Emperor and Empress of Belvedere." Duke Oswald stated while bowing his head as Duchess Charlotte and I slightly dipped our bodies downward by bending our knees. "As well as His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince of Belvedere."

It became a tradition to offer a bow and a curtsy as it is considered as a formality to greet the distinguished members of the monarchy.

"We humbly appreciate how thoughtful you were for hosting a spectacular celebration for our daughter."

"It is only right to commemorate a special occasion as the Lady of House Ainsworth has recuperated from her ailment, and today also happens to be her birthday."

Emperor Charlemagne Augustus de Belvedere

Empress Octavia Theodora de Belvedere

The honorable, distinguished, Belvedere Family has been ruling the empire for an entire millennia ever since a certain genius acceded to the throne. His reign was a golden age for the nation as he was renowned for his wisdom and accomplishments. He expanded trade extensively, he raised the economy, further strengthened the military, established religious institutions, wrote numerous proverbs and parables, and he ensured that his country would be the era of peace and prosperity.

But Emperor Charlemagne is also exceedingly proficient as well. At the beginning of his reign, he conquered a continent as he expanded the empire from north to west. He created an alliance with the neighboring countries to maintain the company trading industries, through the fertile lands and vast seas, as well as maintaining a peace treaty. He is known for his leadership and sagacity as well as his unparalleled beauty.

He was not the only one who made a huge contribution to the prosperity of the nation, Empress Octavia had a fair share of astounding feats as well. Despite being a woman, she is a military genius that led the army to many victories as she has an exceptional skill in constructing strategies during battles. There were rumors that she even went to war and assisted her camaraderies, but it was impossible since men are the only ones that were allowed to be deployed in battle.

"Happy birthday to the Lady of House Ainsworth! May you be blessed with utmost happiness." The Empress graciously smiled at me as her wavy golden blonde hair fell on her waist, while her deep blue eyes were filled with kindness. She and the Emperor were like a match made in heaven. A perfect combination of two individuals that were blessed with beauty and brains.

"I have been overwhelmed that His and Her Imperial Majesty, Emperor and Empress of Belvedere, took the trouble to prepare a grand celebration on the occasion of my birthday." My painted lips curved into a smile as I gave a curtsy. "I am truly thankful for everything that the Imperial Family has done for me."

"We are very pleased to hear that. I hope you would enjoy this party dedicated to you." The Emperor genuinely smiled at me as well. He has a sleek golden blonde hair and a pair of viridescent green eyes. "If you ever feel exhausted, you can retire in one of our bedchambers."

"Thank you for offering your hospitality to me. I will keep it in mind."

I found it odd that everyone kept pestering me to get some rest even though I do not even feel tired myself. I know that they are sincerely worried about me, but this is too much. If I am unwell, then there would be no reason for me to attend this party. I will prove it to them that my constitution is not that frail anymore. 

After the exchange of pleasantries, I headed straight to the reception area to indulge myself as I was in need of refreshments and relaxation. There were a variety of delicacies displayed at the desert section — puddings, tarts, crustards, patties, wafers, doughnuts, pancakes, marzipan cakes, compotes, creams and fruit cooked in hyppocras.

The sickly sweet and yet mouthwatering aroma of the confections infiltrated my nose as it was enough to cave my appetite. I decided to indulge myself in catering a few plates filled with pastries for a while.

"It's so delicious..." I uttered in silence as I took a small bite of an almond cake. No, the word 'delicious' is an understatement. It feels like I have tasted the sweet nectar of heaven, and I can no longer descend to earth.

There was a crowd of people that approached the reception as it was none other than the Duke and Duchess of Ainsworth. My parents are currently in the center of the social circle as they were mingling with the other lower-ranking nobles in the hereditary peerage.

Despite that I am the celebrant, only a few nobles greeted me. They also gave me tons of luxurious gifts as I cannot wait to open all of them once we return to the manor.

"Happy Birthday, My Lady! Please accept this present, it took me a lot of time to find something that you would've really liked."

"Thank you very much, Lady Ferguson."

"Please, you may call me by my given name instead. I wish to become even closer to you."

This overbearing woman in front of me is Lady Rosalind Miranda Ferguson. She is the daughter of an Viscount, and is also one of my cliques, but somehow I am not entirely fond of her. The one that invited her in the circle is a trusted friend of mine as she perfectly blended in without my consent.

"I am truly delighted that My Lady has finally recovered from her ailment." She is a beautiful woman with refined gestures and as much as I hate to admit it, she is even more feminine that I could ever be.

She has a long and curly light auburn hair that naturally flows down on her waist, and her eyes were the color of the forest's leaves with speckles of sunlight glowing through. She also has incongruous pink freckles powdered on her fairly beautiful face.

"It might've been just me, but I kept wondering if I occur a grudge from you?"

I raised an eyebrow with a hint of suspicion. "I beg your pardon?"

"The moment our eyes would meet, My Lady always have a hint of hostility towards me whenever I strike a conversation."

For a split moment, I felt my eye twitched in nervousness. Was I making my intentions tad obvious? Should I be blunt with her? What would happen if she took it in a wrong way?

"It seems like you got the wrong idea." I was finished eating my deserts as I cleared my throat before voicing out my thoughts. "To be honest, I was a bit surprised that Lady Ferguson came unannounced to my tea party which I hosted two years ago... Since it was my friend who invited you, it would be unbecoming of me to send a lady away, no? We are not even that close, but you would latch on me the second you see me. It was infuriating."

As expected, she looked surprised and the lovely smile tugging on her lips faded at once after hearing my truthful confession.

"I-I am truly sorry... I did not know that you hated it. I honestly wanted to be your friend!"

She was trying her best to hold back her tears as a pang of guilt hit my chest. Was I that harsh? There are times that I forgot to hold back. It has already been two years, I should probably give her some slack.

"No, there is no need for you to apologize. It is my fault for being so indecisive. I wish to become closer to you as well, Lady Rosalind." I placed my hand gently on her shoulder, hoping that her cheerful smile would return.

And it did. "My Lady called me by my given name... I feel so happy that I might die!" Though it was a little bit exaggerated. I still cannot comprehend this woman.

"It is alright to be happy, but please don't die for something as trivial as that."

"I will try my best!"

Lady Rosalind is much of a simpleton as I thought. How could something as simple as calling other nobles by their given names can give you so much happiness that you would resort to end your life?

Then I heard a loud shrieking nearby as I turned around and saw the love-struck ladies swooning all over a handsome young man that was approaching our table.

The deep blue surcoat, woven of the finest silk, emphasized the splendor of his accouterments as the brightness from the chandeliers added grandeur to his beguiling entrance. He has a golden blonde hair and a pair of sapphire orbs that were glittering in the light. And he happens to be my beloved fiancée.

"Greetings, Your Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince of Belvedere." Lady Rosalind and I greeted while dipping slightly to show our respect towards a member of the monarchy.

"Greetings to you two as well, Lady Ainsworth and Lady Ferguson." He bowed down as he kept a charming smile on his lips. "Are you two enjoying the party so far?"

"Indeed, this is truly a splendid party that is especially dedicated for My Lady!" The brunette happily replied as she had a cheery smile on her face.

"I am very touched that the Imperial Family hosted my birthday celebration."

"Well, it is only natural since you are my fiancée."

Crown Prince William Edmund de Belvedere.

There was an oracle's divine message foretold that a miraculous child was born in the House of Ainsworth as she was chosen to become the betrothed of the future Emperor. And that woman happens to be me.

No matter how much anyone would interpret it, we are merely strangers that were forcibly tied together by the law. A marriage of convenience to be exact. At first, I was against it. I did not want my worth to depend on a forged marriage. I've always wished to be married to someone who could see for who I am and experience a fairy tale love story just like from the novels that I have read.

"Happy Birthday, My Lady. I am very pleased that you wore the gown that I gave you." He showed me a breathtaking smile as I felt my heartbeat quickened its pace from the simple gesture. "You look so beautiful."

He gave me an extravagant gown that was weaved from imported fabrics with a lot of undergarments that were made up of breeches, hose and chemise and covered by an underskirt of linen. On top of the skirt was a long gown that flowed behind me as it was covered by a luxurious tunic. It was also embroidered with laces and glimmering gems. We had the same color scheme of our clothings which are in shades of ivory and deep blue.

He even told me once that he wanted to give me a gown that is dyed in a mix of gold and purple since it was our favorite colors, but royalties are the only ones who were allowed to wear gold and purple silk. So he gave me a splendiferously stunning blue gown for my birthday.

"I am honored by your approval, Your Imperial Highness."

My fiancée treated me with utmost kindness and respect as he showered his unconditional love for me. I began to change my perspective of this arranged engagement as I never once thought of it as my duty to gain even more political power nor continue the legacy of my family. I just wanted to become someone who would be able to help him rule the empire.

"Would you share the first dance with me?" He asked for my permission as he extended his gloved hand towards me.

"I would love to!" Without a moment of hesitation, I took his hand as there was a lovely smile tugging on my lips. We excused ourselves from the pretty lady that was kind enough to accompany me since earlier.

"I hope you two have fun!" Lady Rosalind smiled at the both of us before switching her gaze at me. "Make sure not to tire yourself, My Lady. It is important to look after your health. If you ever feel tired, please take a rest."

I simply smiled at her and nodded in response. I had nothing to say after all. I felt touched that she was looking after me, but I am not really tired.

The Crown Prince firmly grabbed my hand as he guided me at the center of the grand ballroom. He placed his hand on my back, my hand on his shoulder, and our free hands finally met. A slow, rhythmic music began to play as we waltzed along the dance floor along with the other dancers that were surrounding us.

Spinning in circles and shuffling our feet, heat radiating from the closeness of our bodies, getting lost within his captivating blueish eyes — it was enough for me to fall for him even more. I could hear the beating of my heart getting louder as he slowly pulled me in his arm. If ever
there was a moment to be able to freeze time, God this would be it.

"It has been awhile since we last saw each other. I am so glad that you have recovered from your ailment which allowed the two of us to be together again."

"Thank you very much for worrying about me. A year has already passed by in a blink of an eye, but it seems like it was only yesterday that we last saw each other."

"Are you suggesting that you did not miss me?"

I was startled by his baseless assumptions. I do not know how he reached that conclusion, but I could tell that he has a very creative imagination.

"No, that was not what I meant... It is just that... Whether I am awake or asleep, I would always think only about you. No matter what I do, you are always in my mind. That is why, I never thought that it was necessary for me to yearn for you when I can always see you in my dreams and reality..."

I averted my gaze away from him as I could not believe that I made such an embarrassing confession. It became difficult for me to maintain an eye-contact with him.

"I am honored to receive such a compliment from my dearest fiancée." His laughter was music to my ears as I turned around to face him, and I swear that I saw an evident blush that crept on his cheeks. "A year without you was terrible. Let us make a lot of good memories to make up for the time that we had lost."

"I agree." As the song progressed, I felt relaxed to be in his presence. I tried my best to ignore the unnerving stares that we were receiving from the audiences since earlier, and I became conscious of my actions. This is one of the obstacles that I must overcome as the future Empress.

The high society is filled judgmental people. One wrong move and they will use it against you. Since I did not want to bring shame to a member of the monarchy or to the House Ainsworth, I remained calm and focused on what I have to do in order not to become a laughing stock. Focusing merely on the movements of my feet and maintaining a graceful posture while dancing.

"In my eyes, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I don't think that there is someone who can hold a candle to your beauty."

His grip on my hand tightened as he gave me a comforting squeeze, it made my heart skipped a beat.

"You flatter me, Your Imperial Highness. I am very pleased to hear such kind words."

"My Lady, until when will you start calling me by name instead of Your Imperial Highness? We are already engaged for quite a long time now. Won't you care to drop the formalities?"

To be honest, I was not expecting that. I've always kept everything professional between the two of us. We have gotten closer for the past few years, but I still address him formally out of respect.

"I'm surprised. You are a bit assertive today." A soft chuckle erupted from my lips as this young man in front of me looked baffled. "But... I have always wanted to call you by your given name. Thank you for giving me your permission, William."

"It feels nice when you call me by my first name. It's like we have gotten a bit closer to each other, yes?"

"Indeed." I chuckled softly as he slowly spun me around and I have lost track of the surroundings. The noise had faded and all I could hear was the rapid beating of my own heart. "Can you also call me by my name?"

"Of course, but there is something that has been bothering me since earlier."

I hummed in reply, waiting for him to response. "What may that be?" I asked.

"Don't you think that you need to rest? You have just woken up from your coma."

I nervously shrugged. "No, I have been asleep for an entire year. I don't feel tired. I just want to dance along with you throughout the night!"

"Is that so?" He released his hold on mine as his hand caressed my cheek and then slid down my neck, sending my pulse into a frenzy of activity. "Your words are tempting, it makes me want to give in."

His scent and heat, the warmth of his hands, the heady sensations of being so close to him... I concentrated on my movements, avoiding to think about explicit thoughts that could possibly distract me.

"T-The song is about to end, we should finish it..." I stuttered as the blush seared through my cheeks and for a minute, I thought that my face was on fire.

"I think it is important that you should get some rest. Your body won't be able to handle it."

"What do you mean?"

"After all, you're quite sick, aren't you?"

My chest began throbbing in pain as I felt something disgusting that was crawling throughout my body. The lively colors started to fade from my eyes, painting my vision in black and white.

"I thought... I was all... cured...?"

"Cured? Why ever would that be? You didn't get treated." My fiancée completely released his hold onto me as my knees started wobbling and I stumbled on the ground. "It would be troublesome if you don't wake up soon, My Lady."

"W-What are you... talking about..?"

"Do you still not get it? Have you ever wondered why nobody even addressed you by your name?" He asked as the warmth that was held in his eyes can no longer be found. His eyes were like the depths of the ocean, dark and cold. "Why would I even call my betrothed by her name when she is already dead? I don't want other people to think that I have gone insane, speaking a deceased person's name."

"N-No, that is not...."

"Her ailment took away her life."

His condescending gaze was enough to make me tremble in terror as he humiliated me in front of the spectators.

"Have you even seen yourself? Flattering you with flowery praises is tiring. Right now, you are an hideous monster in my eyes. That is why everyone is afraid of you."

I suddenly felt as if my whole world crashed. It became harder for me to breathe. I didn't even noticed that the music had already faded in the background as everyone was intently watching us.

Their eyes were filled with contempt and hatred. There was a sinking feeling of panic swept over my body, a temporary paralyzing fear. A mix of pain, fright, and shame came over me all in the same time.

"How disgusting!"

"I heard that she was possessed by an evil entity!"

"Yeah, I also heard that she is bound to suffer with that curse for as long as she lives."

"Look how her skin is rotting, so terrifying!"

"Wouldn't it be better for House Ainsworth to make another child that would continue their legacy?"

"It is impossible for her to become the Empress and lead the nation if she is that ill."

"I heard there is no one that could heal her sickness. Heck, even the church gave up on her. They said that she was a lost cause!"

"My, how pitiful. I wonder what would the church say about this matter."

"I heard that they would choose another lady to be wedded to the Crown Prince."

"I guess that is the wisest decision. I don't want to obey a ruler that has a weak constitution. What could that brat even do in her fragile state anyway?"

"I think that it is only a matter of time until she dies."

"It is a relief that the Lady from House Ainsworth won't become the Empress! I hope my daughter would be chosen as the next heir."

"Wouldn't we get infected by her disease now that she is nearby?"

"But I heard that her ailment was not contagious?"

"Of course it is! If not, why was she even isolated in a tower that is miles away from the House Ainsworth?!"

"Even her family shunned her away and treated her like an outcast."

"There is a rumor that His Imperial Highness never truly loved her, that he was only faking it since the church received an prophecy that she has to be the one to become the Empress!"

"Have you ever wondered if the prophecy was misinterpreted?"

"Only God knows about it."

"But don't you think that the reason why such a horrid curse befallen her because she was a sinner in her past life?"

"Then does that mean she has not yet repented for her sins?"

"She deserves to have a divine punishment!"

"I don't think there is a need to do so. After all, she is about to die anyway even if we don't do anything."

Tears began cascading down my eyes as I desperately wanted to run away from here. I cannot stand to hear such horrible words, it wounds me even more than my curse. I have already realized a long time ago how powerless I am as I could not even defend myself. I loathed my worthless being.

"You had no idea, which is why you have to know how miserable you could really be."

It was the same mysterious voice that spoke in my head. It gave me a terrible headache as my ears were ringing loudly. I could still hear everyone speaking ill of me as this unknown man added fuel to the fire.

"Stop this! I can't take this anymore!" As time mercilessly passes by, the pain became unbearable. "Why must everyone be so cruel to me when I never commit any horrendous crimes! Why must you make me recall this pain when I'm already suffering so much?!"

I have lost every shred of decency as I could only scream in pain while sobbing loudly. I cannot comprehend why am I feeling this pain even in my dreams. I thought that I could escape from it while I am asleep.

"It is time for you to wake up. You will die if you don't save yourself."

How could I even convince myself that I was really cured. I was so foolish, short-sighted, and stupidly positive.

I knew that it was too good to be true. All this time, I was only living in a fabricated dream that I always wanted to happen. No, this is not a dream. It is a horrible nightmare.

At that moment, I knew that I must wake up. There is no one who that will come to my aid. I should not expect that someone would be kind enough to lend me a hand.