It's my birthday so this is for you rainies!

Third Person Point of View
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Several men gathered for the meeting, encircling a round table that served as the centerpiece of the dimly lit room. The tension in the air was palpable, with each man exuding a quiet intensity, their expressions hard and unreadable. At the head of the table stood the eldest among them, a figure whose mere presence commanded both respect and a touch of fear. His stature was imposing, and the lines etched into his face told stories of countless battles, both on the field and in the halls of power. Despite their shared age, the other men seemed almost diminished in comparison, their gazes inevitably drawn to him as he spoke.

"Seems like the rumors about the Empress are not true," one of them commented, his tone laced with uncertainty. The atmosphere in the room shifted, growing heavier as the weight of their discussion settled over them like a thick fog.

The leader, whose very voice seemed to resonate with authority, responded with a harsh determination that brooked no argument. "We shall stick to the plan. She is nothing more than a minor threat to us. Vulnerable and naive, she can be dealt with."

His eyes, sharp and unyielding, swept over the assembled men, challenging anyone to disagree. But there was no dissent, his resolve had infected them all. They were united in their purpose, bound by the unspoken oath to carry out their mission at any cost.

"We will eliminate her first, before the Emperor," he continued, his voice low and cold. The others nodded in silent agreement, their expressions hardening as they steeled themselves for the task ahead.

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CELESTIA Point of View
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As expected, there were no rumors circulating about what happened at the tea party. Clearly, they didn't want to get involved in any trouble or risk being questioned by others. Pilit nilang pinoprotektahan ang mga imahe nila ngunit sila rin naman ang gumagawa ng paraan na ikakapahamak nila.

Several days passed. I spent my time learning, training, and managing state affairs until my birthday approached. Yes, tomorrow is my birthday, and there will be a grand ball held in my honor. I'll be turning twenty-eight, and it feels as if time has flown by so quickly. I've gradually grown accustomed to the ways of this world.

I sighed deeply. Tomorrow will be a significant event for me. It will be the first time in my life that I experience something like this, and I can't help but feel nervous. It's unfortunate that my husband won't be present, which only reinforces the perception that the Emperor, as my husband, has no real concern for me. I smiled bitterly at the thought-what else could I expect? That he would abandon his duties just for me? The idea almost made me laugh. It would never happen, but that doesn't mean I'll give up on my plans. As long as I'm alive, I will continue to fight.

"Edward," I called out softly, hoping he could hear me. It is already midnight, and I am still awake.

The door opened quietly, and Edward entered the room with careful steps. "Yes, Your Majesty?" he asked respectfully. I smiled at him genuinely, which caused his serious expression to soften. Si Edward at si Sarah lamang ang lagi kong nakakasama, naging kumportable na rin ako sa kanila, "I can't sleep. Please accompany me for a while," I requested, and he immediately bowed his head. "What can I do, Your Majesty?" he asked politely.

I thought for a moment. "Maybe a sparring session?" I suggested. He looked at me na tila sinusuri pa ako, tumango rin siya kalaunan bilang pag-sangayon. He stepped fully into the room as I retrieved my sword, hidden beneath my bed.

We positioned ourselves and prepared for the spar, but before we began, Edward spoke up, "Your Majesty, perhaps it would be better if you wore a thicker dress," he suggested, his voice calm and steady, as if his concern was genuine. I laughed softly. Perhaps that's why he only dared to look at me to my eyes.

"How unfortunate, but I don't feel like changing," I said, and without warning, I attacked him with my sword. He was startled but quickly regained his composure, matching my every move with impressive speed. Kalansingan ng aming mga espada ang tanging naghahari sa loob ng aking chamber. Walang isa sa amin ang may balak na umatras, sa bawat paghampas ng aming mga espada ay siya namang pangislap nito dahil natamaan ng sinag ng buwan na nagmula sa labas. I swung my sword towards his face, and though he dodged it swiftly, I managed to land a solid hit on his chin with my elbow as I spun around. I smirked when he nearly lost his balance, his hand instinctively going to his bleeding lip. His expression grew more serious as he launched his first attack.

My eyes widened in surprise as his movements became too fast for me to follow. Damn! This isn't good. Panic began to set in as I realized I couldn't keep up with him. With no other options, I continued to retreat, but he kept advancing, his sword poised and ready. My breath hitched as I stumbled over the edge of the bed and fell onto it, my heart racing. I looked up, wide-eyed, to find Edward's sword hovering dangerously close to my throat. I gulped, trying to steady my breathing as he stood over me, his gaze intense and unwavering.

Goodness! How can a knight be this handsome? I found myself momentarily lost in his striking features, a thought that made my heart skip a beat. What the hell?! He smirked down at me, clearly aware of the effect he was having, "Got you, Your Majesty," he murmured, his voice raspy from exertion, yet he maintained his composure, his expression calm and controlled.

I raised my hands in surrender, a gesture that seemed to amuse him. He stared at me for a moment, and I grinned at him teasingly. His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he blinked several times and swiftly stepped back, bowing his head immediately. "Apologies, Your Majesty!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic, as if he feared he had overstepped a boundary. I sat up, frowning slightly. "Don't be sorry, Edward. You've done nothing wrong," I stated firmly, though a hint of irritation laced my voice.

He still didn't raise his head, his posture rigid with guilt. "I dared to stare and smirk at Her Majesty. Such insolence is unforgivable," he murmured, chastising himself for what he perceived as a grave mistake.

I sighed, realizing that his sense of duty and honor ran deep. Ano pa ba ang aasahan ko sa isang ito? "Alright, you are forgiven," I said, and he visibly relaxed, relief washing over his features. "Thank you, Your Majesty!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude. An idea for a little mischief crossed my mind, and I grinned. "And you're not sorry for defeating me?" I teased, watching as his eyes snapped up to meet mine, his expression serious once more. "Your Majesty, it was part of the duel. Either you win or you are defeated," he replied, his tone firm and unwavering. As expected, talagang hindi mo siya madadaya sa labanan.

I chuckled softly at his earnestness. "Of course! I was just kidding," I said as I rose from the bed. "I'll sleep now, Edward. Thank you for keeping me company," I smiled at him, and he quickly bowed. "It was nothing, Your Majesty. Please have a good night," he replied before quietly exiting the room.

I sighed. Humiga na ako sa kama at hindi na nag-abala pang magpalit ng suot. Sa kagustuhan kong mahasa ang sarili sa lahat ng bagay, nakakaramdam na rin ako ng pagod. I feel so drain, lonely, and incomplete. When do I find the true happiness at this state? Meron pa ba kaya?

I took a deep breath before I closed my eyes.

The hour of my birthday celebration finally arrived. From the window of my room, I could see the flood of guests arriving, their colorful attire and laughter filling the estate with an air of festivity. But as I watched them, a bitter taste crept into my mouth. I clenched my fists, the tension in my body growing. There are so many of them, pretending to care for me, but I know better. They are here for their own selfish reasons, driven by pride and the desire to be seen. My parents will also make an appearance, though the thought of facing them fills me with unease. How am I supposed to act in front of them, with all these conflicting emotions inside me?

A sudden knock on the door made me jump, breaking my thoughts. I quickly turned to face the terrace door, my brows furrowing in annoyance. Opening it, I was met with the grinning face of Sebastian, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Greetings to the Birthday celebrant," he greeted with that infuriatingly playful smile of his. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. Goodness, this man really has no sense of shame!

My frown deepened as he handed me a bouquet of tulips and a small box. "You barged into my chamber just for this? Couldn't you have waited?" I hissed at him, irritation lacing my voice. He only smirked, his gaze never wavering. "I just couldn't wait, Your Majesty," he replied, his tone dripping with teasing arrogance.

"Fuck you, redhead," I muttered under my breath, causing his brows to knit together in confusion. "I don't understand what you're saying, Your Majesty," he said, his expression like someone trying to solve a riddle. I smirked back at him. "How unfortunate for you," I taunted, enjoying the puzzled look on his face. He stared at me, as if trying to read every line and expression, before letting out a chuckle. "You truly are unique, Your Majesty. Could you divorce His Majesty?" he asked, his playful demeanor vanishing as he locked eyes with me, "And marry me after?" His voice was firm, determined, as if he truly meant every word.

I couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous suggestion. "You're spouting nonsense again, redhead," I remarked, shaking my head at his audacity.

"I'm serious, Your Majesty," he insisted, his tone unwavering. I stared at him, searching for any hint of a joke in his eyes. But he didn't blink, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that made my irritation flare. Without thinking, I stomped hard on his foot. "Ouch!" he yelped, stepping back before turning to leave. Hindi man lang siya nagpaalam.

I watched his retreating back, a small smile playing on my lips. He's the only one who dares to speak to me like that, who doesn't let my title intimidate him. He treats me like a person, not just an Empress, unlike those people outside the palace who look down on me.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself before finally deciding to attend the celebration of my birthday. As I entered the grand hall, I moved to my throne, where I sat for the entire time, observing the people around me. They were engrossed in their own merriment, seemingly oblivious to my presence, their laughter and chatter filling the room. A pile of gifts was stacked in front of me, but I couldn't bring myself to care. What good are these gifts if they don't come from the heart?

I straightened in my seat when I noticed my father approaching. He stopped directly in front of me and extended his hand. "May I have this dance, my daughter?" he asked, a gentle smile playing on his lips. I returned his smile, though it was a polite one, not quite reaching my eyes. "Of course, Father," I replied, accepting his hand.

He led me to the center of the hall, where we began to move in sync with the music. The guests around us watched, but their attention was distant, their thoughts elsewhere.

"You seem sad, my daughter," he remarked, concern evident in his eyes as he looked down at me. I let out a bitter laugh. "You are the one who put me in this situation, Father. Why do you now appear to pity me?" I said, my voice carrying a sharp edge as I met his gaze, silently questioning him. Although I know that I am the first to blame here-I am the author of this world, after all, and now I am facing my own consequences-I still can't help but want to blame them. But enough of that past life; this is my life now.

"I thought it would benefit all of us," he explained, his voice calm, as though trying to justify his actions. "You liked the Emperor, and I was merely granting your wish."

His words triggered a memory. Right, Celestia had indeed liked the Emperor back then. She had even pleaded with her father to arrange their marriage. I wanted to smack myself-what a foolish act.

I sighed. "I am sorry, Father," I said sincerely. His expression softened as he smiled at me, pulling me into a gentle embrace.

A wave of unexpected emotion surged through me. This was the first time I felt any comfort from him, and it even made me close my eyes, savoring the moment. The heavy burden I had been carrying seemed to lift. I smiled and relished the warmth of his embrace. "I am sorry, my daughter," he whispered in my ear. I nestled deeper into his chest, wanting to prolong this rare moment of solace.

Eventually, my father escorted me back to my throne, and I sat down once more. My eyes wandered across the room until they landed on Lord Sebastian, who, to my surprise, winked at me. I continued to scan the crowd and caught the gaze of a man who had been staring at me earlier-the Count's son. His expression was serious, but there was an intensity in his eyes that made me frown. Why is he looking at me like that?

Could it be that he likes me? I smirked at him, but to my astonishment, he smirked back. It was unsettling, and I couldn't hold his gaze any longer, so I diverted my attention elsewhere. Then, I saw Henry, his eyes roaming the room until they found mine. He smiled at me, which took me by surprise. That was unusual for him-he's always so serious. Perhaps this night is an exception because it's my birthday? I suppose.

The celebration dragged on for several more hours before it finally came to an end. My family had already said their goodbyes, and I was about to leave the hall when a voice interrupted me. "How unfortunate, His Majesty didn't make it. Isn't that sad, Your Majesty? This is your special day, after all," Anastasia remarked, her tone dripping with mockery. I gritted my teeth, fully aware that she was trying to provoke me. Some of the remaining guests glanced in our direction, curious about the exchange.

I forced a smile. "It doesn't bother me at all, actually. An Empress doesn't need His Majesty by her side all the time. She can stand on her own. It's a common trait among all Empresses; she possesses power that can complement His Majesty's when necessary," I replied, my voice calm and composed. I noticed how Anastasia clenched her fists tightly, though she managed to maintain a sweet smile.

"Of course! There will be a time to be prioritized," she said, her tone insinuating something beneath her words. I wanted to sneer at her but restrained myself. I refuse to be affected by her subtle bullying.

"Yes, there is, and I truly understand that," I said with a saccharine smile. "Your Majesty," Sarah's voice suddenly came from beside me, catching my attention. "What is it?" I asked, turning to her. She glanced briefly at Anastasia before focusing on me again. "His Majesty, may pinadala siyang regalo para sa iyo, Your Majesty," she announced, her voice loud enough for others to hear, which made me want to laugh. I widened my eyes in mock surprise. "Really?!" I exclaimed, covering my mouth as if I were excited, my voice filled with delight.

"Totoo, Your Majesty, at sa katunayan may kasama itong liham," Sarah continued, a smile tugging at her lips as she spoke. I giggled softly. "Could you read it for me, Sarah?" I asked sweetly, casting a sidelong glance at Anastasia, whose irritation was now evident on her face.

"Masusunod, Your Majesty," Sarah agreed immediately and began to read, "Happy birthday, my beautiful wife. How are you? It's unfortunate that I'm not by your side on your special day. Please accept my gift, and I hope this can complete your birthday." Sarah read the message with a smile. I almost laughed. I didn't know that His Majesty had such a corny side, but I couldn't help but wonder-why is he giving me this treatment? Why now, all of a sudden?

"How sweet," I giggled, unable to hide my satisfaction as Anastasia abruptly left.

Did she really think she could bully me so easily? No way. I'm not Celestia, not anymore.