Chapter Three: Ceremony

It was a struggle but we somehow got home safely. Luckily before father came home.

I made sure to greet him before his travels and after his return. But this time, he came back during midnight, which was a first since I started to live here. I thought it wouldn't be a problem if I didn't stay awake till his return. Honestly, why should I? I'm not his wife nor a maid or a mother! That's what I thought about rationally before going to bed.

Though that's what I wasn't able to think when I was woken in the middle of the night by Mathel. He was asking for me. I did feel annoyed but at the same time it was as if I started to behave on a default setting. Maybe because I was half asleep. But it felt as if I have done this many times. A lifeless feeling which pained my heart and I chose to ignore it.

"You can sleep if you want to", Mathel suggests.

I yawn, "It's okay, I should be a good daughter...." I don't know why I said it when I wasn't even thinking it. I went down.

"Welcome home, father", I bow to greet him.

He didn't say anything. He came closer.

"Welcome home, father."

June's voice seemed to startle him. He stopped and patted my head. "I'm blessed to be greeted by my son and daughter," he laughed. I felt relieved. Soon this night was over.

Next morning, I was called by father. When I entered his study, June and many other guests were there. The guests seemed unpleasant by my presence. As if, I had time to care about that.

I wasn't allowed to join this so called society. Most nobles join so young or at least make friends. While I didn't. So of course, I wouldn't recognize this guests even if I wanted to. Though, who would dare to disrespect a princess. Even if she's a half blood. So are the princes.

I greeted them. Father seemed to be beaming with happiness. "Liliane Ushnot," he says.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" I bow.

"Hereby now, you are the crown princess. That's what we have been discussing for a while now. Everyone including June has agreed to it."

I was taken aback. How did I forget this!? Liliane had managed to... I looked astonished. June noticed me and shrugged his shoulders.

I immediately tried to object, "But your majesty! June is much more capable-"

"I know that. Are you trying to disobey the royal order?"

"N-no! Forgive me for my rudeness but I am not capable for a such a thing, your majesty! June has been the crown prince for so long. I don't get why-"

"You're right about him being capable. But that doesn't mean that I will change my decision. June will guide you and help you manage anything you struggle with. He will be your adviser. I don't see how there can be anymore problems."

I look around to see the guests don't seem happy either. I understand they can't object the emperor's order, specially since they know he loves me more. Just so fucking great huh!? I didn't want this!

"I believe you all remember how my mother ruled this empire after my father's death. Therefore, a woman being the ruler should not be a problem. Oh, you can go now, Liliane. I believe you need to gather your thoughts", father says. I bow one last time and get out of that room.

I went to my room to calm down. Mathel comes in, "Sorry for the rudeness, Princess. Prince June wanted me to relay a message to you."

"What?"

"He wants to talk so when you're free and his Majesty is asleep, would you want to-"

I stop her mid-sentence, "I will meet him later in his room... I assume brother Aaron will be there too?"

Mathel nods, "I will take my leave then."

"Also, Mathel.. It's okay for you to come in my room whenver you need to. I don't mind if it's you. Don't apologise so much."

She nods. I gesture her to come closer. "Can I hug you?"

She's surprised by my sudden request but she does hug me tightly. "Thank you, Mathel." I try so hard to not break into tears.

She gently stands still and pats my head without asking anything.

....

"Brother June?" I knock on the door with a whisper. Hoping he will hear me. Aaron is the one who opens the door. "Come in quick! You're so late", Aaron pulls me in.

I sit down beside Aaron while June sits on the opposite side of us. "What did you want to talk about?" I talk first.

"About what occured today. I wanted to know your thoughts since you weren't pleased by it", he says gently but the affection and care wasn't showing on his face.

"Brother, I really do not want this", I was unable to raise my head and meet his gaze.

"You're a royal, Liliane. A princess should never keep her head low!", he says sternly. I get startled and before I could even apologize, he catches on. " A princess shouldn't apologize for trivial things such as his. Where's your pride? You need to-"

I interrupt him, "You weren't prideful when you were the crown prince, brother.." I don't avoid his gaze this time. I add, "Plus I don't like this."

"I know. That's why I wanted to suggest something but you still have to be prideful, Liliane."

"You're scolding Lily too much now, brother", Aaron says. June doesn't say anything back and just ignores him.

I break the ice, "The suggestion is?"

June smiles, "We are going to change the oath we have to take before your debut."

....

Originally, Liliane becomes the Crown Princess after she comes of age but now, it's happening a year earlier. I guess it happened because unlike the original Liliane, I didn't have a terrible reputation of being a spoiled villainess. But I also never specified when she became one. I suppose she was being a brat originally.

Unlike before, the next 3 years went by with a struggle. Even with June's help, I had to keep up with so many things! I never trained to be a ruler so of course I had to get lectured on how to rule and be an Empress! Totally feels useless! I don't want to announce my location like that to be killed easily!

I didn't bother showing my face in society. Tomorrow's my 18 birthday and it can't be delayed this time. I sigh out loud. I have been more busy these days because of all the ceremonies. Today I have to take a oath with June at the church.

This oath ceremony is to ensure that one is not betrayed. When there are many candidates for the throne, they make this oath to ensure no blood battles to occur amongst the royals. The oath will be marked and it will not be changed.

"Your highness?" A priest calls out for me, "If you're done changing then please allow me to guide you to the oath room." I silently follow him. He stops before a door, "I can accompany you only to this part. The celestial priest will help you with the rest." I nod and enter the room. June seems to be already present and pleasantly talking with someone. I suppose she is the celestial priest. Didn't know they called a woman a priest here. Her face was covered with a veil. Only her lips and nose could be seen. They soon notice my arrival. The priestess starts explaining, "When I tell you to say your oaths only then you must speak until the end of this ritual. We shall begin right after you sit here."

June and I sit facing our backs to each other. The white clothe they made me wear had left me with an exposed back. While June had to take off his white shirt to show his back. From what I had heard, the priestess will write something. Though it will soon be invisible to the naked eye. A mark will remain.

Soon the time came to take the oath.

The priestess held our hands and said, "You may state your oath before the goddess of rebirth as I, a humble servant of hers witness on her behalf."

I go first as planned that night, "I, Liliane Ushnott the princess of this empire hereby take the oath to take his imperial highness, Prince June Ushnott as my one and only master that I shall serve until the goddess takes my soul with her."

June also plays his part, "And I, the first prince June Ushnott hereby accept the princess Liliane Ushnott's devotion to serve me and take responsibility to never cause her any harm as the goddess would allow me."

The priestess laughs softly, "You two sure are amusing the goddess. You sure you should be deceiving the empire with this? Since they won't know such changes."

We both nod and the priestess seals the oath. My nape starts to burn and my back hurts. I try not to show it on my face. She slowly takes my hand, "You have a special gift, Liliane. Though you have yet to realise what blessing you have been granted."

I turn to face her and so does June. This time she lets of my hand after murmuring something and holds June to do the same. "Oh, you seem to know what your blessing is. I hope you won't be reckless with it, your highness."

Aaron soon comes in the room rudely. I suppose his patience ran out. "Is it supposed to take this long?"

We both don't say anything. I try to hold my laughter.

The priestess soon says, "Oh my apologizies, your highnesses. Your oaths are sealed. You may speak now."

I break out in laughter seeing Aaron acting so carelessly. He always manages to make me smile so it seems. June sighs, "Priestess Nyla, would you be kind enough to check him too?"

She nods, "It would be my honor, your highness."

Aaron seems confused. I gesture him to come here and sit on my spot. I move away. The priestess holds his and murmurs god knows what. Aaron somehow stays silent during that. She finally breaks the silence, "Your highness. This young one has a unique blessing as well but."

"Is it a problem?" June asks.

"This young one is confused about it. If you may allow, I could see to it. But he will have to reside in the church for that."

June doesn't hesitate to agree, "That would be such a relief."

Aaron shouts out, "Hey! What about my opinion!?"

I speak as softly as possible, "Brother Aaron, I don't think you should be shouting like this."

He doesn't speak of a word more. June suddenly comes towards me brushes his hand against my hair, "Don't go showing around your back like that." So he did that so that my hair covers my back. My face starts to burn a little out of embarrassment.

As I was about to leave, the priestess calls out, "Princess, whenever there's distress within your heart. I may help you find your answers."

"Thanks, priestess Nyla", I say being unsure as to why she said it.