Happy birthday Princess Matilda
The little sunshine of the Arcadian Kingdom, Princess Matilda, was eagerly anticipating her birthday banquet, which was only a week away. Matilda was in high spirits, her previous grudge against Cassian from their summer argument pushed to the back of her mind.
"Mother, guess what the 29th of this month is?" Matilda asked excitedly as they headed to the dining room. Arriving, she rushed to hug her father, her lavender hair bouncing with each step.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," the maids behind her greeted.
He acknowledged them with a nod before turning his attention to his wife. "Phoebe, how are you this morning?"
"Okay, and you?" she replied, her voice warm and gentle.
"I'm good," he answered, smiling warmly.
As her parents exchanged pleasantries, Matilda couldn't contain her excitement any longer. "Father, what month is it?"
"March, my princess. Why do you ask?" he responded, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at her.
"An important day is coming soon. Do you know what day it is?" she prodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Why wouldn't I? My sweet little princess turns seven on the 29th," he said, laughing.
Her laughter filled the room, knowing she would celebrate her birthday in grand style this year, with guests from all territories and estates set to attend. The entire castle was abuzz with preparations, and Matilda could hardly wait to see the grand ballroom decorated with flowers and streamers, the tables laden with exquisite dishes, and the courtyard filled with laughter and music.
******
In another part of the castle, far from the joyful preparations, a different scene was unfolding.
"Isadora, Her Highness Princess Matilda is going to have a birthday banquet next Saturday, so do well to be obedient," a maid informed her.
Isadora nodded, staring out the window. "Argh! It's almost a year, and I'm still stuck here. Will I celebrate my sixth birthday without Mom or Dad? This is annoying," she muttered, kicking the bed in frustration.
Isadora had quickly discovered her status window, but her mission puzzled her. "Stop the upcoming war with Diando."
"What can a five-year-old do to stop a war?" she thought, feeling overwhelmed. "But I need to think outside the box."
Isadora had developed a habit of planning or talking to herself in Korean to avoid her biological father, Count Ashford, his mistress, or their son Cole, from eavesdropping. Like Arcadia and Luretta, Diando was also a kingdom under the Empire of Celestia. In the original novel, there was no mention of Diando, but the only reference to war was... "Octavia Xerxes, Amelia's friend when she becomes the Crown Prince's girlfriend."
Isadora had not yet pinpointed what this war and Octavia had to do with each other, but she believed it would significantly impact Arcadia. She sighed, feeling the weight of her mission pressing down on her small shoulders. The vastness of the castle seemed to mock her isolation, its grand halls and towering walls a constant reminder of her captivity.
******
Princess Matilda's birthday banquet finally arrived, starting beautifully. The grand hall was adorned with sparkling chandeliers, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Elegant tapestries depicting the history of Arcadia hung from the walls, and the air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender. Guests praised Count Ashford for his beautiful children, but Isadora looked as displeased as ever.
"What a bunch of fools," she commented in Korean, watching the noble guests mill about, their laughter and chatter grating on her nerves.
The star of the day made her way to the center, her dress a cascade of silks and lace in soft pastels, thanking everyone for coming to her birthday, wishing her well, and sending gifts. She danced with various boys her age, enjoying her time. The music, played by a small orchestra, filled the room with a lively tune, and Matilda's laughter was a bright note in the festivities.
But even the star of the day couldn't keep up with the heavy entertainment and decided to retreat to the balcony, informing a maid of her whereabouts.
Isadora, also fed up with the party, decided to take a break on the balcony. She sat down on the ground, leaning against the railing, only to realize Matilda was also there.
"Oh my God, Your Highness, forgive my rudeness," Isadora said, trying to stand up and curtsey.
"Please sit down. I'm just here for fresh air. I will leave soon," Matilda responded, her voice soft but firm.
"Her lavender hair and hazel eyes are so pretty," Isadora commented in Korean, admiring her.
"Thank you very much," Matilda said before passing out.
"Your Highness, Your Highness," Isadora called out, seeing no response after Matilda hit her head on the floor. Isadora rushed over, trying to heal her. She placed Matilda's head on her lap and started to heal her. Before Isadora knew it, she was in a vegetative state.
Matilda was having a precognition, and Isadora, having touched her, began to share that dream in a different way. Matilda dreamt of a war, the deaths of people, and the plague that followed the dreadful war, while Isadora dreamt of the cause and reason for the war.
When they regained consciousness, neither shared what had happened. A maid, checking on Matilda, was about to accuse Isadora of trying to harm her.
"Just calm down. I passed out because I drank wine instead of juice by mistake. So don't blame this acquaintance of mine for trying to take care of me," Matilda defended Isadora as she dusted herself off.
"May I have your name?" she asked.
"Isadora Ashford, Your Highness."
"I'll summon you soon. Thank you very much for today. I'll take my leave." With that, Matilda left with her maid, leaving Isadora in shock by what she had just seen.
' There was no mistaking it, that was the war that will soon occur with Diando. And it's closer than I thought', Isadora thought to herself as she waved goodbye to the Princess.
As both girls exited the balcony, only one thought crossed their mind
" I'm sure of it, she was definitely reincarnated ".
With a look neither sad or anxious, but one resembling excitement.
******
" Things are getting rather interesting from here on out I'm looking forward to what kind of drama will start to unfold", The angel with an excited look on his face as he watch the two young girls part ways.