Chapter 22

Night descended gently over the sprawling capital city, casting a soft, velvety darkness that enveloped the streets and buildings alike. After a long and exhausting day, Cassandra found herself seated in a luxurious chair, its plush fabric embracing her as she tried to relax. The chair was strategically placed beside a bed, where the girl lay, vulnerable and still. Milo, her devoted companion, was kneeling beside her, his fingers carefully clasped around the wrist of the unresponsive patient.

"Her condition hasn't reached the dangerous stage yet." He said, his voice low and steady, revealing his depth of knowledge. Cassandra observed him intently, noting the seriousness etched on his face as he examined the girl. It was hard to reconcile this focused and composed man with the nervous, fearful figure she had encountered just a few hours prior— the same man who had stumbled over his own feet in a flurry of anxiety, resembling a puppy unsure of its surroundings.

"So she should be fine for another month or so?" The princess came to ask this while looking down at the bright green hair girl that looked around five or so. This little girl also possessed the same beauty mark as her father that was located below his lower lip. But there wasn't much other resemblance between them, making it clear that she most likely took after her mother. Her name being Lizzy.

"Yes." The man had gently placed the child's small hand down upon answering, a look of relief washing over his face as he spoke.

"Good, that means you should be fine to take the exam that's coming up." However, as soon as Cassandra had said this, Milo's demeanour changed drastically; he ended up returning to his terrified self, his eyes wide with panic.

"S-S-S-S-So soon?" His voice trembled, and he began stumbling over his own words, the fear palpable in the air around him.

"What do you mean, so soon?" The princess glanced at him, disbelief etched on her face. "You do realize that you can't treat her or the others in the palace without a proper license." She reminded him, her tone firm , emphasising the seriousness of their situation. "We are in the palace belonging to the Emperor, my father."

As for these others she spoke of, while returning to the palace in the ornate carriage after sending Milo and Lizzy off in a different one. Cassandra was gazing out the window, lost in thought, when her attention was suddenly caught by a troubling sight. She spotted a group of men in a dimly lit alleyway, surrounding what appeared to be children. A sense of urgency and concern washed over her, and something important came to mind when she saw them, compelling her to act.

Without a moment's hesitation, she ordered the carriage to stop. After saving the children from their precarious situation, she brought them back to the palace. There, she ensured the maids washed, clothed, and fed them, providing them with the care they desperately needed. To her surprise, it turned out that two of the children were halflings. This discovery was significant because it meant that Milo could treat them and use their unique condition for his paper—a crucial document that would be necessary for their condition to be recognised and treated by other doctors in the future.

"You have to take this seriously, doctor. The rules are in place for a reason, to ensure everyone's safety." Cassandra stood up from her chair and began heading towards the door. "I know it feels overwhelming, but you have to trust in your abilities and the training you've received. It's okay to feel scared, but remember, I have faith in you." She left him with those words while leaving him in the room with the girl.

"Your highness, the Emperor has called for you." Rose had greeted her upon her departure from the room. With a slight bow, Rose informed her that her father wished to see her at once, a summons that made the princess's heart flutter with anticipation.

Honestly, she wasn't surprised by the request. After all, she had been gone all day fully immersed in the vibrant life outside the palace walls. It was entirely likely that the Duke had detained the Emperor, preventing him from coming to greet her upon her return. As the hours passed, she could only imagine how her father must have felt, waiting in the grand office, perhaps pacing back and forth, suffering from a sense of withdrawal from her presence.

Moreover, she had brought back an entourage of guests with her without first seeking her father's approval. She knew this would certainly add to her father's frustration, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. It was never her intention to cause any distress, but she had to go and start her plans.

Being told this by Rose, she had taken Cassandra to the grand office belonging to the Emperor, a place that exuded power and authority. As they approached, they noticed two stern men standing outside the door, their expressions serious and vigilant. These guards were tasked with protecting the Emperor's domain, not the Emperor himself since he was one of the most powerful beings in the world, and their presence added an air of tension to the atmosphere.

"Father, I have arrived." Cassandra entered the office, gently pushing one of the large, ornate doors open. The room was filled with the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the tall windows, casting intricate shadows on the plush carpet.

"Cassy!!!" Before she could fully step inside, she was suddenly swept off her feet and enveloped in a tight embrace by her father, the Emperor, who was clearly overcome with emotion. His face was wet with tears, and he exclaimed, "I missed you, my baby!" as he rubbed his tear-streaked cheeks against hers, transferring his sorrowful tears onto her skin.

In the past, when she believed that she inhabited Cassandra's body as Annabel, she felt a pang of guilt over the deep affection he displayed for his daughter. But now, having discovered the truth about her identity, that same love filled her with warmth and comfort, although a hint of embarrassment lingered in the air.

"I missed you too, Papa," she replied softly, allowing herself to bask in the moment. This affectionate term was reserved for their private moments together, a cherished secret between them. In more formal settings, however, she addressed him with the proper titles befitting his status as Emperor, always mindful of the expectations and decorum that came with their roles.