Abrielle stopped counting the days, but autumn was already here and it had been almost a year now. She ca to this world and married Cedric.
He had gone for days or was it weeks? She didn’t know again but she believed Cedric would co back.
After her identity was revealed to the court much didn’t change. She was just one princess.
There was a soft knock on her door. "It’s Aurelius," his voice followed. Abrielle’s eyes drew from the book she was reading to the door. She had a lot to learn about Heliosa.
The more she studied, the more she realised this ’ world’ wasn’t as she imagined. "The door is open." She answered then the door creaked open.
Aurelius stepped inside. His blue eyes softened once they fell on her. "The maids said all your wounds healed well," Aurelius ntioned standing a few steps away from her.
"I didn’t know you had enough free ti to chat about my injuries from training. I thought you had duties to attend." Abrielle taunted with a sneer. Aurelius’s smile went stiff. He knew she was still upset.
"My duties are unending. I ca to apologise." He replied, then walked closer to curiously catch a glimpse of what she was reading.
"Apologise for what?" She asked, sounding oblivious. His brows twitched. A short breath escaped his lips.
"I didn’t an to offend you with my words Abrielle. I know you are trying to get stronger to be able to fight and also because of him." Aurelius ntioned. Abrielle’s eyes dulled.
"If I had been stronger, he would not have gotten injured and maybe would have still been here. " She admitted silently.
Abrielle had approached Aurelius to train her; he was the perfect candidate since they both had the sa magical nature, and she could trust him. Her instructions were for him not to go soft on her. Aurelius accepted her request, but the more they trained, the more she felt she was lacking.
During this period she lived with him instead at the palace. It was safer, especially now that they were unaware of how Bethany beca a slave, and Abrielle didn’t trust King Silvanius enough.
"I understand and I am proud you decided to take this step. Word even got out and Lyra started training in battle spells." Aurelius let her in on so gossip. Abrielle chuckled.
"She sees as competition. I thought Lyra was a skilled mage."
Abrielle had heard whispers praising Princess Lyra. She was pictured as the perfect princess.
"She is a skilled mage but her battle skills are lacking. It isn’t common for won learning Combat spells in Heliosa; they often focus on healing, charms, support... Lyra probably felt intimidated hearing about you." Aurelius explained, and Abrielle understood what he ant.
"The thing is I am worried by how far you are pushing yourself. It took over 18 years to get this skill. Your body has a limit, and I am sure you don’t want Cedric eting your corpse once he returns." He voiced his concerns..
Abrielle had been training not just to get stronger but as a coping chanism. In his absence, she realised how fond she had grown of the man she once wanted to kill.
"Thank you," Aurelius’ brows pulled together.
"Why are you thanking ?" He grumbled, sounding a bit puzzled.
"It felt right." She answered, then closed the book before her.
"You don’t have to thank . I am barely doing enough Abrielle." Aurelius dismissed her. She smiled at him, he was always like this. Aurelius made her realise that the true aning of blood is thicker than water.
They had gotten along pretty well this period, and it made her wonder how Abrielle’s life would have been if Bethany had never left the picture.
Despite everything, Abrielle still lived a good life with the Nightshades; the only one who suffered was Callista.
"I am still grateful." She chid, and Aurelius reached out to pat her hair out of habit. "That’s what family is for." He chid then turned to leave.
"Try to rest. Tomorrow is a big day."
A ball was going to be held to introduce Abrielle as a princess of Heliosa and celebrate her 21st birthday. Aurelius stopped at the door. Sothing suddenly popped into his mind.
"By the way, Silvanius wrote to Rebecca concerning your birth." He casually ntioned before leaving the room.
The door closed behind him. The only one who had answers about Bethany was Rebecca’s brother. Abrielle wondered how Rebecca would take the news of her being a Ceaphyr.
******
The night arrived, and news about the lost princess of Heliosa spread all over the Kingdom of Heliosa and even the continent of Zeravon.
This night was important to establish the fact that Abrielle was under the royal family’s protection and to show Heliosa’s position.
It was early autumn, the trees had lost their vibrant colours and the air had grown colder. The palace was bright and filled with colours and chatter.
Abrielle stood at the door, her nerves were calm, she wasn’t nervous and carried the deanour of a true princess.
She was dressed in soft blue that matched her sapphire eyes. The dress pooled around her like a fluffy cloud. A tiara stood on her head.
"Are you ready?" A soft voice asked her. It was the announcer who had been waiting for her signal.
The princess forced a smile on her lips and then nodded at the announcer. On the signal, the doors were pushed open and the trumpets rang announcing her presence.
Abrielle stepped into the room, and the blinding lights welcod her with the soft music
"Introducing Princess Abrielle Ceaphyr." Everyone’s gaze was drawn to the balcony that overlooked the ballroom.
She wasn’t introduced as a Von Drakkar, and Silvanius didn’t recognise her marriage to Cedric. This was also done to protect her, despite knowing the intention behind it. Her heart still squeezed.
Under their gaze, Abrielle descended from the balcony down the spiralling stairs. At the foot, Silvanius waited with a soft smile.
The emperor gave his hand to his daughter which she accepted. "You look beautiful, my dear." he complinted her. Emotions flickered across his eyes. It felt like he was staring back at Bethany.
"Thank you," Abrielle chid, accepting his hand. "You also look dashing, your majesty. No one would imagine you are my father." She added.
A round of applause rang after she accepted the emperor’s hand. They looked more like siblings than father and daughter. On a closer look, Abrielle could pick out the resemblance between Aurelius and Silvanius.
"May we?" Silvanius requested before leading Abrielle to the middle of the ballroom under the chandelier.
He let go of her hand and they faced each other. Abrielle curtseyed before the emperor before she accepted his hand again. The music changed and they started dancing under everyone’s gaze. The first dance was reserved just for them.
"I received a letter from Rebecca," Silvanius ntioned piquing Abrielle’s curiosity.
"She is glad you are doing fine and asks for your forgiveness." He continued.
Abrielle listened to him while twirling under the lights as they danced softly. Silvanius spoke in a low tone, and even if soone tried desperately to strain their ears, the sound barrier between them didn’t let a whisper escape.
Abrielle spun, the jewels on her dress caught the lights making her look nothing short of a goddess of light. Her movents were refined and enchanting.
Silvanius caught her, "What else did she say?" Abrielle asked. Her eyes darted behind Silvanius.
A frown then settled between her brows which quickly disappeared. Her eyes caught the sight of soone who should not be in here.
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