Josephine pov


    "Your highness. Shall I fix your meeting with your father? It would be better that you would exin to him personally. I did not think I had the right or status to set conditions in front of his majesty." his words were humble, if it would have been anyone else, he would have felt embarrassed or jealous or bitter.


    But he said it so naturally! I have not even once felt that he was envious of us or greedy to gain more. Despite being more capable than me in everything, he was so down-to-earth that I sometimes feel jealous of his simplicity.


    "Very well, request my father to have dinner with me tonight.'''' I nodded my head in understanding and he bowed.


    "After that we both will practice fencing together.'''' He was already turned and about to leave when the words left my mouth. His stps halted.


    "Your highness, it has only been a week. I will request you to restrain yourself for three more days. Then i will personally train you for dual sword technique too.'''' I have been listening to the same words for a week, 1 more day, 2 more days!


    "If your highness will relent, i will teach you something new." he said with a mischievous smile, it was the expression when he has something very interesting yet deceiving. I know it was a trap yet I felt myself nodding even before I could process his words and deny.


    He smiled as he bowed his head and left to meet his majesty.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I need to change my aide. And that also soon!


    "Your highness." a maid came and bowed.


    "What is it?"


    "Your highness, her majesty is asking for an audience.'''' The peace I felt just a second ago with the calm conversation with Leo and the expectations that were filling my heart vanished in a second and only the frost remained. My heart froze the moment I saw thedy entering the room.


    Like always she was d in the richest and finest clothes and rarest of gems. The reflection of her tiara was blinding. And her presence was stronger than the huge chandeliers. Everything faded in her presence.


    Her deep sea blue eyes were frozen and nk like always. Her broad forehead, chiselled jawline, pointed nose and long blonde hair that were reaching up to her hips. She was the epitome of perfection. Yet all I could feel was nk. She was my mother, yet we have never conversed like normal people ever.


    The woman in front of me was stunning, charming and regal. The fear and charms created a deep attraction towards her.


    But now, I just cussed several insults upon seeing her before I caught myself. This woman was the empress, my mother, and the first wife of the emperor Elizabeth Christertia. He was my sworn enemy.


    All the maids and servants bowed in her presence. I, too, needed to greet her properly. In the past I would have walked to her to wee him, to gain her attention. I would have given her a genuine smile to show her how delighted I was to see her after a long time.


    But now, I remained seated and just bowed my head in courtesy. But it didn''t look like she cared. She slowly made her way to the table, and took the seat in front of me.


    The maids scurried over with a new cup of tea. ''I red at Amelie, who was bowing to her and serving her, but it was not like she had any choice. Though She was an uninvited guest, she was the mother of the empire,'' but I controlled myself, knowing well enough that they were doing their duty.


    I gritted my teeth as I continued drinking my tea.


    She was looking at me with those sharp eyes, gauging my every expression. Like she would swallow me the moment I looked at her. In many ways she was perfect. She was the most beautiful man, and a good adviser. She was praised for both her wisdom and martial prowess.


    But her heart was a ck piece of coal, and the blood that ran through her veins was as cold as ice.


    When i was a child i always tried to get her affection but with time i realised she is just the empress the mother of the nation, not my mother. All she cared about was her status, her position or her persona.


    In the end, my affections for her died. Since then, I have been here alone struggling and depicting myself as the strongest.


    "I saw that you are getting better. Then shall I take it so you can resume your sses."


    "Yes, your majesty.'''' I bowed, my head like any other citizen would do.


    "I heard that you denied your majesty to punish that insolent girl. Getting kind and weak now, are we?" her words were sharp andced with poison as if she was disappointed in me.


    "Your majesty, I have not forgiven her. I want to take my own revenge. If your majesty would punish her, I would be taken as weak and pathetic that depends on her father to protect her. I can not let that happen." I replied with clenched fists and she nodded her head with satisfaction.


    "Then I will wait to see the result. Have you thought about hosting a tea party for the nobles so that I could introduce you to others?" she asked as she took a sip of the tea in such a graceful manner that I wanted to forget all the etiquettes and drink tea with long and annoying sips.


    "I apologize but I will be going to the academy in a week. So I would not be able to attend the tea party. I will be busy in preparations for my year long leave from the pce.`` My words made her surprised though she did not show on her face, the pupil of her eyes constricted.