After taking off, Oriana checked the fuel log to ensure that the fuel burn matched the flight plan. Nathan also did the gross error checks. Their attention transferred from the buttons in front of them to the metal door that opened.
“Flying light?” Ashriel asked, holding a tray in her hands with three cups of coffee. “It’s not a commercial flight, but we will be flying red-eyed.” She kicked the door closed and walked towards the two, and gave their coffees.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Oriana said shyly. “Also, for letting me operate.”
Ashriel opened the lid of her golden cup and smelled the freshly brewed coffee. Nathan did the same. “I just did what’s best for everyone. That’s a leader’s responsibility.&r
“Your Highness, please look up.” Click! “Your Highness, please look here.” Click! “Boy, toss the trail!” Click! “Prepare the helicopter!” “The boat! The boat!” “Where are the flowers!” “Faster, retouch her makeup!” “Her hair!” “Cool Her Highness! Wipe her sweats!” The people ran back and forth faster than lightning. Flashes from different cameras in different angles blinded her eyes. The people panic
“Boss! Happy, happy birthday!” “Your Highness, happy birthday! Pardon our intrusion, but we have no time left.” “Young Master, the dawn has cracked. Please get up.” Ashriel sat in surprise at the deafening thunder-voice of the four-woman who barged in her room before the rooster even crow. She didn’t even have time to open her mouth when the four carried her, and Venice quickly undressed her when they reached her massive, luxurious bathroom. Tory clapped her hand three times, and Ashriel’s eyes widened and covered her body when the door banged open. Countless maids entered with various bath essentials. “W-Where did they come from?!”Ashriel asked to herself, amused.  
Ashriel stood in front, where everyone could see her properly. The symbols on her long trail and her cold eyes made everyone shiver. The buzzing crowd became silent when Ashriel opened her mouth to speak. “I believe everyone of you is aware of the indelible incident that took place five years ago. Aside from my birthday and Coronation Day, this day marks the death of the former Ruler, Meredith Eleanor Theupholis La Elora, and thousands of people who surrendered and who fought until their last breath. Being the Ruler is not something to joke about. Now, as the official Ruler of the Two Great Empires of Aparctias and Thrascias, I pray that God would give me the wisdom to carry out the responsibilities I need to fulfill and promises that I should then be made.” The crowd remained silent as they listened to Ashriel’s speech. As nobles, they were all used to lis
“Seriously? You even found yourself an enemy?” Leon said, still holding Oriana’s waist. Oriana frowned. “What?” He asked as his eyebrow raised. “Colonel, why did you say that?” Oriana tried to remove Leon’s grip, but he held her tightly. “Which part? You being a part of the Norton family or your family being restored?” “Both. I told you not to make my hope rise.” Oriana paused. She was about to say something but shut it back, knowing that Leon would only use her words against her. “Do I really have to explain things to you, Oriana? You’re not a toy.” His tone suddenly changed. Oriana remained still, and
After meeting with Chaster, Ashriel walked through her favorite garden, where Nathan waited. Reaching the massive door, the four huge guards bowed and opened the door for her.“Make sure no one enters.” She commanded and walked in.“Yes, Your Highness.”As she entered, the same breeze and view that usually greeted her felt different. That is because this time, Nathan was there, standing under Ashriel’s favorite Sakura tree, waiting for her arrival.“The ocean’s beautiful tonight,” Nathan commented and looked at her with a big smile as Ashriel slowly walked towards him. “But you’re beauty is different.”“Tsk. Why do you compliment me so much today?” Ashriel sulks and stands beside him. “Though it was nighttime, the ocean surely is beautiful. It looks more beautiful now than it did before.” She closed her eyes and felt the cold breeze.&
"Hey, twin, our baby's girl's fascinating, eh?" Natsuki pinched Ashriel's cheeks and aimed to ruffle her hair when two strong hands held his hand. "Don't you dare." Lady Chalier and Venice warned with their blazing eyes glaring at him. "Ha-Ha. Y-Yes, mother." He trembled and took his hand from them. "There, there, look at the camera now, my babies," Emmette said. The three frowned. "What?" "1,2,3!" Click! After how many clicks and poses, Ashriel let her parents go down but took her siblings' hands. "Call the Cadre. Let's take a group picture. Including the four." Natsuki and Venice's eyes widened with her words. They hesitated and exchanged glances with each other dumbfoundedly, but Ashrie
It was a peaceful day because the Coronation had just ended. Supposed to be. Yet a panicking, loud knock was heard outside Ashriel’s office. “Your Highness!” Raith hurriedly entered her office and knelt in front of Ashriel, panicking. “T-The Quislings tried to attack the guards of the third gate of Austere,” Raith reported, catching his own breath. Olive and Nathan’s eyes widened, and they glanced at Ashriel, who was stunned. “What-“ “Your Highness!” Their eyes transferred from Raith to Oriana and Leon, who dashed inside the office. “The First Division Air Forces reported that multiple missiles were released to the second gate of Austere. They managed to counterattack and destroy the missiles it but the fallen parts affected some place-“
After Torry left, the place became colder. Ashriel's breath became unstable as Nathan looked at her seriously. For a moment, she did not speak. She refused to talk. "Ashriel," Nathan said. He only calls her that whenever he is dead serious. "What is it?" Ashriel gulped and bit her lower lip. Nathan felt his chest beat faster in nervousness. "Don't make me this nervous, Ash." He faked a laugh, but Ashriel remained silent. Ashriel put the unity dagger back to its case, and Nathan's eyes caught the old notebooks. "What are those?" "Granny's diaries." She whispered with a small smile. But Nathan's smile faded. "Mission," He said, hoping his hunch was wrong. In his terror, Ashriel nodded slowly. "What kind of mission?" He stepped forwards, but Ashriel remained silent. "When?" He aske
Leon took Oriana to the Noble’s Cemetery where Aparctias nobles were buried and her eyes widened upon seeing her mother and father’s name carved to two of the gravestones. So that’s why she couldn’t find her parent’s corpses in the Atherton grave because they were buried in the Noble’s Cemetery. “Mom… Dad…” Oriana whispered, holding back her tears. “I missed you… so much.” Leon knelt in front of them and placed two bouquets of white lilies. He smiled and put another bouquet to his father’s grave beside them. “Dad, look. She’s my beautiful girlfriend and the future mistress of House Norton.” He said proudly, making Oriana flushed. She quickly wiped her tears away and Leon then looked at the Athertons. “I’m sorry for putting your precious daughter in harm's way.” He said and brushed their names with his palm. “C-Colonel, you don’t have to apologize. It’s my job after all.” She stuttered. “I’m not talking to you.” “Sorry.” Leon cleared his throat. “But I just want to thank you
They won and the Quislings were completely eradicated. Ashriel stood in front of every soldier who fought and behind her were the fallen. “Behind me were the people who lost their time. In front of me are the people who still have time.” She started. “Throughout the whole war I learned a lot. One of those is to value every moment you have with the person you love.” She glanced at Valor and Emmette who were smiling proudly. “And to follow your dreams. But following your dreams requires sacrifices.” “From now on, the whole Two Great Empires will have new rules and systems. People will have a new life. New chances. Everyone who died gave their lives for all of us to live. Therefore let us fulfill that and starting today, let us value life.” It was a mass burial and the whole Austere was showered with white flowers. Even the graves of the fallen were filled with white roses and lilies, and varieties of white flowers. After the mass burial, the first Rank Nobles and the Elders liv
Ashriel glanced at the small child sleeping comfortably under the baby’s incubator. He was so small and so lovely and so… fragile. She clenched Amber’s locket and another tear escaped her eyes. She just lost her twin. She held her tummy while looking at Jasper. “I promise… all of you will live comfortably and safely. I promise…” She whispered and bit her lower lip. She sighed deeply.On the other hand, Donovan found Oriana in the airbase, giving orders to her troops. His eyes dimmed.“Attack the base.” With his cue, hundreds of his men attacked the air base. Oriana was alarmed with the sudden attack.“How the hell did they entered?!” She grinned her teeth and took her gun. She turned back and was about to command her men to attack when she felt something warm covered her. She completely knew who it was. “Don’t worry about that fool and focus on your part.” Leon whispered, tightening his hug to her shoulders. Oriana flushed but then shook her head. It’s not the right time and place
Everyone gathered as Ashriel gave her words. “I might have no chance of telling this soon therefore I want all of you to know how thankful I am, as your Leader, with everything you contributed. It’s my honor to lead all of you.” Her eyes looked at the countless armies filling the whole Austere. She smiled. “Let’s win this battle.” “Long live the Ruler!” “Long live the Ruler!” “May light be upon Theupholis and La Elora family!” The armies roared and cheered, strengthening each other. Ashriel turned to her Cadre behind her and smiled. “Let’s see each other again.” They nodded and with one final hug, everyone departed to their positions. But before Nathan left, Ashriel grabbed his hand and kissed him dearly to which Nathan quickly responded. They broke the kiss and Nathan kissed her forehead. “Promise me you’ll come back alive.” Ashriel whispered and Nathan pecked her lips. “I will. Let’s see each other after this.” Ashriel nodded and they went on their way. After armi
The dripping blood from Xieaniel’s back keeps on repeating in her mind. Olive was still lost in her thoughts when she felt something cold touched her shoulder making her jump from her seat. “S-Sorry, Lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Said Oriana who drew her hand back. Olive sighed and held her head before shaking it. “No, I’m not frightened at all.” She reasoned out. “And stop addressing me ‘Lady’ since we’re sisters.” Oriana stopped for a moment before letting out a faint chuckle. “Yeah. Sisters.” They stopped and Olive pulled Oriana behind her when the door opened, revealing the three bastards. Olive never lowered her guard ever since she worked with them since a snake will always be a snake. “You didn’t kill her but that’s okay since I knew we would sooner or later.” Edom greeted and pushed the things from Olive’s table, shattering some glasses to pieces. Olive rolled her eyes. Oriana observed Edom carefully. She heard a lot of rumors and stories about him but she ne
Elias woke up with the sound of his phone beside him. He quickly picked it up and saw one of his men's names. He stood up and glanced at Siel who was still lying on her bed. It was four in the morning. “What?” “Sir, you’re brother planning on ambushing and killing nobles.” Elias’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!” Siel flinched and her body quickly stood up without any delay. She just came back from Ashriel’s wedding and was tired from all the swaps she made with Ashriel. “I think you must call Siel back, Sir. Or else she’ll be in danger.” Elias eyebrows frown. “What? What do you mean?” “I saw her entering Austere a moment ago, Sir. But since I couldn’t enter the city, I was not able to warn her.” Elias froze for a moment and glanced at Siel who was alarmed. “Are you sure?” “A hundred percent, Sir.” “Very well. I’ll fetch her myself then.” Elias ended the call and before Siel could ever move, Elias pointed his gun at her. “Who are you?” He asked with his crisp voice. Siel tossed h
“YOUR HIGHNESS!” “BOSS!” Everyone exclaimed and tears flooded the whole Meeting Hall aside from the La Elora family. As soon as the wedding ceremony and celebration ended, The First Rank Nobles gathered in the Meeting Hall. It was 3 a.m. in the morning yet sleepiness had no inch to them at all. “Boss, I-I thought you’re already-” Leon stopped when Ashriel embraced him and Oriana, patting their backs. She looked at her remaining Cadre and with her cue, everyone ran to embrace her. “Y-Your Highness, please, don’t ever do that again. EVER.” Kate pleaded followed by Raith and the rest. “It’s part of Granny’s plan.” “But why?” “For everyone’s growth, sometimes the Leader must disappear.” “I don’t like that word.” Tory blurted out. “You knew everything, Bud?” Nathan asked Natsuki while the others coped up with Ashriel. Natsuki laughed. “Only yesterday, Bud. All of us were bemused you know.” “Now I understand why Gil and Bri like her so much. She was their aunt after all.” V
It’s been two months since Siel showed up and since then, they were all staying at Thrascias Empire. Olive was in total turmoil and the whole First Rank suddenly hyped and motivated since they now have a clear path to take and actions to make. No more walking in darkness and critical investigations. “Tell us about Seiron.” Venice commanded and Siel nodded. “It was totally different compared to the past. Its glory all faded.”“I see. The last time I went there was almost a decade ago.” Siel gave Xieaniel a flash drive which he quickly scanned and presented. The Hall dimmed and they all focused on the huge screen.“Taking pictures there was quite hard.” Siel mumbled and glanced at Olive who was grinding her teeth. The Elders who used to go there also have faces no one can paint. “This was the place they now called, “The Small Village of Fear.” Siel said and hearing the name, Kate’s face soured. “It was the only way through the main city and going to the base. This village is proof
Her body felt warmer and the coldness from the bathtub she experienced finally felt unknown, as if nothing happened. But she knew something happened. Something unexpected. She opened her eyes with the sound of the door that slid open and footsteps getting closer to her. She saw a man’s broad shoulder and firm back. It was Leon. Suddenly, Luis’ words suddenly crept into her mind. “And our parents died… Because of his father.”Oriana’s heart suddenly ached. Her beloved parents died and she hasn't even seen their bodies since the Great Bloodshed, their house fell, their reputation was destroyed and she was treated like a pest. Everything was because of two persons; Ashriel and Leon’s father. Anger started to cover her heart.“You’re awake? Thank God!” Her creased brow ironed when her eyes met Leon’s worried eyes. He quickly dashed towards her and cupped her hand and face.“Are you alright? Feeling any hurt? Are you hungry? What do you need? Tell me, please.” He bombarded her, full of