Chapter 3

"Why am I going to such lengths to save this kingdom? I stared at a large portrait; it was my mother smiling... no matter what happens. 'Don't let this beautiful place get destroyed,' that's what she used to tell me. Mama loved this kingdom so much that father took good care of everything.

So I should protect this kingdom no matter what happens. At least, that's the only promise I can grant to Mama.

That catastrophe's going to happen in the future. There is a possibility that one of the kingdoms will betray us.

I mean this empire is very trusting, loves alliances, and despises wars. So I wondered why everything was broken in my dream.

Unless it's someone powerful. 'Pardon me, Princess. Prince Mael visited your father's palace. Are you perhaps planning to go?'

I immediately stopped. Maelstrom Chiles from the Pollux Empire, he's an eagle hybrid. He was 'supposed' to be my future fiancé because of the promise of both kingdoms.

I was young at that time when the promise was made, my mother was also there when it happened. I think Mael and I were close at that time too, I can't remember.

Since I'm not a hybrid, they canceled it. Well, no one wants to marry a normal royalty without hybrid features. Besides, it was canceled a long time ago.

I think he's visiting because he's going to talk about the land? Or maybe for my brothers? Or Calliope?

I'm sure Ellie asked me because I like hanging out in my father's room when Mael is there. Do I like him? No, of course not...

I'm just trying to be friends with him because I don't have any friends. We never talked, not even once, in all the times he came here. Besides, he and Calliope are close.

'No, I'm not going. I've been there, I'm sure the king won't be happy to see my face again anyway,' I answered and continued thinking.

Maybe there is a kingdom that will stab us in the back, right? We're all close to the two kingdoms, the Pollux and Aquila Empire. We don't have a problem with them...

But if it's not those two kingdoms? I wonder if it's the Hydra Empire, right? That kingdom has everything and super-tight security.

Hydra Kingdom has the best everything ever, and no one wants to make an alliance there because it's just scary.

Hydra Kingdom is the strongest; we are the second, following Pollux and Aquila. Hydra has a possibility, but why would they do it if they're the strongest?

I can't accuse any kingdom without proper evidence too. What should I do? Remembering those people suffer because of that…

I went out for a while to get some air.

'Prince Apollo? The one who leads the Hydra Empire?' 'Yes, that's him. Others say he's very handsome.' 'Really? I said he was scary.' 'Oh sis, really handsome, not to mention very strong.'

Maids gossiping while working in the garden.

My head tilted; yes, I recently heard that there is a new leader in Hydra. But I know that only a few people get in there.

But like the rumors, he's strong. What if? Hmmm… I immediately returned to my room and wrote something.

"Ellie!" I said loudly. My maid immediately entered as if in a hurry.

"Yes, Princess? Do you need something?"

"Dress me up, we're going shopping," I said loudly. Her face lit up.

"Really, Princess? You've never gone out to the town before!" She fixed me right away. Yeah, I only go out when needed.

I wore some boots since I don't have heels anymore. I don't know much about the Hydra Empire, but where do you think the rumors circulated in that kingdom?

The town; they have many rumors that are known in different kingdoms. So I will walk there and ask questions about that empire.

I was already outside the gate, and Ellie was getting the carriage ready. "It's the princess, okay!? So take us-"

"What's wrong, Ellie?" When I woke up, the people managing the carriages looked at me at the same time. Ah, so they won't let me ride?

Why? Because everyone hates me? Is that it? But that doesn't give them the right to disrespect me; I'm also a Caelum.

"We're going to town, why don't you want to give us a ride?" I asked coldly; the coachmen looked at each other.

"It's not allowed, Princess, don't you understand?" I turned to the person who spoke, and it was a lady. I guess she is the head of managing the carriages.

"How dare you dis-" I grabbed Ellie's shoulder, obviously angry because of the rabbit ears she had been standing on.

"And why is that? What right do you have to disrespect... me?" She would have answered again, but I smiled at her while whispering.

"I'm Eclipse Caelum, if you're disrespecting me, you're also disrespecting the Caelum family.” I saw her paleness. "You don't want father to know this, do you?"

"I-I'm sorry, Princess, I-I didn't mean to answer you like that. L-because all normal carriages are used-"

"Normal? Do I look like a servant to you?" Normal carriages are usually for the servants and workers who are under our family.

I glared at her and grabbed her shoulder; I tightened my grip, and the woman looked hurt. "What's your name?"

"Av-Avis, P-princess." I smiled sweetly at her. I remember how they treated me harshly just because they hated me.

“Now, Avis, I know you don't want to lose your job. I can fire you since I'm a Caelum too, it doesn't matter if you're the head of this management. You're easy to replace."

What? Maybe they think I'll just be nice all my life? No way! Why would I? It's more fun if it's like this...

You need to be mean in order for them to serve you right. "Give me the best carriage."

“B-but the king will be angry. If he finds out what you're doing, he will surely punish you!" So his face is really thick. "He'll be disappointed with you!"

"So? I don't care if father will be disappointed in me. I do not care? They are of no use to me, right? I'm sure he wouldn't mind, even if you report."