IF THAT CHILD SPLIT INTO TWO

Chapter Twelve: Preperations

"True if you did then the world could be ending."

Claude made an unimpressed face.

"... oh my god this has to be a dream."

"That bruise on your neck says otherwise."

"Damnit. We'll talk about this later ... ."

"By later you mean after desert?"

"Shut it."

Claude chuckled. Athanasia looked between the two, a smile forming on her face.

Maybe we can be a family ... a real family.

Claude explained that the councils were nagging his ears off to choose an Empress. It's been 18 years since the Empire had an Empress so they already gave him names of noble women of Obelia and other countries. He told Odette that she'd be a great candidate for the role of Empress because she's from a duke bloodline as well as her family is well known.

Odette thought about it. The role of an Empress is the second highest role in the whole empire. Second highest power and importance. Besides Charlotte will have to stay in Obelia and Odette can't bear living without her child.

"I ... I accept."

Claude smiled a small smile.

"Since you already know etiquette, table manners, and such. All is left is learning the history of Obelia and how to handle the role of an Empress. When would you like the coronation not be uphold?"

"Hmmm, if I learn the role completely ... how about three months from now?"

"Alright. The news will be spread from today. I'll send a letter to Emperor Hugo that the alliance was successful and you'll be crowned empress."

"Alright ... what about Charlotte?"

"The news of a second princess will spread as well."

"And her debutante?"

"She can appear in Athanasia's 14th debutante."

"Okay ... your majesty?"

"Yes, Odette?"

"Does that means we're getting married?" Odette's cheeks flushed. Claude what the usual blank stare but his ear tips were red.

"... maybe."

"Right ... I need 11 moths then."

"What." Claude had a face of horror.

"Weddings take from one year to two or three years. Be glad I didn't say that, mister. Besides wedding dresses take more than 5 months to prepare and not to mention the reception dress. Guests. Decorations. Place of weddings-"

"I get it. Fine." Claude groaned. Odette smirked.

"I am a woman of class and taste. You'll have to deal with, dear future husband."

Claude choked on his tea. Laughter was heard from the garden and the two looked outside.

Athanasia and Charlotte were playing in the bushes. Playing hide n seek.

"They were already sisters even before fining out they were sisters." Odette giggled.

"Hmm. Athanasia likes her a lot."

"... do you too?"

Claude paused, glancing at Odette. Her emerald eyes shining brighter in the sun as she stared at him. His eyes went back on Charlotte who placed a flower crown on Athanasia. Her laughter mixing with Athanasia's.

"... yes, I am starting to like her more."

Odette exhaled in relief. She then stared at Athanasia, a gentle smile forming on her face.

"The princess is slowly growing on me as well. She reminds me so much of Charlotte that I've grown motherly feelings for her."

Claude stayed silent. The corner of his lips curving into a small smile. Imagining a nice picnic with all four of them. As it was peaceful a scream was heard-

"AAAAHHHH GET IT AWAY FROM MEEEEE!"

"OH MY GOODNESS!"

The two ran down to the garden and Athanasia ran to them, hid behind Claude and pointed.

"CHARLOTTE IS CRAZY!"

"What do you- AAAAHHHHH! CHARLOTTE WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOUNG LADY?!" Odette also hid behind Claude.

In front of them. Charlotte was standing in front of them with a big snake around her arm as she held it high with a confused expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Charlotte ... why do you have a snake?" Claude asked calmly, unfazed by the scary snake.

"Snake? It's not a snake. It's a big worm!"

Odette and Athanasia slapped their foreheads with their hands. Claude was amused.

"Oh? A big worm?"

"Yes! I found it stuck in a whole so I took it out. It's very pretty." Charlotte smiled.

Great. My sister is a psychopath like Claude. Just what Indeed. Athanasia thought, sweating.

Odette was thinking about where she went wrong.

Claude chuckled, he walked to her and kneeled down.

"It is a pretty snake."

"Snake?" Charlotte stared at the snake which nuzzled to her cheek.

"Hehe, pretty snake."

"Hmm." Claude picked her up swiftly and walked up the Odette and Athanasia-

But they quickly stepped back.

"WE are normal and don't like snakes so keep that thing away from us." Odette glared. Athanasia was behind her and she nodded. Claude rolled his eyes.

"Let's put the pretty snake back to where it belongs."

"Aww, does it have to go? Can't I keep it?"

"NO!" Odette and Athanasia yelled. Charlotte was now sulking.

"We can get you another pet, however, a snake isn't an animal that can be kept as a pet. How about a lion?"

WHAT. Odette and Athanasia stared at Claude who smirked.