𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚 ⇢𝘿𝙪𝙠𝙚 𝙀𝙧𝙜𝙞

Prolouge

The chamber's heavy door creaked open, and a woman strode in, her floor-length dress swishing behind her. She wore a formidable coat, and her regal presence commanded attention.

"[NAME] dear," she began, her voice full of grace and diplomacy, "I must inform you that your father and I shall be away for a brief period. As a valued member of our esteemed family, I entrust you with the responsibility of overseeing the palace in our absence."[NAME] replied with concern, "May I ask where you and Father are headed and when you'll be back, Mother?"

The anticipation was palpable as you waited for your mother to break the news. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft and reassuring, "We won't be gone for long, I promise. We'll probably be back in two years, perhaps." Your smile faltered as she said the last three words and a sense of worry crept in. 

"But mother, why so long? Couldn't you come back in a month or so?" You pleaded with her, hoping to change her mind. Your mother let out a deep sigh and looked at you with sadness in her eyes. She was just as afraid to leave you here without her or your father, but it was something she had to do.

The air was thick with a sense of unease as you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Your mother's words echoed in your mind, "Two years isn't that long, I promise. Time will fly by, okay?". She had tried to reassure you, but you couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

As she left the room, you whispered, "Goodnight mother..." and watched as the door slowly closed behind her. The room was silent, except for the sound of your breathing. You couldn't help but wonder what the next two years would hold.

But despite your fears, the time did pass quickly. It felt like only moments had passed before you found yourself standing in the same room, looking at the same door. The memories flooded back, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for your mother's words of reassurance.

--TIMESKIP--

After two years had gone by, [NAME], a 21-year-old individual, stood by the window, gazing into the distance. They watched intently as the kingdom guards strolled through the lush garden, headed towards a specific part of the empire. 

The scenery was serene, and the atmosphere was tranquil, yet [NAME]'s mind was far from calm. Lost in a daydream, they were unknowingly wasting their time staring out the window.

You heard a gentle voice calling out your name, "Lady [NAME], you've been staring out the window for a while now. Is there something that caught your eye?" 

Turning around, you saw your trusted lady-in-waiting, Penelope, standing by the door. She had been with you through thick and thin, and her presence always brought you comfort.

You looked out of the window once again, feeling a sense of longing and sadness. Penelope sighed as if she could read your mind.

"I'm sure they will come back, Your Majesty," she said, using your formal title. "Please don't stress yourself over this. I wouldn't want you to faint over this." She gave you a sad smile, her eyes filled with empathy and concern. You felt grateful to have such a loyal and caring friend by your side.

Y/N stood in the garden, gazing at the beautiful Sakura trees as she spoke to her friend Penelope. She couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as she asked Penelope about her schedule for the day.

"I suppose you're right, Penelope. I wouldn't want to faint. So, what's on the agenda for today?" Y/N asked with a curious look on her face.

Penelope's face lit up as she revealed the exciting news to Y/N. "Empress Navier has made room in her busy schedule to meet with you today, and she has even invited you to have dinner with her tonight. Isn't that wonderful?"

Y/N's eyes widened with surprise. "Thank you for letting me know, Penelope."With that, Y/N began to prepare for the day ahead, feeling a sense of anticipation and wonder about what the day would bring.