Ambition and Destiny

👑 Chapter eleven 👑

《 I don't know if it is you, but I strongly feel it's you. I will do anything to reveal the truth 》

Walking through the magnificent halls of the royal palace, he headed towards his quarters, which included a peaceful and isolated study, a peaceful and secluded space.

" It's been two years since you have been here. "The voice was so familiar to him that he was sure he would not mistake it for anyone else's.

Henrik wondered, "Felix!". After seeing a bottle of drink behind Felix's back, he added, "I was clear about seeing you tomorrow morning. It seems you won't leave me alone.

Felix made a humorous comment: "This is the appropriate manner to greet your visitors." How rude of you; where are your manners?"

Henrik, "This is the way I greet my night visitors that break in without permission... Have you forgotten who I am?"

Felix:" Okay, Your Highness...don't be angry. Let's drink."

Henrik: "I won't refuse, Felix... But first, let's go to your favourite place."

Henrik strongly preferred spending his time in the grand hall, where he caught Annie conversing with the Duke. With his glass, he made his way towards the painting, meticulously examining every detail with each sip until he had fully savoured the contents of his drink.

After having a few sips, Felix placed his half-filled glass aside and approached Henrik to refill his empty one, and then the two engaged in a serious conversation about Annie.

Felix "Hey, Henrik, don't you think that what is happening is all planned?"

Henrik, "What do you mean by planned?"

Felix: "Well, a girl coming from the village that bears a striking resemblance to the deceased queen-this is not the only case; the temple is eager to have her, while the king is keeping her in the pearl palace ". He added, with doubtful expressions, "I think there are great secrets surrounding Annie "

As Henrik looked up towards the moon shining brightly in the sky, he couldn't help but remember Annie's face and the way it illuminated the darkness, just like her warm, thankful smile after making her a simple favour. He released a deep breath and began expressing his thoughts.

Henrik:" When I first saw her, I couldn't help but admit it... The only way to figure things out is to investigate, but before that, we need to catch the knight of the temple.

"Felix talked with determined eyes: "Leave that to me... It doesn't matter if he's buried under the earth; I'll bring him to you."

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In the dim light just after sunrise, Flora made her way up the stairs towards Annie's chamber. She knocked gently on the door and called out to her, whispering through the quiet morning air. As Flora waited for a response, she finally heard the rustling of blankets and the creaking of the bed as Annie stirred from her sleep. With a smile on her face, Flora entered and greeted her.

Flora spoke softly: "Miss, good morning." However, she received no answer, as Annie was sound asleep, nestled beneath layers of blankets. Her breathing was calm and rhythmic, a stark contrast to her previous tears. She had cried her heart out, but now she was in a deep sleep, undisturbed by the outside world. Flora was visibly frustrated as she furrowed her forehead in annoyance. She attempted to remove the blanket, but it appeared that Annie was holding onto it tightly.

Annie murmured drowsily," Not yet, just a little more "

As Flora stood by the window, she continued to speak while parting the curtains, allowing the warm sunlight to filter into the room.

Flora: "Miss, you must get up now! ... A soldier has just delivered the king's decree."

Shortly thereafter, Lina and Mary, the maids, arrived to begin preparing a bath for Annie. They carefully combed her hair into lovely and slightly messy braids. While attending to her, Mary observed that Annie's skin was tired and pale, while her eyes were red and swollen; she did not dare ask after what had happened to Alice.

《Though her skin looks pale as if she has suffered through a night of tears, I cannot bring myself to ask or care about this troublemaker. After all, her fault led to the severe punishment inflicted on poor Alice by Madame Flora without cause. Why should she be entitled to exclusive care and attention, causing us all to endure such a tough time?》

The two maids were working quietly until Annie asked"Where is the third maid, Is she not supposed to be here? Her name is Alice, isn't it?". Annie added in a worried tone, "Don't tell me she is sick."

Mary replied as if she were forced to do so: "Miss, do not worry about such lowly maids as us... We have adapted to assuming responsibility for the actions of the nobility... It is not an important issue worth much concern."

with a slight move, Lina nudged her elbow against Mary's to bring an end to her nonsense. She whispered," Enough Mary, stop adding fuel to the fire! "

"I shouldn't just sit by when Alice was beaten up, and degraded due to her"

Annie did not get a word of what they were talking about, she was lost during their conversation. As she struggled to keep up, a fleeting memory flooded her mind - the image of her fleeing towards the forest, leaving Alice in a difficult position. In a moment of realization, she quickly rose from her seat, snatched her dress and rushed toward the door.

" The last thing we needed!... she will snitch on you. Just how many times did Madame Flora tell us to be careful while serving members of the nobility? ", Lina nagged.

"Whatever, bring me the pillow sheets and the blankets _pointing to Annie's bed_ I have to do some laundry ", Mary replayed.

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《I realized that Alice had been punished severely because of me. I left the room without knowing exactly where to go; I didn't know which part of the palace she was in, but it didn't matter as long as I could apologize.》

At the end of the corridor, she ran into Flora.

"Oh I was about to call you, but here you are"

"There is an important matter to discuss", Annie said

"Later Miss, follow me to my study I have to inform you about the content of his majesty's decree ", Flora answered leading the way.

《Flora was reading while I was hardly trying to focus on the meaning. The edict was crafted in a grandiose manner, featuring sophisticated and ornate language that was challenging for me to comprehend.》

Once Flora finished reading, she couldn't help but notice the confused expressions on Annie's face.

Flora said after releasing a light sight, talking to herself: "It seems I should use a simplified language", she put the paper aside and turned her attention to Annie, who showed a stupid smile, "Commencing from tomorrow, you will be provided with a well-suited education by proficient tutors...Not that only, Furthermore, there will be occasions when you will have to meet the king"

Annie spoke denying the situation, "You must be kidding. "

Suddenly, Flora remembered something that she felt was crucial to mention:" I forgot to mention an important point...This castle that you are currently in is now your permanent residence. You must rid yourself of any thoughts or memories of your past life."

《 The level of surprise I experienced was unspeakable, and for a moment, I didn't recognize myself. It wasn't until I realized I was standing on both of my feet.》

Flora," Sit down Miss, I still didn't finish "

Annie," What?!... There is more! "

Flora," In due time, the king shall bestow upon you the title of princess during a majestic ceremony in which you shall be prepared to assume your royal responsibilities. As a member of the royal family, you shall fulfil your duties with grace and elegance, attending grand balls and banquets befitting your elevated status. "

Annie collapsed onto the chair, with her lips sealed.

《What could a king possibly desire from a girl of such humble origins like me?... There is nothing special in me...Unfortunately, I find myself in a predicament where I am bound to obey the king's command. If I were to flee to the depths of hell, he would surely summon me back into his presence...Regrettably, the most distressing aspect is that I am unable to depart without the invaluable necklace.》

"This afternoon, you will be having tea time with his majesty. I am going to teach you some essential tea etiquette to help you handle the day, while the remaining etiquette will be learned in detail later.", Flora spoke