Reincarnating into a Beautiful Woman

Chapter 21

It was the day of the Crown Prince's triumphant return. The streets were filled with excitement and bittersweet cries. The majority of the crowd were eager for the men's return, yet they were nervous to see how much their loved one had changed. Some didn't know if their loved ones would return.

The Emperor proudly stood on the beacon of the palace, where they received the best view of the capital. Zayden and Celine stood beside the Emperor, while nobles flocked around the Imperial family. The Second Prince made sure to hide Celine from his father's eyesight. He had grown slightly taller than her, and he seemed to wear a grim expression as he worried about Celine. He wanted to hold and squeeze her hand.

The Crown Prince's fiance stood out despite her simple gown. At the age of 16, she held the title as the most beautiful woman in the world. Kingdoms from far away countries new of her beauty. A young woman with the fairest skin, silver hair, and a pair of contrasting gold, purple eyes. She had curves in all the right places, along with a chest that was bigger than an average woman's.

Although the Empire was awaiting for the Zionittes' return, they stole glances and gawked at Celine's flawless figure. Celine ignored the stares and continued to look onwards. She even ignored her father's new family who was forced to stand next to her. Her stepmother was pretty and as delicate as a flower. Her son also seemed fragile and adorable. The woman and her son were both timid and also amazed at Celine's appearance. They had greeted her politely, yet the awkward silence lingered in the air.

Celine was indifferent to their presence. Instead, she keenly watched the outline of the army grow bigger. When the army finally marched into the gates, the people erupted in roars and cries. The scene below was as chaotic as it was beautiful, like one of those renaissance paintings she had seen in her past life depicting a king's return. Once again, Celine was in shock to live in and witness a piece of history.

She watched the Crown Prince lead the army in an impressive white stallion. He was the epitome of the ideal Zionitte man. A towering, chiseled man paired with golden eyes and hair shined as bright as the sun. Because the war had given him a tough time, he was rather lean and not overly muscular.

Although she had hardened her heart from him, she couldn't help but admire his beauty momentarily. Celine had assumed Laith would return from war completely shredded with rough, facial features. Unfortunately, Laith possessed a youthful, soft glow as if he had never been through any struggles. There were no lines of wrinkles, and he even had a golden tan.

She was truly confused. How can someone look so good after a 7 year war?

Next to the Crown Prince, a woman proudly rode next to him. Celine guessed that this woman was Zavia, the Crown Prince's first concubine. Strangely enough, she wasn't as nervous or anxious as she expected to be. If she had any attachments to the Crown Prince, perhaps Celine would currently be humiliated. But she only felt amused and rather disappointed in the Crown Prince.

On the other hand, Draco had returned to Celine. Now, she had money, estate, and a powerful familiar to her advantage. Plus, the Second Prince was on her side now. She would surely never die in his hands. Celine stood confidently, unafraid of the looming future. All that was left for her to do was run away safely.

As she watched Zavia ride closer to the palace, Celine thought this woman was rather, average. With chestnut colored eyes, curly brown hair, and deeply tanned skin, Zavia embodied the features of an average Zionitte woman. She was neither extraordinary or remarkably pretty like Lady Yasna's earthly beauty.

Even the crowd seemed confused by the woman's normal appearance. The young noblemen wondered why the Prince a concubine. Compared to Celine, Zavia was a disappointment. Still, taking concubines and mistresses were considered normal in this world. Therefore, the people over looked this matter. It would still be a jab the future Empress' pride, who hadn't seen her fiance in 7 years.

"Where's father?"

Celine's little half-brother asked his mother where the general was. The mother blushed and lovingly stared at a specific spot amongst the sea of men, holding her son closer. She noticed Celine's stare and quickly schooled her face, pointing out the father of her son.

"Oren, your father is standing next to the Crown Prince. Do you see him?"

Celine particularly thought this pair was cute and loving. She even would have considered being on friendly terms with them, if they hadn't neglected her for the past 16 years. Celine had only recently found out about this family through the Emperor before he had almost raped her. Her father had given Caelina to a pedophile and started another family. If her stepmother was truly kind hearted, she would've reached out to Celine at least once. Now, this new family stood by her side to welcome him home. It was a pathetic situation.

Celine was not bothered since she had received the love of a mother in her past life. Still, she pitied the original Caelina. She couldn't help but feel angry for her.

She followed her step-mother's eyes and saw a very muscular man.

So this is my father. She examined the middle aged man next to Laith. He had streaks of gray hair and big, brown eyes. His eyes were dark and baggy from the war, but he still seemed somewhat expectant of something. He looked up and met Celine's eyes. She averted her gaze. Nothing much to look at. I must've gotten all of my looks from my mother.

She looked away, since there was nothing to see anymore. She emotionally detached herself from this parade.

In the end, Celine never smiled once during the Crown Prince's return.

Eventually, the Crown Prince finally reached the palace, where the Emperor and his closest advisors stood waiting. He gave a deep bow to his father.

"I have returned with victory, your majesty, the Great Emperor of the Zionitte Empire, Michaelis I." Although Laith's expression was smooth and calm, Celine noticed the hostility in his eyes. It was the bitter resentment of a son towards his father for sending him off to war when he was only 10 years old.

"Glory to the Emperor!"

"Long live the Zionitte Empire!"

The army followed in suit and kneeled. Everyone seemed tired and dejected. The soldiers were heavily devoted to the Crown Prince. They even felt Laith's discomfort and resentment.

The chances of the Second Prince dethroning his brother became slim. Even Sir Vigo, Michaelis' closest advisor, seemed to realize that the Crown Prince had become stronger and gathered more support. Not to mention how well he had grown.

Celine was further confused by the Crown Prince's blatant ignorance towards her. He hadn't even given her a glance or greeted her. This sign of disrespect would trigger gossip amongst the noble women!

Has he really forgotten about our times together? Why does he act so cold to me?

Celine thought she would have to figure out her escape plan sooner than she expected.

She watched as the story unfolded before her. The Emperor welcomed her father, and announced a special ball for tonight. Lady Yasna seemed dismayed by the concubine, while Zayden was indifferent to his brother's return, piercing his gaze at Zavia with scrutiny.

Ah, the story has finally begun.

Author's note: By the way, Zayden is now 14, while Laith is 17.