Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Before long, a few days passed, and the other nobles from outside the main capital began to arrive, each one more extravagant than the last. Annabel was sitting in front of a large, ornate mirror, surrounded by a flurry of activity as the maids scurried around her like bees buzzing around a hive. "No, not that hair accessory!" Rose exclaimed, her voice rising above the commotion as she stood behind Annabel, determinedly styling the child's beautiful silver hair into an elaborate updo. Samantha, one of the more seasoned maids, carefully approached with a light blue and white tiara adorned with a stunning blue diamond in the center. This exquisite piece was placed delicately onto Annabel's head, completing the elaborate ensemble she wore for the grand occasion.

Hanging elegantly from her earlobes were a pair of sparkling blue diamond earrings, while a gold necklace embellished with matching blue diamonds graced her neck, perfectly harmonizing with her exquisite bracelets. She wore a light blue dress with ethereal white winged sleeves, one side of which was secured with a delicate gold clasp. The fabric featured accents of white frills and dark blue detailing, all tied together with a small blue ribbon that added a youthful touch. The lower half of her dress resembled a fanned-out wing, artfully exposing layers of soft white and milk blue fabric beneath. On the chest, a striking blue heart was showcased, draped with flowing white fabric that added an air of gracefulness. Her white boots, adorned with a milk blue cuff, completed the regal look, making her appear like a celestial being ready to captivate the hearts of all who laid eyes upon her. As the final touches were made, the anticipation in the air grew, signalling that this gathering of nobles would be one to remember.

However, thinking about it only caused a headache to occur for Annabel. She never liked standing out, even in her other life. She was a novelist, known for her intricate plots and well-developed characters, but she almost never attended any events for fans or engaged in public appearances. She wasn't all that fond of people in the slightest, preferring the solitude of her writing desk over mingling with crowds. Just thinking about the swarm of nobles flocking to her caused the child to sigh deeply, her mind racing with scenarios of polite conversation that felt more like a chore than a pleasure.

"Is anything not to your liking, Your Highness?" Rose's voice had startled her, breaking through the haze of her thoughts. Annabel quickly noticed the nervous looks on all the maids' faces reflected in the ornate mirror as they stood behind her, their anxiety palpable.

"No, it's perfect," Annabel stated, her tone even as she glanced back at the maids, who all visibly relaxed upon hearing her reassurance. Despite her lack of expressive emotions, she could sense their relief.

It was then that a light knock echoed through the chamber, drawing their attention toward the large double doors that led into the changing room. "His Imperial Majesty has arrived." Came the authoritative voice of the Royal Guard, Kent, informing them that Emperor Maximus was at the threshold.

"Oh my! Is it that time already?" Rose exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise as she glanced over at the clock. Its small hand pointed to six while the big hand rested firmly at twelve. The grand ball had already commenced, and all the nobles were expected to enter the ballroom in a carefully orchestrated order based on their noble ranking, with the lower-ranking nobles entering first and the higher ones making their entrance at the end.

The maids had quickly and efficiently gotten into position as the ornate doors were opened by two imposing knights, one of them being the ever-reliable Kent. It was then, in that grand moment, when the emperor made his majestic entrance into the lavishly decorated room, all dressed in matching attire that mirrored Annabel's own exquisite gown. His large, gleaming crown sat regally atop his head, reflecting the light and adding to his commanding presence. This had been the first time that Annabel had seen him all dressed up since she had come to this unfamiliar place three months ago, after mysteriously possessing the body of his beloved daughter.

Annabel, feeling a flutter of nerves in her chest, had gotten up from her plush seat with the gentle assistance of Rose, who lifted her down to the floor. The child's body she inhabited was still too short for the high chair she had been perched upon while her hair and makeup were meticulously styled. "Greetings to the shining sun," she recited, curtsying to him with the elegance and poise she had been taught by the ever-dutiful Countess Winter. The Emperor looked down at her with an expression that was as hard as stone, his features unreadable.

Then, in a moment that took her by surprise, he exclaimed, "An angel!" But almost instantly, he came collapsing to his knees, tears welling in his eyes. The overwhelming joy that surged through him upon being greeted so perfectly by his daughter was palpable, filling the room with an emotional heaviness that left Annabel momentarily breathless. She felt a mixture of unconditionalness and guilt, knowing that she was merely an imposter in this cherished role.

As the emperor was gusting over Annabel, Duke Hillington began coughing as to pull the Emperor out of his own world and back to reality. "Oh, right. This isn't the time for this." Which it appeared to have worked… for the most part. "Shall we go, my princess?" Maximus Had kneeled down to the small child and held out his hand gently. "We need to see your mother before your big event."

Cassandra's mother? Annabel was momentarily confused, as from what she had gathered, the woman was dead. The girl was desperately trying to comprehend the Emperor's words while he carried her, with the servants trailing a few steps behind them. Annabel shifted her gaze forward and noticed a pair of grand white golden doors, where two impeccably dressed butlers stood ready to open them. Maximus didn't pause; he strode forward and entered without hesitation. The servants remained outside, leaving the two alone in the vast room. Annabel began to scan her surroundings, but there was no indication of anyone else's presence aside from themselves. However, her eyes were drawn to a large black curtain that hung against the wall, its fabric heavy and imposing. Next to it, a thick rope dangled invitingly, and the Emperor reached out to pull it.

As the curtain was drawn back, a striking painting was revealed. Annabel's eyes widened in astonishment as she finally understood what the Emperor had meant. The painting depicted a single woman whose beauty was beyond words; she had fair skin that perfectly complemented her wavy, hip-length pink hair, which split down the middle. Large light-yellow eyes, characteristic of the Dragonoirs, sparkled in the light, and her curvy figure was accentuated by an exquisite dress that seemed to flow around her like a gentle breeze.

"My love, our beloved daughter has finally come back to me," the Emperor spoke softly, his voice tinged with emotion. Annabel glanced up at him, her heart racing as she took in the profound sadness etched across his face. Although she had never truly experienced such deep sorrow herself, it was impossible to ignore the palpable love that lingered between the Emperor and the woman in the painting. This realization sent a sharp pang of pain through Annabel's heart, reminding her that this man did not hold his true daughter in his arms, and the weight of that loss hung heavily in the air.