Chapter 4: 3. Shy, But Courageous

Mass release, August 11th, part 1/5.

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Two months passed like the autumn wind, and it was February in the blink of an eye. And everybody couldn't stay shut about my meeting with the Princes. Saying things like we would be the future of the Kingdom of Mhorgain, and today would be necessary to the Kingdom.

As if it wasn't going to change my life... to worse. Everything until now has been a dream. I did everything I wanted because my parents spoiled me in a good way. If I decided to have a rabbit, to learn how to hunt, to get any book before it's out, or even if I wanted a writing magical machine, they allowed me to have it all.

What would I need the writing magical machine for, when I'm not a writer? Simple, I wrote my diaries in the language of my past life that doesn't exist here, English. And it's possible because the machine being magical, allowed me to design the letters. So, I wrote the alphabet I used to be so familiar with.

That way, no one here would ever be able to read any of my notes, both about what I remembered from the game, from my past world, from my past life and the new things I discovered in this world until now. It's just the best. Especially because once I designed the letters, they have my handwriting, which makes them more special.

It was my 7th birthday present from my dad.

So, yes, up until now, my life has been like a dream. I've been living with a golden spoon like never before. But today that dream will fade and the reality of my situation is hitting me. Finally meeting the five Princes, from whom I'll die by their hands, is like a cold water wave on my face.

And it also reminded me of how I only have 13 years before the deadline.

Dad came to get me in my room and when he saw me shaking with anxiety, he held me in his arms. "Today must be very stressful to you, darling," he has no idea. "But everything will be fine."

"Keep in mind that, if you make them grow closer to you, and begin to care for you, none of them will kill you, as you fear, darling," mom told me as she came in.

That was like a lamp had lightened up in my head. Damn, that's true. If I focus on the fact that I'll die, things won't work out for me and I'll only get more anxious with time. However, if I actually try to change things and make it impossible for them to possibly kill me in the future, I might change my ending.

Right? I hope so.

"Did you finish all the books, darling?" Dad asked and I nodded.

"Andy and Gustav," my Knights, "already took everything to the carriage." I turned to mommy, "Will I really have to stay for a week in Gargoyle Castle," the Royal residence, "mommy? Why not just a day?" I knew the answer, but I still wanted to try.

She kissed my nose, "Darling, that was the agreement with your aunt. You could go there at 8 years old, as you wished, but when you go there, you would have to spend a week with them."

"A Mhorgain-Winter never goes back on their words, right?" Dad looked at me with his charming eyes. "We'll be here, a week will go by fast, don't worry."

I agreed to that back then because it was the only way to get three years of freedom before meeting them, now I'll handle the consequences. "I'll never break my promises, daddy. But it's still uncomfortable for me. However, after learnings some good martial skills, I feel more at ease going there and meeting them."

"That's my girl," mom said with that beautiful smile that resembles so much my own. "Now, let's go. Mommy and daddy will take you there."

That made me happy, "Personally?"

"Of course," dad exclaimed. "Ain't no way we'll just leave our darling like that, right, honey?" He asked mom and she nodded, softly.

"Can I ask you one more thing before we go?" They nodded in sync. "Give me a sibling. Boy or girl, it doesn't really matter. I just want a younger sibling!" I was always an only child, both in my past life and in this one, so it can be kind of lonely. "If I marry one of the Princes and become the Queen, you will need an heir for the Dukedom, we can't let others inherit our assets, right?"

I know, it's dangerous to have one more child with royal blood, and a true Mhorgain. But it might also be the smartest way to go. So, I think it's worth trying. Maybe we'll be able to change the future determined in the game.

They both blushed and looked at each other shyly. It was really adorable and disgusting at the same time. But I can see how much they love each other, it's clear to me. My parents are probably what some would call soulmates, and they are lucky to have found that.

"We thought you wouldn't want a sibling," dad chuckled.

"What? Why wouldn't I? It's lonely to be an only child. I want to share everything I have with a sibling. I promise I'll be a good sister," I held their hands and put them together. "So, will I gain a little sister or brother?"

Mom's face got redder than before. "I would love that," she confessed and turned to my dad. "What do you think, honey?"

He let me down on the bed and hugged her, "For me, we can start today!"

Gross. I laughed closing my eyes when they kissed. "There's a kid in the room," I cried and they both giggled. "Can I name them when the time comes?" I asked.

"You can choose their middle name," mom bargained.

"Deal! If it's a boy, I'll pick Aaron, and if it's a girl, Anastasia," it'll be cool to pick names with the same initial as mine. When I looked at them, they seemed surprised by my choices. "You thought I would pick something childish?" I giggled.

Mom bit her bottom lip, "Well, you are a child."

"I read a lot, I have tons of ideas," I said making them laugh. "Okay, now, let's go, or aunt will be angry at me," she must already be out of patience because I've been postponing this meeting.

When we arrived at Gargoyle Castle, they were all waiting for us in front of the residence. I got suddenly scared and hid behind my parents, which made the Queen and the King giggle. Peaking behind my mom's skirt, I saw the five Princes each in front of their mothers, then my gaze went to the King.

He may seem funny and approachable, but he's a vile person. And he must already be planning my death right now. I remember very well what he did in the game.

"Remember to give me a sibling," I whispered to my parents, and gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and got in front of them, but still holding mom's skirt with one of my hands, while biting my bottom lip with anxiety. "Your... Your Majesties," I bowed to them, then turned to the Princes, "Your Highnesses," than to their mothers, "Royal concubines," my hands were shaking and I turned my eyes again to my aunt because I wouldn't be able to talk looking at the others. "I... I'm Amelie Mhorgain-Winter, heiress of the Winter Duchy, it's an honor to finally meet all of you!"

Mom and dad made a satisfying sound and felt more confident, I turned to the Princes and smiled a little insecure, then I turned to my Knights and nodded. Understanding what I meant, Andy and Gustav brought me the five boxes, each written with the name of one of the Princes.

"Thank you," I said chuckling softly and they smiled at me. Taking a deep breath, I approached the Princes who were still staring at me, and put each box in their hands, myself. Then I got back to where my parents were standing. "Hm, well, I... I want to thank you for your presents on my 8th birthday. I read all the books last month and added my notes together with yours. So, I thought it would be a good idea to let you see what I thought of each... of..." I felt mommy's hand on my shoulder. "of each book. In the boxes, there's the book you gifted me with and one of my five favorite books. Each is different, so, hm, you can switch with each other to read all of them. And... And they all have my notes as well."

Aunt Merilyn took a step closer and my eyes went to her. "You spoke well, Lily, besides the fact that you are incredibly shy," she chuckled softly.

"We are family here," the King with his arms open, "connected now and in the future." Turning to mom, he smiled, "It's good to see that you came with my niece, sister-in-law," his eyes met my dad's, "brother-in-law. Do you want to have some tea with us?"

"It would be an honor!" They said together.