After taking off, Oriana checked the fuel log to ensure that the fuel burn matched the flight plan. Nathan also did the gross error checks. Their attention transferred from the buttons in front of them to the metal door that opened.
“Flying light?” Ashriel asked, holding a tray in her hands with three cups of coffee. “It’s not a commercial flight, but we will be flying red-eyed.” She kicked the door closed and walked towards the two, and gave their coffees.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Oriana said shyly. “Also, for letting me operate.”
Ashriel opened the lid of her golden cup and smelled the freshly brewed coffee. Nathan did the same. “I just did what’s best for everyone. That’s a leader’s responsibility.&r
“Your Highness, please look up.” Click! “Your Highness, please look here.” Click! “Boy, toss the trail!” Click! “Prepare the helicopter!” “The boat! The boat!” “Where are the flowers!” “Faster, retouch her makeup!” “Her hair!” “Cool Her Highness! Wipe her sweats!” The people ran back and forth faster than lightning. Flashes from different cameras in different angles blinded her eyes. The people panic
“Boss! Happy, happy birthday!” “Your Highness, happy birthday! Pardon our intrusion, but we have no time left.” “Young Master, the dawn has cracked. Please get up.” Ashriel sat in surprise at the deafening thunder-voice of the four-woman who barged in her room before the rooster even crow. She didn’t even have time to open her mouth when the four carried her, and Venice quickly undressed her when they reached her massive, luxurious bathroom. Tory clapped her hand three times, and Ashriel’s eyes widened and covered her body when the door banged open. Countless maids entered with various bath essentials. “W-Where did they come from?!”Ashriel asked to herself, amused.  
Ashriel stood in front, where everyone could see her properly. The symbols on her long trail and her cold eyes made everyone shiver. The buzzing crowd became silent when Ashriel opened her mouth to speak. “I believe everyone of you is aware of the indelible incident that took place five years ago. Aside from my birthday and Coronation Day, this day marks the death of the former Ruler, Meredith Eleanor Theupholis La Elora, and thousands of people who surrendered and who fought until their last breath. Being the Ruler is not something to joke about. Now, as the official Ruler of the Two Great Empires of Aparctias and Thrascias, I pray that God would give me the wisdom to carry out the responsibilities I need to fulfill and promises that I should then be made.” The crowd remained silent as they listened to Ashriel’s speech. As nobles, they were all used to lis
“Seriously? You even found yourself an enemy?” Leon said, still holding Oriana’s waist. Oriana frowned. “What?” He asked as his eyebrow raised. “Colonel, why did you say that?” Oriana tried to remove Leon’s grip, but he held her tightly. “Which part? You being a part of the Norton family or your family being restored?” “Both. I told you not to make my hope rise.” Oriana paused. She was about to say something but shut it back, knowing that Leon would only use her words against her. “Do I really have to explain things to you, Oriana? You’re not a toy.” His tone suddenly changed. Oriana remained still, and
After meeting with Chaster, Ashriel walked through her favorite garden, where Nathan waited. Reaching the massive door, the four huge guards bowed and opened the door for her.“Make sure no one enters.” She commanded and walked in.“Yes, Your Highness.”As she entered, the same breeze and view that usually greeted her felt different. That is because this time, Nathan was there, standing under Ashriel’s favorite Sakura tree, waiting for her arrival.“The ocean’s beautiful tonight,” Nathan commented and looked at her with a big smile as Ashriel slowly walked towards him. “But you’re beauty is different.”“Tsk. Why do you compliment me so much today?” Ashriel sulks and stands beside him. “Though it was nighttime, the ocean surely is beautiful. It looks more beautiful now than it did before.” She closed her eyes and felt the cold breeze.&
"Hey, twin, our baby's girl's fascinating, eh?" Natsuki pinched Ashriel's cheeks and aimed to ruffle her hair when two strong hands held his hand. "Don't you dare." Lady Chalier and Venice warned with their blazing eyes glaring at him. "Ha-Ha. Y-Yes, mother." He trembled and took his hand from them. "There, there, look at the camera now, my babies," Emmette said. The three frowned. "What?" "1,2,3!" Click! After how many clicks and poses, Ashriel let her parents go down but took her siblings' hands. "Call the Cadre. Let's take a group picture. Including the four." Natsuki and Venice's eyes widened with her words. They hesitated and exchanged glances with each other dumbfoundedly, but Ashrie
It was a peaceful day because the Coronation had just ended. Supposed to be. Yet a panicking, loud knock was heard outside Ashriel’s office. “Your Highness!” Raith hurriedly entered her office and knelt in front of Ashriel, panicking. “T-The Quislings tried to attack the guards of the third gate of Austere,” Raith reported, catching his own breath. Olive and Nathan’s eyes widened, and they glanced at Ashriel, who was stunned. “What-“ “Your Highness!” Their eyes transferred from Raith to Oriana and Leon, who dashed inside the office. “The First Division Air Forces reported that multiple missiles were released to the second gate of Austere. They managed to counterattack and destroy the missiles it but the fallen parts affected some place-“
After Torry left, the place became colder. Ashriel's breath became unstable as Nathan looked at her seriously. For a moment, she did not speak. She refused to talk. "Ashriel," Nathan said. He only calls her that whenever he is dead serious. "What is it?" Ashriel gulped and bit her lower lip. Nathan felt his chest beat faster in nervousness. "Don't make me this nervous, Ash." He faked a laugh, but Ashriel remained silent. Ashriel put the unity dagger back to its case, and Nathan's eyes caught the old notebooks. "What are those?" "Granny's diaries." She whispered with a small smile. But Nathan's smile faded. "Mission," He said, hoping his hunch was wrong. In his terror, Ashriel nodded slowly. "What kind of mission?" He stepped forwards, but Ashriel remained silent. "When?" He aske