?

　　Mother and Aiden grew increasingly concerned as more names were picked from the pile of documents but they did not try to convince me to change my mind since they are well aware of the reasoning behind my choices. In the end, I had written seven letters of proposal to seven different alphas scattered throughout the four kingdoms. By the time we were finished, signs of dawn were approaching us.

　　“Now that we are finally done, I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation and understanding, Lady Isabella, Prince Aiden and of course, Princess Cordelia.” Gideon said as he stood up from his chair, simultaneously gathering the seven letters together. “I shall make haste and deliver these letters immediately.”

　　“Gideon,” I called out, voice hoarse from exhaustion and the lack of sleep.

　　“Yes?”

　　“What if there is no response?” I asked as sudden doubt crept up over me.

　　No matter how foolproof Gideon and I wanted to make out this plan, we can never predict how certain individuals would react. Even if I deemed the selected alphas as desperate for power and have nothing to lose just as I was, that would not necessarily mean they are willing to enter a marriage of convenience with me, especially due to my second gender.

　　“Where has the confidence from earlier gone, princess?” Gideon asked.

　　I sighed heavily. “That’s what I would like to know as well.” I grumbled.

　　“Now, now, you are probably just tired, Cordelia. Let us all retire to our own chambers and get an appropriate amount of rest.” Mother said.

　　“Appropriate amount?” I questioned. “Is that your way of saying that I cannot sleep in?”

　　“Obviously not, my dear. You still have horse-riding and embroidery later in the afternoon and do not forget you agreed to visit the tailor with me to get fitted into some new dresses.” She nagged on.

　　I made a face. “Can I not have a day of peace, mother?” I grumbled, resting my head on the desk. I pressed my cheeks against the smooth surface, appreciating the coolness that emitted from it. my moment of bliss was immediately interrupted when mother grabbed hold of my arm.

　　“Let’s go, Cordelia.” She firmly stated.

　　Almost as though I was in a trance, I stood up. Gideon bid us a farewell and left the library with the stack of letters. Mother followed suit as she left as well. I dragged my feet, fatigue truly overwhelming me by the second that I didn't even notice that Aiden was lingering behind with me.

　　“What’s wrong, Aiden?” I asked.

　　“I…let me walk you to your room, sister!” he happily announced. I nodded, not thinking much about it since Aiden has always been a gentleman since we were children.

　　We walked side by side as we headed to my room. I had noticed Aiden glancing at my direction numerous times as though he wanted to say something. I held my tongue, hoping that he would take the initiative without me asking him what’s wrong. But the closer we got to my room, the more restless Aiden became to the point where he was fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

　　I stopped walking, causing him to freeze. “What is it?” I asked, sounding almost cross.

　　Aiden gulped before forcing himself to look me in the eyes. “I’m…are you alright, sister?”

　　“I will be better if I get some sleep.”

　　“Of course! But what I meant was about everything that had happened yesterday. You must be overwhelmed with all this sudden change.”

　　I sighed. “I will be lying if I said I was alright with that. But just as how I adapted to being an omega, I will adapt to this too. Mother had taught us to be resilient after all.”

　　“But…”

　　“What is occupying your mind, Aiden. Speak freely with me as I am your older sister.”

　　“No matter how strong you are, sister, there has to be a limit to how much resilience someone can bear. I know I cannot take away the burdens you face as an omega nor can I take away the burdens that you have to go through just to ascend to the throne but I…you must know that you can rely on me no matter what.”

　　My heart felt warm upon hearing his kind words. I smiled, forcing myself no to tear up at the thought of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful brother. I reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it affectionately.

　　“I share the same sentiment, Aiden. No matter what happens, I am your sister first before I am anything else.”

　　“Then promise me…if your future partner ever mistreats you please let me know. I-”

　　I could not resist it anymore as I pulled my younger brother into a tight embrace. I felt him grow tense for a second before wrapping his arms around me and tightening the hug.

　　“I do not deserve a brother as caring and loving as you, Aiden.” I said against his shoulder. I felt his hands move to my arms and my body being pulled away from the hug in an instant. I blinked from shock, staring at Aiden’s pouting expression.

　　“Do not say such things, sister!”

　　I paused for a second before bursting into laughter. Aiden’s hold loosened as he grew confused over my reaction. “Oh Aiden, my sweet, sweet brother.” I cooed as I cupped his cheeks, I stared into his brilliant blue eyes, strands of his light hair fell over his forehead messily. “I would have truly gone insane in these palace walls if I did not have you and mother to support me.”

　　Aiden smiled and relaxed into my touch. “Then let us support you till the very end, sister. I eagerly anticipate the day when you will sit upon that throne.”

　　*

　　A week has passed since the day the letters were sent out to their respective recipients. I have been preoccupied with my everyday lessons as well as extra tutelage from Gideon on the duties of an empress. Lady Marie on the other hand has been spending her days as always did, whether it be going out to visit her acquaintances from high society or hosting tea parties at the palace. She nor her children had approached me ever since that day in the council room.

　　When I told this to Gideon, he merely told me to keep my guard up since there could be a chance that Lady Marie was waiting for the right moment to strike. And with that, I continue to live in the palace full of paranoia, never knowing what could happen next.

　　The sudden clashing of my wooden sword against Rodrick’s gave me a fright, my heart threatening to leap out of my ribcage.

　　“Am I boring you, princess?” the dark-haired knight questioned in a teasing manner.

　　I pushed back against his sword, jumping backwards to put some distance between us. After neglecting my sword practice with Rodrick due to never having enough time, I had to firmly tell my mother and Gideon that besides learning how to be a ‘proper’ lady and a ‘proper’ empress in training, I had to focus on building my stamina as well. After all, it would be of great benefit that I know how to fight since my circumstances would put me in harm’s way if I continue along this chosen path.

　　“Truthfully? You are.” I smirked at him. causing him to raise an eyebrow. “Don’t think I don’t know that you are going easy on me again, Rodrick.” I complained, wiping the sweat that accumulated on my forehead with the back of my sleeve.

　　“You truly know how to taunt people, princess. It’s rather unbecoming of royalty.”

　　I rolled my eyes at him. “When I am out of my heavy gowns and corset, I would like to make my sword do all the talking.” I huffed out as I lunged forward, Rodrick easily parried my attack.

　　“Where has all this confidence come from?”

　　“What can I say? I have a pretty good teacher.” I smiled, moving in for the offence once more but I paused when Rodrick’s attention snapped elsewhere. Just in cue, I could hear a voice calling out to me.

　　“Princess! Princess Cordelia!” her distant voice grew louder and louder as she. I turned to look at Anne as she rushed over to the open courtyard where Rodrick and I were. “Princess!” she particularly cried out in a panic.

　　Rodrick was quick to react by standing in front of me in a protective manner. “What has happened, Anne!?” he asked urgently. Anne who had finally reached us was panting heavily, trying to catch her breath.

　　“…there’s…ugh,” she struggled to speak.

　　“What is it? Danger? Assassins?” Rodrick questioned.

　　Anne shook her head frantically. “Suitors!” she finally blurted out.

　　“Suitors?” Rodrick echoed.

　　“Suitors…” I muttered.

　　“There are three alphas here claiming to have received your letter of proposal! They are here to accept your hand in marriage, princess!” Anne told me.

　　I gaped at her, finding it hard to process her words. “Did you just say…three?” I asked dumbfoundedly.