“That’s right. I know that our circumstances may not be the similar—”

　　“If you know that then it would be best if you stay silent and leave me alone. I do not wish to speak of this matter anymore.”

　　Normally, I would have walked away since Augustus clearly did not want to hear anything I had to say but the irksome feeling in my heart was making me agitated and I wanted to tell him my thoughts instead of just ignoring everything.

　　“I hated my father. I hated how he chose to prioritise his duties, hated how he never seemed to care for anyone but himself. I only have a handful of fond memories with him but even so, every memory feels distant—false even. But when he died, I truly did not know how to feel. Was I sad because everyone around me was sad? Was I confused that everything was happening all at once? Was I angry…? There were so many things that overwhelmed me, and I never wish these complex feelings to eat up on anyone, not even you.”

　　My words gushed out of me as fast as I could in case he was planning on interrupting me again. I took in a deep breath, pretending that my voice did not crack at the end and that my eyes were not burning at the threats of tears filling them.

　　“All I’m trying to say is that living in regret is never a good feeling. Even if you never had a good relationship with your father…he is dying right now and—”

　　“How intriguing. To think that you are willing to reveal your true thoughts and feelings about your father, the late emperor to me is something I did not expect. Today is just filled with surprises.” Augustus said.

　　“This is me being honest with you. I have no reason to lie or make up stories just to gain an advantage over you.”

　　“I never accused you of doing such, princess. But since you were so passionate about this…fine, I will return to the Northern Kingdom to visit my dying father.” he finally agreed as he turned around to replace the book on the shelf.

　　“V-Very well then. I shall inform Gideon and tell the staff to prepare a carriage for you.”

　　“For us.”

　　“Pardon?”

　　“I’ll only go back to that godforsaken place if you come with me.”

　　I stared at him, wondering if he suddenly felt comfortable enough with me to make silly jokes but when our eyes met, he wore a completely serious expression.

　　“Augustus, I cannot leave. You know my circumstances are dire, especially since I have yet to have my coronation. If I were to leave the palace, who knows what my enemies would do.”

　　“We will only be gone for a few days, a week at the most if the weather remains on our side. Besides, you still have many allies who would do everything they can to protect the throne for you. Lord Gideon, Isaiah, and Cassian are all experienced in this line of politics.”

　　Augustus had a point, but I have never left the Southern Kingdom in my entire life. The idea of travelling so far was frightening and I was certain that just thinking about leaving everyone behind would be rather risky. Would Isaiah and Cassian even do their duties probably to aid Gideon if I were gone? What of my mother and Aiden, would they be safe? All these questions seemed to be swirling in my mind endlessly.

　　“Why do you want me to come with you?” I asked after a moment of pondering.

　　“I know that you enjoy looking good in front of the public eye. The evidence is presented as to how you and Cassian pretend to be romantically involved right after the cheating scandal occurred.”

　　“That’s only because—” I was about to explain to Augustus about that entire ordeal, but he raised his hand to stop me from speaking any further.

　　“I am not interested in whatever mess you and Cassian were involved in, I only brought it up as an example. As you know, being in the royal family means that your every move is being watched and criticised by noblemen, and common folks alike. In due time, the news about my father’s critical condition.”

　　“That’s right,” I nodded.

　　“Then just imagine how positive people would receive the additional information that Princess Cordelia followed her husband all the way to the Northern Kingdom to visit the dying emperor? The common folk will fawn over your good will.”

　　I furrowed my brows as I considered his reasoning. He was right that people would think more positively of us if we were to adapt these roles for ourselves. The grieving husband and the supportive wife travel to the barren and icy lands of the Northern Kingdom.

　　“I understand. Let us gather the others and speak to them about this.”

　　Augustus waved you off as he turned his back on you. “I’ll leave that all up to you.”

　　“…you,” I started but I managed to refrain myself from spewing out any profanities at him. He had done a lot by just suggesting this idea to me but even so, I was strangely convinced that he was only going through with this plan not because he turned a new leaf and was going to visit his father. He was probably doing this for appearance. It was sad to think about but as I walked back to the door of the library, I was starting to wonder what sides of Augustus was going to be revealed to me along the way.

　　*

　　Later that day, I gathered everyone of importance in the council room. Mother and Aiden were worried about what was happening since it was rare for me to gather everyone like this.

　　“You really need to stop doing these last-minute meetings.” Isaiah complained with his arms around his chest.

　　“I apologise for the inconvenience, but this matter is of great importance.” I told them.

　　“If it’s so important then where is Augustus?” Cassian asked.

　　“Well, it involves him and his family. Emperor Leonidas is in critical condition after a hunting accident and Augustus, and I will be heading to the Northern Kingdom to visit him.” I told everyone straight-forwardly. They looked at me with rather odd expressions, as though they could not believe what I had just said.

　　“Are you insane? You can’t leave your kingdom when you are the acting empress right now.” Isaiah was the first to break the silence.

　　“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you left yours as the temporary monarch.” I countered.

　　“The difference between me and you, princess, is that I don’t have anyone trying to sabotage me or take over my position.” He fought back, causing me to stay silent as he was only speaking the truth.

　　“I agree with Isaiah. It is best if you remain here.” Cassian chimed in. “Augustus is a big boy, he can go home by himself, right?”

　　“I want to go with him.” I announced, keeping the reasons behind why to myself for now.

　　“Is there a particular reason?” Gideon asked, as though he could hear my thoughts.

　　“I want to be there to support him.” I blatantly stated and this made them not question me any further even though I could tell they did not believe that to be the entire story. “Hence, the other reason why I gathered all of you here today is to delegate my duties. I am appointing Gideon as acting ruler while I am gone, and I hope that the both of you can support him in any way possible.” I said, looking over to Isaiah and Cassian.

　　“And here I was getting used to the hassle-free life I have in the Southern Kingdom.” Cassian complained.

　　“Tsk. Pampered brat.” Isaiah muttered under his breath.

　　“I heard that.”

　　“Whatever.”

　　“And please take care of mother and Aiden too when I am away.”

　　“You sure are putting a lot of burden on our shoulders.” Isaiah sighed. He turned to mother and Aiden. “No offence, I like the both of you but the princess over there sure is demanding.”

　　“Oh? Could it be too much for the strong and brave Isaiah Faez to handle? I always knew those muscles of yours were just for appearances.” Cassian teased.

　　“Wanna test it out?”

　　“Boys, please!” Mother huffed, sounding exhausted that she had to deal with their constant bantering. 

　　“We can take care of ourselves, but Cordelia, what about you?” Aiden asked.

　　“That’s right. Are you planning on going to a foreign land alone with Augustus?” Mother questioned.

　　“Well, it would be easier for us to travel in secrecy, hence why I had only told the five of you about this.”

　　“That’s too dangerous,” Cassian interjected.

　　“Don’t be stupid.” Isaiah called out at the same time. They glared at each other before turning back to me.

　　“Are you forgetting that you were recently involved in an assassination attempt?” Isaiah asked.

　　“Travelling alone with just Augustus or with the lack of soldiers by your side would potentially lead to your downfall. You are here caring so much about who to take care of the throne that you are completely ignoring your own safety.” Cassian blatantly said.