***

"YOU are not the princess! You are a fraud!" 

"You have no right to be called a princess!"

"Fake!"

"Worthless!"

"Witch!"

"Demon!"

The public continued shouting in my direction as soldiers violently dragged me down the road. I stumbled a few times, but the soldiers still forced me to stand up and continue walking. The chains wrapping my arms smelled of rust and my blood. Even my hair was a complete mess hanging in front of my hair.

My ears were ringing with other public's shouting. Some were also throwing things at me, but I could do nothing against them. I didn't even know what was being thrown in my direction. Probably pebbles and spoiled food. I was not even able to protect myself.

I was not able to defend myself against them . . . or even against myself.

My favourite gown was torn, and my body was full of bruises and scars. There were also bloodstains on my lips and hands. And even though I hadn't looked at myself in the mirror, I knew I looked disgusting. I was in a horrendous state. That was no longer surprising.

My body was exhausted. I didn't just feel the pain physically but also mentally and emotionally. I was too drained to continue.

I was shocked when a soldier pulled the chain around my wrist. I didn't know where we were headed, but I didn't care anymore. My life was meaningless. I wanted everyone to shut up. I wanted everything to stop.

We suddenly stopped walking, and they took me up on a wooden platform. The guillotine made of iron was immediately noticeable. Two soldiers were also standing next to the guillotine and wearing black masks. They had blood stains on their armour, and even the stage was the same.

Even though my eyes were blurred, I looked up at the three people sitting on their thrones, silently watching what was happening. They were far from where I was, but they were spectating the event today.

The Emperor of Reburene, my father, who allowed me to fall into perdition, was the same man who issued me the death penalty because I could not fight for myself and their blood as a de Lovett.

To his right was the crown prince, my elder brother, who had just returned from war and would inherit the emperor's throne in due course. I thought we were close to each other and that he appreciated me, but it was all a lie.

My running and hiding to save myself ended in vain two days ago because of my excellent and talented brother. He was the best sword wielder in the empire, and I had always admired him for it. Because of a prophecy, they arrested me and brought me back to the kingdom.

And on the left was a wonderful woman. She was wearing a very luxurious and shiny gown and jewelled accessories. Everything she wore grabbed everyone's attention, from earrings to necklaces and rings. She was the beauty admired by many.

I . . . I was supposed to be in that seat. I should be the only princess, but that was not what was happening now. I was cursed because they claimed I had the power to destroy the empire.

A soldier pulled me and placed my head under the guillotine—the smell of blood was overpowering from the previous death sentences. Even the empty basket on the front still had blood marks. And soon, my head would be there, too.

I saw the blade tied to the guillotine. There were still remnants of the blood from the previous executions. It was massive and would kill anyone who befalls a victim—no wonder the bloodstains were scattered on the stage.

This was the day for people who needed to be punished with death for their heinous sins in the empire or the world. And that was what I didn't understand. I never sinned against anyone, but I was the one who was given the blame.

I felt my heart beating faster. Even though I wanted to get up, I could not because of the tight chain on my neck and hands. Even my feet had been tied with heavy chains. They were afraid that I had the power to escape. But they were wrong. I was helpless and worn out.

My eyes soon met with the woman sitting on the throne. From the tender look on her face, the tip of her lips slowly rose. She gave me a smirk as her expression went dark. She was satisfied seeing me in this situation.

"Goodbye. . . ." she whispered in the air, further confusing my whole system.

Even though I was far away, I could feel her voice very close to my ear. Her voice was very familiar. It was the same woman who said I was cursed.

And before I could shout to clear my name and beg for one chance, the soldier released the guillotine rope, and my vision darkened.

***

"PRINCESS! YOUR Highness!"

My eyes widened as something shook my little body. Rosette was very worried as she looked at me.

I was catching my breath,  drenched in sweat. Rosette gently wiped my sweat. She picked me up and caressed my back.

"Are you having a nightmare, princess? Don't worry. I'm just here," she continued in worry.

My chest was feeling so heavy. I just dreamt of such a thing. I was sure it was the last event in Renée's life—her execution. Although the faces of the emperor and prince were not clear to my eyes, I knew that it was them. But . . . who was that woman?

"Ngh . . . " I couldn't help but groan.

I tried to remember the event from my dream, but it only ended at the sad end of my life ... by executing me while my father and brother watched me in front of the public.

But those memories . . . why do I have them? Why were they so realistic?

"Rosette, this is the change of clothes for Her Highness," Flora said politely.

"Come. The princess' bed needs to be replaced. Her bed is soaked with sweat." I didn't see it because Rosette was carrying me in her arms, but it was true. I felt my back wet.

Rosette quickly changed my clothes so that I would not get sick. At the same time, Flora and other maids took care of my crib. They also opened the door to the balcony to let the fresh air into the room.

"What's going on with the princess?" Flora asked worriedly.

Rosette touched my diaper and tried to give me milk or water, but that was not what I wanted.

"I don't know either. She's still shaking," I also knew Rosette was worried about me. "You'd better call a doctor to get the princess checked. She might be sick."

"Of course." Flora hurriedly left the room.

Based on what I wrote in the novel before, the palace where Renée resides is the furthest from the main castle. She was a princess to be kept away for life. Nothing was expected of her until she accidentally met the emperor. But her life only turned complicated when she met the emperor—that would be the beginning of all the pain and sorrow she would have in life.

That nightmare kept popping into my mind. Was that Renée's destiny in this world? Was that my destiny? Would I be lost in this world without understanding what was happening? Could I still return to my world?

About an hour later, the doctor came for me to be examined. He was also not a simple doctor, as he had the power to heal. Only a few doctors have this ability, but getting one was not easy. It would cost them dearly, especially when suddenly summoned at this time of night.

He had long green hair tied with a blue ribbon. He was also wearing spectacles. I think he was only in his twenties based on his looks, but I could be wrong. Rosette and the doctor seemed to be of the same age.

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Harry from the House of Clearwater," he spoke tenderly. "I'll check the princess' health now.

He took his stethoscope and examined me. He rubbed my little body and then closed his eyes. I think he was using his magic to examine me.

"How is the princess, my lord?" Rosette asked the doctor.

"Lady Rosette," the marquess called sincerely and respectfully. "I told you to call me by my name," he stated with a smile. I could see how Rosette's cheeks reddened.

Could something be between them?

"You know I can't do that anymore, my lord," she replied bitterly. "I am nothing but a head maid. I cannot disgrace nor sully your name."

The marquess sighed. "Once I lose my title as marquess, I hope you will call me by my name again," he said before turning to me again. "Your promise with me is still in effect, my lady."

I saw Rosette open her mouth, wanting to say something, but she no longer gave him an answer. She just avoided her eyes from the man.

He let out another deep breath and then carried me. I stared at his hand as he brought it closer to my face. Gradually, his hand flickered until pure white light enveloped my eyes. I closed my eyes until I heard faint chirping at the back of my mind.

It wasn't painful, but it put my mind to ease. It was as if the nightmare stuck in my mind was slowly disappearing. Or at least getting shoved o the side.

Heat then enveloped my chest, and I arched my back as he carried me. I felt a great weight from my chest getting pulled out of my body. I opened my eyes and saw the marquess staring at me. I could see my reflection in his own eyes.

"Impossible . . ." I heard him whisper.

Impossible? What was impossible?

"How is Her Highness?" Rosette still asked worriedly as she approached us.

"The princess is fine," he said as he handed me to Rosette. "She just needs to rest now."

"That's good to hear." Rosette pressed our cheeks together, and I could feel her concern for me. Rosette had always cared for me like I was her child. Despite being young and busy managing the affairs of the Jade Palace, she had always been genuine with me.

"But, Lady Rosette . . . "

"What is it, my lord?"

"You need to call me again after three months."

"Why? I thought the princess was okay?"

The marquess shook his head. "It's not an ailment, but it looks like her mana is overflowing even though she's just a baby."

Rosette covered her mouth as she listened to him. Because she was carrying me, I could feel her heart beating faster.

"You mean . . . "

The count nodded at her again, which made my mind even more confused. It seemed like they were communicating in a secret language I could not decipher. And until the marquess left, my mind was full of questions.

But more than the questions, I thought of making a way to change my destiny. I still have time to think. It would be a few more years before meeting the emperor, and I had about fifteen more years before my destined death.

I needed to plan this. Maybe I could find a way to change Renée's future—my future.

***

P R I N C E S S T H I R T E E N 0 0

W A T T P A D