The Empire of Belleaux. An ancient, sovereign force that has survived through a millennial, as well as an eternity of choices that led to my birth. When the air gets chilly, by the fireplace there is a voice singing to me, the sweet melody of what could have been.  From time to time, far from knowing eyes, watching the snowflakes rest on my windowpane, I ask myself again: What if I was not a Belleaux? That name meant soon I would be carrying a heavy weight. So in another timeline, if my dear Empire did not exist, if only by stroke of luck, I could live a peaceful life as a commoner.

My title now means as much as the dust being swept from a vase. Grubby, dark matter attaching itself to something precious. I was a sickly infant, due to my mother’s late pregnancy. So in a plea, the late emperor agreed to conceal my existence. 

She named me Adelaide, a saintly name from her kingdom, and yet my existence felt poisonous; it felt as if each birthday one drop of deadly syrup was administered. This Empire has someone on its throne, my older brother, but due to our mother's lineage, he has endured years of scorn and perils unimaginable to me.

 So tired at only eight years old, I stood arms crossed, staring straight at the heir of the Clemendale Duchy - a boy merely two years older, who seemed to me all grown up. Even as a daughter of a baron, I pursued him, and so despite my initial intentions, what once was an opportunity to strengthen my brother's throne became a friendship. Then the tricks of time made us lovers and soon to be wed. 

My existence became crucial for my brother, who would have Clemendale's noble backing. As well as the importance of my real status for the young duke. Who would never be scorned by his father for choosing to marry me. 

Even so, I imagine the possibility of staying posing as the daughter of a baron. Where the noble folk are ignorant and simple, they expect no class and they insult by saying innocuous things.  There is comfort in not being known, that lack of remarkability made me preventively nostalgic at my appointment at the "Purpose" - the most wanted boutique in the capital. 

“Your fiancé must love you dearly to be able to arrange for a dress to be made for the daughter of a baron.” Said the seamstress with a smile as sharp as a knife.

Her eyes quickly examined my order with disapproving eyes. The norm would be a short and delicate dress that matched with a white diamond-encrusted barrett. However, despite my previous image, If I were to be a predator, there would be no need for frills. A figure-hugging black dress, simplistic as per my request, long enough to cover my feet. 

“Lady Adelaide, you really struck the golden pot with this marriage,” said the jeweller. A look completed with a headpiece custom-made to strike interest, a black cat figure playing with the moon, made with black crystals. In the mirror another person looked back at me: Adelaide Belleaux. Not the meek and powerless Lady Adelaide.

♙

“Your betrothed is here Young Duke of Clemendale” Proclaimed Joseph, the butler of my fiance's home, a place I had gotten acquainted with. 

The young duke sat, elegantly as ever, dismissing with his hand the butler and the maids. “My lady, are you aware time has flown?” He sipped his tea, Earl Grey, with the usual set of cutlery, his late mom's choice. “Are you sure you don't need anything?”

“Lucas! Have I not asked for your first dance?” I giggled while picking through the cookies on a tray.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

“Why would you ask for something that is a given? Still, that day is to be a special one.” He rested his cup, passing his fingers through his hair. 

“Every lady in the past and the future shall have a Debutante.” I rolled my eyes straightening the cloth on the table.

“I am unsure… Matters may suddenly change one day.” He chuckled. “Entirely similar to your mood.”

“Now who causes these changes?” I shook my head, staring at the men who I would spend the rest of my life with, going through the harsh winters of life as well as the springtime and its flowers.

“It’s alright, I have plenty of time to give you Clemendale's riches.” He declared a half-hidden smirk plastered on his handsome face.

“If your father were to hear this…” I reached the palm of my hand for him to hold. “Duke Clemendale would never forgive me.”

His eyes fixated blankly on my open palm “Addie… Soon, I will be the Duke.” He interlocked his fingers in mine, that in itself a promise. “I have found a way to get his approval.”

“That is wonderful.” My eyes clouded and it felt unbecoming, but at the touch of his fingers as his eyes brightened it was an impossible ordeal to hide it. “How so?”

He then got on one knee, missing the teapot by inches, refusing to let go “Could you promise me to forgive me once if it is to gain fathers favour?”

He was someone who always had given me the world, so this one request was easy to grant. Whatever it was, it would be alright and in a few weeks there would be no need for schemes. “I believe you would not do anything against your beliefs. Simply because you are you.” 

♙

Then weeks passed. Days and minutes jumped along. The day was here before me, it was my reality. 

Violetta entered the room, cheerful as usual. My handmaiden, the girl I grew up with, was more a sister than a subordinate. This would be the last time I saw her. A few hours from now, she would be shipped out of the country, to keep her whereabouts a secret, partly for her safety. But mostly to keep the whole plan a secret. All for the crown.

It had been years in hiding, why could I not stay here frozen for a few more years, or perhaps my whole life. Did I have to go ahead and make myself useful for my brother? To fall in love with a man who would put his position at risk for me? It seems that is the nature of growing up. Gaining responsibilities far from our league while letting the past out of your sight.

Violetta arranged the folds in my gown. I held my hand down from trembling. Violetta smiled as she applied blush on my cheeks. I held back my tears.

Violetta turned on the so-called TV. The magical box emitted images only possible with the help of the famous magicians. They called themselves the Order of Scientists.

“Serious business has been announced! A hidden princess will be attending the ball. THIS VERY NIGHT! The king has good news for their people along with the reveal. Stay tuned for the live event of the year. Directly in your home screens!” A reporter screamed into the camera, echoing other visible reporters in the palace who said similar phrases. They were there, waiting for me to arrive. Would I disappoint them? After all, I was just Adelaide.

Adelaide Belleaux was a shiny new person, I was not prepared to be.  A tear rolled down against my consent.

Violetta crouched near me, “Adelaide, I will be alright” She winked rapidly controlling her breath “You will shine so brightly even in the dark.”

“It will be difficult without you braiding my hair” I looked around, whispering “Or you telling me about the lords in the city you found especially handsome.”

“My lady. That is the immature me from the past. I shall find someone to marry and have a happy life.” She said capriciously tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Oh, right… You would never be able to marry were you to stay.” Going away was the best for her and I knew that.

“I am glad you realise your shortcomings.” She muffled a giggle.

“Just know I will miss you.” I cried disregarding the pleas from the rest of the maids. 

She grabbed a makeup wipe. “As will I…” She whispered, “Not all is lost, I heard outside the capitals there are magic communication boxes.”

“Will you arrange it?” I smiled, basking in hope.

“I promise to at least try..” My smile, a mirror of hers.