The Hydrangean Empire is a monarchy ruled by a single emperor. Vassals across the kingdom support the emperor and rule over the lands like lords. The emperor does not have the ultimate power, and all actions will only be admitted if the court of vassals states that they all approve of the passing. This is a law created many centuries ago so that no foolish king can grant an action that could cause the dissolution of the kingdom.

In the present time, my Father, Laxsander Azriel Bellerose, is the emperor. I am the firstborn princess of the kingdom, and because there have been no sons born in the last 21 years of my life, I will be the Empress. Vassals are not chosen. They are born into the destiny of a vassal. In my case, I am not a vassal, I am a ruler. My 19 sisters will be my vassals. Once they turn 21 years of age, a previous vassal can retire, and they can replace them as a new vassal. The number of vassals that rule under a king will be decided by their Mother when she bares the children for the previous king. Illegitimates cannot be vassals.

My Mother has given birth to 20 daughters, and she wishes for all 19 that have come after me to be vassals. And of course, my Father would do anything if it made Mom happy. The current vassals, as well, agreed that all of my sisters should be permitted to be vassals since I am no king, but a mere queen.

It is soon to be my sister Garnet's birthday and in which she will be turning 21. This means she will be eligible to become one of my Father's vassals or choose to wait for me to be crowned as Empress before she takes the role of a vassal.

I already know what Garnet will choose. Ever since she was young, she couldn't wait to turn 21. Garnet often tells me that she finds princess life boring and tires from reading books all day. She is a girl of the free spirit, ready to take off with her full-grown wings at 21. When it is her birthday, she will finally be able to leave the castle walls, rule a small portion of Hydrangea's land on her own, and be … free.

This morning I awoke to the bustling of the castle servants preparing for Garnet's big day. Mother had already left from beside me, and I was left to get ready with Beth for morning tea. It is long past morning now, and I glance at the clock hand, indicating that it's mid-afternoon. It is rather windy today, and I chose not to read in the garden.

My room was vast and luxurious compared to the dwellings of a commoner. A long desk was placed facing the window, which stretched along with the glass, reaching each end. When you entered through the door, the first thing you would notice was that my entire wall was a glass window that looked into the garden. Sheer pink curtains decorated with sequin flowers we draped at each end. The other walls were tinted gold with a beautiful painted design of white branches and shining golden flowers.

I sit alone in my sunlit room, flipping through the pages of a mythology book about gods. I've surprisingly been getting into the preposterous stories surrounding the great gods and goddesses. These past few days have been nothing but repetitive, except for the letter from the prince. I was quite looking forward to Garnet's birthday party. Because Mama lets us plan our parties and choose whatever we want, Garnet's parties have always been crazy.

I look up from the book and rest my chin on my palm. Glancing out the window, I watch the wind blow the leaves in the trees and the grass's sway flowy movement. Staring out the window, I start to fall into a daze. A soft, beautiful humming echo in my ears. The voice was familiar like it was mine.

"Ooh ho ho hooo~," it sings. My vision begins to blur, so I bring my hands up to my face and rub my eyes. I blink a few times and look up at the window again. In the window was my reflection; a beautiful me. She smiles and giggles. I gasp in shock, and suddenly my chair falls back. I reach my hand up, attempting to grab the table before I fall, but I just barely miss it. I close my eyes, bracing myself for an impact that then… never came.

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The humming voice stopped. My eyes that were tightly squeezed together slowly opened. I hadn't fallen on the floor at all. I was still safely in my chair, with my book open in front of me. You'd think that I would be afraid of the visions I've seen these past few days, but no. I was curious. There was one thing holding me back from asking questions. For a woman, curiosity is dangerous. What makes it worse is that I am a princess. I don't know how much longer I can keep these things from the world. If they were to hear of the things I've seen, they'd think I'm insane. I'll be outcasted.

Hydrangea was a kingdom that strictly monitored the beliefs of the people in the nation. The royal family is believed to hold the powers of harmony. That is why although my Mother cannot birth a son since my Father loves her dearly, the kingdom will accept her. If they knew, if my father knew, I'm afraid my mother would be accused of birthing a demon. I'd rather be quiet, then lose the chance of saving my family from this war.

I notice that the book I was reading was now flipped to a new page. An empty page right in the middle of the book. There were only two words on the page, but they just made my curiosity grow. "Page Zero"

It obviously wasn't page zero, as it was right spat in the middle of the book. I flip to the first page in the book. "Page 0" There are two?

I shut the book, so my curiosity doesn't grow any more influential.

A knock sounds from the door. "Come in!" I respond. Yes, finally, a distraction.

The door opens, and Beth walks in, smiling. "Princess Azulia! Garnet requests you at her dress fitting."

I smile and get up from my chair. Beth walks behind me and pushes the chair in for me. "Thank you."

"Oh! What book are you reading today, Azulia?" Beth asks. Beth loves hearing about all the books I read. Since she doesn't have much time to read, she likes hearing the stories from me. What would she think if she knew I was reading mythology on gods?

"Ermm.. just one about a god being reincarnated in a human," I lie.

"That seems… strange… but very interesting! I'd love to hear more about it when we get ready for dinner today," she smiles, walking in front of me. Beth leads me to the door and opens it. I walk out into the silent corridors of the palace and begin walking towards Garnet's room. Which wasn't far from mine since the rooms were arranged in age order.

I knock on her door, but before I could even get the words out of my mouth, the door swings open. Garnet jumps into my arms, wailing and crying.

"Aazzuuulliiaaaaaaaaa!" she cries, "he's making me wear a big poofy ball gown!" The 'he' she was referring to was our dress designer, who was standing next to a beautiful silver- purple gown. It had butterflies embroidered on the collar.

"For the last time Garnet, it's your vassal coronation. You need to wear a gown," the designer says with desperation in his voice.

"Yes! I know! But I will only ever in my whole life have a vassal coronation, and I WANT TO WEAR WHATEVER I WANT!" Garnet shouts back. Her grip around me tightens, and she looks up at me with puppy dog eyes. "Zuzu, make him stop."

I sigh. "Garnet, what's wrong with the dress? It is absolutely beautiful. Plus, the silver and purple will bring out your eyes."

"Yeah, but the silver and purple won't go well with my dark blonde hair," she says, taking her hair and shoving it in my face. I roll my eyes. "And! Azulia, might I add. AND! It's way too big! How am I gonna scratch my butt when it itches?!"

"Well then, you're just gonna have to deal with Rosali," I respond, pushing her off me. I remembered that Garnet had called her a butt itch the other day at morning tea.

Walking towards the settee placed at the foot of the bed, Garnet suddenly falls to the floor and grabs my dress by the tail. She looks up at me with a plea and tears falling from her eyes. "I beg you, sister," she whispers.

"Are you really gonna make him design a whole new dress when your vassal coronation is two weeks away?" I ask, tugging my dress away from her.

She nods slowly. I look up, annoyed. I look to the designer and raise my brow at him, sending him the message of, 'what do you think?' He shakes his head side to side frantically. Pointing at the dress, he mouths 'beautiful'.

I rest my forehead on my palm, groaning. Why? Why? It's really just a dress!

I look down at Garnet, crying on the floor. "Garnet, you're being inconsiderate. It'll be impossible for him to design a dress in 2 weeks!"

"But… he can… we can pay triple the price," she mumbles between her sniffles.

I cross my arms and turn to the designer. Raising my brow again, I watch his expression change as he nods furiously.

I smile. "Thank you."