The Princess' Choice

Little emerald ridding hood

4 years later...

Annalise

- Which one do you prefer your Highness? - the maids asked and looked at me with a bright smile. I missed Berke so much. She wasn't like them. All these maids were like beggars licking my shoes to get what they want and later steal my jewelry while I'm asleep... They showed me three different dresses for the ball. Soon Emmett will be back, although I had nightmares for years due to my vision. I knew he will triumph and come back alive, but what I didn't know back than, was that he will lose himself in this battle. Nobody knew apart from me, how different my brother will be. Thanks to the war, my inauguration ceremony was delayed. To avoid any gossiping about how flashy our lifestyle is, while our Empire was in war, our parents decided to hold the victory and my inauguration ceremony together. The maids kept looking at me expectantly and I sighed.

- I want my maid back to chose the dress.- I said and one of the maids lifted her glance.

- Your Highness, his Highness the first Prince ordered us not to leave until you chose a dress. - I grinned at them knowing that Sébastien just wanted me to lose my temper.

- Fine, but I'll pick them later. You can stay until or search for my maid. - I sat in the armchair next to the window and stared into the snowy scene.

- I wonder when my eternal fire will be back to warm up this place. - I mumbled while I heard the soft gossiping of the maids. Our family lost a little prestige during the war and this is why they dared to speak like that in front of me. Also, Sébastien suggested to spread the rumors that I'm a little instable, to avoid anyone trying to get too close to me and reveal my powers.

In the meantime, a little figure in dark green hood, with many knives around her waist rode a huge, black shire horse through the forest. Her fire red hair escaped from under the hood in the icy wind. She was sent ahead to give some information about Prince Emmett's whereabout for the Princess. Berke grunt her teeth and forced a little the horse to move faster. She was on her way back already, but she must arrive before the Prince does. Unfortunately, a few soldiers spotted her and chased after Berke thinking that she might be a spy.

Berke

- The war is over, our Empire won, why the fu#k are they chasing me so relentlessly? - I thought while I tried to lose the soldiers. I hurried and finally saw from afar the palace. There was still a deep forest ahead but I knew that forest like the back of my hand. With a huge grin I shouted and rushed into the woods.

Emmett

- Your Highness! Our scouts noticed suspicious movement in the northern part of the camp. - I grunt my teeth while listening to my soldier. My patience lowered significantly in the past four years and my senses heightened.

- Follow it and capture that person alive. I don't care if it's injured, but I need it alive. - they bowed and hurried to follow the suspicious person. The war is over... Who the hell is spying on us?!

Berke

I have finally lost Emmett's soldiers and the city with the palace in the furthest corner appeared in front of my eyes. My hood flew off of my head and the freezing winter wind drew red roses on my cheeks which matched with my flaming red hair. I rode through the outer half of the city and approached the palace at the eastern gate. The guards knew me already and let me in without hesitation. I smiled and nodded to them as a thanks. Funny... Four years ago they were the same guards who dragged me in front of Prince Emmett. Long time passed since then. Following Lise's orders, I have travelled a few times near the battlefield to bring her news of Emmett. I wonder how much his highness changed in these past few years. I could still recall when I was a teenager and his highness only a young adult, fighting for our lives. I gave the horse to the stable boy and gave the beautiful stud an apple as a token of my appreciation.

- Thanks for bringing me home- I said and pat his neck before running to the Princess with the news.

Annalise

I heard commotion from behind the door.

- Miss Berke! I'M BEGGING YOU PLEASE DON'T RUN! - poor butler... Berke was even worse than I. The door soon swung open and she ran to me. Berke grabbed me in her arms and spun me around. I missed her so much. She became like a sister to me, and I knew that she was the key to our empire's success. She put me down and the maids looked at us with their jaws dropped.

- Oh Sorry. I didn't know your Highness had company. - Berke said and greeted the maids. They were still holding the dresses.

- You arrived just in time Berke. Which one should I chose? - I asked and she grinned. Berke was aware how long these maids were holding my dresses. She looked pensive before she picked a cream colored dress, with golden decoration and flowy skirt with flower embroidery. I clapped my hands together.

- Perfect! You may leave now. My maid is back and she is more than capable to help me with the preparations. - they hesitated but decided to leave in the end.

-You shouldn't be so harsh with others. - Berke said while she put her hood down and took a seat.

- Since rumors have been made up to cover for me, I have no choice.

- Yeah, we don't want another maniac to start a war. - she added and this reminded me of the purpose I sent her away.

- So? - I asked and she grinned.

-His Highness is in one piece and will arrive by dawn. Although they noticed me, but couldn't catch me. - I smiled and looked at Berke. She became so beautiful. Berke stretched her tired limbs and with big smile she hurried to prepare my bath. I looked out of the window again.

- See you soon, brother.