Hold Me, My Emperor

Chapter Two

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After calming myself down and assessing the situation, I realized that I was reincarnated into the body of this little lady. The room I was staying in looked very much like the images from the Victorian era that I saw from books, where the furniture looked very elegant and well-made. The dresses of the people around me were also very sophisticated, it almost felt like I went back in time when I see their outfits.

I don't know what exactly happened, but I think I have no choice but to grow up with this body for now and gather more clues about my identity as time goes by.

It feels weird being at the age of eighteen and stuck in a small body like this. My movements are always limited because my limbs aren't developed yet. I can't talk yet but I can understand what they are saying. Especially with these nosy maids that always come by to take care of me every day. Whenever they see that I'm resting comfortably, they start to silently talk about the affairs going on in society.

"Have you heard about the fourth prince? I heard he turned a year old today!" The lady named Abelina Frost started the gossip. She was a small lady but has a lot to say when it comes to intriguing things like this.

"I think his name is Prince Casimir Claude right?" My personal attendant was assigned to me by Moma, Hasna Guillaume said. She was younger than Ibelina, and from what I heard, she was still 12. She was a maid in training, and was appointed at an earlier time so that we can get acquainted easily as she learns how to do her job.

"I'm very sure that now he's part of the Imperial Family, nobles will have to set their eyes on the fourth prince." Abelina added.

Wait, Casimir Claude? Did I hear it right just now?! That name is pretty familiar. I think I've read it somewhere before. Not to mention, he was the fourth prince?

"Poor young lad. The imperial family is scary!" Abelina shrieked. Looks like the situation here is the same as the ones in fantasy books, where relationships between royals are usually cold and unaffectionate.

"Baah!" ("Tell me more!") I couldn't help but cry out. For the first time, I wanted to hear their gossip.

"Oh? What is this? Does Lady Tatiana have an interest in the prince, too?" Abelina teased me while poking my sides.

"Bah! Bah!" ("What? Are you serious? That's not what I meant !") Damn it. Because of this short tongue, I still can't speak properly. But oh well, what do you expect from a nine month old child? And what were they saying about me liking that boy?

"Lady Tatiana is so cute! I'm sure the prince will adore you!" Abelina pinched my cheeks and I tried to resist her but this body is hard to control.

"I'm pretty sure that's not what she meant about, Ma'am Abelina. Maybe she wants to hear more about the imperial family." Hasna commented and I feel touched. That's my personal attendant! Unlike Abelina, she's more reliable at times like this. I'm technically too young for romance.

"You think so?" Abelina said and Hasna nodded. "Alright let me tell you a few stories about the imperial family while I put you to sleep." She smiled at my response. I giggled and waved my arms around to show her I was interested. Yes!

This body is small and easy to get tired even on small movements. I feel exhausted.

Abelina tucked me in before telling me some stories about the Imperial family. "You see my lady, your family, Mircea is a loyal servant of the Imperial family. Your father Baron Konrad Mircea often receives invitations from the Empire despite his low status because the King sees him as a good friend of his. That's what your family is known for." She gently explained to me.

I'm slowly getting this now.

"However, the Palace is not a safe place. That's why the Baron would like to keep you away from there." She added. "He doesn't want you to get in danger, especially from those nobles. They usually have dark plans up on their sleeves to get their hands on more money and power." She looked pissed off while saying those words, but I knew they weren't directed at me or my family.

"But even though a good marriage will save Mircea's family for years and give it more security, I doubt that the Baron would ever consider selling you out." She said and giggled. That's true, my father adores me so much. He always looks out for my well-being and always makes sure to visit me despite his busy schedule.

It seems like the puzzle of who I am and what I am doing here is slowly getting answered. Just as I thought. The names and the scenery from this life are familiar because I've read about it before.

I get the clues now. After all I'm a grown up trapped in this body to live. I read it from a book I borrowed from the donation box of the orphanage. I read it multiple times so how could I forget about it?! It's one of my favorites!

"When you grow up, I hope that you will live a healthy and happy life, Lady Tatiana Mircea." Abelina said and kissed my forehead. She and Hasna left assuming that I was ready to fall asleep, but the realization kept my eyes wide open in surprise.

That's it. I remember the name of the book. The title is The Reign of Emperor Casimir.

I was almost glad that I ended up in a decent family and that I would be able to live a better life. But after I heard my name again, it dawned to me. I, Tatiana Mircea am just a side character who was bound to die young.

How did I end up with this life?