Chapter 40 - Premonition

Adelaide's POV

*Ten years later*

~Aspen Palace~

"Where is Astra?" I asked eveyone while looking for Astra.

"She is getting ready with mama. She requested to have her eyes covered." Oh- is it because how the nobles react when they saw her?

"Have you dealt with the nobles who commented on Astra's appearance before?" Astor nodded.

"I did exactly as you told me, mom. Hang them upside down and splash hot water on their expose skin. I made sure not to ruin their face. So it's fine." I hummed as a sign of approval.

"Astor my boy, you did a splendid job. Just don't mentioned this to your mama." Astor nodded.

"Tell me what?" Astoria suddenly appeared with Astra next to her.

"Oh Astra you look amazing in that dress. Did mama pick that dress for you?" Astra nodded before she reaching for my hand.

"Mom- I had a vision of the past. It was about mama." I felt her hand shaking while grabbing mine.

"I understand. Mama has a tough childhood. Of course you reacted this way. Astra, it's not too late to keep your power hidden with Moloch's help. You can use them once you reach adulthood. Why not enjoy your childhood now and be an adult later? I know you wish to help us keep building this Empire but you need to be happy too, my dear." Astra shake her head no.

"No- I want this. I can't see and it's impossible for me to be of help without this power of mine. Let me be of use to both of you, momma." My heart- why does this sweet child had to suffer this much pain. Losing her eye sight is one thing but to be this sweet and innocent too— my heart can't take it.

"My sweet little Astra- momma promise to keep your future as bright as the sun. Your siblings will make sure of that too. Speaking of siblings, where is Aeron and Archer?" Astoria sighed befor pointing at the ceiling.

I was confused at first but when I look up, I saw the two fo them walking on air as if it's normal for any human being.

"Get down here!" I yelled at the two of them.

"How many times do we have to remind you teo that flying inside the palace is forbidden!" The boys apologise.

"Is everyone here?" Good- everyone is here.

"Would you like to walk with us, Astra?" Astra nodded.

"Why only Astra could walk with you guys without getting yell at?" Aeron asked before Archer used his elbow to hit his side.

"Because I can't see anything. Would you like to have my eyesight? Please, take them with you." Astra sound upset.

"I'm sorry, Astra. I didn't meant it that way." Aeron immediately apologised. Luckily he knew exactly what to do."

It's been ten years since the fall of Tempest and today, finally- is the day of the coronation.

"Are you ready, Astoria?" Astoria shake her head no.

"Why aren't you ready? Are you nervous? Don't be- I'm sure eveyone is afraid of you now that you've shown what you're capable of doing." Astoria sighed.

"All I did was punished your in-laws and let Victor go." I chuckled.

"Yes, you let my ex husband go but why did you released him in a forest infested by monsters?" Astoria shrugged her shoulders.

"So he could keep the beats entertained."

I laughed at how dry Astoria's reply was.

"You, my dear— are cruel." Astoria smiled.

"Let's just get this over with. I wish to have a decent meal with the family. Astoria lead the family towards the hall where the coronation is held. I followed suit with Astra and the rest of our children.

Today's main event is the coronation and the main character is Astoria. For ten years we built ourselves a solid foundation just for today. And these nobles- they are looking at her as if they had won something. Did they really think I would let any of them take advantage of my dearest?

"I don't like how they look at mama at all. Let us handle them, momma." I placed a finger on my lips to warned the twins.

We watched as the coronation finally starts. Even though Astoria hates the idea of being the emperor, she can't say no since I ordered her to do it. Also, it's part of my plan to keep her away from going back to the forest of monsters. With such title to her name, she would have to stop risking her life just to be able to protect the empire.

Both Astor and Astrid are trained soldiers- they will be able to continue Astoria's mission. They are old enough to know what is right and wrong. I'm sure with the help of Moloch, they will be able to be even better than Astoria.

"Momma, does it mean I am a princess now?" Astra suddenly asked me a question while I was in deep thoughts.

"Huh? Oh- yes, honey. You're a princess now. Why? Do you hate such title?" Astra shake her head no.

"I like it but— the future doesn't seems too fond of me being the princess." Huh?

"Did you had a vision?" Astra nodded.

"I saw a group of men marching into the palace with their swords at the ready. In the vision, you and mama were force to kneel while they kill me." Oh- I didn't expect such vision.

"Are you alright?" Astra simply nodded.

"I've seen worse." You've seen worse?! What does that even mean?

"Sometimes the vision of the past got so bad, her eyes starts bleeding." My eyes widen.

"Is what Aeron said is true, Astra? Why haven't you said anything?" Astra only smile.

"Isn't that normal, momma?" Huh?! It's not normal! My baby bleeds while seeing the past and the future is not normal! Is there a way to help Astra?

A few days later,

"How have you been?" Astoria sighed as soon as she enters the bedroom.

"I'm dying. The amount of documents I have to read- the people I have to meet— you didn't say I have to deal with many ungrateful people all the time. What is up with these nobles? Why are they so adamant in making me a laughingstock?" I chuckled.

"Because to them, you're a female acting like an emperor. But don't worry. Once the realised how important is it to have a friendly relationship with Aspen Empire, they will soon come begging for mercy." Astoria immediately lay on the bed without changing her clothes nor getting herself clean at least.

"Stop staring at me. I'm tired. I rather go to the borders than sitting on a chair reviewing documents at this point." I chuckled.

"Honey it's only been few days. You can do this. And I am helping you with some of the documents so I'm sure it'll all be done in no time." Astoria sigh.

"How's the chikdren? The twins went on a subjugation mission, right? What about the triplets? I haven't heard any news from them at all. Is everything alright?" I nodded.

"I spend some time with Astra today. Aeron and Archer went to my parents estate for their lesson. I was surprise myself when they said they want to learn from my father. I guess my father manage to lure them to his side." Astoria gave me a look.

"That old man wish to turn them into you, huh?" I smirk.

"And what's wrong with that?" Astoria smiled.

"Nothing is wrong. So- how's the wedding preparation? Do you need more funds?" I shake my head no.

"Serafina said to prepared them in moderation. She hates fancy wedding after all. The guest list has been shortened yet again. It's the easier wedding planning I have ever done in my life!" Astoria hummed.

"What about ours? Are you sure you don't want to at least celebrate our wedding? Is it enough for us to have a small dinner with our close family and friends?" I nodded.

"I've had a fancy wedding before. So why get into such hassle again? Or is it you that wish to have a wedding? If that's so, I can also plan a simple one for us." Astoria immediately shake her head no.

"You expect me to wear a dress?" I laughed seeing her disgusted reaction.

"Why not? You look really beautiful when we first met. Didn't you wore a dress to the banquet at the palace before? Sure it looks weird but you do have a beautiful features. It's just- you have more muscles now than you do back then." Astoria sighed.

"I swore to never wore a dress after that banquet. I'm a knight- a knight doesn't wear dresses. And now I have a whole empire to protect- it's not convenient." Point taken. But—

"Someone's at the door." Astoria pointed out. I got up and went to the door to see Astra standing there.

"Astra?" I called out. She seems surprised.

"How did you know I was here? I made sure not to make a sound." I smiled.

"Your mama sense your presence immediately. What's wrong? You never went to see us at our chamber. Did something happened?" Astra nodded.

"It's about brother Astor and sister Astrid." A premonition?

"Come in-" Astra nodded before she walks into our room.