CHAPTER 227: THE RETURN OF PRINCESS ASHE

As Ashe walked deeper into the palace, she smiled gracefully and returned the polite greetings of the knights, the guards, and the attendants passing by tilting her head slightly in acknowledgment.

The stone paved floor she had walked on until now changed into a corridor, it was so polished that it reflected the light like a mirror.

Not even a speck of dust could be seen anywhere.

The white pillars gleamed perfectly clean and the large elegant flower vases along the walls held fresh colorful blooms of the season.

She had now entered the Inner Palace, the part of the royal residence where the royal family lived.

Like the main castle, where all the affairs of state were handled, the Inner Palace too remained unchanged from the past.

It looked exactly the same as it had when Ashe once lived there.

She had visited many times already, yet each time she stepped through these halls, she was overcome by a deep nostalgic feeling.

Here, Ashe had once lived as a princess, surrounded by comfort and beauty, without the slightest hardship or worry.

Every day had been filled only with laughter and happiness.

She hadn’t needed to think about anything serious or learn anything of real importance. She simply spent her days in blissful ignorance, smiling without a care in the world.

If she said something was beautiful, flowers or jewels would immediately be brought to her. If she said something was delicious, plates of sweets more than she could ever eat would be placed before her.

She wore a different dress every day.

"You are so adorable, my lady."

"You are as beautiful and lovely as a flower."

They would praise her endlessly and Ashe had believed that was perfectly normal.

Now, when she thought back on those days, she could hardly stand the embarrassment. Her face flushed red just remembering it.

How naïve she had been!

How foolish and sheltered she was!

...

On a calm afternoon, Amiri walked out into the hallway while chatting with his father.

The tea time was always best spent in the royal family’s private living room not in the study.

The study felt too much like work and besides, they could only have one small plate of sweets there with no refills allowed.

Today, the weather was nice, so they enjoyed tea on the terrace that opened to the garden.

They could eat as many sweets and fruits as they liked and Amiri felt deeply satisfied.

"It’s much better to relax here," his father said contentedly while rubbing his round stomach.

Without the strict chamberlain around, the king had clearly eaten more sweets than usual.

The king of this country—Amiri’s father—had become quite round in figure. His face was round and so was his belly. The chamberlain constantly scolded him, saying it was unhealthy and limited his snacks to just one piece. Because of that, Amiri was also allowed only one treat during tea, which was quite painful for an eighteen year old boy with a big appetite.

The chamberlain hadn’t always been so strict.

Amiri tried to remember when it all started.

Maybe it was around the time Great Aunt Ashe visited the palace.

His father had been thrilled when he heard that his aunt was coming.

Amiri had often heard his father talk proudly about his aunt, so when he met her for the first time, she somehow already felt familiar.

It even felt nostalgic, as if they were meeting again after many years.

She was the same beautiful and graceful woman he had imagine. The people said that she is delicate and radiant like a sugar confection, cherished and protected like a precious gem of the royal family.

When Princess Ashe had been married off to the great hero, General Gabrant, at sixteen, the entire palace had fallen into despair.

Some even said work stopped throughout the royal court because of the sorrow.

That was how adored she had been.

But after her marriage, General Gabrant had kept her hidden in his own domain, away from high society and the capital.

Because of that many people had criticized and protested this.

Rumors even spread that the king of that time that’s his great grandfather had abdicated earlier than planned because of the uproar.

Now, after more than twenty years, she had returned. And as stories had said, she was still breathtakingly beautiful.

Amiri couldn’t believe she was forty two years old.

She was indeed the mother of brother Dominic whom he had admired since childhood.

Dominic’ golden hair and striking face made perfect sense now; he clearly took after his mother.

When Dominic who is long believed to be dead returned safely everyone had been overjoyed.

After his return, Great Aunt Ashe came alone to visit privately, which made both Amiri and his father ecstatic.

They had so much to talk about. They ordered a lavish spread of sweets, fruits, light snacks and the finest tea, and eagerly welcomed her into the terrace room.

It was the royal family’s favorite spot, where the seasonal flowers bloomed in full view.

When Ashe entered, the flowers on the terrace seemed to fade in color.

It wasn’t the loud brilliance of a fully open rose, but the quiet, elegant beauty of a flower with soft velvet petals hidden deep within.

Everyone sighed at her refined grace.

The once-lovely young princess had returned as a noble dignified lady.

"Welcome, Aunt Ashe."

"Welcome, Lady Ashe."

"Welcome, Great Aunt!"

Amiri, his parents, and his younger brother all stood to greet her.

"Thank you for inviting me. Good day to you all," she said gracefully and lifting her dress slightly as she performed an elegant curtsey.

Every movement was refined, every gesture perfect, her beautiful face adorned with a royal smile.

"Great Aunt!"

Amiri’s youngest sister who is currently five year old named Serenya ran forward and threw herself into Ashe’s arms.

Their father, brother, and even the maids all smiled warmly at the innocent adorable scene.

But in that instant, Amiri felt a chill crawl up his spine.