Chapter 21 - Present??

We went to several shops but nothing caught our eyes, "Nothing here seems good for mother." Crown Prince said. He seems dispirited, "Your Highness rather than looking for something good why don't we look for something her majesty likes." I said as I looked at him.

"You are right!" He said as his face brightened up. "So what is it that her majesty likes?" I asked him and his face glommed again.

"She likes snowfall a lot, every year during the winter season she would play with snow but this year.....because of her health I am afraid she won't be able to do it." Crown Prince said.

"Furthermore there is still one month left for winter to come..." I said as I looked at the fallen maple leaves.

"Hah...I don't know what to gift her, I can't change the season can I." He said as he sighed.

He must be very perplexed right now, "I am sorry your Highness, you bought me here to help you but I wasn't able to do anything for you." I said as I bowed towards him.

"No, No it's not Lady Winter's fault I was the one who didn't think before coming here." Crown Prince said as he smiled.

"But still I....truthfully I didn't even remember that her majesty birthday is coming until his highness told me about it. So I apologize for it." I said as I bowed down, what to do I am so embarrassed right now I didn't even remember the empire only empress birthday even though they treat us so well.

The crown prince stayed silent for a while, and suddenly he busted out laughing.

I looked at him in confusion, "Your Highness, Are you okay?" I asked him, does he find my words funny or if it's his way to show anger.

"Sorry, Lady Winter.....but your face right now....it looks as if you created a huge crime..." Crown Prince said while laughing.

"Pardon??? Aren't you angry??" I asked him as I tilted my head.

"How can be I angry for something like that, it's not like everyone must remember everything related to the royal family.....and I know that you were having a hard time this past few days so instead of being angry I am more relieved to see you all energetic like this." Crown Prince said with a warm smile as he patted my head.

Being patted by an 11-year-old kid is humiliating for my real self but for my new self, it's really comfortable and warm. It makes me feel safe and secure. My heart it's running fast again.

"I....I am thankful since his highness thinks like that." I said without looking at him.

"Hmm, looks like the sun is about to set soon how about we return for now and come back tomorrow again." Crown Prince said as he looked at the setting sun.

"Sure!" I said and like that we first returned to the palace where I picked up Ash. "Then thanks for today!" The second prince said cheerfully.

"Yeah then see you tomorrow," I said as I smiled.

And our journey towards the winter villa started.

"I am tired," I said while massaging my legs.

"Did you find any present for the empress?" Ash asked.

"Nope.." I said as I sighed.

"That's sad even though the princes are smiling I bet they are very desperate right now," Ash said.

"Yeah, I know after all the empress..." I said as I looked outside the window.

Silence filled the carriage because the truth was something both of us knew but didn't want to talk about.

As we reached home, we saw a carriage outside the villa, it was a bit familiar.

"Looks like some snake has come to visit us," Ash said angrily.

"Hmm, I wish we had some pesticides to kill it.." I said with a smile.

The driver of that carriage looked at us as if he has seen some ghosts. I looked at him and smiled. "Looks like it bought some sidekicks with her," I said while looking at him.

"Hah...So irritating.." Ash said coldly as he glared at him.

"I...I have some work to do please tell that snake...I mean the head to look for another driver." Saying that he ran away.

"hah, what a coward." Ash scoffed.

"Yeah I know, then let's go and see the snake shall we," I said to Ash and he nodded.

Ever since the news of Lilith blackmailing the winter family came out she has been disgraced by everyone no matter what their position was, no one wanted to be involved with her.

And as for the winter family, the rumours of father being a killer was long gone with the wind. After that many people showing their concern started to send letters and present in the name of loyalty.

Things started to get better but to think that the snake would still dare visit us.

"Raymond I am your aunt please forgive me." Lilith who was on the ground now pleading with both her hands said.

"Aunt no...Lilith it's too late to feel sorry now. Because of you I and my family have suffered a lot, so stop pestering me and leave." Father said without even looking at her.

"Don't be like this....you see I am your mother's only sister think how your mother will feel if she will see you like this," Lilith said.

"You..." Father wasn't able to complete his sentence when suddenly Ash butted in between them.

"I bet she will be proud of Dad..." Ash said as he looked at Lilith, "...Because he was eliminated a poisonous snake who was about to kill everyone." Ash completed his sentence, Lilith's face turned red from embarrassment.

"Ash, Irene you guys are back!" Father said with a smile.

"Yes, we are and let me tell you we had lots of fun today..." Ash said as he went inside the room and father followed him leaving Lilith aka our grandaunt on the cold floor. She deserves it, because of her an innocent family was destructed. It's your time to pay for your sins.

"Tch! What a mess!" I said as I walked past her just like the way she did when Ash collapsed when we first saw her.

"You...You guys will pay for it!!" She screamed angrily.

"Hah...Grandaunt screaming is bad for your health don't you know it people at your age can die anytime....and you know the best part of it....no one cares if it's natural or not." I whispered in her ears coldly. She sat there frozen and with a smirk on my face I went inside.

After that, I finally had a heart to heart with my bed. Hah, what a day.....I wonder if the prince got any idea about the present for the empress.

"....Snowfall...." I thought as I closed my eyes and right then an idea came to my mind.

"Yes! we can do that!!" I said as I jumped out of my bed. Why didn't I think of it before!! I should tell his highness about this tomorrow. I bet he will very happy with it.

I thought as I drifted to sleep.