Finding Stardust

She remembered the last time she came here was 12 years ago when her husband's death sentence was ruled out, which was later changed into life imprisonment because she kidnapped Prince Darius and held him for a ransom.

Ahh .. it had been such a long time, she thought. During that time she was separated from her husband until finally, she reunited with Kaoshin after he was executed. That was the saddest day of her life.

If other people asked her, whether all their sacrifices worth it? Without batting an eye, Arreya would answer yes.

She was sure that Kaoshin thought the same. Her husband must have never regretted the punishment he received for fleeing Akkadia at that time.

Arreya closed her eyes, trying to keep her countenance from looking sad. Her tears were already dry, and she didn't want to cry anymore. She also had to look fine in front of Emma. Arreya didn't wish Emma to think she was the cause of the suffering her parents had been through.

No, she must never think that way, Arreya was determined.

She pressed her chest, holding back the feeling of pain.

'Ah ... I miss you so much, Kaoshin. I really, awfully, miss you.'

Arreya bit her lip, as she remembered the handsome face of her now-dead husband. She could have the drive to live alone and raised their son for a dozen years because Kaoshin was still alive. As long as he was still breathing, Arreya always felt there was hope for their son to meet Kaoshin, and maybe Emma too.

However, Kaoshin died before all of them got their chance. He finally let out his final breath before he could see his children again, after fifteen goddamn long years.

He must have missed Arreya, Emma, and his son Aran, terribly.

It was all because Queen Ygrit and King Cassius broke their promise and executed him right before Emma came.

Soon, Arreya would meet the two of them. Finally ... the grudges of the past will be resolved today. It MUST end today.

She glanced to her side and saw Therius walking upright on her right.

What a handsome and formidable crown prince, complimented Arreya. He was very different from his uncle, Prince Darius.

Arreya never looked down on Darius because he didn't have any power at all. She knew Darius was special in his own way. The man had been her best friend since they were little.

Darius was very gentle and forbearing. It broke his heart when Arreya left him to elope with Kaoshin.

Actually, Arreya didn't mind marrying Prince Darius. Even though she didn't love Darius, Arreya had considered him as her future husband since they were little, because Darius had chosen her as his future bride when she was ten years old.

Arreya was also the source of the envy of many other hostage princesses and the daughters of many Akkadian aristocratic families. That was why, when Arreya betrayed the royal family, so many people wanted to bring her down and demanded that she and Kaoshin be executed immediately.

However ... Darius again defended Arreya so she escaped the death sentence. However, Darius was unable to defend Kaoshin. He couldn't do it, even if he wanted to. After all, he was a man who had his pride.

Oh, Darius ... I owe you a debt of gratitude, Arreya bit her lip as she remembered the late crown prince.

Arreya remembered that at that time, it was Darius who advised her to pretend to kidnap him and demanded the royal family not to execute Kaoshin. Darius was so kind to her.

He was too kind. The crown prince didn't deserve to be humiliated and abandoned by his fiancée like that, Arreya thought bitterly.

Unfortunately ... destiny said otherwise. Arreya and Kaoshin had absolutely no other choice. They had to leave and eloped.

They had to get married and unintentionally hurt Darius and the royal family.

Arreya took a deep breath and glanced at Therius once again. She remembered that this child was Darius' nephew, who came to live in the palace after his mother committed suicide. His father, General Wolfland, died in a battle.

In the past, this child seemed very quiet and unassuming. He always disappeared in the corner of the room, trying not to attract anyone's attention, but now, he looked so manly and imposing. Anyone who saw him would feel a sense of reverence.

Arreya smiled faintly. It looked like Licht Wolfland would be able to look after Emma and be a good husband for her. In fact, maybe this man would also make a good king.

Apparently, he promised Emma to free all the Akkadian colonies after he took the throne. This was such a noble plan.

To her left, Xion walked with lazy steps, but his face still looked serious. Arreya let out a short sigh as she remembered Xion also loved her daughter with all his heart.

Too bad she didn't have two daughters. How lucky she would be if she could make these two men her sons-in-law.

The small group finally arrived before a huge wooden door. Joren swiftly opened the door and let the Crown Prince and his small entourage enter.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty Queen Ygrit," Therius immediately approached his grandmother and paid his respect. "I'm sorry, just arrived this morning and found out that Grandfather passed away."

Queen Ygrit sat in a large chair that looked like a small throne beside a large bed. Therius and his group could see King Cassius lying motionless, covered with a blanket to his chest. His eyes closed, and his ashen face indicated that the monarch passed away not too long ago.

Ahh ...finally, his grandfather died. Therius did not know whether he felt more relieved or sad when he saw that the old man who had raised him was now gone. This meant, he would soon ascend the throne to become the king of Akkadia.

He had prepared himself from ten years ago for today's events... when his aging grandfather finally closed his eyes or abdicated from the throne.

He had studied hard all there was to know about ruling an empire. He cultivated good relations with influential people and families, sought support among aristocrats and politicians, even engaged in all the intrigues in the palace, and secured his position as the future king.

However, when that day finally came ... Therius actually felt numb. He was not too enthusiastic about the moment when he would be coronated in as king of Akkadia.

Currently, his mind was filled with Emma and how he could save his wife. Yes, he already considered her his wife. They were supposed to be married two days ago anyway.

"Prince Licht," Queen Ygrit greeted Therius, but her eyes fell on Arreya, who was walking beside her grandson. "You brought the traitor here. Thank you."

"Your Majesty," Arreya also bowed respectfully to the old queen and greeted her politely. After all, Queen Ygrit was her former mother-in-law. Although the old woman was very mean to her, Arreya could understand that the queen's hatred was due to her betrayal.

"Arreya ... apparently you still have a heart, letting ten million Taeshian citizens live by giving up your life ..." Queen Ygrit commented sarcastically. "I thought you no longer have a conscience."

"Your Majesty .. I understand how you feel. I'm sorry for what happened in the past, but I can't bring Darius back," said Arreya in a firm voice. "You already killed my husband. I have lost the person I love the most in this world. I think this puts us in a balance."

"No. You have no right to wash away your sins by claiming that Kaoshin's death is enough to pay for my son's life. He is the crown prince of Akkadia, Kaoshin was nothing. Nothing! You don't know how I feel," snapped Queen Ygrit, her face flushed red with anger. "All I want is for you to see with your own eyes ... how your child dies so that you understand how I feel."

"Grandmother!!"

"Your Majesty!"