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2024-10-29 19:42:56As the last prince makes his entrance, I carefully observe his appearance – in case I assume the wrong person to be Azher. Black hair as the sleepless night sky, grey eyes like a hazy shadow. A face that's definitely worth airing on-screen and a charismatic finest aura that fits perfectly for the emperor's role.
"Yup, I definitely guessed the right person." I mumble underneath my breath.
All the guests remain silent as the emperor starts his welcoming speech. I don't hear a thing for my attention is too focus on only Azher, the hero in my Vision Of Ardiane.
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"My answer is no. Get out from my eyesight while I'm being nice." He shoves me right away, turning his back to me.
I'm very stunned that my eyes blink a few times in disbelief. I haven't yet said anything and was kicked out instantly?
"Pardon me, Your Highness. I'm afraid you have gotten the wrong idea. I'm not here to confess." I dare to correct Azher's assumption.
His feisty eyes lay on me as he turn around. "Fine. What brings you here rather than the ball downstairs? Make it fast." He demands grimly, arms crossed.
"I want to draw a deal with Your Highness." I speak my purpose straightforwardly without any filter.
"Not interested." He shifts his head to his side.
"Please go before I call the imperial guards." He shoves me away once again.
"Please listen to my proposal first. How could you answer me without hearing it first?"
'Gosh! How can a prince be so arrogant? Does he thinks he owns the world or something?' I rant on the inside but keep on a calm manner on the outside.
"…Your way of talking is quite informal to a prince of the empire. Daring and bold must I say."
I flinch, realizing my mistake. Well, in the 21stcentury, we normal citizens don't learn about specific middle-era royal etiquettes, dear prince!
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't mean to, but please hear me out. I'm sure you'll be interested." I bow my head down in the utmost respect. Fake respect, of course.
"For the hundredth time, get out from my sight." He walks right past me out from the balcony, perhaps already tired and irritated from my non-stop persuasion.
I clench my fists in frustration. Urgh, seriously! This guy doesn't hear a thing about what I have to say! By then, an idea popped into my mind. Fine, proud prince. Don't want the easy way? Then let's use the hard way.
"I know the truth behind Her Highness Amira and Prince Zane's death." I so daringly declare, turning around to him.
He halts a bit but then scoffs in an instant. "Hah, keep bluffing."
"Piece of advice." He turns his head to the back a bit. "Don't act like you know something if you know nothing."
I grit my teeth hearing that mocking 'advice'. My hands are itchy from wanting to smash his brainless head and mountain-high ego.
You need him to stay alive. A sentence whispers on my mind as if there is an inner voice within me reminding of his importance. Thanks to that, I take a deep breath and search for the right words to say.
"Her Highness Amira didn't kill Prince Zane, rather His Highness tried to save Her Highness. But in the end, both of them were killed."
Suddenly, a shining light entered the corner of my sight. It is the light reflected from a sword being aimed at my neck. In a blink of an eye, Azher is in front of me, wearing a grim cold expression. "I should have killed you the moment you disobeyed my orders."
His tone is as icy as the north pole. Cold sweat starts to rush down from my body as I feel the sharp sword barely touching the veins in my neck. Fear and uncertainty fill my mind.
'…Calm down. In this kind of situation, the best thing to do is remain calm and don't act recklessly.'
"P-Please calm down, Y-Your Highness. I'm not here with any bad intentions nor ulterior motives." I say, trying to calm him down, barely managing to not stutter.
Ignoring what I said, he slowly pushes his sword onto my neck. "All spies would say the same. Talk if you value your life. How did you know the truth about my mother and Zane's death?" He asks with a gaze that is more than enough to kill me if it were weapons.
With the tension and fear running through me, my mind goes jam. I can't come up with any fake beliavable answers. How should I explain?! Saying that I knew from Vision Of Ardiane, the name I gave to a dream I continuously had when I was a child? Nonsense! Even I will not believe such a fact despite being the truth.
"I-I accidentally found some documents about it in the forest while hunting." I spontaneously lie, saying whatever runs in my mind.
"Found some documents about it while hunting?" He asks again with a small sense of doubt.
"Yes. I found it while hunting with my father and my bro-"
"Why should I believe you? Even His Majesty doesn't know the truth, or…" He leans his head closer to mine, whispering right beside my ear. "Was it you who sent the assassins?"
"No!" I strongly deny. "It's a long story, but believe me. I'm not the one who sent the assassins nor am I here to threaten Your Highness. Besides, I was only 7 at that time."
Because of his question before, I can't help but wonder. He's a prince, one of the candidates for the crown prince position. In order to achieve that, he must remember all the noble houses' names, reputations, and functions in the political world and governments. I'm the duke's only daughter, first in power of the young ladies' world. Is he not aware of my identity?
The vivid grey eyes that are piercing through me are getting sharper for every second that flies by. Perhaps convinced by my lie, he finally puts away his sword, but still has his guard up. I sigh out of relief, but my heart is still pounding fast. Gosh, I didn't know having a sword aimed for my neck was that terrifying…
"Tell me what you know."
"Umm… Long story short, the assassins tried to kill Prince Zane. Her Highness Amira happened to see the assassins circulating him at the park, then immediately ran for help. The assassins noticed her presence and killed them both. The case was closed after finding the 'killer' after 3 weeks of investigation." I explain briefly.
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He looks somewhat surprised hearing my explanation. Seeing that, the end of my lips rises a bit. I guess Vision Of Ardiane was true."…!" Abruptly, he redraws his sword at my neck. Not even a single minute had yet passed!"What you said just now was true. I have no choice, but to eliminate your existence within the empire.""W-What?! I told you I'm not the one who sent the assassins!" I yell in panic. This guy really isn't aware of my identity!The sharp blade is getting closer and closer to cutting my neck veins. I can't die here. I can't die now!"I don't want any bloodshed to happen, but you asked for it."His chilling voice is like a curse in my ears. My body is slightly shivering. I'm aware he's heartless towards his enemies, but this is absolute madness! In this life-death situation, I try to come out with a plan, but nothing pops up. My body can't stop shivering no matter how hard I try. It can't end here. I've prepared everyth
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"Ughh… My head." I wake up and sit as I rub the back of my head. I check my surroundings and realize I'm in my room. "Eh? Wasn't I at the imperial palace last night? I don't recall coming home with Julian."I look at the clock hanging at the wall near my bed, the hour and minute hand showing it's 11:18 a.m."I-It's almost midday?! Why didn't Mina wake me up?!" I yell in panic, quickly kicking off the blanket on me and in action to get off the bed."But… If Mina didn't wake me up, that means there's nothing important to do today." I remind myself, instantly calm down.*Knock. Knock*Someone knocks on the door and slowly opens it, not bothering to wait for my response. As the door fully opens, I instantly recognize the figure. It is the dukedom's physician. Before I can ask why he's here, he rushes to me as fast as lightning."Thank goodness you're awake, my lady! Everyone was worried!" He says, a relieved and grateful expression
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Unexpectedly, he hands me a glass of water. "Please have some water. You look pale, Lady Airis."I glance at the glass and hesitate. He did attempt to kill me last night and mention he needs to eliminate my existence. What if it's poisoned?Perhaps noticing my hesitation, he let out a sigh and places the glass on the night table beside. "I apologize again for last night. I didn't realize I was crossing the line."I grasp my blanket tightly. Again, the unmeaningful fake words. Anger, mad, and upset. Those are the feelings I'm currently oppressing from bursting.'Hah, don't joke with me. Didn't realize you were crossing the line? Does he thinks drawing a sword aimed at a person's neck isn't crossing the line?! Is a person's life so trifling to you?'Despite my eagerness to slap that all straight into his thick-skinned face, I remain calm. My life is more important. Even though he's in our manor, that doesn't mean he can't kill me right now. I better
Vision Of Ardiane MEMORY 2: Beginning Of Our Tale (Pt.3)
"Do you accept? No matter how you see it, Your Highness has nothing to lose." I say in a vendor-like manner. No matter what, the deal needs to be done today!"I have a question. Why do you intend to help me become the next emperor? Everyone knows that Aiden is more likely to be the next one."I scoff in disgust. "I think Your Highness of all people should know how Ardiane will unfold if that scumbag becomes the emperor.""Scumbag?""That evil two-faced guy doesn't deserve to be called a prince. He acts like 'Hello. I'm the empire's precious diamond for you all' when he's actually the 'I'm a plagiarized diamond made by a pirated company'. I'm sure the empire, no. The world would be better without his existence." I purposely make fun of Aiden, the villain in my dream in front of Azher, the hero.A laugh breaks out from him again. Though this time, it isn't a mocking laugh. It's a genuine laugh. "That's the first time anyone had ever insulted an imper
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- Vision Of Ardiane
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are numerous people who I wish to thank for helping me in making Vision Of Ardiane a reality. For instance, the person I want to thank first is my little sister, Qaisara. Thank you so much for listening to my crazy ideas and proofreading my story countless times. Your feedbacks are either the best or the harshest I’ve received to this day. Thank you too for your encouragement. And foremost, thank you for being my first biggest fan.Second, I express my most thanks to my beloved parents. Thank you for supporting me all the way. Thank you too for helping me publish Vision Of Ardiane. Vision Of Ardiane wouldn’t be possible without your help.Third, my thanks go to my last three little siblings. Thank you for letting me use the laptop for who knows how long (it’s silly, I know, but yeah. Thanks)Next, I also wish to thank MegaNovel and GoodNovel for giving me an opportunity to officially publish my work and sharing this to the world. This mea
- Vision Of Ardiane
ABOUT AUTHOR
Hello, sweeties! I’m Daphne Blaze, your author! Congratulations on finishing Vision Of Ardiane! Thank you so much for reading my precious masterpiece of imagination!Little facts about myself, I live in Southeast Asia and I enjoy writing since young – it feels as if I’m realizing my imagination into the world. My birthday is on 8th January and umm… I’m pretty young, not old, HAHAHA. I live in a family that is the big-cheerful-loud type – this is a given when your mom gave birth to 5 childeren. Other than reading and writing, I also love doing embroidery, taking walks outside, listening to music, and shopping (who doesn’t, right?). I'm a huge fan of sweet things, especially desserts! You all can find me on Instagram (@writervoa). You can share your feedback with me there (or here at the reviews) or we can be friends!Publishing Vision Of Ardiane feels like a miracle. A dream come true. In making this book possible, I
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 31: How It Ends (Pt.2)
I grip the glass in my hand, looking into the reflection of me in the cold water. My eyes are red and puffy from crying. Thankfully, my makeup is waterproof, or it’ll be messy due to the tears. Azher comes and sits beside me after putting away his suit – “Hot.” He says, despite the aircon turned on 18oC.“Theron didn’t erase your memories and told you everything, right?” I fire my assumption, eyes fixated on the water.“…Yes. She thought I have a say in this matter.” Azher truthfully admits, though halting before that.“…” I say nothing. Honestly, I want to complain, but it already took place, so it’s no use.“How are you here?” My head shifts to him, asking a more interesting question.“Theron sent me here.”“How?”“Is it important? I’m here now, aren’t I?” He says, appearing to avoid my qu
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MEMORY 31: How It Ends (Pt.1)
“You…! Are you alright?!” He yells, rushing towards me and crouching down to check my legs. “How can you be so careless? What if it burns your legs?” He scolds me with an angry frown, but I give no response, only looking at his familiar black hair. He stands up, looking at me a few seconds later. From this nearer distance, I stare at his face, examining every single feature. It’s him. It’s really him. My hand reaches his cheek. It’s chubby. It’s solid. This is real. This isn’t a dream. “Is it… really you?” I ask, somehow sounding desperate. He smiles warmly, grabbing my hand. He looks into my eyes as I look into his. That charming smile. That mesmerizing gaze. Those that I haven’t seen for 5 years. “I found you, Kira.” Thinking no more, my body moves on its own. I hastily pull his suit, hugging him so tight that I don’t care if he’s choking. “Azher! It’s really you!” I cry, squeezing my embrace
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.3)
*Splash!* “Huff… Huff…” I pant from splashing my face with cold water numerous times, hands leaning on the sink. Yet why am I still not calm?! You deserve to be happy, Kira. You always do. I stare into the reflection of me in the mirror, eyes captured on the purple gem necklace I’ve never taken off in the past 5 years. It’s Purple Tears, the one Azher gave me. It’s also the only thing from Ardiane that’s here in my world – it was around my neck by the time I woke from a coma. Even I don’t understand how it’s possible. “…Hah. I’m pissed.” Not because of Ihan’s words. But because of me. Because of my ignorant self who neglects my happiness. I’m disappointed… with myself. There’s been a thought that frequently lingers in my mind for the past 3 years. For how long are you going to be like this, Kira? Yes, for how long am I going to refuse to move on from Azher? He was somebody I was willing to let go. For
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.2)
*Click.* Ihan pushes the up arrow button and takes a step back – standing beside me. I discreetly glance at him. He’s wearing a poker face, not the smiley one he’d often wear when visiting other companies. I softly sigh, careful not to get caught. Throughout the journey, we didn’t exchange any words other than the previous unfinished conversation. Yeah, it was also that. ‘What did you mean by that? Surely, not…’ *Ding-!* The system rings, signing the lift has arrived. The door opens, presenting zero souls. I gulp as I enter the lift after Ihan. There are 31 levels in our journey – our destination is at the 35th level. 4 levels had passed yet the awkward bridge between us hadn’t been destroyed. This is definitely the awkwardest lift ride in my entire life! I wish to find a way to break this barrier. Even though Ihan is my mentor, we’re really close friends. Similar to my relationship with… “…” …K
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 30: Found You (Pt.1)
“You’ll get a stomachache if you eat it like that, Kira.” Ihan reminds me, sipping his three shots of Americano. “It’s your treat. Might as well get the best of it.” I answer, continuing to take another bite of the slices of different cakes I’ve ordered despite an empty stomach. Ihan Arias, my mentor and colleague at Memoir – a European cosmetic company. We’ve known each other since a year ago – when I first joined the company. “Why are you craving so many sweets? Stressed?” My hand halts. I lift my head with my messy mouth, expressionless. “Yes! Very! Absolutely!” I yell with the utmost frustration. “Hahaha!” Ihan laughs at my answer, perhaps enjoying my torment. “You’re particularly a female Einstein. How can you be stressed at work?” “Einstein is human and I’m human too, you know?” “A prodigy isn’t human.” He takes another sip. “It’s amazing how you got enrolled in a top university and graduated early despite being i
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 29: It’s ‘See You Later’ (Pt.2)
I start to monitor Kira’s breathing and heartbeat – suddenly remembered first aid – and try to stop her from bleeding more. As time flies, her breath gets heavier to the point I can hear it. She’s starting to have trouble breathing. I check her airways and they’re not clogged. It can mean only one thing… “Azher… Can you… help me?” She asks in an intermittent voice from heavy breathing. “Anything for you.” “I’ve… summoned Theron, yet… she hasn’t… arrived… Can you…” “I’m not leaving you alone.” I say firmly, knowing what the next words are. “No…” She denies. Her eyes avert to Killian’s corpse. “Destroy… moon brooch.” My head shifts and spot a crescent moon brooch. “I think… that’s blocking…” I stand up, not burdening Kira to explain further. Since it’s not far I go and fetch the brooch. As it’s in my grasp, I drop and quickly step on it – to destroy it. But, it doesn’t crack. Not even a little. “…?” I bend
- Vision Of Ardiane
MEMORY 29: It’s ‘See You Later’ (Pt.1)
I sprint towards Aiden near the walls – honestly be vibing like a ninja. Azher is doing a great job at averting his attention – shouting and jumping like a wild monkey that escaped from a zoo, and dodging his attacks without a hitch. *Knock!* Aiden falls into my arms from my knock on his neck, lifeless and defenseless. The wooden planks aiming at Azher also fall on the ground because there’s no mana to make flying or floating possible. “Mission complet-” “Kira, let go of that moron!” Azher yells. *Plop.* My body automatically obeys his childish demand – raising both of my hands after letting Aiden fall just like that. “There. Happy?” “Very.” He answers with a chuckle. I smile, then dash to him. He opens his arms wide and I jump right in. “We did it.” I whisper into his ear, standing on my tiptoes with my arms around his neck. My tears are about to fall from this immense joy within me. “Yeah, we did.” He
