"Emmarien, open your eyes, child!", it was Nathalie.
"I have taken the analysis of her blood sample these days.", and this was Dr. Haartsen, "There is something strange I have found in her body." He was rushing with things, his every move planned yet uncertain.
The situation seemed fraught. Nathalie shivering with fear while Dr. Haartsen being the most focused he has ever been. There was Emmarian too and in the bed of course, lying almost lifeless.
"Do something doctor!", she screamed at the highest of her lungs, "I can't see my child dying right in front of me! If you are incapable I'll sunmon someone more appropriate. You get it?!"
"Your majesty, I have got some dots connected. Her body shows completely different metabolic processes than a normal human being. I mean most of the things are quite same but the haematopoesis...."
"Cut the chase, doctor! Just save her if you know the know-how."
"That's what I'm trying to convey. It's not me but you who can save her."
"Me? I can save her.", a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes.
"Well....most probably, your majesty. If I explain straight, the control of central nervous system over everything is much notable in her than us and.....much surprisingly her blood....it's too strange. Nothing like I've ever seen. My apologies first, your majesty but according to me....princess seems not to be even a human...."
"Your majesty?", a husky voice, "Might I come in?" He took Nathalie's attention who was sitting quietly on her arm chair. She was lost deep in her thoughts with her eyes closed. She already recognizing the voice, nodded. A grey beard almost in his 70s entered in his methodical walk. He bowed to her and in his same husky voice said in a mechanical tone, "Your majesty, on the occasion of Emmarian's 17th birthday, all your subjects are waiting outside to give their well wishes and blessings to her. Will this year be the same too?"
Her eyes were still closed. 17th year, Natalie thought, that means almost 13 years since that memory which suddenly hit her today. '...not human....her emotions need to be checked for if she's too sad she'll die because of lack of blood. And if they are extremely high, the excess of it will kill her.' It was what she was told. The later never happened though, may be because she never got that happy or mad at anything, or may be she never gave that happiness to her.
But, since last a couple of years, she hadn't fallen ill at all. She has grown up already, has got matured and understanding, just like she wished. Things have slowly changed....a lot. The burden of this secret is again all over her shoulders only. The only person who knew besides her, her confidant, has also passed away so early. She feels extremely alone now. Since, even though, she was successful to keep her safe but still she has lost her. There's now a wall between them, especially since the day she found her first lie. The thing she was most worried for did happened. She will never be able to become her mother again. But, she's still safe and the princess of the state. And it's all possible because of her efforts. So, she should mustn't trumble.
"Yes.", her eyes opened, "Everything will remain same, Frans."
____________________
"Good morning, Emmarien. The sun has risen, 7'O clock in the morning." It was a female voice but, "It's 24th of December, 2023, Boss."....an electronic one, "The weather says its 7 degree with clear but partially cloudy sky. How would you like to start your day on your birthday, Boss?"
The voice was meant for her boss who was nowhere visible in the same huge chamber of Emmarian which hasn't much changed. But soon the painting on the corner slided and appear a tall figure, much mesmerizing than before. The light in her eyes reflecting like sparkling stars and her raven black hair shining and brushing her shoulders. She entered in cracking her knuckes and stretching neck, "Morning Merry....", she spoke up, "I would like you to get all the data I asked for the last night and for the birthday...." She laughed it off. Her voice now had an even strong English accent, even though she was supposed to be a dutch.
She just returned from the place she is still very fond of, her lab, or may be the only place she has full hold of. She moved herself to get groomed first as soon it will be time for the very everyday typical breakfast with Nathalie and with that it hit her....where was Natalie? She hasn't heard from her since morning when every single year she was the first to wish her. Something was off. With all these thoughts lingering, she was already all freshed up and there she saw....right next to her pillow, an envelope, signed Nat. She would have kept this last night when she would have pretended sleeping and since she didn't wake up in bed in the morning, she would have missed it in the dark.
She took it, not showing much amusement and open it up....
My lovely Emmarian,
Lots of tons of happiness to you on your very special day. May you always be in your very awesome state and nail everything like you always do. I'm so glad to see how fast you have grown up and in no time you're 17. I don't know you know, but it's not just a number. And since your Nat hasn't forgot her promise, I have got a great gift for you this year. Just wait for me dear....
Happy birthday!
A gift. That's expected but the promise....which one she exactly meant from. Obviously, in the last year she had promised her a number of things and of course, Emmarian remembered each word by word. But, there was no time thinking about that, her majesty is wasting for her after all.
She came out of her door and noticed the small cake outside, the every year preparation by Ane and all others for her. She took it in and left soon. And when she reached she was welcomed by most annoying face in the world....Pieter, the most confidant of Nathalie. His face still gives the same expression like last 17 years on seeing her, "Morning, Emmarian." Frans said moving forward, "Her royal majesty is waiting for you on the dining table. Get in.", and he signaled to the door.
Like she doesn't know, she thought, and again where was her birthday wish. Like God knows what was his problem. She passed by him about to enter in when he called her name again. She turned back.
"I asked her majesty," geez his voice, "....about if to get you a public appearance since you're already 17 now.", Emmarian's eyes enlarged, wait, he did what.
"And her majesty," he continued, "declined instantly. I mean it wasn't a proposal of mine but just an assurance to my mind. Now you may go in." Emmarian liked reading psychology and even if she's not sure how good she's at reading people, she can definitely tell this man was saying silently, nagging at her, that when on earth you're going to be a grown-up, Emmarian. Like she knows....like she doesnt want to.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart!", she was already in when Nathalie wished her, "wishing you a wonderful day ahead...." said from the front of the table.
Emmarien exchanged smiles with her while pulling the chair beside her, "Thank you, Nathalie!"
"Do you want something special today?"
"Well....not. You've already given me enough I'm good.", Nathalie was chewing and so she just nodded, "By the way...." She picked the cutlery, "....where's Nat? I didn't see her this morning."
"I sent her away for some work, dear. She'll soon be back, in an hour or so."
After that the table went silent. It has always been like this by now, quite like some tradition. Silent yet fruitful as it was probably the only time they'll sit together, sharing some words with each other. It won't be visible at first glance but Emmarian and Nathalie only grew farther with time. Nathalie kept herself apart hesitantly while Emmarian unable to understand her couldn't do much. After all as not her daughter, she might not have whole rights over her, anymore. So, there were fears in both of the women's minds basically which only grew as climbers making them utterly distant. Bur, one thing kept them both connected and that was Nathalie's Natalie or Emmarian's Nat. After all in these years, with her skills she not only became an ally to Emmarian but also a helping hand to Nathalie as with time even Emmarian was engrossed more in her hobbies not needing that 27×7 attention.
But, her this closeness to her royal majesty was obviously not much pleasing to everyone, especially that one person....
"Is her majesty in, Frans?", it was Natalie returning back almost running our of her breath.
"She is but you'll need to wait. She's having breakfast inside. "
"It's okay. She asked me to report once I'm done. I'll go in.", but when she headed in she was stopped.
"I'm afraid, you shouldn't be so reckless, Ms. Petrova. Her majesty will ask you to come once she's done."
"What? Didn't you hear what i said? She had called me."
"I did."
That's it. For real. She couldn't even argue with him when this old foggy literally doesn't seem to like her. But what can she do about it either. With time passing she found honesty in Emmarian's judgment about him. This man is a total..."You can go in. " he snapped her out suddenly.
Washing it off, she briskly walked in, her red Russian pony still swinging the same way. She greeted Nathalie and her smile broadened when she noticed Emmarian along, who smiled back at her. It's been so long since the day begin and she didn't even get a chance to wish her. Doesn't even know if she saw her message either or not. Though she couldn't trace any level of excitement in her eyes but for herself she was over the cloud nine. She was so excited to soon reveal her gift.
Once she reported it all to Nathalie, she looked at Emmarian before leaving and Emmarian was actually happy seeing her return soon. She tagged along with her, both of them taking leave from Nathalie, who on the other side, noticed Emmarian. Her face, how it glowed up on seeing Natalie coming. When did she saw that genuine smiles of hers for her? She misses it, misses a lot. Sometimes she thinks it should have been her beside her and not some outsider. She could say that she was jealous of Natalie somehow. It was all just because of that one night. Sometimes it's just done what is done. Even if you regret now, it's not easy to reverse things. As just what if Emmarian hadn't found the truth and especially what if she had confronted her with the truth, and not lied to her about her parents....would she have been....less abashed of herself. Just had she not....She behaved selfishly and naive then but now when she look at it, it feels evil to make a child hate her own parents. Was this all really worthy? Now she could only wonder how things would have been like if she took a different choice that night....
"Emmarien, you promise? Right?"
"I do, Nathalie! You can tell me."
She took a deep breath ready to say it all in a one go, "About your parents, I'm afraid I might not know in specific but they left you as after that i picked you up and took you in with me."
"Left me? Where? And why?"
"Left you....at the orphanage. In Paris. As that's where I picked you up from."
"So, you indeed adopted me....legally. Then, there might be some records...."
"No! I said not that." She was flustered, "I picked you from there because those people didn't even bothered to leave you inside. I saw you laying outside the orphanage." She was herself doubtful if it sound convincing. Though, she did find her laying down alone.
"Why would they do that? I...I don't get it"
"Because...", her gaze straight to her, "....they were bad people! Just like you said....and so you don't need to look for such kind of people at all as they were the one to left you."
"How exactly were they bad? Just because they left me?"
She will demand explanation. Knew it, "No...they were criminals." I'm sorry, "They did something really wrong and that I can't share with you."
"You know 'em?"
"Even though i don't know there names and whereabouts but after some digging in I found about their background. They might change their identities every day or other."
"So, they are alive."
"I don't know that nor I want you to know. You got no relations with such people. So, you shouldn't be sad at all. It has got nothing with you."
Emmarien who was looking straight at her by now lowered down her gaze. Seeing that Nathalie held her close, "I asked you not to be sad, Emmarian", said Nathalie, " and you gave me your word, right. So, you shouldn't feel bad for those people at all. All that matters is that I'm here with you and you're with me. You should just simply forget about all that and remember that it's me whose your mother and it's here where is present your family."
____________________
"You saw it?", eagerly.
"Yes. I read it. So.....which promise was it supposed to mean?", said Emmarian who was sitting opposite to her.
"Well, the one I did to you ages ago. I mean you might not remember. On our first meeting....Even I didn't take it seriously then...."
"The promise to let me have my freedom, you mean."
"You remember? That's even better...."
Remember? Does she forget anything? When she heard her say their first meeting, the whole scene projected in front of her. That young and confused Nat trying her best to keep her calm, 'Princess! I know what you're worried of but, it isn't something worrisome at all. No one will cage you up. In fact, you'll soon become free and then, I no longer will be there. Her majesty remembers her promise. It's just that it's a process you have to go through. You know, once you become mature....'
And then she began panicking for real when she asked her to do it right then. Her face still clear in her mind and that's when she promised, 'But such things indeed take time and....Once it's all done, everything will be as per your will. I swear. My promise!'
But now when she thinks of it, she finds it really funny how she scared the nerve of her. It was because of her amnesia she felt finishing everything sooner and sooner, which she still haven't got rid of. But, it didn't become much trouble to her nor did caused any side effect to her health. Rather an advantage that she could learn things even faster. But, keeping it a secret was still important when everyone's already so careful for her.
"You're listening?" Natalie looked confused.
"Yes.", she replied calmly, "You said you didn't take the promise seriously then."
Her eyes narrowed, "You heard only that?"
"No. You were talking about attending a high school and making freinds.", she wasn't paying attention but it's not that she couldn't listen. Can't help with her memory which captures all that happens around, "And that's how you want me to be free, huh?"
"Absolutely!", she beamed, "You have no idea Emmarian, how fun it's gonna be like once you actually go there. You're 17 now and quite mature enough. I'm sure your mother will allow for sure. You can make freinds, dear."
"Interesting. Thanks for the gift, Nat...but I'm not interested."
"I know! I can't even wait to send you there. Wait.", she looked at Emmarian, amused, "Did you say you're not interested?", she nodded, "Hang on, I guess you didn't exactly catch my point. I said you'll be going to a high school finally, where you can make friends and have fun. Obviously you can study too but I don't think you'll need that.", she waited for her response, "What? Say something...."
"Oh, you're done?", she responded nonchalantly, "I thought you had more to justify. By the way, I understood very well what you wanted and I'm not invested in the same. High schools will be just a waste of time and....freinds aren't something I find worthy."
"Are you kidding me? How can you even think like that and who the hell told you that freinds are worthless?"
"Nathalie.", from those regular dining table conversations where she enlightens her. Although it didn't mean in the same context....
'People will always come in your life but the least you have around the more you'll get to know 'em and the more you'll see through, the more you can keep 'em under check. Of course for your safety. You see, since you'll be meeting a numerous faces in your life but it will be your choosing the right ones by your side....'
"I don't believe in having freinds.", she continued while looking away, "And my freedom has nothing to do with that."
"Alright, alright. No need to dive much into friendship but at least in this way you can be free. Not just the place walls."
"And for that why would I need to go through all that hardwork. It makes no sense."
"But, you...."
"It's alright Nat.", she looked at her, "You don't need to worry much about your promise of then. I don't even believe in promise any longer. Plus, you did that just to be freinds with me, didn'tyou? You should be happy I've already made one."
She looked dazed, "You knew? I mean...." Obviously, she's smart enough to find it sooner or later, "Wait....I know. I mean it was like that earlier and I don't deny that but not any longer, honey. I totally mean it now and was actually planning it all way through these years. Emmarian!", she grasped her shoulders, "You heard me? I'm totally serious as I can't see you like this anymore. You being so excellent shouldn't live your life like this. Trust me, Emmarian. It would be a huge life changing step. You trust me right."
She was looking into the soul of Emmarian's but she was looking back with even more deeply. Trust was a word that she might only do on her only. As for the other one she used to believe in too had broken that legacy of trust long ago. Did she really think she was just seven and would trust anything she would say....
'Please Nathalie....Even just the names would do....'
At first she didn't even knew the names.
'You know 'em?'
'Even though i don't know there names and whereabouts but after some digging in I found about their background. They might change their identities every day or other."
'So, they are alive.'
'I don't know that nor I want you to know. You got no relations with such people. So, you shouldn't be sad at all. It has got nothing with you.'
The Royal Queen of Belgium had a whole background search of someone and even failed to find the basics information or their current status. Even the whole story sounded was vague....and it was then they drift began to happen between them. Yet, if she lied there might be some reasons. After all, mean it or not, Nathalie will forever be the first special person to her. And besides her, the other person would not doubt be Nat....
"What are you thinking?", Natalie glared at her, "Are you even listening? I've been planning really all by my heart. I really want you to have people around you."
"Alright, I agree."
"No, Emmarian. You gotta agree.", still yapping, "You would see yourself that freinds are totally worth it." "Nat.." "And even not for that, the world outside is definitely a thing you need to encounter soon. I..." "Nat?" "...can't tell you how it feels seeing you trapped here. It might be huge but still.." "Natalie?!", she stopped, "I said i agreed!"
____________________
And it's been five minutes since then and Emmarian sitting quietly by her computer in her lab, totally was unfazed by her decision. No sign of excitement or curiosity for she totally knew what she was doing.
'I agree so....you can go tell Nathalie first. And I'll start planning on my side.", told she giving the brightest smiles of hers to Nat who was now already on her way to Nathalie.
And does she was a trillion times sure that nothings gonna change, anyhow. She didn't want to waste her time in some sort of school or something. She never found them fascinating. And what's best she knew that Nathalie would never agree to it. As by these years, she knows very well how much she preserves her here in the palace from whatever she's scared of.
"Boss", the same mechanical voice of Merry from the morning, "the last database of the palace has been cracked too. Do you want to see the them now?"
"I will.", she stopped scrolling the computers screen, "And will you get a more filtered file for this? I want it to be more genetically precise. Remove all the subjects not sharing much features with me." She got up from her sit, leaving the screen open which showed a list of faces and their details.
All these years were not just passing by like some fairytale. It was passing with each day revealing something.
Her birth details....not found. But, Nathalie was indeed pregnant back then, so the kid....
And there was a fire broken out in Paris. Royal members dead and yet no details about it either.
She looked nothing like the late queen or Nathalie and yet each minister agreed on her being their daughter. The only common thing was the color of her hair with her.
Thousands of people has she gone through and yet the results were same. Nothing. But this didn't make her stop anyhow. As yet each day was revealing something.
____________________
So, planned everything, dreamed of it a thousand times and now when the time has come, how come there's this hesitation. Natalie was standing right outside her majesty's door. All she needed to do was a knock and get in but a sudden chill was running through her spine. Why it feels so difficult to confront her now when it's such a simple task. Emmarian has agreed, so of course will she. She took all her courage as a deep breath, hand to door to knock. The door, but opened on its own....
"Do you have something to say, Ms. Petrova?", the Queen was standing right in front of her.
For a while she forgot but what to say but bringing back her composure, she began, "Yes, your majesty."
"We can talk on the way, I suppose. Is it okay with you?", she was already moving towards the stairs.
"Oh yes!", following her, "Actually your majesty, we know today's Emmarian's birthday and so I was preparing for a gift for her. As it will soon be her coming of age too the next year. And I was thinking, she should be made prepared now. I mean for her overall improvement and since she's already getting older, so for her social development too, I feel...." she paused seeing her stop.
They were already in the hall when Nathalie gave a look at her, "What do you want to say, Ms. Petrova?"
Her stare felt piercing to Natalie like she wanted to just blurt it out. So, she went straight, "Well, I was wondering that we should get Emmarian into a high school now. I mean home schooling is"
"You want to do what?", the tone was quite high, intimidating her.
"Send her to a school. And don't worry, your majesty, I'll have a complete check about it for her safety concerns."
"And who gave you the permission to decide things like that. There is no need to do anything. Emmarian is not going anywhere."
This was not going to way she thought it to be, "Your majesty, I just came out with this plan as you never stopped her from learning every other thing after all."
"Anything that she can do inside the palace is not a worry to me. The school is a big no. You get that, Ms. Petrova. No more words on that now."
Wait....how she got her to say this. Did she enrage her somehow, "But, your highness, I've promised Emmarian.".
"You did what?", the same intimidation.
"I gave her my words and trust me, your majesty, she was really enthusiastic about it and is looking forward."
"You made Emmarian a promise and even an interest in it. Who do you think you are!" She was now literally yelling. It might be surprising for Natalie but for Nathalie, it was no less than some deja vu of horrible memories. Sending Emmarian away from her was never in her list and if Emmarian will ask for it, things will become even messier. She doesn't want to witness again all that which hasn't occurred in years. And she was not in a state to face ot all again now. And not even Dr. Haartsen was by her side now. She would not let this happen now. Why the peaceful life end....And she did a promise. Both the ways she will have risk of loosing her, by saying no and even by agreeing and sending in mid of strangers. It was fuming her, "You were supposed to take care of her safety, how dare you even thought of making decisions for her."
Natalie was flabbergasted at her sudden outburst, making her at lost of words. She never in all this years saw her angry. The moment she tried to open her mouth to convince her, her rage shut her up. Yet she tried, "I didn't mean that, I just wanted Emmarian to live a normal life like everyone else."
"You think this life isn't normal for her. Listen Ms. Petrova. I don't care about what promise you did, I want my child safe and nothing should be thorn to that. It's decided now. Get away from my sight."
No! this shouldn't end like this. She won't disappoint Emmarian again. She had already waited for long enough, "But, your majesty?"
"What?! You didn't get that?"
"I'm just requesting you to reconsider, Emmarian really needs it."
"This is outrageous! You now think you know more about her need. More than me! You're not her mother. You must not forget, you were appointed by me and that too to serve her. Don't forget your position and limits. You have no relations with her. Don't dare call her by her name!"
"ENOUGH!"
And....silence....loud.....
The two didn't even realize that there voice already gathered a large attention from all around the palace hall, servants and officials gathered nearby, all heads turned to the ascent from where came the voice. Emmarian overhead having a view of everything from there.
At first she ignored the clamor, but as soon as she recognized, it was Nathalie's voice, and that Nat was gone to her, she didn't miss a second.
She heard there conversation from a distance....'You're not her mother. You must not forget, you were appointed by me and that too to serve her. Don't forget your position and limits. You have no relations with her. Don't dare call her by her name!'....and it was really enough!
____________________