Annabelle's Pov

I look on in amusement as my child dances with his friend. I rest my chin on my hands, cooing to myself, watching their cute and adorable moment.

A voice spoke to me from my side, "You seem to be enjoying yourself." I look towards it to see Ariel looking in the same direction.

I hum softly. "Yes, it's quite nice to see Charles making new friends." Ariel looks at me confused, "just friends?"

She laughs a little to herself, "My goodness, at the rate you're going, little Charles might be married off next week."

Her words stop me in thought and laugh at her intentions to tease me. "Then would you rather have it be Aron then?"

She shakes her head, giggling to herself, seemingly satisfied. "No, thank you, My sweet baby is already focused on things he deems to be much more important."

I nod knowingly, then spoke with a hint of worry. "Then what was Admiral John's reaction," I ask her, knowing of the man's wish for Aron to ascend to the throne.

Ariel rolls her eye, her expression exasperated. "He reacts as he always does, a gruff acceptance and a stern nod."

I laugh a little to her exasperation, and Admiral John has always been a man of few words. "So he's fine with it?"

Ariel shrugs with a small smile. "Father does not care who sits on the throne," She stirs a teacup as she continued, "As long as he deems them worthy,"

Ariel reaches it up to her lips, "My father cares not of who sired them."

I nod in acknowledgment as I spoke, "I see. That relieves me of worries." Ariel puts down her tea, "Don't think too much about it. I'm sure Arin already has plans regarding the succession."

Jane pipes in from Ariel's side, "Yup, he'll have something planned, especially now that the Commonwealth's future hinges on this succession."

Both Ariel and I look at Jane as she continued excitedly, "Then again, your kid is the only one that seems to be a prospective candidate."

I smile as Jane excitedly explained Julius' future plans. I am quite glad no conflict seems to have arisen, seeing as my history in succession wasn't exactly the most forthcoming.

The thought pulls me back to the letter, consisting of the lamentations of my father. The good times, the regrets, and the future.

I shake my head, and this isn't the time to feel depressed. I look towards my son as he dances. His smile is radiant.

The two of them seem stuck in their perfect little world. The cute and elegance capturing the audience's imagination.

I nod satisfied, my son seems to have opened up to little Adelaide's friendship. I look around once more to see the nobles whispering, already excited for the uncertain future.

Certainly, with the year 200 AE approaching, one can only hope this century of great change can be a century dominated by the newly formed Orvitian Commonwealth.

The coming years will be filled with innovation and with it comes to change. Both the nobility and masses expect good leadership, and where else would it be but from us.

I nod to myself, even with great representative reforms. The execution of legislation relies solely on King's hands.

And with the current merging of nations, Both kings have promised to abdicate for the succession of the royal couple. And the formation of the Orvitian Commonwealth.

And now, with the growing closeness between Charles and Adelaide, something that is sure not to escape the Germanian delegation.

I strain my ears to hear the excited whispers, which are signs of my son's growing presence within court. I nod to myself, excited of seeing my cute baby showing them his capabilities.

I look at Charles again, and they seem to be whispering. I giggle to myself, really? Do they already have secrets? They really seem to have gotten closer. Perhaps, Charles really needed a friend outside his family.

I smile to myself, and I'm quite glad that Charles' future seems to be looking bright. The happy thought though, was broken by the tapping of my shoulder.

A servant hands me a letter, along with a small box. I look at the servant seeing him leave a bit though hurriedly.

I hesitantly open the letter to see its contents.

Dear Sister,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. Though I understand your anger, I wish to, at the least, make amends. I have found a new life here in Francia. Though it would be a lot less luxurious, it reminds me of good times. I wish to see you and my nephew one day once I have paid for my sins. But for now, I hope this gift would be enough to show you and my nephew my sincerity.

Sincerely,

William Caedebrad

I feel wetness in my eyes, his letter reminding me of our father's. I put it near my heart, knowing that there's a chance in the end where we could once more be a family.

I shake my head, as I notice both Jane and Ariel looking at me worriedly from another table. Even Arin's passing glance, as he sat in the middle of the table enjoying the festivities with his other children.

I open the box to see a black powder, one I seem to be unable to discern. I take it in my fingers, checking what it is for.

"Mother" A shout took my attention to see Charles running at me. I smile at him and wave as a sense of unease passes through me.

I feel an overwhelming force pushing me backward. As I flew, I look at Charles, his face frozen in shock and disbelief.

So this is how I die? I smile softly to Charles as a searing pain burns my chest, and I fly back to the doors.

My face burning, along with the thunderous pain in my back, I groan in pain. The sounds of screams and marching enter my ears. I open my eyes to see the ceiling.

My life hasn't been great. The biggest gift this world has given me was Charles. I only wish I could watch him grow up.

I look towards the sound of crying to see Charles's face filled with tears. And with last of my strength, I hold on to his and face mutter to him my love,

"I love you."