I woke up as if it was an emergency, as if sleeping had become a dangerous thing. My heart beat fast and there was a buzzing in my brain as well as panic. My palm and body were covered by sweat.

I stretched my head and looked up to the cell window which guarded by thick metal bars as if to prevent me from escaping.

The sun still had not rise. It looked like I woke up too early. I sighed.

Habits are truly the scariest thing. I still could not let go my habit even when I was not the empress anymore. When I was still the empress, I need to wake up early to get the business done.

If it was this time, I usually had breakfast together with my daughter. Breakfast with her had already became my routine. How I miss the moment when we were together, my dear.

I began to burst into tears. Sadly, she's gone, leaving this world unfairly. My family too.

Remembering back what happened last night left me completely devastated. The scenes where the dead bodies lying on my palace chamber with the heavy reek of blood stench polluting the night air made my body quivered at the horror sight.

"Karina, Rexiald! How could you both do this to me!"

Shouting won't solve the problem and it will only hurt my throat.

If only I could turn back time to the past. If only I could restart everything. If only I had not reach Rexiald's hands in marriage, then everything will be fine. I'll be at peace and spending a lot time with my family.

So I sit up straight and folded my hands. I prayed to god earnestly.

One, I prayed to God for my family's well-being in heaven, to ensure they live well. Not like in this cruel world. Two, how I wish I could turn back time to undo my choices in the past.

I know it was a silly prayer as I was in the brink of death waiting upon my execution. I also know that I could not escape my fate. Regardless, I prayed to my heart content.

How laughable, I thought. In the past, I had not been so religious. Maybe, this was my last chance before I died.

If only I had not meet with Karina. If only I had not reached Rexiald's hands on the marriage. And if only I could see my family for the last time. Really, I had so many regrets.

My family suffered heavily due to my reckless choices that harmed them all. I deserved it, maybe it was karma given by God.

I curled up into a ball and cried silently pondering over my fate.

To be honest, I was afraid of death. It was. But not anymore. What I afraid right now was to die before I get my exact revenge! How could I forgive them!

***

The guards who carried me to the execution stage did not even care if my skin bled because of their rough touch. My body was so weak that I fell several times. Instead of helping me, one of them grabbed me by my hair to make me stand up. He pushed me until we arrived to the stage.

It was hurt. I gritted my lips as to not make any sound. Else, they will accused me of wanting sympathy.

As we reached to the platform, I could see many eyes were all on me. Their eyes were full with disgust and hatred.

Most of the people threw rotten eggs and vegetables on me and these dirty things became a foul paste on my fragile body. Unlike the commoners, the nobles, however, threw me sharp objects making me groaned in pain.

It was hurt. But not as hurt as being betrayed by the people you trusted the most.

The entire area was lively. Some had sympathy for me, some were mocking me openly for daring enough to harm the imperial family.

"Kill the evil witch!"

"Execute her!"

"Make her feel the pain!"

"Torture her!"

These people, if I was still the empress, had they treat me like this?

I knelt on the execution platform and the executioner stood beside me. The executioner asked,

"Do you have any last words?"

I nodded.

The entire area immediately went dead silence. Maybe they wanted to hear my last words before I died.

In front of me was Karina who held Rexiald by both of her hands while Rexiald covered her eyes from seeing the bloody scene. Normal people would pity them from having to see the execution.

However, in my eyes, they were laughing mockingly at me. 

The left side of his lip tugged upwards creating a sinister smirk from his face like he was satisfied seeing my current state.

I gulped. This was my only chance!

Haaa... I gasped for breath and speak loudly and clear.

"Rex, Karina! I won't forgive all of you! If I were to get a second chance, I'll make you both pay for your sins! I'll make you live like in hell for the rest of life! Even if I am dead, I'll continue to haunt you in your nightmares! Your blood shall be paid for your sins!"

The audience who listened  to my last words gone rage. To them it looked like I still had not learned my lesson. **** all of them!

I smirked triumphantly at the people in front. Karina and Rexiald's faces turned ugly. Their eyes were narrowed, rigid, cold and hard.

I drew in a deep breath, the burning hard stares would last only as long as it took them of the most brutally cutting thing they could tear me down with. In the past I would cowering on fear but not anymore.

I cast a stare on Rexiald blatantly. Oh, looked like I had crossed some invisible line, offended his sensibilities. I always knew he hated the one who did not know their place and directly disrespect him face to face.

I had never thought of myself that I would feel this excitement. What a shame I could no longer enjoyed it.

I raised up my head as the rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. Golden fingers of sunlight lit up the scene.

'O God, You know my situation, my weakness and my needs. O God, to You I return, to You I complain and to You I seek help! Therefore, please lend me your hand for this pitiful servant to seek vengeance to punish those who made my loved ones suffered!'

My time has up. I closed my eyes. This moment, the scenery, the people and these memories, I would engrave it deep in my heart.

Pang!

The blade fell!

Cries of alarm burst out from the crowd. Some of them quickly covered their eyes in fear. That bloody head rolled down and onto the crowd and the stench of blood dissipated for a short while.

At this moment everyone had the same thought, gone now the villainous empress who marked the history of Epherozia by committing numerous heavy crimes that at last had met her own end.

Or is that what they had thought. Who would know the history is being repeated by the miracle bestowed from the high and mighty God to the innocent empress to take revenge! Except for this time, the people who will meet their ends are not the same.

Karina and Rexiald, I swear to my family's honor that I will bring you both down by my own hands! I will put an end to all the crimes you commit as well as paid back my debts!

Thus, the story of vengeance shall now begin! No one knows what's going to unfold coming from the wicked mind of the bloody empress.

My dream ended up abruptly as I was shaken back into reality. My eyes opened, my eyelashes faintly batting against my lids when I blinked.

The light of dawn seeped into my room. Streaks of sunlight penetrate the window and greeted me a gentle warmth.

The ceiling were painted with dark brown colour and a chandelier made from crystal shone its beauty so bright that it can almost blind my eyes.

I sit up, dragged my feet off the bed and rubbed my knuckles onto my eyes.

'Where am I? What is this place?'

I wanted to stand but for the moment my legs have given way to gravity. They were shaky and weak.

It took me a lot of strength to get the mirror. When I saw the reflection of myself, I almost threw the mirror out from the window.

There, stood a very pretty young woman. She wasn't just flawless in her bone structure, her skin was like a silk over glass and she radiated an intelligent beauty.

Her blue eyes, like the sea, were calm and emotionless. Long, wavy blonde hair, smooth and silky, almost as if it was tailored from gold fabric.

"This is...m-me?"

I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw my face. This is my younger face!

The white hair and all the wrinkles had gone!

"Could this be, I return to the past? Ah, that's impossible. Yes, impossible. Maybe, this is heaven."

I persuaded my heart so I won't lose hope in impossible things. That couldn't be. I shook my head continuously. I sighed.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise.

Crash!

I fixed my gaze towards the loud sound.

'How could this maid be so careless? Such a thing couldn't even handle...'

I sighed. No wait, more than that... She-

"Oh my God, m-my lady, y-you... Oh God, this is truly remarkable! I c-couldn't believe my eyes!"

The maid with a quavered voice started to shed tears. She was shaking so hard that she needed to hold onto the door's handle to support her body.

The impossible thing I thought happened before my very eyes. Even then, there are a thousand things that could happen.

I spoke her name calmly trying to control the my slow, shaky voice. My skin was tingling. I had this heavy feeling rising up in my stomach.

"...Blaire."

Her eyes widen, staring me without blinking.

"Milady, y-you... You speak my name, I-I-"

My heart pounded quickly. Before she finished her words, I pulled her into a long, deep embrace.

"You are the only person that gives indefinite hug."

My voice was small, which more like a whisper but could be heard clearly by this very person.

I breathed more slowly. My body melted into her warmth and gentle embrace. My muscles became loose.

She seemed flustered and tried a few times to pushed me back gently.

"Milady, you had just wake up, it's not good if you suddenly walking around like this. Your body is still weak, I'm afraid you might get sick later."

She spoke earnestly. She had a delicate warmth to her voice. I had been hugged before, but never like this since my mom had passed away.

This was real. Real life.

"Did God answered my prayers?"

"Huh? Milady, if you're talking about how you managed to wake up, then yes."

I've seen a miracle just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts became brand new. That's what faith in God can do.

'But what does it mean by 'wake up'?'

"Blaire, what's the year now?"

"Ah, it's the 480th year of Imperial Rule, milady."

Looked like I got returned to the past when I'm still 18. Finally, I was home.

I'm not a girl anymore and I never would be again. I was determined to be as different as possible.

***

The physician examined my body carefully. Then after confirming I was in a healthy state with no injuries or symptoms, he lowered down his stethoscope.

"It's look like the lady is better now. Her body has freed from the poison."

All the servants in the room put their hands on their mouth as if they felt relieved for my body condition. A buzz of excitement spread through the room.

"Oh God, this is a miracle."

"I should notified this to the young master!"

"Send news to the Duke!"

Just now when Blaire told everyone that I woke up from a deep slumber, all of them hurriedly gather in my room. Some even stopped their works just to see me.

I yawned. I felt tired and with these people all in one room made me feel headache. How noisy, I thought.

"Milady, are you alright?"

Blaire worried voice startled almost everyone. When they saw me being alright, they almost forgotten the fact I just had woken up and my body was still weak. They afraid the noises disturbed me so they lowered down their voices to whispers.

Everyone worried eyes fell on me. I replied with a rather feeble smile.

"...I think I'm good. I don't have the strength yet, but... I'm a little sleepy. I don't have any energy."

"My God..."

Blaire glared sharply at the physician as she wanted to confirm the result of the diagnosis.

The physician who felt threatened by Blaire's glare cleared his throat and spoke in a clear voice.

"Seeing the lady feel tired, I suppose she needs to sleep to recover her strength. We might as well don't disturb her."

Hearing the physician's remarks, everyone left the room except the butler and Blaire. The physician told Blaire a few things that need to do for my recovering and gave her some instructions for my meals and stuffs like that.

The butler narrowed his gaze as he looked at my pitiful state and spoke,

"Lady, I had already informed the Duke and young master about your awakening news. His Excellency is still abroad and I'm afraid he might needs to take a little time to visit you."

I nodded.

"What about my brother?"

"As for the young master, right now he accompanied the first prince on a business outside the dukedom."

"I see, so they are not here right?"

"That... I'm afraid yes, but milady, you shall not worry because they will returned back after they heard the news, so-"

"Cervantes, in which region did my brother goes to?"

"Uh... In the Gridora region at-"

"So my father...?"

"His Lord now currently on a trip to Pruineian country."

The butler, Cervantes gasped out to catch breath regarding answering my questions. He showed a troubled look whenever I cut his words.

"The journey from Gridora province to the dukedom takes around 2 months whereas Pruineian 6 months. As you see both of them are away from home. Even if they want to go back home now, they can't because of the distance and works especially my father, who's the Duke of the Lisianthus duchy. In other words the fastest time to reach here are at least 5 months, I guess."

I shrugged. That's right. In the past, after they heard about my awakening, both of them arrived after 5 months. Well, it can't be help.

My father who wanted to go home faster took at least 5 months to finish all his works while my brother needed to postpone his journey because of some stuffs that happened while he was at the Gridora region.

Cervantes' face turned fiery red. He looked down and away, averting his eyes to prevent from making eye contact with me. He coughed.

"Ah yes, I suppose... Looks like t-they will be around here a-after 5 m-months, ahem," he stuttered.

"B-but milady, please know about this, his Lord and young master are both worried about you. Even the lord-"

Not giving his chance to speak, I cut his words again.

"I know, Cervantes that they are worried about me badly but they can't visit me now, so I understand."

"...Ah."

He regained his composure and sighed of relief for my understanding.

"Cervantes, after you go out, prohibit everyone from entering my room except you and Blaire. Including the visitors. You may now leave."

He nodded at my orders. He bowed down and said,

"I hope you have a good rest, milady."

After Cervantes went out, I ordered Blaire to locked the door and wake me up in the evening.

Phew, there will be many things I need to correct from the past if I want to take revenge. First, let's sleep and arrange the plans later. I need to recover my strength.

I laid in the bed and squeezed my eyes shut. I wanted nothing more than to be enveloped by the warmth silence. I slept well, in fact I slept better than I had before. The pain in my eyes stopped and I felt a small smile formed on my face.

Haa...

Thank God for giving me another chance out of pity, so that I can repent on my foolish past and be saved from becoming a deceived, poor little girl.

Since You have given me this chance after I died so pitifully, I will do my best to meet your expectations.

O Merciful God, I'll definitely live a life without any regrets!

"Blaire, please fetch me a piece of paper and quill. I need to write to someone."

I need to write a letter to someone. This certain someone is very important to me.

Blaire later gave me a piece of paper and a quill. She stood beside me and organized the box on the table.

[Dear Yunifer Dalfon,

How are you? I hope you're still healthy and cheerful just like in the past.

Do you still remember me, Luna? It'll be strange if you suddenly forget about me. After all, I'm your best friend and your childhood friend.

I know it's been so long since the last time we were together. So I'll be glad if you could visit me. You're the only person I need to see right now.

I include the flower rings and flower crowns that we made together in the past in case you forgot about me.

I really miss you a lot, Yuni.

Lunaria Lisianthus.]

I wrote it down briefly. I reread again the letter to make sure there's no mistakes.

"How's my handwriting, Blaire?"

"You wrote in a fancy and elegant style, milady."

Honestly, Blare had an amused look when she saw my handwriting. Well, I could say my past self had rather a terrible and worst handwriting. She must be shocked.

My handwriting had became naturally calibrated that it became quite worthy to see. Of course that meant my handwriting was better than those of the young ladies of my age.

When I was still the empress, I need to write a lot so my handwriting naturally became calibrated. I picked up the flower crowns and flower rings from my drawer and handed it to Blaire.

"Please, deliver it with the gift."

"Yes, milady."

Blaire sealed the written letter neatly and carefully packed the box with the gift as to prevent it from being twisted or broken, and stamped the seal of the Lisianthus on the lid to announce the sender.

"Tell him to deliver as soon as possible."

She nodded.

That way I could see her face as soon as possible.

I stretched my hands up on the air. It's still a long journey. To get my revenge, that is.

***

Buds began to flower on the trees, adding a splash of colour. I can smell the scent of fresh flowers. From its fragrance, I can tell it's the scent of rose flowers.

The daffodils looked as yolk-yellow as the duckling in the pond. It was cute when the bunnies bounced through the garden like frogs but with fur.

It was a good idea to have a picnic at the garden for a change of pace.

I sipped the tea that was made by my maid, Blaire while carefully flipping through the pages of a book.

There were many books on the tea table that I purposely asked Cervantes to hand it to me. Upon returning from coma, I need to gather information about the past 2 years that I lacked.

'Hmm... Let's see...'

The selection of the crown prince, the debutante ball of Lady Priscilla, the coming-of-age ceremony of Lord Virgil, etc.

There were so many things that I missed after I gone 2 years. Looks like there were many interesting accidents happened, huh?

Such as the selection of the crown prince was officially announced by the Emperor himself when the 2nd Prince reached the coming-of-age ceremony. This will become a great battle for Rexiald to compete with the 1st Prince for the throne.

Heh, how amusing. I looked forward to see the result of this crown prince selection. There's no way Rexiald will become the crown prince again because I was determined to stir up trouble for him this time.

A great play will come. Rexiald, will you join in the play, too? I wonder. A smile formed on my lips without me noticing it.

Cervantes who stood beside me noticed my sinister smile, asked,

"Is there's anything good about the information, milady?"

"Ah, yes. I'm looking forward about the competition between the 1st Prince and the 2nd Prince for the Crown Prince title."

"About this, even His Excellency had trouble of involving in the factions. It must be because the Lisianthus has been a neutral house since long ago."

He muttered with a vague expression.

Did he not know I can listened to him?

Anyway, I'm planning on making Rexiald lost the title earlier than what it takes to be and let the 1st Prince succeeds to the throne. Even so, he's aggressive and not the type to give up.

So I should plan this carefully. Good thing I still remembered the future events that occurred in this year.

As I was pondering over the plan to scheme against him, a loud noise of yelling and argument was heard from the left-side of the garden.

A brown-haired maid with a pair of twinkling brown eyes that aged not less than 20, angrily marching to the guards who were stationed at the garden.

The guards who was entrusted to protect me blocked the maid's way to prevent her from entering the garden.

The maid who was holding back from bursting with anger reached her limit and keep yelling about the rude treatment coming from the guards.

She shouted so loud that my ears will torn and I had to cover them with both my hands.

"Who do you think you are? Why are you blocking me from entering the garden?"

One of the guards replied,

"The lady ordered us to guard the garden and make sure no one trespassing it."

"...What?"

The maid seem unconvinced and keep trying to make a way to enter. She raised her voice and yelled,

"Don't you know who I am? I'm the lady's first rank maid! If you keep doing this, the lady will fired both of you on my behalf!"

She arrogantly insulting them since she had the upper-hand of superiority.

"You just a lowly-ranked guards who not even surpassed the exam of the knights. And you think you can block me? Dream on!"

Her tone was full of arrogance and kept bragging about her rank and how important she is to me.

This kind of tone suits someone who is full of self-worth and self-importance that shows that they have a feeling of superiority over others. And that kind of person also made my heart boiled.

I clenched my fists tightly to avoid being overtaken by the rage. I swallowed down my irritation even though anger rose in me like a tide.

My eyes squinted at the person. So you've showed your face, you treacherous maid!