Episode 2

As they wept for my death before me (though I was quite alive), I found myself reflecting on that white castle where I had been living, the delicate lace adorning the bridal veil I wore, that white and silken gown that seemed as though it might slip off my body at any moment. I was radiant in that attire. Spinning in front of the mirror, I was taken aback by my own beauty. What a waste to be killed. Some women truly dream of this moment from a young age. Perhaps this really is the happiest day of my life. Today, for the first time, I was cared for like a true princess, although being one, I was treated more like a VIP prisoner, but it's a bit tough to enjoy thoroughly, knowing that soon I will die.

When it was time to leave, none of my family came to bid farewell. Only a few employees and onlookers watched my departure. At that moment, the entire empire was speculating how long the new empress would survive in the hands of that madman. I'd heard quite a bit about the tyrant emperor, even while imprisoned in the castle with restricted information. Nevertheless, I still picked up whispers about him. He's quite famous. Usually, it was about the number of people he'd killed or what he'd destroyed. Delightful husband-to-be!

The whole journey to the palace, inside that extremely luxurious carriage, I pondered how I would like to end my life. A death both grandiose and outrageous seemed fitting for me.

"Princess Alicia, we have arrived at the palace!" one of the employees said, opening the door of the beautiful carriage that had brought me.

The palace was immense, as expected. There were many people waiting for me outside, but I could hear their murmurs. A massive red carpet stretched from the carriage, up the stairs, and to the entrance of the castle. I must admit, it's an extravagant way to die. At least, my death will never be forgotten. They confined me an entire lifetime in an isolated castle to hide my existence, everyone pretending I didn't exist. In the end, when they remembered I did, it was for their own pleasure. They sent me away as a sacrifice, so they all could live comfortably and happy. I can't judge him. If I had the choice, I'd do the same. I'd send them all to be sacrificed and live in utter luxury, completely carefree.

"Princess Alicia, the emperor awaits you. Could you please follow me?" an employee said, extending his hand but avoiding my gaze. As I rose from the carriage seat, I saw that everyone outside was there to glimpse the empress for the last time. I should put on a show for them, shouldn't I? If my fate is already sealed, why should I follow any orders?

"I don't want to," I said, settling back into the carriage and crossing my arms. I felt like a child throwing a tantrum, but it was quite entertaining. I, who had never been allowed to say no, only to agree with everything uncritically. Saying no was liberating. And the looks on everyone's faces were priceless.

"Pardon? I believe I didn't quite catch what the princess said. Could you repeat that?" The employee looked at me, completely befuddled by my reaction. Had no one ever been mad enough to defy an order from the emperor? By the way they looked at me, it seemed not. I was making history here.

"I said I will not be accompanying you," I reiterated. If I'm going to die anyway, I shall do something outrageous and fun before death can claim me. I'll be remembered as the mad empress, which is totally in keeping with the tyrant emperor, right? "If the emperor does not come to fetch me here, I won't leave this carriage. Inform him. I won't move from here; only he can remove me. Come on, hurry. Inform him. I don't want to wait too long. Oh, and that's not all. I have other conditions."

I must admit that the desire to go mad is not new to me. Since childhood, largely due to the boredom of that empty castle, now and then I would do something to make everyone think I'd lost it. I would wear summer clothes in winter and vice versa. I turned the direction signs around. I'd eat only one bite of everything on the table and finish nothing. It was amusing to see everyone's reactions to the unexpected behavior. On reflection, perhaps I really did go mad in those years trapped in an isolated castle.