Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 484: Expressing Love

At this moment, Amalia regretted wearing gloves, yet still curved her lips into a soft smile, her gentle voice.

"Wait for me, sister."

With that, Amalia carried her wine glass towards Duke Cedric Velmont. Astrid watched her leave, slender white fingers gripping the stem of her glass.

For the Empress of the Empire, even her coming-of-age ceremony wasn’t entirely relaxing.

Giant crystal chandeliers hung from intricately carved ceilings, casting dazzling brilliance. Bright light reflected off the room’s golden and silver tableware and glittering gemstones, making the entire reception hall as bright as day.

The men wore either long robes or ornate coats, their chests adorned with golden and silver floral medals symbolizing honor and status. The women all wore luxurious long gowns, their trailing hems decorated with elaborate embroidery and jewels.

Compared to the busy Amalia, Astrid’s side was much more relaxed. After finishing political discussions, several noble ladies who were relatively close to her stepped forward, striking up conversations with the elegantly dressed Regent Princess.

In the capital city, having a good relationship with the Regent Princess was a great honor. Unlike the men who had to maintain distance, these young ladies found it easier to approach Astrid.

"Princess Astrid, do you have any fashion recommendations lately?"

"I heard the silk produced in the Cartes region is excellent, perfect for dress linings or stockings."

"Is the newly released perfume really your creation? The scent feels extraordinary the moment you smell it."

Compared to the scheming world of politics, the noble ladies’ focus on clothing, jewelry, perfumes, and accessories was refreshingly simple.

Astrid pressed her lips to the rim of her glass, taking a small sip of red wine before softly replying.

"Summer is hot, so the most timeless pairing remained off-the-shoulder dresses and high-heeled sandals. The fashion showcase in the latest Empire Weekly was actually my personal highlight. For sweet girls like Miss Lydia, pairing it with a pink bow hat might be a wonderful choice."

"I’ve also heard of the silk from the Cartes region, it’s said to be rare ice-silkworm silk. Tiny particles of ice-element cling to the fabric, so even in scorching heat, wearing it on your legs won’t feel hot. It’s also lightweight and breathable, perfect for concealing flaws and enhancing leg shape."

"You’re right, the new perfume is indeed my creation..."

Surrounded by a cluster of brightly dressed noble ladies, the silver-haired, crimson-eyed Imperial Regent resembled an elegant silver rose blooming among countless flowers.

After finishing her conversation with Duke Thomas Redgrave, Amalia noticed the man’s gaze shift toward Astrid. Knowing the Regent Princess had a close relationship with the new Empress, he casually complimented,

"The Regent Princess’s charm is truly peerless. Whether in appearance or conversation, she naturally inspires affection."

"If the Regent Princess were a man, she’d probably become the ultimate marriage prospect for every noble young lady in the capital."

Although, even now, it wasn’t much different. Young nobles infatuated with Astrid? Not just in the capital, countless young lords from distant lands who had come to Capital City to witness the new Empress’ coronation had fallen deeply in love at first sight upon seeing the silver-haired beauty walking step by step up the staircase under the sunlight.

Hearing this, Amalia’ brows slightly furrowed. Following Duke Thomas’ gaze, she looked toward a corner of the hall. There, amidst the crowd, stood Astrid, her noble aura undeniable, a gentle smile on her lips, her ruby-like eyes shimmering like rippling water.

Besides her, many noble ladies wore expressions of admiration, some even with sparkling eyes, their adoration clearly evident.

"..."

After a moment, Amalia’ voice turned slightly cold.

"The Regent is just as fine as she is now."

Excellence was a trait. Even as a woman, Astrid might still attract other girls.

At least right now, Amalia was feeling a little jealous.

After bidding farewell to Duke Thomas, Amalia turned and gave a few quick instructions to Trin, then went to find Duke Cassian Ashwick to discuss mineral transportation.

"Your Highness the Regent, Her Majesty is concerned you might be thirsty, so she specifically sent me to bring you a fine vintage from the imperial cellar for your enjoyment."

Astrid fluttered her eyelashes at the man’s tray, which held only a single glass of wine. Her gaze swept past the cluster of noble ladies surrounding her, landing on the golden-haired girl in the distance.

Amalia happened to be looking at her too. Upon catching Astrid’s gaze, she immediately averted her eyes, continuing her conversation with Duke Cassian.

With so much wine and juice at the banquet, why would anyone worry about her being thirsty?

Astrid could roughly guess that this possessive white-stockinged girl was using this as an excuse to express her desire for closeness. Thus, she completely abandoned any thought of sharing her drink with the other noble ladies, merely lifting her glass for another small sip.

"Is Her Majesty conversing with the Duke while still keeping an eye on us?"

"Truly worthy of being such a talented new Empress..."

Hearing others’ comments, Astrid elegantly nodded, softly replying:

"Her Majesty is indeed a very considerate person."

And also extremely prone to jealousy. Extremely petty. She’d sensed it since back when they were just sisters.

"She even remembered to send wine, Her Majesty truly fond of the Regent Princess."

Fone... This description used to be how others described her feelings toward Amalia.

Now that their positions had reversed, the roles of doting and being doted on had strangely swapped. Once again realizing Amalia was no longer the little sister who always needed her care, Astrid took another sip of wine, her long legs renovated against each other.

Could she truly love Amalia as a lover?

Instead of out of response or mere care for the girl.

Recalling their recent intimacy, if the night they first confessed, Astrid had felt absolutely no other emotions toward Amalia, now her level of acceptance had risen slightly.

At least during kisses, her body was no longer so tense, no longer like a fully drawn bowstring. Only a faint sense of guilt remains.

Shaking her head slightly, Astrid continued holding her wine glass, chatting with the noble ladies around her. Half an hour later, after finishing her socializing, Amalia returned to Astrid’s side.

"Dear Regent Princess, how is the fine wine tasting?"

Hearing Amalia’ inquiry, Astrid softly replied,

"The taste is excellent, and it’s particularly soothing to the throat."

The wine Amalia chose was literally a fine vintage, completely non-irritating, like a low-alcohol peach brew, carrying a faint floral fragrance.

Upon hearing this, Amalia gave a slight nod. Sensing the gazes from others upon them, she gently raised her hand, took Astrid’s wine glass, leaned forward, and took a light sip.

"Indeed delicious."

The sight of the Empress and Regent sharing a single glass of wine appeared perfectly natural to the other nobles. Seeing this, Astrid instinctively wanted to stop her, but the next moment she remembered, the fingers gripping the glass quietly relaxed.

Her thoughts were still stuck in the phase where Amalia was a minor who couldn’t drink alcohol. As a sister, she should guide her little sister onto the right path.

But tonight, Amalia had come of age. In every sense, she was now an independent individual.

Drinking a little wine was fine. At most, she could just remind her not to overindulge.

Noticing the flicker in her sister’s eyes, Amalia also guessed what Astrid was worried about. Standing on her white-stockinged feet in silver stilettos, she took one step forward, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"I won’t drink much."

At most, just a light buzz. If she got drunk, how could she continue with her plans?

Astrid didn’t say more, merely reaching out to smooth down the golden hair draped over Amalia’ shoulder. Then, seeing the red ribbons tied like hyacinths on either side of the girl’s hair, she instinctively wanted to tighten them, but reminded that such an action might undermine the Empress’ dignity, she ultimately stopped.

"Let’s go dance later, sister," Amalia said.

Hearing this, Astrid lifted down at the silver stilettos on Amalia’ feet. The latter, noting this, spoke softly,

"Don’t worry, I’ll maintain my balance."

"Worst case... I still have my sister..."

She might not trust herself, but she absolutely trusts Astrid.

"Then... let’s go."

"Mm."

..........

After dancing one dance with Astrid and lingering a bit longer at the banquet to strengthen her presence as the main character, Amalia delivered a speech to the gathered nobles, wishing the Empire long-lasting peace and prosperity.

Thus, her coming-of-age celebration was officially over.

Leaving the post-event arrangements to Trin and security to Elise, the slightly tipsy Amalia and Astrid left the reception hall, walking along the familiar path back to the Empress’ chambers.

Pushing open the door, the room was pitch dark. Amalia kicked off her uncomfortable high heels, her other hand grasping Astrid’s delicate arm.

"Don’t turn on the lights yet, sister."

Hearing Amalia’ words, Astrid paused, her outwardly released mental energy returning to her consciousness.

"What’s wrong, Amalia?"

As the female voice fell, a relatively dim orange lamp lit up. Amalia stood on the soft carpet, her voice gentle.

"Sister..."

She turned around, gazing at the silver-haired beauty who appeared even more ethereal in the dim light, tilting her face up to softly press her lips against the crimson ones.

Astrid didn’t refuse. Accompanied by a faint scent of wine and a hint of sweetness, a long kiss ended in the entryway. Amalia licked her lips, her tiptoes relaxing as she lowered herself. Her pale cheeks, flushed from drinking, carried an indescribable rosy tint.

"I’m very happy to spend my coming-of-age celebration with you, sister."

With the banquet over, she was no longer the Empress who had to entertain nobles, but simply a girl wanting to share her joy with her lover.

Hearing this, Astrid kissed Amalia’ cheek, feeling the alcohol-induced warmth of her body, different from usual, before softly responding:

"So am I, Amalia."

Receiving Astrid’s response, Amalia couldn’t help but lift the corners of her lips, embracing the person before her once more. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"From now on, I’m not a child anymore, you know."

With that, Amalia stepped backward, forcing Astrid, who had her arms around her waist, to follow her movements. The high heels clicked against the floor tiles, a pair of small dark-stockinged feet like ink-jade stepping onto the carpet.

Reaching the Empress’ bed, Amalia moved her hands from Astrid’s waist upward, nearing her neck, then gently laid back on the sheets.

"So... sister..."

The sweet fragrance brushed against her collarbone with each breath. Amalia reached her other hand behind her back, gently untying her dress.

As the girl moved her body, the pure white princess gown with golden trimmings instantly became loose.

"... Help me give my coming-of-age celebration a complete finale."

Under the princess dress, a sheer layer of milky gauze concealed her skin, faintly visible under the light.

Inhaling the mixture of Amalia’ wine breath and natural body scent, Astrid gently cupped her face, her voice soft.

"You’ve had too much to drink, Amalia."

Tonight, Amalia was being overly bold.

Hearing this, the white-stockinged girl shook her head. The leg exposed outside the sheets pressed together and lifted, the delicate pink-tinged sole of her foot stepping onto the soft pillow, the fabric around her ankle wrinkling slightly from the nimble movement.

"Not really... sister..."

"If I were truly drunk, I wouldn’t be wearing these."

All her current attire had been carefully chosen and worn before the banquet. Back then, she hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, how could she possibly be drunk?

Seeing this alluring scene under the light, Astrid froze for a moment, her mind momentarily chaotic.

Unlike Lyra, Amalia was extremely proactive in expressing her feelings. Especially with her current actions, she was practically one step away from tying herself up as a gift.

Noticing Astrid’s gaze devoid of the emotions she desired, Amalia pressed her lips together, changing her approach.

"Sister... you’ve never taught me about these things..."

Amalia’ voice sounded as if soaked in water, soft yet carrying a hint of sultry depth.

"So I could only learn on my own, but no matter what I tried, I couldn’t find the key."

"Just consider it to educate me..."

"Astrid... sister..."

"Teach me..."

Just as a sister instructing her clueless younger sibling. But under the current circumstances, such reasoning couldn’t even fool herself.

The rising body temperature, the intimate atmosphere, the dim lighting, everything seemed to act as a catalyst. Even Astrid instinctively pressed her legs together.

She had considered trying to love Amalia, but never imagined it would happen so quickly.

"..."

As she hesitated, Amalia placed her hand over Astrid’s, her white-stockinged calf gently rubbing against Astrid’s thighs.

"Just this one night."

Regardless of role or intention, on this day of her coming-of-age, Amalia wanted Astrid to do this.

"Consider it guiding me on what to do in the future."

The golden-haired girl with hazy eyes parted her pink lips, speaking word by word:

"Please... sister..."

"Love me."

The room’s window stirred from the wind, briefly cutting off even the moonlight.

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Volume Ends Here Author Notes are in Auxiliary please check them because there’s poll also.

Thank you Everyone.