Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 109

Chapter 109: The Contract
When Ahcehera and Carmela finally arrived on Planet Sirius, the sheer grandeur of the S-ranked planet left Carmela in awe.

She had read about it in books, heard whispers of its advanced civilization, and seen glimpses through interstellar broadcasts, but none of it compared to experiencing the planet firsthand.

The skies were an endless shade of deep blue, almost surreal in their vastness, while the towering structures of the imperial city blended harmoniously with the breathtaking natural landscapes.

Every building shimmered under the sunlight, infused with the latest advancements in energy technology, while the air itself carried a crisp, almost ethereal scent.

Carmela had never seen anything like it. Ziomera, though beautiful in its own right, was still deeply rooted in tradition.

It lacked the dynamic, ever-changing nature of Sirius, where innovation and elegance intertwined seamlessly.

A team of imperial guards, clad in pristine armor bearing the Bloodstone family crest, awaited them at the docking station.

Their presence was a testament to Ahcehera’s influence. The moment the starship’s doors opened, they swiftly surrounded the two women and escorted them toward the royal palace.

Civilians paused in their tracks, watching the unexpected arrival of the princess and her guest. Whispers traveled through the crowd, curiosity brewing in their expressions.

As they moved through the capital, Carmela remained silent, taking in the sight of flying vehicles gliding smoothly through the air, holographic billboards displaying real-time news, and the impressive, intricate architecture that lined the streets.

Everything on Sirius radiated power and efficiency, unlike anything she had ever known.

Upon reaching the imperial palace, they were ushered into the private wing where Ahcehera resided.

The palace itself was an architectural marvel, a fusion of ancient royal heritage and advanced technology.

It stood as a symbol of the Bloodstone dynasty, one of the most influential noble families in the interstellar empire.

Ahcehera led Carmela through the marbled hallways, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. When they reached her personal quarters, she stopped in front of a door.

“You’ll stay here,” Ahcehera said, opening the doors to a lavishly furnished room. The decor was elegant but not overly extravagant, designed with comfort in mind.

The room featured a massive window overlooking the vast gardens of the palace, a spacious bed adorned with silk sheets, and a cozy sitting area with a fireplace that could be adjusted for both warmth and ambiance.

Carmela hesitated. “I… I don’t want to impose.”

Ahcehera gave her a pointed look. “You’re not imposing. You’re my guest.”

Carmela still looked uncertain. “You don’t need to go through all this trouble for me.”

Ahcehera sighed, crossing her arms. “You’re about to marry into the Bloodstone family. If anything, this is just the beginning of what you’ll have to get used to.”

Carmela’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of marriage, but she said nothing. Instead, she offered a small nod and stepped inside.

“Rest for now,” Ahcehera told her. “We’ll talk later.”

With that, she left, allowing Carmela the space to settle in.

By the time the afternoon sun bathed the palace in golden light, Ahcehera sent word for Carmela to join her in the tea pavilion.

Carmela arrived wearing a simple yet elegant dress provided by the palace attendants. Her long hair was neatly tied back, giving her a refined yet effortless look.

She hesitated upon seeing the tranquil setup, a table elegantly arranged with fine porcelain teacups, delicate pastries, and a breathtaking view of the palace gardens.

Ahcehera gestured for her to sit. “Join me.”

Carmela took her seat across from her, feeling slightly out of place in the grand setting. Ahcehera poured the tea herself, the fragrance of moonlit jasmine wafting through the air.

“This place is beautiful,” Carmela admitted after taking a sip.

Ahcehera smiled slightly. “I grew up here. It can feel suffocating at times, but it’s home.”

Carmela looked down at her cup, swirling the tea absently. “I never had a place I could truly call home. Not Ziomera, not any of the places I traveled to.”

Ahcehera studied her for a moment before speaking. “That can change. If you choose to build a new home, with Abrixien.”

Carmela’s grip on the teacup tightened slightly, but she said nothing.

Ahcehera set down her cup and reached for a marriage contract, sliding it across the table. The parchment bore the official seal of the Bloodstone family, a symbol of nobility and power.

Carmela stared at it, recognizing instantly what it was. Her heart pounded.

“This is the official marriage contract between you and Abrixien,” Ahcehera stated calmly.

“Once signed, it will be recorded within the interstellar registry. You will become a part of the Bloodstone family.”

Carmela’s hands trembled slightly as she picked up the document. She had anticipated this moment, but now that it was real, a wave of emotions crashed over her.

“Does he…” She hesitated. “Does Abrixien even want this?”

Ahcehera leaned back in her chair, watching her closely. “He wouldn’t have sent me to find you if he didn’t.”

Carmela bit her lip. “But we haven’t seen each other in so long. What if he’s changed? What if… I’m not what he wants anymore?”

Ahcehera sighed. “Then I suppose the real question is, do you still want him?”

Carmela’s throat tightened. She had spent so many days trying to forget him, convincing herself that they had been nothing more than fleeting moments in time.

But now, faced with the chance to have him back, she realized how deeply she still cared.

She set the contract down, exhaling shakily. “I don’t want to be a burden to him.”

Ahcehera smirked. “If you think my brother would let someone he doesn’t care about become a burden, then you really don’t know him at all.”

Carmela looked at her, uncertainty still lingering in her eyes.

Ahcehera sighed and softened her tone. “You don’t have to decide now. But you do have to decide soon. Once the marriage contract is finalized, there’s no going back.”

Carmela nodded slowly. “I understand.”

Ahcehera took a final sip of her tea and stood up. “Then take tonight to think about it. By tomorrow morning, I want your answer.”

Carmela sat in silence as Ahcehera left, staring at the contract before her. Outside, the endless sky stretched beyond the palace walls, vast and full of possibilities.

For the first time in a long while, she realized, this was her choice to make.