"Good evening, Your Highness."

"Welcome back to the palace, Your Highness."

Everyone bowed their heads as the woman who possess golden eyes passed by.

She didn't bother to greet back, nor look at them. She continued walking like she owns the whole place, well she does.

"My granddaughter, I'm glad you're here. It's been 4 years since I last saw you, have you been well?" A deep voice came from the old man sitting on his throne.

"I'm also glad to see you, Emperor. But I'm not here to take over your position. You know how much my dad wants that and I don't want him to kill me." That cold voice brought horror to the people inside.

"I won't let that happen. Besides, how's your study? You're in college now, right?" The girl nodded softly at his question.

"I'm fine. But remember to fire the professor that I hate so much, or I'll kill him myself."

"I already talk to Sinco about that. By the way, you've grown to a beautiful woman. As I expected, your eyes are still beautiful." The old man smiled sweetly at her.

"I accept everything you say as a compliment, Emperor. But don't praise my eyes that much, I’ll end up being arrogant." The old man laughed out loud at what she said.

"You little kid. Why don't you just accept this position? You're the most perfect princess. I want you to--"

"You know the palace rules, Your Highness. The Crown Prince, which is my father, should be on that position. I will never have the chance to be an Empress," she said.

"But Arrow--."

"I prefer being a simple central guard, Emperor. We've already discussed this matter." The tone of the girl's voice became emphatic.

That even the Emperor was affected.

"Alright, Arrow, I won't force you. Don't get mad at me. We just met." The Emperor tried to calm his granddaughter.

She grinned which stunned the people inside the whole room.

"I came here as Arrow Vlood, as your grandchild. And not as a princess, Emperor. I want to ask for some important things, and I hope you can give those things to me," she stated seriously.

The old man sat on the throne as he faked a cough.

"You want us two, alone?" he asked. The woman nodded her head.

The Emperor signalled everyone to come out, so they did in just a few seconds.

"What is it, my grandchild?"

"I want to live a normal life, Emperor. I want those palace guards around me, gone. You know I don't want anyone following me, and they might end up dead if you don't stop them," Arrow stated.

"But Arrow, you can't roam around this country without your guards. I have to protect you from--"

"You're insulting me, Emperor." The woman's eyebrow rose.

The old man swallowed and shook. "No. I trust you, but--"

"You don't know how much I hate the word 'but'. You don't trust me enough. And as long as you don't trust me, I will never take that position that you're offering me!" she exclaimed.

"My grandchild, calm down. Please. I trust you, Arrow, I trust you a lot but I’ll never let someone hurt you. Please let the palace guards protect you, I’m begging you,” the old man said.

"I've decided already. Remove my guards, or you'll see their dead bodies in front of your palace in two days." The woman walked away after saying that.

She was about to get out when the Emperor spoke.

"Arrow, where are you going? Have a dinner with us first before you leave."

She turned to the old man.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Emperor. But I think this will be the last time that you'll see me. I need to leave. And please, take care of yourself while I'm away." She smiled sweetly at her grandfather.

The old man was stunned until his beloved grandchild left.

Arrow smiled, for the first time after 8 years.

She smiled, and that's the sweetest smile she ever gave him.

What does that smile mean?