I''ve seen many poppies in my life.


    ude grew them. Richard grew them.


    In the end, I found that the ones my mother nted herself were the most beautiful, the most splendid.


    "Poppies symbolize a parting in death, and a loyal devotion. Do you think that back then, my mother already knew she would be parted from yours by death?"


    An endless sorrow washed over me.


    Max stood behind me. When the wind blew, all I could hear was the rustling of the flowers as they swayed.


    Then, a small cat rubbed against my leg, meowing softly as if tofort me.


    I crouched down, unable to resist reaching out to stroke the pure white Persian cat.


    It leaned into my touch obediently.


    "His name is Lucky. Your mother gave my mother a cat, and of the three kittens she had, he was the only one that survived."


    Max said he was the only survivor. My heart clenched.


    Why did that sound so much like me, Richard, and Lily?


    My eyelid twitched uncontrobly. I picked Lucky up and hugged him to my chest. It was the first time I had ever held something tangible connected to my parents, something that seemed so much like me.


    "Meow..." The kitten seemed to sense my sadness and stayed perfectly still in my arms.


    Max then walked ahead, leading the way. The servants we passed were all blonde and blue-eyed; only the two of us had ck hair.


    But they all ced a hand over their chests and bowed to us.


    I continued to hold the cat, aware of Max''s noble status and knowing a day like this would inevitablye.


    I could ept the bows from outsiders, but I could never stomach the kneeling in Bravend. Serythia was clearly stronger, and they respected life, granting every servant their basic human rights.


    "Master, the bedroom has been prepared. Ms. ire will be sharing your room." The servant couldn''t help but nce at me a few times as she spoke. Then she bravely stepped forward and took my arm. “Also the gowns for tomorrow hav? all been custom made to your measurements, Ms. ire. Let me take you to see them now."


    They were very enthusiastic. I looked back at Max, and he nodded in agreement.


    The cat in my arms let out a few happy meows, much lighter and more cheerful than its earlier somber tone.


    "Do you want to see my engagement dress too?" I nuzzled the cat with my cheek and followed the servants to see the gowns.


    "Alright, you cane with me."


    The gowns were kept in a special room, where a few antique wedding dresses were also disyed. A servant exined solemnly, "These wedding dresses were the former queen''s favorites, and Both she Princess Lenore loved collecting beautiful things. If Princess Lenore found a beautiful dress, she would get it for the queen. They always understood and trusted each otherpletely."


    It was only then that I realized my mother had been a princess.


    As I walked past the dresses, I saw a gown on a mannequin with thergest skirt of all. It was paired with a crown, and every stitch was adorned with diamonds.


    "The queen wanted to wear this for her wedding, but she never did." The servant''s eyes filled with a touch of sadness as she nced at a very in white dress in the corner, with a simple veil and design.


    Pet


    “In the end, the queen chose a stylepletely unlike her usual taste for her wedding. She joyfully believed that man would marry her, but he chose to marry another woman for a political alliance to solidify his bustriess empire. He thought the queen was just an ordinary girl he


    could summon and dismiss at will."


    I finally understood the love and hate Max''s mother felt for n.


    That sense of being torn apart after giving up your entire identity to love someone, only to be cast aside.