“Good morning, My Lady.” When I opened my eyes, I was a bit surprised when I saw them standing near the door. They immediately move when I get up, they already heat the water for my bath and ready the dress that I’m going to wear.
“My lady, your breakfast is ready and the emperor said that after you ate you need to go to His Majesty’s room.”
“Thank you.” I take a bath first and ate my breakfast while eating I feel that the maids keep on glancing at me. “Yes, what is it?”
“Forgive us for our impudence, but My Lady did we already meet before?”
“Someone asks the same question, maybe I just look like someone you know. Actually, this is my first time here in Erden.”
“Ah yes...” I smiled at them and finish eating. Then they take me to His Majesty's room, I knocked.
“Your Majesty it's me Shanara.”
“Yes, please do enter.” I curtly bowed my head and greet him. He's sipping tea and sitting near the window, looking at the clear sky. “Have you already eaten?” the emperor looks at me and I nod.
“Yes, how about you, Your Majesty?”
“I'm also done. Join me.” I nod and sat in front of him. I held the teacup and smiled because of the fragrance. “We will leave later. I ask the prince last night to where we could buy some gifts for the twins. We’ll go there first.”
“Yes.” After I tried to drink the tea, I pick the deserts next. It’s delicious! “Your Majesty?” I put down the cookie I was holding, and he was watching me the whole time.
“It's nothing. You don’t like the dessert?”
“No, I like it.”
“Then as much as you can.”
“Y-Yes.” Before we depart the emperor had a small talk with the imperial family first. We did buy toys, books, and foods that the twins will love. And after we shop, we didn’t waste a second and immediately leave. I was alone in the carriage and watch as we crossed the border until I can't see it anymore. I don’t know why but it saddens me.
When we are traveling His Majesty was already taking care of some documents and I was a bit amazed when I saw the piled papers on our table.
“Shanara looks, I'm really doing my best at wielding the sword.” I stare at the twin who was holding wooden swords. I smiled when they keep on showing it to me how they attack the knight there.
“I'm also learning how to wield a sword and Sir William is the one who is teaching me.”
“Woah, you two were amazing! The princes are surely working hard.”
“Thank you, it is because want to go on this year's hunt with you.”
“Yeah, and we will dedicate it to you.” I just smile at them, I don’t them to be sad but the emperor won’t allow them to go with us. It was a sunny day when the council came back to the palace. They are already getting impatient; the council members already want now want to meet the Lady that caught the emperor’s eyes.
“Your Majesty!”
“Who is that, Lady? Your Majesty, you need to get married!”
“Your Majesty, please hear us!”
“The Lady is already in front of you,” he said in a bored tone and we all looked around and there is no Lady here. Maybe His Majesty is really thinking of an Imaginary Lady.
“Your Majesty, where is she?”
“In front of you.” We glance at the emperor with a confused look.
“Wait, why are you also looking at me like that?” the emperor asked me and I shake my head. Then he suddenly stand up and stood beside me, with wide eyes I look at him. “She is the Lady that I'm talking about the one who caught my attention it is Shanara Aytan.”
Everyone in the Throne Room stayed silent, shocked by what we heard. The member of the council looked at me with their wide eyes. I both wave my hand and shake my head.
“Maybe we h-heard it wrong, there are many that have the same name as me, right?”
“Maybe your right, but they’re not here.”
“W-wait... Your Majesty.”
“I already said it, you may leave now.”
“It's Shanara Aytan! Let's celebrate.” the emperor raised his eyebrows and I shake my head.
“Your Majesty it's just a lie, right? There is no way that... It's a lie, yes.” I pinch my arms and nod. The emperor is still looking at me and then he held my hand.
“It's not a lie, let's continue our talk in my office.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” I look at his hand and he started walking without letting me go, I just followed him and there was three Lady in waiting in his Majesty's office.
“Good morning Your Majesty.”
“She's Arisa the Imperial designer. Go and take her measurements.” The emperor ordered and I look at the Imperial designer then at the emperor.
“Ahh, Your Majesty-”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Shanara, let's go to that room so we can now list your measurements.”
“Ah, y-yes.” My mind was floating the whole time when they get my measurements and get my shoe size. I sigh when we're done then we go back again to His Majesty's office.
My head is aching and was really shocked. Is it a dream? So fast like a blink of an eye.
“Your Majesty, can we talk now?” I asked him and he stop writing and offer the chair in front of me.
“Right, sit down.”
“Thank you.” I look at His Majesty's eyes and asked. “Your Majesty, why are you doing this?”
“Why do you hate the idea of me being your partner?”
“Of course not.”
“Then be ready for the upcoming banquet, I will announce there our engagement.” I look at the floor and closed my eyes. Engagement?
“Your Majesty please Stop it, can't you see our status, I'm not worthy of your attention. Just find a suitable Lady, I became a slave, your personal maid and if I’m not literate I will not rise to this position and just remain your personal maid. I-”
I'm a little bit surprised when I opened my eyes and look at His Majesty, I didn't notice that he is already standing in front of me.
“Continue what you’re saying.” I look at him and gulp. His face got darkened I am scared to continue.
“There are a lot of beautiful, talented, intelligent Ladies that will be more suitable than me. Just find a noble lady that is well educated, and not me.”
I gulped when he lean and our faces our now really close, I leaned my back on the chair but His Majesty is still going closer. When he finally cornered me, he sighed.
“I don’t wanna.”
“They will never accept me!” I said and closed my eyes, it's embarrassing. I heard that he laugh and when I opened my left eye his Majesty nodded.
“You’re right.” my face crumpled and my heart started to ache. See, he was playing with m- “But I don't care. And who wouldn’t like you, if they do show their hostility towards you there they do wish to die early.”
“Eh?” my mouth dropped and he stand up straight and coughed.
“Don't make that face, I’m not changing my mind no matter what you say. The people's opinion I don't care. I will make you, my Empress.” I shake my head and stand up.
“Your Majesty, don't say that.”
“I will prove it that I'm not lying that I really like you.” he touch my face and my eyes widened when our lips touch. J-just what the hell are you doing Your Majesty?
“Hmp!”
I tried to push his chest but he held it and intertwined our left hands, while he wrapped his right hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I give up His kisses made my knees weak; my hands now are trembling. I was about to fall but his arms were firmly wrapped around my waist.
“Do you believe me now?”
“Your Majesty, I-”
“I see, maybe this time you will believe me now.” and now his kiss deepened, I was firmly holding his clothes when someone knocked.
“Your Majesty it's me, William.”
“What a good timing.” I blink many times, processing what really happened right now. His majesty buried his face in my neck for a second and then rubbed my cheek and smirked. “You kissed me back. I will see you later.” I just nod and I flinched when he suddenly kiss my neck.
When he exited his office, I slump back on the chair and touch my lips and my neck! My face started to redden when I recalled everything; we did kiss. I don’t know how I manage to get back in my room, I was massaging my temples and head because they suddenly get hurt.
(๑♡∀♡๑)
—IAmRoseee