Chapter 5

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Two days later, the noble ladies went to the palace to attend the tea party that Luana was organizing in the afternoon. They were coming from different families of different social ranks. The girls all gathered in the big salon with Lady Lobelia, impatiently awaiting the princess' arrival.

The atmosphere was suffocating for Azusa. The young girls around her were doing nothing but gossiping with each other and showing off with their dresses, jewelry and wealth.

Compared to them, the young lady was wearing a pretty simple burgundy colored dress with slightly puffed sleeves, black ankle boots and some jewelry. As for her hair, she let it free.

'Please, Luana, come quickly. Don't leave me alone with these people,' she thought.

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Luana walked slowly along the long corridor to reach the big salon that was in the west wing of the palace, a bit far from her bedroom. She was dressed in a pretty beige, long-sleeved velvet dress and a pair of beige suede boots with small high heels. As for her hair, it was styled in a pretty messy braid.

'I hope I didn't keep them waiting for too long,' she thought as she walked faster.

She continued to advance in her way while being lost deep in her thoughts.

'I haven't seen Sir Koraxos since my birthday ball. I've planned to return his gift to him. But I can't find him anywhere-'

"Good afternoon, Your Highness."

Once she heard that voice, Luana was snapped out of her thoughts. She raised her head to meet the gaze of the man she was thinking about. The latter was wearing his usual attire, clearly in duty. He smiled warmly at her as he bowed.

"Good afternoon, Sir Koraxos. How are you?" she replied, smiling back at him.

"I'm good. Thank you for asking. What about you, Your Highness? Are you feeling better?" he asked, concern clear in his voice.

"Yeah. I'm feeling way better than before. Thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that. So, you're heading to the big salon for the tea party aren't you?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"I'll take you there, then," he suggested as he stood beside her, still smiling.

"N-no, you really don't need to bother yourself for me. I thank you for that but," she replied hastily.

"I don't feel bothered nor obliged at all. On the contrary, it's my duty as your bodyguard to accompany you everywhere."

"I know that.  But it's really not necessary. I'm sure you have other duties who are far more important than this. Plus, the salon is just a few meters away from here," she explained nervously.

'Nothing is more important than you,' he though to himself.

"You really don't need to worry, Sir Koraxos," she reassured with a smile.

They stood there, looking at each other for a moment without saying anything until the young knight sighed heavily.

"If you insist, Your Highness," he replied, smiling back slightly.

"Thank you. Then, I guess I'll be going."

As she said that and tried to continue on her way, the young knight stopped her on her tracks.

"By the way, Your Highness," he started hesitantly.

"Yes?" she asked curiously.

"I-I wanted to ask you the other day, but I didn't get the chance to see you again. So... The gift that I gave you on your birthday... Did you like it?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"It's really beautiful. I liked it a lot. Thank you," she answered, smiling happily.

"That's such a relief... I was so afraid you wouldn't... Since it's a bit modest, so..." he retorted nervously.

"I like modest things the most, Sir Koraxos. And to me, what matters the most about a gift is that it comes from the heart."

"You're right about that."

"But..."

"But?" he asked hesitantly.

"I can't accept it... I have to give it back to you..." she replied, looking him straight in the eyes.

"Why? You just told me that you like it, though," he asked, a little taken aback.

"Yeah. I do like it, a lot even, believe me... It's just that... That music box... Your mother gave it to you, right?"

Lucas looked at her with a shocked expression on his face that answered the princess' question.

"How did you know that?"

"I read the little note on the back of the box," she replied.

He stayed silent for a little moment, looking at the ground.

"So, it's true, isn't it? Your mother gave it to you."

"Yeah... You're right... It was a gift from my deceased mother..." he replied with a sigh.

"So, this music box must be really precious to you, right?"

'Yeah, just like you are,' he thought.

"And that's why I can't accept it," she added determinedly.

"Please, accept it, Your Highness," he said in a small, sad voice.

"I-"

"Please... That would make me very happy if you do... So please, accept it..." he begged her like a little child begging his mother to get him something.

Luana sighed then smiled at him softly.

"Okay, then. I'll keep it."

"Thank you, Your Highness," he replied, smiling back at her.

They stood there looking at each other silently for a little while until Luana spoke up.

"Well, I have to go now since I'm late, Sir Koraxos. I wish you a very good day."

"To you too, Your Highness," he replied, bowing to her.

The young princess stepped forward to continue on her way only to be stopped by Lucas again.

"Your Highness," he called out to her from behind.

"Yes?" she turned around to look at him.

"I wish you would call me Lucas from now on. Just Lucas."

"Okay... As you wish... Lucas," she replied, smiling slightly before turning her back to him.

Lucas remained standing there, watching her walk away gracefully, a big smile on his lips and a pounding heart in his chest.

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Meanwhile, the young noble ladies were sitting on the different sofas in the salon, talking together about different topics.

"I can't wait to see the princess!" said one of the girls, excited.

"Oh! Me too! It's been so long since I last was her!" replied another.

"It's my first time seeing her face to face. I heard that she's dazzlingly beautiful."

"Oh, really? I don't think that's true. People should stop saying nonsenses" a sarcastic voice replied.

Everyone fell silent and turned to look at the owner of that voice.

"Well, to be honest with you, I don't think the princess is that beautiful. She's pretty, I admit. But to be called dazzlingly beautiful, that's exaggerated. After all, I find myself to be way more prettier and beautiful than her," the young woman said pretentiously.

Her name was Cecilia Kalmiv, daughter of Marquis Dale Kalmiv. She was pretty with a fair skin, platinum blonde hair and black eyes. She was wearing a very sophisticated dress for the occasion with lots of accessories and jewelry.

Just like her father, her beauty was nothing compared to her arrogance and cruelty.

"I heard that the Imperial Army has a new captain," said one of the ladies, trying to change the subject completely.

"Oh yeah! His name is Lucas Koraxos! They say that he's really strong and very handsome! A real knight in shining armor!" exclaimed another dreamily.

"Oh yeah! But they also say that he's super cold and that he hardly ever shows his emotions."

"But, I'm sure that there must be someone that he's in love with!"

"Yeah, that's right! After all, the Imperial Knights always have one lover which is destined to be theirs forever and with whom they fall in love at first sight!"

"Wow! Sounds like straight out from fairytales!"

"Oh yeah? A one and only partner forever? How is that the case? I find that rather ridiculous," Cecilia expressed arrogantly.

"This isn't ridiculous at all, Lady Kalmiv. The Imperial Knights are known for their extreme loyalty. Whether it is to their empire or to their wife and lover," Azusa replied coldly, clearly annoyed by her words.

"Loyalty? I don't believe in these nonsenses at all," the young lady scoffed with sarcasm.

"And yet, it's the truth. Whether you like it or not," she added.

"They're just ordinary human beings. Why do you think they are so different from others?" she asked again.

"Well, the answer to this question is purely confidential which only His Majesty, the emperor, and the Imperial Knights themselves know."

"I still find that ridiculous."

A long silence settled in as the ladies stared at each other, completely speechless.

"I find it rather romantic," said one of them to soften the mood.

"Oh yeah. It really is," replied another.

"But it's also tragic in the case where one of them dies. Like our emperor and empress."

"That's true... Their story was both beautiful and sad the the same time..."

The young girls continued to discuss the topic until they heard the guards announce the arrival of the princess.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Luana Aubretia!"

The young princess made her entrance into the big salon, a small smile on her lips as the noble ladies stood up to bow to her.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming here today. Please, have a seat."

They all sat down together around a very large table to have tea together and resume their discussion.

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A few minutes later, while the ladies were joking together, a young woman rushed into the room, out of breath.

"Y-Your Highness... I apologize for the delay!" she greeted, bowing hastily.

The young princess smiled kindly at her.

"It's okay. Come join us, Lady..." she asked trying to figure out her name.

"Taliny... Asminah Taliny, Your Highness," the young girl replied.

The latter was very pretty with fair skin, lovely long wavy honey hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a pretty purple dress with long sleeves and a pair of black ankle boots. She walked slowly over to the table to sit down on her seat with the others.

"Don't you think it's rude to be late for a party held by Her Highness, Lady Taliny?" Cecilia asked suddenly in an arrogant tone.

The young girl remained silent, ignoring her words as she looked at her empty teacup.

"We all know that your family is going through tough times right now. But that's not a reason for you to lose your good manners," she continued sarcastically.

"I-"

"Oh, my goodness. I completely forgot. You already had none to start with," she added, laughing evilly.

"Enough!" exclaimed the princess in anger.

An icy silence settled in the room as the guests felt shivers running down their spine.

"Lady Kalmiv, I find that it's your behavior that is rather unpleasant and rude. You dare to make fun of one of my guests? And in my presence? That's intolerable!"

"But, Your Highness-"

"I don't want to hear you anymore," she said as she stood up hastily.

The princess and her best friend walked slowly towards the door, leaving the others behind.

"I declare that this tea party is over. Thanks for coming."

She paused for a moment before opening the door, then turned around.

"Lady Taliny," she called out.

"Yes, Your Highness?" asked the young girl, startled.

"I hope that you'll visit me soon. We haven't really had time to talk. I've heard a lot about you and your family. I'd like to get to know you better," she said, smiling warmly.

"That would be my pleasure. I'll be very happy to do so, Your Highness," Asminah replied as she bowed.

Upon these words, Luana left the room with Azusa.

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Once out of the salon, Asminah walked along the corridor to get out of the palace and go back home.

'The princess is a very nice person. It doesn't surprise me that father and mother love her and the emperor so much. They treat everyone the same way and with kindness. I hope that mum and dad will get better soon,' she thought bitterly.

She was so deep in her thoughts that she didn't see a person walking right through her. The two people bumped into each other and fell to the ground.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed in pain as she fell on her knees.

"Miss? Are you oka?" the other person asked her worriedly.

When Asminah looked up, she met the gaze of a handsome young man. He was tall and muscular with slightly tanned skin, short deep brown hair and gorgeous orange eyes.

The young man held out his hand for her and helped her up on her feet.

"Thank you," she said in a small, shy voice.

"You're welcome. I'm sorry I wasn't looking where I was going... And I ended up hurting you..." he replied nervously, scratching the back of his head.

"Oh no! It was completely my fault! I-I was lost in though and I didn't see you coming... And... And..."

They stayed silent for a while, looking at each other, both of them with burning cheeks from embarrassment. They burst out laughing together at their weird situation.

"That's real funny... I'm so stupid..." Asminah said with a chuckle.

"I don't believe me you re more stupid than me," he added jokingly.

"Eric!" a feminine voice called out.

The two young people turned around to see Azusa coming their way, walking slowly.

"Well, thank you once again for helping me, Sir. Goodbye!" Asminah said hurriedly before leaving.

The young man stood there, watching her go away, his cheeks as red as tomatoes and his heart beating so fast as if it was going to come out of his chest. Azusa walked over to him.

"Eric? Are you okay?" she asked, a little worried.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm okay," he replied absentmindedly.

Lady Lobelia sighed at his mechanical answer.

"What are you doing here anyway, Brother? It's been ages since the last time you came to the palace," she asked curiously.

"I've come to see His Majesty. I need to talk with him," he answered.

"Oh, he's in his office. Luana went to visit him now."

"Okay... I'm going too, then. See you later, Little Sister," he said as he looked at the way Asminah took to leave before waking away.

Azusa remained standing there, smiling at her brother's back mischievously.

'I clearly saw the way you were looking at Lady Taliny... So, like that, my big brother who is as cold as an iceberg, can show such expressions and emotions... That's really adorable.'

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After the tea party, Luana went to her father's office to pay him a short visit and help him tidy up the place as she promised to do.

"Where would I be without my beloved little girl that helps me anytime I'm needing help?" he said, smiling affectionately at her.

"You'd be buried deep down in your documents by now and I don't know if I would have been able to reach you," she chuckled.

"You must be right," he laughed wholeheartedly at her joke.

They laughed together for a little while. Then, Luana looked at him in the eyes seriously.

"You know, Dad... I really think you should get some rest. It's been so long since you're working without resting for even a bit."

"Why do you think that? I feel pretty good. I don't feel sick at all," he reassured.

"No, you don't look good at all. You're all pale and you look like you're very tired. Exhausted even. You should really rest a little bit. Forget about work for a while. It won't run away believe me," she added, very worried.

"But-"

"No buts. You will go immediately and rest in your bedroom. Me and uncle Angus will take care of the rest."

Arthur laughed slightly at his daughter's behaviour. He though the she really can be scary sometimes.

"Alright, sweetheart. Then, I'll be going now," he stood up from his chair to walk to the door

As he did so, he felt a little bit dizzy and heavy. His feet couldn't hold him anymore. He decided to hide it to not alarm his daughter. As he continued to walk, his vision became completely blurry as he fell to the ground, coughing up blood.

"Dad!" Luana screamed, running towards him as she knelt beside him.

The emperor continued to cough very hard until he passed out.

"Dad! Dad! Do you hear me?! Dad! Guard! Guard! Help me! Call a doctor! Hurry up! His Majesty is dying!" she screamed as tears ran down her face.


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