Chapter 592: Chapter 592
’... Calla’s...’ — Hypnotized by its shape and crystalline material, I admired the piece in the coffer held in the Emperor’s hand. — ’It looks like a sort of hairpin... although a tad... familiar.’
"Alis Abyssi... Wings of Abysm. I believe solely herself knew its use." — The Emperor announced, taking it to caress the shape. — "You are her chosen... it is only correct for you to have it."
’So that’s how it is... its name is adequate.’ — I thought, attracted and ultimately taking it in my hand. For just as I was thinking, the hairpin looked just like a wing... a wing similar to the fairies’s I have met... although torn... as if removed cruelly from the creature... and yet, still beautiful.
"Take it and wear it. I had to replace its value with my own treasures, therefore you have to accept it, child."
"..."
A certain uncomfort was born after I accepted it given the sincerity of the Emperor. Its source was the reaction the fairies could have once they saw it decorating the hair in which they like to hide. Yet to my surprise, they would laugh and compliment it, leaving myself dubious as to why they would become secretive about its use.
I had to leave such concerns behind at the time, and as if nothing had changed, the Emperor and I shared some good moments for a while. Him badmouthing some of those who surround me every day when he also hid in such words the fondness he would not let them learn of. And lastly... getting to know what he wanted from his son’s and my courting from my own... hand.
"... Since blush invades your visage while saying things on his behalf, Zeleskiaz must be doing a good job for now. Do not spoil him with your kindness, cute child. Otherwise, you will lose some fun. Make him struggle a tad, HahaHa~" — At some point he said, happy to know he respects myself and supports my wishes.
It appeared to be that after such an encounter things would flow as if common.
After Theressa arrived at the Palace that night, her stay was separated from me for the time being, being surveilled by others as a security measure, for she was to be examined and wait for her to be detoxified of the effects the "medicine" given could have caused before letting myself have her close.
The crown prince was rigorous in making sure she would not make any suspicious move, and it was because of this that I could trust that there would be no chance for her to slip away.
Earlier that afternoon the news the Emperor promised was announced throughout the Empire, bringing two princes to my chambers while the one courting myself was there to share his duty to surveil Theressa... as well as the delight over our acknowledged courting.
"You say the two of them are here?! Even better, let us in! This cannot be left as is!" — We heard Princess Jasmine order the innocent guards outside, coming into my chambers accompanied by an overly happy Dioclecià. — "Brother Zeleskiaz! Lady Marianne! How preposterous it is for myself to learn this from the papers! These traditions are untasteful! My Brother and the delicate Ninth, my friend Lady Marianne, have commenced courting and I was not informed by none until this day!!"
"Marianne!! So you liked Brother too?! When did Brother request this courtship?? Will you get married now?!"
"!? Dioclecià, halt your enthusiasm a tad! Courting is so they can come to know and like each other... We must wait for it to result in that. Lady Marianne is much better than that. She is not hast to agree to marriage so impulsively. Isn’t that correct, Brother Zeleskiaz?"
’... but when the Emperor mentioned the wine...’ — I reminisced embarrassed to have accepted instantly that morning in my head when she had such admiration for my composed self.
"... Did you two come here for explanations or to congratulate us? My lady will become dizzy with all your questions... and mind your words, Jasmine. It may appear you belittle my sincerity."
They were a hurricane, unlike what many would have thought of these princes. The crown prince and I remained distanced at the watch of the chaperons and more so with the company of his siblings. I kept myself silent while I needed to continue mute in secrecy and, like so, as the notice of our courting was announced also was the Empress’s flower tea date. Such was the name the acknowledging celebration came to be known as.
In the days after, I was solely able to meet his highness briefly. Feeling worn out as I had been summoned by the princess and the Empress so my gowns and accessories could be decided upon for the event.
I thanked my decision to remain mute for others the more time and people came and go during this short period... for as their mother, the Empress had been truly talkative... anticipant to learn how his son was making his courting successful and continuously pampering me so as to help the son she called "difficult" and "tough" win more of my favour.
"I take it he has complimented you. Has he said sweet things?"
’... um... y-yes-’
"Hmph, very well. How about his gifts, has he not failed your tastes? You need to tell men what your likes are, child. Otherwise, he will one day arrive with an insect he found nice as a souvenir. Men are such kind of creatures."
’... That’s true.’
"... is he truly sweet to you?" — The Empress had the need to ask as if not sure to believe myself after I had told her twice. Interested, while I could notice Princess Jasmine frown slightly to my side. — "He has been so indifferent all his life. My son... I had even feared we would end up finding him a bride by force since he never ever glanced at any of the ladies in the Empire’s events... Hopefully, he will follow the advice, and earn your love, dear Ninth. Otherwise, he will find himself in trouble."