The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-Five

Getting dressed again, I mindlessly stare as the workers fix the dress.
I can't help but sigh as I think about how I haven't seen Cabel since yesterday. I can only assume what the official wanted to talk to him about—all of it points to him dismissing the candidates because of me.

"Forgive me, my lady, we'll be finished with the alteration soon." Lucia smiles, sewing the gown I'm in.
"It's alright, you're working hard for my sake so go your own pace." I smile back.
"My lady, I'm going to apply some oils to your hands." Jane smiles, massaging my hands gently.
"To think we get to work with such a beautiful empress!" Maria exclaims, squealing as she fixes the sleeves of the gown.

I stare at the nude coloured gown with gold leaves and flower details covering the large ball gown skirt. An over bust corset, outlining my waist with gold sparkling details at the edges.

"Like I said, it hasn't been decided if I'll be empress." I giggle watching their cute reactions.
"But it's easy to tell that you'll be the empress. To think I'm dressing the future empress!" Lucia squeals, fluffing the skirt of the gown.
"You're all so optimistic." I giggle, feeling less anxious as I listen to them talk.

My hair is softly curled with a large braided crown around my head. A dangling gold head piece is pinned into my hair, along with natural elegant makeup done.

"You look beautiful everyday, but this tops the cake!" Mila exclaims, gripping her makeup brushes.
"My lady, you look stunning as always!" Magnolia exclaims, admiring the gown.
"Enough with the compliments. You've all flattered me too much." I shake my head, shy from their intense attention.
"It's the truth though! You'll be the most beautiful empress the world has seen!" Lucia smiles, proud of the gown.
"Beauty comes in many shapes and forms, it's too vast to call me the most beautiful in the world."
"We would never lie to our future empress! You'll be our goddess until we breathe our last breath!" Mila exclaims, puffing her chest out as she gives a playful salute.
I can't help but giggle when I see them joyfully speaking.
"Come, we need to leave her to rest! I'll inform Mr. Lance you've finished getting ready!" Maria pushes the maids and the other seamstress out of the room.

Once they leave, I sit down on the couch—staring at the scene outside.
The garden filled with blooming flowers, lit by the sunset dripping with colours of pinks and oranges.
Suddenly, the memory of the man who approached me comes to mind. I sigh as I remember his angry glare.

'I understand their resentment. If their princess was throned, their kingdom would evidently receive the empire's support but I ruined their hopes. Their princesses being invited means that their kingdom has current ties to Cypheler, and they want to further strengthen their relationship...'
The thought comes to mind as I sit in silence. The swaying of the trees outside making me linger on my thoughts further.
'Cypheler has no need for support since the empire's self-sufficient... But Cabel helps other kingdoms in need, in exchange they sell the empire's goods... It won't be detrimental if some kingdoms end their treaty with the empire, but if those kingdoms rely on Cypheler for food, fabrics, or war support, they won't do anything rash that'll hurt their relationship... Surely, they won't want to harm me?...'

Holding my hand to my throat, chills rush down my spine as I remember Cabel admitting the assassination attempt.
Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself as I think about Cabel's reassurance.

'I'm not a concubine anymore... But Avris has fallen... In their eyes I'm only a princess with no kingdom to support her, so what's stopping them from killing me?-'

Just as my thoughts begin to spiral, the door knocks.
"My lady? It's Lance, may I come in?" Lance calls out.

"Yes, come in." I reply, standing up as I try to shake away the worries that plague me.
Lance opens the door and smiles as he looks at the dress.
"You look perfect!" He exclaims.
"Thank you. Is this Cabel's grandmother's dress too?"
"No, my lady. I ordered a few dresses for the spring ball for you, but when you left I had it sent to storage. It took the help almost all day and night yesterday to find it."
"You didn't need to go through all that effort." I giggle as I watch his excited eyes.
"Of course we did! His highness will be pleased too. Some of your belongings from his grace's estate has arrived, but his highness wanted you to have new clothes so he did ask me to purchase more gowns for you."
"That's very kind of him. Although his kindness seems to be mixed with jealousy." I walk to the door, leaving to the hallway.
"Er... His highness may have mentioned one or two words that he didn't want you wearing clothes that shared the same air as him..."
I can't help but giggle as Lance shows a funny expression as he recants the memory.
"It's endearing, but from now on, no more ordering clothing that I don't personally approve. It's a waste of resources and money."
"I wish I could comply with your order, but it's a difficult when his highness is the one ordering for me to."
"Would he listen if we both spoke to him together?"
"He may, but truthfully, I think you're also deserving of wearing new gowns everyday."
"I assumed you'd be on my side." I sigh, looking at his confident grin.
"I am, however I wish you'd understand you don't need to act so frugal. Your to be the future mother of the empire, and you deserve a wardrobe fitting of a ruler. Unless... You wish to ruin the imperial family's reputation? Surely, you wouldn't want to sully the empire's image, right?" Lance stares at me with an exaggerated shocked expression.
"Lance... You're impossible to argue with." I sigh again as I begin to walk faster.