The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-Six

"I'm not certain it will with how I am right now."
Luna gives a bittersweet smile as she stares at the glass in her hand.

Emperor Cabel watches Luna's expression as it twists uncomfortably.
"Be patient..." Emperor Cabel mutters.
"Pardon me, your highness?" Princess Levita looks up at him.
"It's nothing." He responds, sipping his drink.

Princess Levita follows Emperor Cabel's stare, looking at Luna as she speaks with the marchioness and Lady Dulcie.
She rolls her eyes, smiling innocently.

"Don't mind her, your highness, you're having fun with us, right?" Princess Levita tightens her grip on his arm as a princess hands him a drink.
His eyes gaze at the ladies around him, before looking at the people passing by where Luna sits.

"Your highness, the night is ending, it's time for your speech." Lance whispers to his highness, bowing his head.
"Perfect." Emperor Cabel stands, roughly brushing away Princess Levita's grip.
"Your highness? Do you have to give the speech so soon?" Princess Levita asks.

Emperor Cabel subtly glares down at her as he watches her expression. She flinches feeling the air grow cold.
Without speaking a word, the group that surrounded him grow wary of his silence. His eyes seeming lethargic but furious, he turns to leave.

"Greetings, your highness." Marchioness Adara stands, curtsying to Emperor Cabel.
Lady Dulcie and Luna stand, curtsying as well.

"Good evening. It's time for my speech, my partner will have to come with me." Emperor Cabel holds his hand out to Luna.
Curtsying goodbye to Marchioness Adara and Lady Dulcie, Luna hesitantly places her hand on Emperor Cabel's.
The two walk through the pathway the crowd makes, towards the stage where the throne is.

"Cabel, I'm not allowed to be with you during your speech." Luna whispers, anxious as she stops before the stairs.
"To hell with it."
At his sudden low words, her eyes widen as she notices his expression.
"Cabel? Is everything alright?" She asks.
"Don't worry, my princess. I'll take care of everything."

Persuading her as he pulls lightly on her hand, she hesitantly agrees and walks up the steps.
Luna stops where she stands.
The throne ahead of her, she gives the emperor a confused look as he pulls her close towards the throne.

"Sit." He speaks calmly.
Shaking her head slightly, she tugs on his arm.
"Cabel, I can't sit here." She whispers.
"And who controls that decision?"
"Cabel, that doesn't matter, I can't-"

Before she can finish, the emperor scoops her in his arms.
The guests watch shocked as the emperor places Luna on his throne. Murmurs rise from the crowd. Wearing a stunned expression, Luna can only look at him confused as the emperor kisses her forehead lightly.

"My love, you're the only one that deserves to sit here beside me." He whispers, "Don't think otherwise."
Her eyes widening, she remains speechless as he kindly speaks.
"Cabel, are you okay?" She questions, cautious of the subtle-furious air in his eyes.
"I will be." He whispers, standing to turn to the crowd.

Thinking on his words and expression, Luna watches as he turns his back to her before addressing the guests.

"The final night of the spring ball is coming to an end, so I would like to say a few words." Emperor Cabel announces, stepping close to the edge of the stage.
"Thank you for attending this wonderous event, may our empire shine brighter in the future. Unfortunately, the shining sun in my life has been dulled lately." Emperor Cabel languidly steps down the stairs causing the atmosphere to grow cold, "To think some guests don't know that in this empire, in this palace of mine, I have eyes and ears everywhere. There have been guests who have caused my beautiful future bride to look unsettled. I love all of her expressions, but to think someone caused such grievance to have her wear such a troubled expression... Irritates me."
Emperor Cabel draws his sword out.
The guests flinch, growing quiet as mice as they listen to his sharp words.