The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-Nine

The awkward silence between Lord Christopher and I, overwhelms me. Thinking of what to say, I can only continue to watch the rain fall.

"May I speak freely?" Lord Christopher breaks the silence.
"Yes, of course." I glance over to him, relieved he spoke first.
"I know you'll soon become royalty but I'd like to speak with you, without being reprimanded."
"It's alright, I won't hold any grudges if you'd like to speak honestly."
Lord Christopher takes a deep breath, stopping in his tracks to turn to me.
I face him, confused by what he has to say.

"Be wary of your actions." Lord Christopher speaks.
"Hm, is that a worry or threat?" I smile, wondering the meaning behind his words.
"Neither. I'm speaking on behalf of the empire of Cypheler. Status is everything and rumours will affect how you're viewed."
"And what rumours are you referring to?"
"You spent a month with Duke Oslo. It's none of my business but you've become a consultant, held the poisoned blade of his highness, and have now become the future mother of the empire. The citizens will accept you because you're praise worthy, but there'll be those that are ready to slander you if you make a mistake. It's private information you were with his grace, but for example if it were public, you'd be in a difficult situation."
"Will it be presumptuous to be assume that you won't be the cause of any slander?"
"No. Rather, I'll end the slander if you're involved."
"I never expected you to work so diligently for my sake."
"I'm not. It's my future duty as the next marquess to ensure the royal family is protected, just as it is the duke's responsibility. Don't have my words and actions be mistaken for care or sentiment."
"I'm aware. Regardless it seems you don't hate me, nor do you like me. I assume we'll have a professional, civil relationship?"
"Of course. That's what will be necessary for the future empress and future marquess." Lord Christopher begins walking again.
"You know, rumours do not define who I am as a person." I speak up, staring at his back.
Lord Christopher pauses his steps, glancing back as I move to stand beside him.
"I know for certain you don't hate me or have feelings of like towards me, but I know you're slightly influenced from the things you've heard of me. It speaks more about who you are if you'd rather judge me blindly, rather than to actually get to know me." I grin, shrugging.
"If you're caught in more rumours and gossips, it'll affect the empire's image. I just hope you'll act cautiously."
"So, you wish to not know who I truly am?"
"I'll find out if we're to work together in the future, but presently there seems to be no rush in knowing you."
"I suppose. Then I have no rush in knowing you either."
"Of course."
"Let's head back, I've gotten rather too cold." I smile, slipping his jacket off.
I hand Lord Christopher's jacket back, smiling as I walk ahead of him.

Approaching the west hallway, Marquess Simone notices us from down the hall.
"Christopher, let's go." Marquess Simone calls out.
Just before I take my leave, Lord Christopher stops me.
"Lady Luna, I hope you know... I don't hate or judge you. I said those things because I wanted to see who you were as a person if I spoke rashly."
"And? What do you think?"
"It's too early to know... But you're correct in a way that I judged you off what I had heard. This only let me know the sincerity seems true. Well then, goodbye." Lord Christopher bows.
I curtsy as he leaves towards the marquess.

Continuing down the hallway, I head to Cabel's office.
Raising my hand to knock, I freeze as I catch the voices from inside the office.

"Your highness, I will not sell my body for you!" I hear a woman's voice exclaim in disarray.
"You're my belonging, I can use you however I want. I suggest you comply or you'll be in a difficult situation." Cabel's voice deeply speaks.
"Your highness!" The girl shouts.
"I've told you, the concubine's in the past all died by my hands, don't make it so I'll have to get rid of you too. I know your beloved would hate the news of Xiao's only princess dying."
"You... You're a monster."
"I have to be to get what I want." I hear Cabel scoff.