The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Ninety

Days go by since the incident with Cabel. Without speaking a word to each other, or receiving any notice of his whereabouts, I grow uneasy as I approach his office.
Suddenly calling for me, I follow a butler that guides me.

Entering his office, Lance and Cabel, along with a lady I've never met before all reside in the room.

"Lady Luna, please take a seat." Lance kindly speaks.
Giving a hesitating nod, I sit beside Cabel.
Feeling awkward with Cabel, I avert my eyes. Lance begins pouring tea in our cups, I jump as Cabel lightly touches my hand.
Noticing as he places a raspberry tart in front of me, my heart quickens as I notice how sweetly he subtly smiles at me. Our eyes meeting and making me realize how much I've missed him.

"This is Canella Pietro." Cabel introduces.
She sits proper and mannered as he lowers her head.
"Hello, I'm Luna Avri." I introduce myself.
"I've heard so much about you." Lady Canella smiles kindly, sipping her tea.
"You have?"
"Of course, his highness never ceases to bring you into a conversation." Lady Canella chuckles, flashing a coy glance to Cabel.
"Enough of this childish talk." Cabel interjects.
"Why? She's so cute I could eat her up!" Lady Canella kindly laughs.
"Oh thank you..." I blush, embarrassed.
"Enough, we need to discuss more important matters."
My eyes dart to Cabel.
"This is my woman." Cabel gestures to Lady Canella.
I stare confused.
"P-Pardon?" I reply.
Cabel briefly looks back at me, giving me an amused smirk.

"Canella fulfills my needs and acts as an excellent pawn of mine. She's publicly announced now to being the sole candidate of being queen."
"Q-Queen?" I stammer.
Just as my heart begins to tighten uncomfortably at his words, Lady Canella speaks up.
"Lady Luna, allow me to explain. It seem his highness is trying to tease you with his poor choice of words." Lady Canella stands.
She walks around the table to me, pulling me up by my hand.
I stand, staring up at her confused. Her other hand gently cups my cheek.

"Lady Luna, I'm his highness' pawn. I've had to complete some tasks in order to help him. There's no romantic feelings as he's insinuating, and I have no desire to enter a marriage with your lover." Lady Canella smiles, "Also I assure you, if I were to flirt with anyone in this room, it definitely would not be Emperor Cabel."

I pause staring back at her.
My cheeks grow red as I look at her beautiful sophisticated face close to mine, her hand tucking my hair behind my ear as she gives me a sultry gaze.
Cabel suddenly grabs my hand, pulling me towards his chest.

"Don't whisper vulgar things to her as you please."
"Why? Worried she'll be smitten over me? Not like it'll matter." Lady Canella laughs.
"Do you know how many children the previous King Tun had?" Cabel scoffs, looking down at me.
"He had two sons and a daughter... Oh!" It clicks in my mind, "The personal ties with Xiao you mentioned!"
"Yes, yes, as much as I'd like to fight over you, my heart belongs to another woman." Lady Canella smiles, solemnly.
"I had no idea! How come you didn't tell me?" I glare at Cabel.
Cabel snickers, looking away to avoid my glare.
"I apologize for that misunderstanding, but how could I not tease you?"
"That's too mean of a joke."
"But your expression's too amusing." Cabel chuckles, lightly pinching my cheek.

Lady Canella who's been watching, steps in. Gently holding my hand, she pulls me back to her.
"You know, that's a cruel thing to do to a lady. Maybe I will fight you for her. Perhaps she can be my reward for playing along with your games." Lady Canella pulls me in for a hug.
"Get your hands off of her or shall I tell Princess Ming?" Cabel glares, his eyes glowing brightly.
"I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Especially since Lady Luna's so adorable. Are you afraid I'll win her heart?"
I look to see Lady Canella's brown eyes, vibrantly glowing a burnt orange tone.
"Trying to take my fiancée? What a bold decision. I can execute Princess Ming for laying your hands on what's mine." Cabel's eyes begin to glow as he subtly glares.