The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Ninety-Four

Rushing through the palace, maids and butlers turn their heads to watch me.
I approach the office doors, knocking a bit roughly.

The door opens, Lance standing their with his eyes widened.

"My lady? Aren't you supposed to be at work?" He asks.

"I need to speak with his highness urgently." I calmly speak, attempting to compose myself.
"I see. His highness is in a meeting, but would you like me to inform him to meet you elsewhere?"

"That won't be necessary."
Cabel speaks up, walking up behind Lance.
"Luna, what's the matter?" He asks.

Giving a small glare, I bite my lip—trying to think of the right words to say.
"I'll have to continue this after." Cabel speaks up to the men in his office, "Luna, come."
Holding his hand out to me, I shake my head before walking briskly down the hall.



Clearing my head, I focus on my thoughts and feelings as I walk down the hallways towards his bedroom. His footsteps click behind me as he silently follows.

Entering his room, I begin to pace as I wait for him to enter too.

"My love, what's the matter?" He tilts his head, shutting the door behind him.
"We need to speak."
"About?"
I take a deep breath and shake my head.
"Did you change the consulting exam for me?"

Cabel's eyes widen as he sighs.

"Who's to say." He responds—his body language clearly not denying it.
"You're to say." I glare at him and scoff, "Did you think you were doing me a favour? Is it because you didn't believe in me?" I raise my voice, feeling my frustrations grow.
"It's not that."
"Then why? Rumours spread that you changed the test so it'll be easier for me. What kind of credibility is that supposed to give me? Am I that incompetent in your eyes, that you couldn't trust my intelligence? How did you even know when I was taking the test?"

Cabel takes a deep breath and averts his eyes.
"I heard from the duke. He said you were going to take the test, so I made a test specifically for you. It wasn't so you could easily pass, but it was because I thought I would never see you again."
"Never see me again? So you decided to provide an easy test to guarantee a job for me?"
"No... I couldn't handle what I did, and I wanted to free you—truly I did. But I was weak and wanted to force fate to bring our paths together. If you scored highly, you would be a palace consultant and I thought that I could earn your forgiveness if we saw each other often." Cabel sighs, stepping closer to me.
"Cabel, I wanted to prove my own worth on my own terms. What if I failed it too? I didn't study for your changed test so I could've failed it! How could you disregard my efforts?" I shout, tearing up as I hear his side.
"I know I made a mistake. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know when would be the best time to mention it or how to even tell you. I'm sorry Luna, I really am." Cabel's hand raises, cupping my cheek.

I glare up at him, my frustration refusing to subside.

"Give me the original test." I demand.
"What?"
"Give me the original test. Do whatever you have to do, but I'm writing the test again with all original questions. I want your promise that you will have nothing to do with making it."
"Luna-"
"There's no questioning it. You manipulated something I wanted to earn with my own efforts. If you're truly sorry, you'll let me re-take it." I push his hand away, leaving his room without waiting for his reply.

Running into my room, I take out the ribbon that holds my hair up.
Throwing it on the bed, I take a deep breath.

"What's the matter?"
I turn to see Cethin lounging on the open window sill.

"I-I'm just viewed as a joke at work." I hold my head, remembering the expressions the others wore.
"What do you mean?"
"I just... I don't know." I sigh, trying to calm down.
Sitting on my bed, I hold my head.
"Is this a terrible idea?" I ask.
"What is?"
"I'm only a consultant because of Cabel, and now I can't help but wonder if anything I accomplish is truly mine."
"Chicky..." Cethin speaks taken aback, suddenly he flicks my forehead, "This doesn't suit you."
"W-What doesn't?" I question, holding my forehead as I look back at him shocked.
"You used that brain of yours to figure out the empire had to improve their sewage systems. You took matters into your own hands and decided you wanted to be a consultant to help the empire—even when the emperor hurt you. You're not acting like the brave, righteous Luna you always are."
"Brave?" I repeat.
"Yeah, brave. You've been through a lot, but you're brave because you don't let it hold you back from moving on. You do things even when you're scared, so why are you doubting your own accomplishments?"

Taking a moment to repeat his words in my mind, I give a small nod.
"I-I'm sorry." I whisper, staring at my lap as I realize I was disregarding myself.
"Be sorry to yourself. You don't deserve to speak about yourself like that."
Giving another nod, I take a deep breath feeling calm after talking with Cethin.
"You're right... It's just been a bad day."
"I get it, but don't let anyone else have an effect on how you view yourself."
"Yeah... I'll keep it in mind. Today's just been overwhelming." I sigh.|
Moving to pet my head, Cethin gives a wide grin.
"Tomorrow and the next day might be the same as today, but you'll be prepared from having gone through a bad day today."
"That's some twisted logic. Shouldn't you say tomorrow will be better?" I giggle at his odd words.
"Nope, that's too optimistic. If tomorrows no good too, I don't want to lie." Cethin shrugs, moving to lie on my bed.

I lie back too, staring at the glistening chandelier.
He pats my hand and stares at the ceiling with me as I take a deep breath.
"You'll be okay though, I promise." He whispers.
At his comforting words, I give a small nod feeling as though his words will come true.

Staring around the room and back down at the table, I sigh. Sitting in the department room, I review documents in front of me.
The gazes and whispers from palace consultants as I sip tea.

"Lady Luna."
I look to see Sir Quintan walk up.
"I just got back from the palace and we've voted unanimously to move one test for you to take."

Sir Quintan hands me a folder with information on the exam.

"Really? When will it be?" I respond, flipping over the instructions.
"In two days. However, because we moved a test for you, instead of having you wait to take the next one, this will be your only chance. There will be no retakes after..."
"I see... Seems as though it's expected I'll fail." I smile slightly, glancing at the men in the room.
"Unfortunately it seems so... You'll write it here, under the supervision of Lord Christopher."
"Lord Christopher?" I look back at Sir Quintan surprised.
"Yes. We want someone unbiased to grade and supervise you as you write, and Lord Christopher volunteered. He's assured there will be no biased grading."
"That works fine with me, thank you."

The day of the exam arrives.
I sigh staring out the window as I wait for Lord Christopher to come.

"Cabel, I miss you... You're ridiculous, but I still miss you." I whisper.
Having avoided him for a few days, the last time seeing him being when I argued with him.

Just before I grow lost in my thoughts, a thud hits the table.
I jump startled, turning to see Lord Christopher stand by the table as he sets the exam down.

"Good morning, Lady Luna." He bows his head slightly.
I stand curtsying.

"Good morning, Lord Christopher. How are you?" I smile.
"I'd rather be helping my father, although I assure you, I will complete my duties properly. I won't be biased and grade strictly."
"As expected of you." I sit back down and giggle.

Lord Christopher sits down in front of me arranging the papers.
"This one's the booklet you answer the questions in, this one is a reference book, but it will not give you any vital information."
"I see. How long will I have to finish the test?"
"Five hours. More than enough time, but given that it's your only chance to write the exam you'll do well to remember to use all the time necessary."
"I understand, shall we begin?" I smile, holding a pen in my hand.
He sets a timer, pressing the start button.

I glance up as I write the exam, Lord Christopher writes on documents as he waits for me to finish.
The timer with only two hours left, I clear my throat as I sit up straight.
His eyes move to stare at the exam.

"Finished?" He asks.
"Yes."
"Are you sure you don't want to look over it again?"
"I won't be able to recognize any mistakes if I reviewed it once more, so I'd like for it to be marked now."
Lord Christopher sits up straight, moving his documents to the side before taking out a book.
He opens the book to show confidential answers regarding the exam. He begins grading.

The minutes pass as I sit anxious—unable to do anything but watch as he marks it. Suddenly, he places the exam down, setting his pen on the table.
His eyes move to meet mine, making me jump as I fear the worst.
He clears his throat and sighs.
"I'll be right back."

He gets up, leaving the room with my exam.
I stare out the window admiring the weather as I patiently wait.

"Is this true?"
Someone yells.

I jump, startled.
Looking back at the door, Sir Quintan and a few other palace consultants enter the room with Lord Christopher.
"Unbelievable..." Sir Quintan exclaims, overjoyed.

"I-Is something the matter?" I stand, nervous.
"299." Lord Christopher speaks.
A small smile grows on his lips, pleased.

"Pardon?" I stare, confused.
"You've scored a 299 on the exam!" Sir Quintan exclaims, clapping as he watches Lord Christopher walk up to me.
He hands me back my exam.

Looking down at the exam marked with a 299 out of 300. I look up at Lord Christopher and Sir Quintan.

"Really?" I question.
"Yes, unless of course you wanted to fail." Lord Christopher speaks.
"No! Oh my goodness, of course not!" I exclaim, relieved as I look at the mark, "Thank you for taking the time today, my lord!"
Curtsying to Lord Christopher, he bows his head and gives a small smile.
"The pleasure is mine, your majesty." He whispers.


"Ahem! I believe an apology is due to the lady." Sir Quintan loudly announces, facing the men in the room as they avoid eye contact.

They stay quiet, unable to speak out of embarrassment.

"It's alright." I speak up.
Everyone looks my way as I smile kindly.
"I understand why you questioned my ability, but I hope this will prove that I deserve to work alongside you all. Please treat me kindly from now on." I smile, bowing my head slightly.

The men in the room grow relieved as they watch me.
They bow their heads too.
"We look forward to working with you!"
The men speak, congratulating me.