A Reality better than the Dream

23.- Her confession and the marriage

In the morning of the second day after his confession of love, she ran to the hall where he was usually sitting and found him there, discussing with Tangren. He raised his eyes and saw her pale tired face and anxious stare. Without saying a single word, he got up and pulled her in the next room, the library, and made her sit. He was looking at her with frowned face.

Oren: What's wrong? You were closed in your room the whole day yesterday.

She had some tears in her eyes, her body was trembling due her anguish, but she was determined to speak clearly and honestly. He was waiting silently, without moving or touching her, only hearing her whispering voice.

Iris: Back then, I had... given... an oath... among others, to forget you and not love you ever again, and... and I kept it... I kept every single word of my oath. This oath rooted strongly in my heart... and controlled my life. But the reality has been, finally, proved different either than that... imagination of mine or that... bad memory. It was... it is better. I realized that... you are not only an excellent emperor but... also... an excellent man and... I cannot bear... not seeing you again, or losing you, or marrying somebody else. But it was very hard for me to... to... to accept in my heart that... in the end... I have loved you again.

And she burst into tears, hiding her face in her hands.

He immediately pulled her up and hugged her, waiting for her to stop crying. That ignorant little girl of the past had, finally, a very strong will and character. But this strong character had almost ruined their opportunities for a relationship, if he had not taken the initiative to solve the problem in a straight way and using this kind of force to make her clear the things in her heart. He sighed, caressing her back.

Oren: Alright... Iris... don't cry anymore. I made a heavy mistake in the past, but it was not your feelings back then which I wanted to hurt. On the contrary, it was that I had imagined there was lack of feelings, only a pretense... and I was too tired of the women's pretense and plots around me. I would have never hurt your innocent dreams in this way. But, even so, you were more wise than me and you had chosen your husband so quickly and clearly, although in such an age and not at all experienced. Anyway... I have really loved you... for long time now. I can no more imagine my life without you.

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Tangren outside left after a while, understanding that the emperor had to solve something relevant to his relationship with Iris. He met with General Sheng after a little time.

G.Sheng: The queen was closed in her room during the whole day yesterday and she didn't want to speak to anybody. I am worrying. What has happened?

Tangren: Aah... I suspect that these two had a problem and now they are trying to solve it. I hope the news will be good. The queen must have been crying before, her face was tired and her eyes red. Now, they are alone in the library.

G.Sheng: But why was she so distressed? Since he is interested in her, he would not betray her. So... what else?

Tangren: I suspect that the emperor has pressed her to proceed in this relationship, because she seemed to be unaware and distant... We'll know soon.

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In the library the emperor is holding in his embrace Iris and kissing her passionately.

Oren: I know that Tangren must be wondering now, I left him without any word. But... I can't leave you, I want to be with you and kiss you. After a few days you will be my wife and nobody will have the right and the courage to lay his eyes upon you or easily hurt you. You? How do you feel?