Red Rose | The Remarried Empress

Chapter 8

Avaenará POV:
I was walking to the carriage with Mira and Darla by my side. Before I entered someone called my name.

"Your imperial majesty!" I turned around to see Sovieshu with both Navier and Rashta by his side.

"Must you really be going now? We barely had some time together." Sovieshu asked with a sad look. I scoffed. Does he not remember how he treated me last night? Saying I insulted him and his mistress.

"Yes emperor. I am. After the way I was treated by you and your mistress I wish not to stay any longer. I have my own empire to run now." I turned to Navier, giving her a smile and hug. "It was nice to talk to you." "I as well." She responded.

I let go of her and snapped my fingers. Darla came over with two envelopes sealed with a wax seal, stamped with the Northern Empire crest.

"These are invitation to the Christmas Banquet and Winter Ball." I announced. "I do hope you both will come." I handed the invitations to Sovieshu and Navier. "Does Rashta get one too?" I looked over to Rashta who what an excited look on her face as she eyed the invitation. She looked at me and I shook my head.

"No you don't." Rashta had a saddened face. Her face went back to an excited one in a matter of seconds. She then clung onto Sovieshu's arms. "That's okay! Rashta can just go with his majesty!" "No you may not."

"W-What?" Rashta stuttered. "May I ask why Rashta cannot come your imperial majesty?" Sovieshu asked. "Only those who have an invitation or their name written in it are welcomed. She has neither."

"And besides. Mistresses aren't allowed in the Northern Empire." With that I took a bowed.

"I shall take my leave now your majesties. I wish to see you once again." I turned around and walked to the carriage, hearing Rashta's sobs.

As I entered and sat Sovieahu called out. "Can you make an exception? Or another invitation for Rashta Avaenará?" I looked to him with a cold stare. "The invitations already have been sent out Sovieshu. And my sister was in charge of the guest list. And my sister would never invite a mistress to such important occasions."

"You father's mistresses were never allowed to step foot in the Northern Empire and neither will yours." "And it's your imperial majesty to you from now on." Duke RM who was standing by the carriage shut the door and we were off. I stared out the window. I saw Navier watching as we rode off. Rashta fell to the floor sobbing and Sovieshu comforting her while also watching the carriage.

I sighed and sat back. It was an exhausting trip.

*Northern Empire*
Upon arriving I was met with my castle staff and my sister, Seraphina. She was the imperial crown princess of the Northern Empire. Once I got out I was greeted by a hug from her.

"How was your trip?" She asked. "It was interesting." I hugged back and said. "I'll tell you more at dinner. I'm quite famished." "Of course sister. Dinner should be ready soon. Let us head to the dining room."

We headed to the dining room and were greeted with a beautiful aroma. On the table the maids were setting plates of bread rolls, butter, grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, bowl of fruits, and many more delightful foods. As we took our seating two more maids appeared with two plates with a lid. They placed each plate in front of us before taking of the lid. We were greeted with the rich aroma of a medium rare cooked steak. The maids placed some mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus on the plates before leaving.

As we ate I told Seraphina about my trip and everything that happened. Including Rashta.

"Sovieshu despises his father for loving other women besides his mother. Now he's doing the exact same thing with Navier." Seraphina grumbled as she rubbed her forehead.

"Well we'll have to be prepared for when they come for the Christmas Banquet and Winter Ball." I informed. "Will the slave be there?" "I said she wasn't allowed but Sovieshu doesn't seem to want to listen to me so I suppose so." I sighed.

At the end of the day we both left to our chambers.

As I got ready for bed I was visited by Duke V.

"Your imperial majesty I bare news from Duke Suga." "Proceed."

"He says that he overheard his majesty say to her majesty that he will be bringing Rashta as a guest since she already had a invitation." I sighed. Of course he is.

"Very well." "Shall we prepare anything for the mistress your imperial majesty? Since we only prepared the right amount for the certain amount of people that are coming?"

I answered no.

"The mistress was never invited in the first place. Our empire despises mistresses. If she is out of order we'll be informed." I say. "Is that all?" V nodded. "Then you may leave now. Thank you."

As he left and I went to bed I made a mental note to keep a watchful eye on Rashta once she arrives. She may have Sovieshu and some of the Eastern Empire citizens wrapped around her finger now, but here, she'll be nothing but a pawn under my control. She'll be in my territory soon. Meaning she'll be playing my game.