In Time And Memories

Chapter Fifty-Eight

"It's your birthday next month," Urus said.

My eyes widened. "It is?" I can't believe that it's been almost a year now.

It is only the evidence of how fast the time passes by. No matter how powerful a person is, they can't still stop the time. Time will pass even if a lot people does not want to.

"After the coronation, Duke Arthoion wants to retire his position as the commander of Golden Xazuiqiel," Urus said while reading a paper. It only make sense that the duke wants to retire since he's not getting young. "Now, I have to find someone who fits to be the commander."

"How about Xiel? Although he is playful, he is still an excellent captain of the Black Zierg," I suggest.

As of now, the appointment of new commander for the Black Zierg has not yet finalized but a lot of knights has already suspected that it will be Cavelia. She's the vice commander so I also think that she will inherit Urus' position.

He hummed. "Xiel is not the person in my mind. He should be the commander of Black Zierg instead." What? Does it mean he has no intention to appoint Cavelia as the new commander?

"And Cavelia?"

"She will have her own battalion." Oh well, that is good too.

The number of the knights has increased so it would be good to have another battalion. Besides, some knights will be designated to different cities. Speaking of, I haven't heard anything about Cain.

Last time, Thebion said to me that Cain is the commander there in Astareth so he's having a good time.

When I looked up, I saw Urus staring at me. He have his hands clasps together and looks like he is having a deep thought.

"What is it?"

"You."

My forehead creased. "Me?"

"I want you to be the commander of the Golden Xazuiqiel." My jaw dropped and eyes widened. I never thought that he have his plan to make me take the highest position in the empire's elite forces.

His lips formed into a thin line and his expression became blank after seeing my reaction.

"You don't want to?"

"I-I, no... I mean, it's such an honor." I stuttered. How embarrassing.

Urus became relaxed and his face also brightened. He chuckled. "You are the empress. Therefore, I want you to take that position. Can I do that?" He's right.

"Of course," I answered him then smiled.

"Great."

--

I was still surprised with Urus' decision but either way, it is a good thing for me. Being the commander of the elite knights have its own benefits, you know. Someday, I can have my own dukedom that will be inherited by my children.

Children...

Right. Aside from supporting the emperor, it is only right to bear his children as his wife.

A faint smile appeared on my lips.  Just imagining some children running through the halls of this palace is giving warmth on my heart. I wonder what will they look like.

I stopped daydreaming when I saw Cavelia and Xiel together.

Cavelia was leaning on the wall while Xiel is cornering her. My forehead creased when I saw some tears on Xiel's cheeks while Cavelia is just staring at him.

What's going on between them? From what I heard, Cavelia and Xiel does not get along pretty well.

So how come they are so close now? I mean, physically close.

Xiel's expression is not something to have while staring at the person he does not get along with. My head tilted. Don't tell me...the person he was pertaining to before is Cavelia?

"I have my eyes on someone but I'm too coward to ask her to be mine."

"I think she likes someone else."

Was that Cavelia?

Oh well. Whatever it is, I have no rights to meddle since it's their life and problem.

I stepped back to go on a different direction but I bump something on my back. I was just caugh off guard when it suddenly burst out crying. When I turned my head, I saw that it is Mellie.

Her cries got Xiel and Cavelia's attention.

I lowered myself then tried to comfort her. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Please stop crying." Damn. How can I have my own child when I can't comfort someone else's child?

Xiel and Cavelia went running to us. They both bowed their heads then greeted me. "Is everything alright, Your imperial highness?" It is Xiel who asks me.

"I was about to turn back when she bumped into me."

"Turn back?" I heard Cavelia. Great. Now they know I saw them and whatever's going on earlier.

I cleared my throat. "W-What should I do?" Cavelia went forward then lowered herself too. She smiled to Mellie and patted her head. My mouth gaped when Mellie put her hands up and then Cavelia carried her.

"Does it hurt, Your highness? The empress didn't mean to hurt you so please stop crying now, okay?" She said softly while dancing slowly.

I was surprised when Mellie did stop crying and then wrapped her arms around Cavelia's neck to hug her. Xiel and I only stood there while watching Cavelia comfort Mellie.

My eyes glanced at him. Xiel is staring at Cavelia intently, as if he doesn't want her to escape his sight. That only confirms it that he likes Cavelia ever since and probably the person Cavelia likes is Urus.

That must have hurt on Xiel's part. Imagine being in love with a girl who loves your cousin. But to think that it didn't tainted their relationship, it also means that Xiel's bond with Urus is stronger than his desire.

A smirk appeared on lips when Xiel suddenly looked at me. His face turned sour after seeing my teasing look.

"So, Cavelia, huh?" I whispered to him

"Are you demanding an answer as the empress or as a friend?" He faced me with a smile.

Oh, look at him. How silly.

"Nevermind."

The servant came running to us, she's probably Mellie's maid. "Apologies, Your imperial highness." She bowed her head. "Princess Mellie ran away and I didn't catch her immediately so I lost her."

She is not supposed to apologize to me. If Celestia or Prince Pierre found it out, they might kick this servant.

I sigh. "Just don't lost her again, if you don't want to feel Celestia's wrath." I turned my back and walked out. Since Mellie's maid is here, there's nothing I have to concern about.

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