Wayward [The Princess' jewellery box]

[II] The first gem

In front of a mob of people, the emperor gave a speech to his subjects. Behind him, a flag with the emblem of the empire.

"Hear me, my loved town!" He began, prompting the murmurings of his subjects. "Can you all— Remember what happened 8 years ago?" He mentioned, making all them remember a brutal event, that happened eight years ago. "Remember, how in the brutal invasion of the Orionis. They took our land and played with our lives?!" All people began to shout, making it clear that they remember and had never forgotten it; not now, not ever. "However! The great lady astothelia ordered us to illuminate and restore our lands! 

Thanks to God's revelation, we have restored our glorious Arbelzea!

Under the great protection of the great lady! The sun will shine over us, the great empire of Arbelzea!" Finishing his speech, the emperor was acclaimed by his people, making them throw hats and flowers into the air, happiness floating in the air.

"It was a wonderful speech, your majesty. Praised be the mother of Arbelzea, the first grace empress Rogeris, I, princess Ariana Sekramis, salute to the great emperor jade Sekramis." Ariana greeted her father, while bowing down in her gorgeous, cream and golden-coloured dress.

"Oh, my lovely daughter Ariana~! What brings you here?" The emperor asked, with adoration in his voice.

"There is something, I'd like to consult with you." She stated.

"Sure~ What is it?" 

"I heard someone made a great contribution to bring this war to victory— May I give them the badge of recognition?" She asked brazenly, which made the first prince angered.

"How dare you ask for that! Are you challenging his majesty's authority?!" He shouted while pointing his finger at her, who in comparison stayed calm.

"Silence." The emperor ordered with a dark expression and a tick mark at the side of his head. "What do you think you are doing, Babylon?" He asked or more like demanded from his son; Babylon may be his first son, the emperor does not treat any better than an unrelated person.

"E-eh... I o-only wanted to... F-father..." Babylon began to be nervous, and was sweating profusely, loosing all confidence he had.

"The princess' request was not made with the purpose of challenging the emperor's authority.
For this, I give the permission to princess Ariana, to deliver the badge to the grand duke Black." He granted, his daughter, the right to give the badge to the grand duke.

To which, the received in her two hands and a big smile, while the prince was trembling, probably out of rage and jealousy; forget the 'probably'. He is most certainly jealous. After all, he doesn't even receive a congratulation from his father, while his half-sister receive everything he wants profusely.

"I appreciate it very much, your majesty!" She thanked him.

"Grand duke, come." The emperor called out the grand duke, who in return complied.

"Yes, your majesty." The grand duke obeyed.

Seeing him, the princess fangirled in her mind, admiring the grand duke's beauty. 'As expected, my eyes were not wrong—! Tall, strong and with an attractive face!!' She thought, with heart in her eyes. 'His sensuality cannot be hidden! It is perfect for becoming my first jewel.' She continued her thought, while admiring the grand duke's chest.

In fact, she has her very right to ogle him. With his smooth black shiny hair, his chocolate coloured skin, and his very attractive golden eyes. He is tall, and his black suit with golden details, met little place to imagination, as others, can see how muscular he is.