ᴄʜᴜʙʙʏ ʙᴜɴɴʏ, ᵂᵐᵐᵃᵖ

16| ꜱᴛᴀʀᴇ ɪɴ ꜱᴘᴀᴄᴇ

Endlessly wandering through the labyrinthine palace, he follows wherever his feet take him, to unknown destinations. As the darkness creeps in, it has become his ritual to roam the halls, shrouded in mystery. The frigid night air dances around him, rustling his golden locks and billowing his Greek-inspired garments. Yet, he remains unfazed, continuing on his enigmatic journey through the palace. 

He had finished his work and all the papers were in order. The snobby nobles who had looked down on him were no longer a problem, and he finally had time to rest. However, sleep evaded him. He longed for Athy's company, yet he couldn't bring himself to call her, for he cared deeply about her health. 

Lastly, there was Alena. It had been far too long since they had been in each other's company. Once, he had carried her with ease, whether to meetings or through the affairs of the empire. But now, with her return to human form, things had shifted. He could no longer indulge in the playful banter and light jabs they once shared.

You always seem to be in the company of that young magician. Every time he caught a glimpse of you, she was with him. When he mustered the courage to question your motives, you simply replied that he was aiding you in mastering your shapeshifting abilities and helping the young magician with his 'work'. Though he was displeased with your answer, he decided to let it be.

But sometimes you would come and visit him at least, giving him tea or company him. At least he was glad for that at least you remember him. 

[<3]

Stepping outside into the crisp night air, he caught sight of your petite form seated on a bench in the garden. Confused yet intrigued, he approached you silently, taking his time to observe you from a distance. You were still awake, alone in the cold night air, and were only in your nightwear. The young magician was nowhere to be seen, and it was just the two of you in this quiet, secluded garden. Despite his careful footsteps, you remained oblivious to his presence. You didn't turn around or acknowledge the sounds he made, lost in your thoughts. He wondered what could be running through your mind, what secrets you were hiding beneath that calm exterior. 

As the moonlight shone upon your figure and his, he could finally see you clearly. He took note of the petals that adorned your hair, and as a strong wind blew in, your hair began to sway back and forth. The petals were caught in the wind and scattered around you and the emperor as if carried away by some unseen force. 

As you sat there in the garden, only in your nightwear as we speak, the cold night air should have made you shiver. But to his surprise, you remained still and unflinching, lost in your own thoughts. He quickened his pace, unconsciously drawn to your stillness, and called out your name. But you remained silent as if caught in a trance.

He couldn't help but feel frustrated as he called out your name again and received no answer. What was going on in your mind that you didn't even acknowledge his presence? He moved closer, unconsciously reaching out and grabbing your wrist from behind, pulling you to face him.

But as he turned to face you, he was struck by the sight of your head hanging down, your white locks covering your face. It was as if you had fallen asleep right there on the bench, oblivious to the world around you.

'Is she perhaps asleep?' he huffed, amused by how you could sleep like this. "Doesn't your back hurt from sitting like that?"

Reaching out and brushing the hair from your face, his jewel eyes slightly widened when he saw your eyes were still open but it was dull, not like before that shone with emotions in them. The shape of your diamond and heart pupil were long gone as his eyes were just met with her dull purple once.