One Night with the Emperor || Royalty Series #1 ||

CHAPTER 1: A simple life

Waking up every morning was a blessing for Sidhi. She had always been a morning person, savoring the calm and serenity of the early hours. There was something magical about watching the sun rise, its soft golden light spilling over the earth, chasing away the shadows of night.Each day brought a sense of hope and renewal, something she needed now more than ever.

But as she descended the stairs to the kitchen, her heart sank. Her mother, Camilla, sat slumped at the dining table, the weariness of her illness deeply evident into her face. Bedridden for months now, Camilla’s once lively spirit had darkened, leaving her a shell of the vibrant woman Sidhi once remembered. It broke Sidhi’s heart every morning to see her like this, frail and helpless, but she never let it show. Instead, she forced a bright smile as she leaned down and kissed her mother’s forehead.

"Good morning, Ma!" she said softly, trying to inject as much cheer into her voice as possible.

Camilla’s tired eyes brightened, if only slightly. "Good morning, love. Off to work already?" she asked, her voice thin but warm. She watched her daughter bustle about the kitchen, setting the table and preparing a simple breakfast.

"Yeah, I'm headed to the bakery soon," Sidhi replied, her tone faltering a bit as worry crept into her mind. "Are you going to be okay here? I’m not sure I can come home early today."

Camilla’s lips curved into a small smile, though Sidhi could tell it was meant more to reassure her than anything. "I’ll be fine, sweetheart. You don’t need to worry about me. Focus on your work. I’ll manage."

But Sidhi did worry. She worried constantly. How could she not? Camilla was her whole world, the only family she had ever known. Her father had always been a mystery—an absent figure in her life. Camilla never spoke about him, and Sidhi never pressed for details. What was the point? He had never been there, not for her, not for her mother. Over time, the curiosity had faded, replaced by the fierce love and protectiveness she felt for Camilla. As long as she had her mother, that was enough.

Still, the thought of leaving her mother alone all day gnawed at her. Sidhi frowned as she finished setting the table. "If anything happens, promise me you'll tell one of the neighbors to come get me, okay?" she said firmly, trying to cover up the anxiety that was forming inside of her.

Camilla gave a soft laugh, though it sounded more like a sigh. "Oh, Sidhi, you worry too much. I’ll be alright. Now, go on, or you’ll be late."

With a reluctant nod, Sidhi grabbed her bag and headed out the door, casting one last glance over her shoulder at her mother before leaving. The village streets were quiet as usual and walking to the bakery was one of the few moments of peace Sidhi had in her day. The early morning air was crisp and cool, the faint scent of dew still lingering in the breeze. For just a few minutes, she could forget about the weight of responsibility on her shoulders and focus on the rhythm of her steps, the simplicity of moving forward.

The bakery itself was her sanctuary. There was something soothing about the scent of fresh bread and pastries, the warmth of the ovens, the soft chatter of customers. It was a small, humble place, but it meant the world to her. The work kept her hands busy, and the steady routine gave her mind a break from the constant worrying about her mother.

As she approached the bakery, she smiled to herself. Despite everything, she genuinely looked forward to her job. There was a certain joy in kneading dough, shaping loaves, and seeing the finished products come out golden and perfect. It was something tangible, something she could control in a world where so much felt uncertain.

Sidhi pushed open the door to the bakery, the familiar bell above the entrance jingling softly. She was greeted by the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked goods and the sight of her co-worker, Maria, already hard at work behind the counter.

"Morning, Sidhi!" Carla called out with a cheerful wave.

"Morning!" Sidhi replied, her spirits lifting slightly. Working alongside Carla was one of the highlights of her day. The older woman had taken Sidhi under her wing when she first started at the bakery, and over time, they had developed a close friendship. Carla was like a second mother to her—kind, nurturing, and always ready with a word of advice or encouragement.

"Everything alright at home?" Catla asked, her voice laced with concern as she glanced at Sidhi.

Sidhi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, Ma’s the same. But she insists I stop worrying about her," she said with a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

The old woman gave her a sympathetic look. "That’s what mothers do. They try to shield us, even when they’re the ones who need the care." She paused, then added softly, "But you’re doing great, Sidhi. Don’t forget that."

The reassurance warmed Sidhi’s heart. It wasn’t easy juggling work and caregiving, but moments like these reminded her that she wasn’t completely alone. There were people who cared, who understood. And for now, that was enough to keep her going.