In a world where everything seems perfectly logical and pragmatic. The thought of anything existing outside of the realm of what one already knows seems impractical.
That is how Melinda Morrison sees life.
The very life where she has shared nearly e...
To lose a love, and gain a new one, an awakening occurs.
"Your Majesty?"
I glanced up from my desk, my expression cautious, and frowned with dismay as I observed one of Lavania's handmaidens returning with the lunch tray. Lavania's favorite foods and treats adorned the tray, all untouched. It marked the third day she had abstained from eating since our return from Earth, choosing to remain sequestered in her private room, distance from mine. Each night, I lingered by her door, imploring her to emerge so we could converse, yet she remained unresponsive.
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I swallowed hard and nodded, my voice somber, "We will try again later."
The maid bowed gently, silently excusing herself from my office. Frustration gnawed at me as I leaned back against my chair, contemplating my next move.
Rarely did Melinda and I find ourselves at odds. Even on the infrequent occasions when disagreements arose, resolution came swiftly, usually within a few hours at most. The current situation baffled me. I detested the fact that I couldn't speak to her, be in her presence, or even touch her. It felt as though someone had stripped away the wellspring of my happiness and sanity. The longing for her was intense, and I spent days simply being near her door, even if conversation remained elusive.
However, as the Emperor of Vesneau, a role that became apparent with newfound responsibilities after our return from Earth, I recognized the need to fulfill obligations. We still hosted guests from a prominent foreign country, and following the conclusion of the Green Solar Eclipse festival, I fabricated an excuse, stating that the Empress was unwell. It sufficed for the time being, diverting suspicion from our guests. However, the uncertainty of how long she would persist in neglecting meals weighed heavily on me.
Defense sorcerers could endure extended periods without food and water, yet I couldn't shake my concern. What if she fell ill? What if she was in pain? The questions haunted my thoughts, fueling my determination to bridge the divide that had emerged between us.
I rose abruptly, my heart pounding with the immediate concern that something might be amiss. The notion that Melinda could be in trouble or distress gripped me, prompting me to stand. However, my anxiety abated as I noticed one of her ravens perched outside my windowsill, nonchalantly milling about. The ravens always mirrored the well-being of their mistress; their casual demeanor assured me that she wasn't physically harmed.
Frustration welled within me as I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling a sigh.
Melinda had caught me off-guard that day. Her unexpected question had left me momentarily stunned. My automatic assumption was that she regretted returning; our last day on Earth had been emotional for both of us. It marked the final occasion we'd see our family, at least in the tangible sense, relying solely on visions and distant memories. But when she locked eyes with me, her gaze as clear as the sparkling blue oceans of our old world, and asked if I was in love with her, I froze.
