ROMAN EMPIRE (Mafia Series 7) (The Emperor of Alpha's Empire) (On-going)

CHAPTER 6

EXHAUSTED TO the point of utter weariness, I made haste to my chambers and cast myself upon the bed. The recent council meeting had taxed my mind considerably. We, my trusted advisors and I, discussed the audacious rebels, those who tried to threaten my life. In light of this perilous incident, the palace has been placed under heightened security measures.

Fear was not my primary concern. Rather, I found myself bewildered. The idea that there are people who would dare to threaten me, even though I have power, is something I find hard to understand. It seems I have underestimated the extent of those who harbor ill will towards me.

In times past, my mom, the Queen Mother, and my dad, the King, were really loved and respected by everyone. They were kind and caring rulers, and everyone thought very highly of them. But now, I feel so much pressure. I'm worried I'm not doing a good job as the new Queen. I'm not sure I'm as kind or as good at ruling as my parents were. It makes me scared that I might not be good enough to be the next leader. I feel like I'm not worthy of the throne. The weight of governing this nation rests heavily upon my shoulders. I strive to comprehend the complexities of my realm, yet I find myself met with resistance from certain quarters.

I let out a weary sighed and just stared into nothingness. Kairo is still here in the palace, but I don't know where he is right now. He's going to stay for another day, just like Primo. I really want them to make up, but my friend is so stubborn that I don't think anything will change. Kairo is a man of exceptional kindness, always taking the time to ask about the well-being of those around him. His warmth and genuine care extend particularly to Astrella. As I have stated before, he is nearly without flaw.

I closed my eyes, inhaling the delicate fragrance that permeates my chambers. This is why I love staying here. The air and the scent always make me feel calm.

While I had my eyes closed, I felt someone watching me. I didn't react, letting the familiar footsteps, scents, and even the rhythm of their breathing wash over me. There's no need to worry about any of it though. Sanay na ako.

“Tired?” -he asked. “Want me to help you?”

I sighed, “What kind of help?” -I replied, my eyes still closed. “Riding a horse? Fighting? Playing with an arrow?”

“Well, I can do massage.”

I chuckled, “You know, Primo, you're annoying,” -I finally opened my eyes to meet his mismatched gaze. “Surely, you have more pressing matters to attend to? Perhaps you could refrain from further discourse and find more suitable diversions elsewhere.”

“Ugh. I really hate it when you're pushing me away.” -he laid down beside me. He even propped himself up on one elbow so he could face me. “I have something to tell you.”

“Tell what?”

“Did you know Kairo is in your horse's stable? I mean, right now?”

I closed my eyes again. “Just let him, he and Aslan are friends.”

He growled, “Friends my ass. If I know, nagpapapansin 'yon.”

“I thought you don't hate him? Why do you speak of him so disparagingly?”

“Yeah, I say that. I just don't like the way he visits you. I think he's... thinking something... weird, I don't know. And I'm convinced it has something to do with you.”

“Primo, ako naman talaga ang sinadya niya, 'di ba?” -I answered. “He was so worried about me. There's no need to fuss about it.”

“No need to fuss? Gwendolyn—”

“Enough,” -I cut him off. “Tama na, okay? Let me rest.”

He didn't say anything pagkatapos kong sabihin 'yon. I tiredly massaged my temple. God, what can I do to make things right between them?  Primo acts like a kid whenever he sees Kairo. He doesn't hate him pero kung makamura at makapagsabi ng masasama parang daig pang kriminal. Sometimes when he's talking nonsense, I get so frustrated that I end up hitting him. He deserves it though. He takes such delight in provoking those around him that I struggle to contain my anger.