Lost || Claude De Alger Obelia

Twenty

If only Diana just stopped herself from meddling with a royal family's business then issues like these wouldn't have emerged, why would a dancer like her want a position that's so impossible to reach? What is she planning?

"But.." Diana's voice was weak as she tried to respond "You.. Your Highness and the Emperor is not officially married yet, what- what makes you think that you can just curse me like that?"

Her ruby red eyes held nothing but shamelessness as Diana glared back at you with her head held high "His Majesty can choose whoever he pleases, I'm sorry Princess [First Name] but I don't see you as an Empress yet. Not when the Emperor hasn't even married you yet."

Diana's words had you stuck in your place with mixed emotions, but most of it was anger and annoyance. This girl didn't know her place and it was clear, Claude couldn't do much about it while you could only stare back at her arrogant gaze. Diana's eyes stared at yours with a hint of challenge in them, that woman is a fool in your eyes. How dare she try to compare herself with you? A princess who very much had everything to please her soon-to-be husband, a princess who was supposed to rule an empire if her parents weren't a scumbag.

You had an advantage more than that Diana, you're almost perfect. Claude wouldn't waste a potential for someone who doesn't have basic human decency, even brainless. Such a naive woman who's trying to put herself into danger just so she could be with the Emperor. Did she really thought she could have him?

"What makes you think that the Emperor will waste his time on a mere commoner who dances around for a living?" you spat, not holding back your words intentionally so you could hurt her feelings equally. "I may not be officially married to the Emperor yet but I am not just a princess that is easy to dispose of by another nation, you have no right to open your mouth as you please. Especially now when you are only talking rubbish."

"Senseless fool" you continued "This is no fairytale for commoners to cling on high ranking nobles in the society, crush your dreams for it will never be a reality."

That hurt Diana for sure, the mention of her status and dreams, for a princess to stand up for herself and for Diana to be treated lowly by someone who she thought was easy to handle. Then again, what would she get? Diana was sure that Claude had shown interest with her, why is he silent now?

Diana looked back at Claude with pleading eyes, begging for him to say something. But the emperor simply averted his gaze somewhere else to avoid looking back at the shamed woman.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, was she alone all this time? Did she just wrongly assume that the Emperor had taken interest in her before? But she couldn't make a mistake at that moment right? 

No, the Emperor has something for me. That's impossible! Maybe he's just scared because of this wench!

"Your Highness" Diana begged for Claude tearfully "This is not what I was hoping for you to do!"

She watched as Claude slowly fixed his gaze towards her. A small pleading smile formed on Diana's lips once she saw him look back to you with a blank stare.

"I am in no position to give myself luxury in the hands of another woman, my loyalty lies in the Bernadotte family and my betrothed."

"What?"

Diana's body froze as Claude uttered his confirmation. So he wasn't in love with her after all? Did she just assume that he was slowly falling for her? But she was sure, she's sure about it. Claude had something for her.

Something must be wrong, right? This can't be happening to her, right?

Seeing you smile at Diana with pride made her want to vomit out whatever she's feeling, she didn't like how bitter defeat tasted like in her mouth. Was this the end? Of course not, why would it be?

"I do not accept this" she cried "Your Highness! I am not going to accept this fate! I guarantee your gaze for me before, was it all a lie? I know you have some lingering desire for me inside! There is still time, your Highness! Please!"

"Royals never meddle with commoners Diana, be careful of dreaming to be with one."

Was her mother right? No, that old lady died long ago. What did that hag know? Royals will turn their heads to Diana no matter what, she knows it.

Claude will be mine, mother. I will show you.