The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Five

In the royal palace, Lance rushes through the vast hallways as he carries stacks of documents. Entering an office, he quietly places the papers on the emperor's desk. 

"Where's the letter regarding the sale with Bussare?" Emperor Cabel uninterestedly speaks; his dark red eyes skimming over the papers in his hand.

Holding his other hand out, Lance swiftly picks up a document before placing it between the emperor's fingers. The emperor glances at the letter, his eyes sharpening until he breaks out in a laugh with a scowling tone.

"That greedy bastard, always so starved for money. Send the final invoice on the shipments from our islands. If he requests a higher percentage of the commission, terminate the deal and inform him another mistake will lead to the full revocation of his land and title as baron." The emperor scoffs, heedlessly tossing the letter to the ground.

The emperor swiftly works through documents as Lance assists. Writing down notes on a booklet, Lance pauses as a thought enters his mind.

"Your majesty, I just remembered." Lance cautiously speaks up.
"What is it?" Emperor Cabel responds, fixated on his documents.
"It's about the princess from the fallen kingdom, Avris. I sent a letter a few weeks back regarding her name, but I never received your response."
"And? You wrote that you've been addressing her as Luna. If that's the name you've called her by, then leave it as is." Emperor Cabel scoffs, unfazed as his eyes scan over documents.
"Well... May briefly go speak with her? I'm sure she'd like to know the confirmation of her name."

Emperor Cabel pauses, lowering his papers as he glances at Lance with a sly-teasing glare.

"Don't tell me, you've fallen for a member in my harem." Emperor Cabel grins, amused by Lance's behavior.
"N-No, your majesty!" Lance stammers, flustered by the emperor's teasing, "I simply grew close to Lady Luna while serving her. Afterall, the state she came in was pitiful but she's different from the other ladies. She's kind, caring, and intelligent, so I naturally came to respect her."
"If you're going to prattle on, just go quick. On your way back, bring refreshments, I need a break." Emperor Cabel leans back in his chair, waving his hand as he signals for Lance to leave.
"Yes, your majesty, thank you." Lance bows, rushing out the office.

Reaching the golden palace, Lance glances at his watch as he walks through the halls. Approaching a room, he knocks on Luna's door.

"Come in." Her gentle voice calls out.

Lance enters to see Luna sitting on the sofa as she curiously stares at the door. She stands, setting down the book in her hands with a radiant smile on her lips as she greets Lance.

"Lance! How have you been?" She excitedly asks, approaching him.

With a gentle smile, Lance bows as he sees her fully healed of any injuries.

"I've been well, how have you been, my lady?" Lance questions.
"Good! Maggie's been so sweet and makes herbal tea taste just as delicious as yours."
"Maggie?" Lance looks back at her, charmed by her innocence.
"Oh, yes! Magnolia's very young, so I thought using a nickname would help her feel more comfortable with me."
"I see." Lance laughs lightly, "I come with good news, my lady."
"Oh, what is it?"
"His imperial majesty has agreed to change your name to Luna."
"Oh, that's fantastic! I've grown accustomed to it, so I'm thankful he's allowed it. Please give him my thanks." Luna warmly smiles to Lance.

Lance nods until bowing his head.

"Of course, my lady. I must return to assist his majesty, so please carry on reading." 

In the royal palace's office, Lance pours a pale-yellow tea into a beautiful white and gold teacup. Quietly setting it on Emperor Cabel's desk, he begins to place savory snacks onto a plate. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes glued to a document in hand, Emperor Cabel picks up the teacup.
Taking a sip, he breaks his focus from the papers as he smells the aroma for a moment.

"What tea is this?" Emperor Cabel asks, a thought entering his mind for a moment.
"It's apple linden tea, your majesty. We received a gift of fresh linden, so I preserved it as a tea. Is it not to your liking?" Lance asks.
"No... It's fine." Emperor Cabel takes another sip, his expression calmed.
"I'm glad you enjoy it, your majesty." Lance smiles, bowing his head as he glances to the emperor's calm expression.