The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Twelve

"Come in." I reply to the library doors being knocked on.

The door opens and Hayden enters.
Wearing a pristine white uniform, with a white winter coat draped over his shoulders—his nose a slight red from the chilly air—I grab a handkerchief as I notice the frosty dew that dampens his coat.

"Hayden! How have you been?" Setting down my book, I walk towards him as I hold out the cloth.
"I'm well, are you taking care of yourself these days?" He asks, giving a gentle smile as he brushes off the frost with the handkerchief.
"Yes, it's been so cold out, that I've been forced to wear multiple layers even inside. Are you staying healthy? You patrol outside a lot."
"Don't waste your worries on me, I'm usually in an office until I go on patrol. I've brought a small gift." Hayden hands me a small box.

Curiously opening it, I smile in excitement as I see chocolate covered strawberries.

"Thank you, but you didn't need to bring me a gift!" I smile, my heart feeling warm as I stare in the box.

I glance up at Hayden who looks conflicted yet forces a small smile.
Catching a glimpse of his momentary expression, he quickly wears a calm smile. The brief change in expression weighing on my thoughts, I can only assume his expression is fatigue from work.

"Um, would you like to join me for tea? Maggie went to prepare some." I offer, hoping to lighten his mood.
"I suppose I have time to spare." 

Preparing an extra teacup upon her return, Magnolia diligently serves finger sandwiches and small servings of cake.

"Would you care for a slice of mango mousse cake, Sir Hayden?" Magnolia offers.
"Yes, thank you." Hayden smiles lightly as the cake is placed on his plate.

Magnolia finishes serving the snacks and leaves—I can't help but burst into laughter upon seeing Hayden's expression.

"What is it?" He asks.
"Sorry, I know you don't like sweets, but it was funny how you scrutinized it. If you didn't want it, why not just say so?" I ask, stealing the cake off his plate.
"Imperial members-" Hayden pauses and thinks for a second, "Close members to the emperor, are not allowed to share likes and dislikes of food in case of poisoning attempts."
"Oh, how come you told me?" I look at him dubiously.

He freezes looking at my curious gaze.

"You... You're different. It seems you value the privacy of yourself and those around you... You feel like you welcome anyone worthy." He kindly speaks, taking a small sip of tea as he breaks our eye contact.

I smile softly, the warmth of his kind words engraving in my heart. We sip our tea and share the snacks, warmed by the heat of the fire.

I open my eyes to see the sun rising brightly. The room is filled with soft colors of red and orange, illuminated from the rising sun. Sitting up, I can't help but smile as I stare at Hayden's cape draped over the sofa.
Since receiving his cape, the nightmares became less frequent—even if they return, I no longer feel the heavy weight of fear that I once did. Recalling the strength and confidence Hayden carries himself with, I remind myself to follow in his steps.

Getting ready, I slide on a long sleeve dark beige and gold dress. Slipping into beige heels, I style my hair into a ponytail as I quietly hum to myself.

"Lady Luna, there's an urgent invitation for you!" Magnolia enters, rushing to place a tray down.

She runs over to hand me the envelope.
My eyes widen as I stare at the luxurious envelope with a gold wax seal, stamped with the emperor's insignia—a dragon wrapped around a sword.

Hesitant, I cautiously open it as my stomach twists. Worried if he's calling for me to perform my duties as a concubine, Magnolia anxiously watches as my fingers tremble.
Reading the invitation, I breathe a sigh of relief.

"What does it say, Lady Luna? Is his majesty asking for you?" Magnolia asks, worried.
"No, he's holding a winter solstice ball next week and all the ladies of the harem must attend."
"Oh, that's wonderful, you could meet Sir Hayden there!" Magnolia exclaims.
"I doubt I could. He's a high position in his majesty's guards. He'll possibly have to work or entertain officials."
"Even so, this is wonderful! We must begin preparations, I'll order a gown right away!"
"No... I actually have a gown that'll be passable." Placing the invitation down, I quickly head to the wardrobe to take out a carefully wrapped gift box.

 
"Hayden, hello!" I call out, trudging through the snow towards the guard.

Snowflakes that landed in his hair and upon his shoulders, glimmer like the finest diamonds against his uniform. His eyes curling as he gently smiles, he takes a few steps towards me too.

"How beautiful—an angel covered in snow." He casually says with a soft tone.

Feeling my cheeks grow warm from his sweet words, I lightly swat at his arm.

"Oh, you and your flirtatious words. Anyways, I received an invitation to the winter solstice ball, I wondered if you'd be attending as well?" I curiously ask.

Suddenly growing flustered, his eyes glance elsewhere as if trying to avoid looking back at me.

"No, I'm afraid I have to investigate the lower domains for a few days." He calmly answers, flashing a solemn smile.
"Ah I see." Unable to stop myself from pouting, I feel slightly disappointed.

Lightly chuckling, Hayden awkwardly pats my head with his gloved hand.
I quickly look up, surprised by his actions.

"Don't be glum. I'm not going to war. I'll visit you the moment I return." Hayden smiles slightly, his eyes turning gentle as they look back at mine.
"Promise?"
"Yes, I promise."

I smile, my cheeks feeling hot against the cold air as I notice the tenderness he looks at me with.

"If you're not busy, would you like to go on a walk?" He asks, holding out his arm to me.

I nod, accepting his arm as we begin to walk to the forest.