The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighteen

Uncomfortable—one word to describe this situation would be purely uncomfortable.

Sitting as proper as I can—my back almost tensing up—I force myself to flash an awkward smile. Shooting a small look of help towards Lance, I realize even he can't assist me as he appears just as taken aback by this interaction as I.

My eyes nervously shift over to the man sitting across from me—Emperor Cabel sips his tea, indifferent to our nervous reactions.

Reviewing documents in hand, he wears a composed expression as he sets the cup down onto the table full of finger sandwiches, fruits, tarts, and cakes.


"Um, your majesty, would you care for some strawberry cake?" I offer—in an embarrassing attempt to converse.

Glancing to meet my eyes, he looks down at the cake slice I hold up. Contemplating for a moment, he takes a reserved deep breath as he lethargically leans back in the cushion.

"I suppose I'll have some." He replies with a neutral tone.

Placing the cake slice onto his plate, I watch as he takes a bite—his eyes staying glued to his paper. His expression remains composed, except for the slight twitch in his brow as he chews.
I sip my tea unsure of what to do as he continues to silently read.

"Y-Your majesty, is there a reason you called to meet me today?" I nervously ask.
"No." He blankly responds, without breaking concentration from his work.

Lifting his cup with a subtle urgency, he takes a few sips of his drink.
Unable to handle the atmosphere, I flash another pleading stare to Lance—hoping he can explain or aid this awkward silence—yet he only smiles back seeming unsure of how to help.

Unable to handle the awkward situation, I sigh.

Upon hearing my sigh in the—painfully—silent office, the emperor' eyes quickly fall upon my face, my back straightening tighter as I meet his analyzing gaze. Placing the papers onto the table, he leans back into the sofa continuing to stare at me.

My heartbeat increases as the pressure intensifies, anxious if a minuscule movement of mine could inadvertently insult him—I sit frozen, unsure of what to do as his eyes burn into me.

"Your majesty... I-Is something wrong?" I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"No." He bluntly replies again—yet not seeming angry.

Back to square one.

I sit uneasy, taking another sip of tea as Emperor Cabel's stare continues to analyze me. Looking around his office to hide my discomfort, my eyes catch the large oil paintings decorating the room. His dark-oak desk covered with documents, and beige curtains with gold trimmings that line the large windows.


"Your majesty, I forgot there was an important letter I needed your stamp on." Lance speaks up.

I breathe a sigh of relief as Emperor Cabel's stare disappears to focus on Lance.

His majesty sighs as he rises to his feet.
Watching as he turns towards the desk, I can't help but notice how defined his features are. His wide-broad shoulders, and his defined back muscles visible even through his shirt. My eyes gazing up at how tall he is, my eyes linger on his styled hair.

Surprised from my lingering admiration, I quickly avert my eyes.
Taking a bite of cake, I awkwardly do my best to not make a sound as the fork cuts through the sponge cake.

Emperor Cabel and Lance whisper amongst themselves, quietly bickering, until they walk back to the table. His majesty sits down flustered. Glancing back at me and the cakes, he glares at Lance who stands to the side, before looking back at me again.

I sit confused as I watch him, a small smile grows on my lips as I realize the emperor has a subtly clumsy tone to him.

"Is... Is the cake to your liking?" Emperor Cabel asks, his lips growing into a small awkward smile.

I can't help but giggle at his innocent question.

"Yes, it's delicious. Is it to your liking?" I ask.
"It's..." He pauses, staring at the cake—scrutinizing every inch of it, "It's delicious."

I pause watching his expressions before staring back at Lance. Lance's expression once firmly composed, soon trembles as I notice a dimple form on his cheek as he tries to look away.

"Would you like to try this chocolate ganache cake as well?" I offer, realizing the reason to their behaviors, "It's decadent and heavenly."

Emperor Cabel looks at me, slightly taken aback as he feigns a smile.

"No. I'll finish this one for now." Emperor Cabel quickly takes a small bite of the strawberry cake.

His expression remains composed except for the clench in his jaw, and the subtle scrunch of his nose. I peek to see Lance averting his face, his shoulders shaking from holding in his laughter.

Unable to stop myself, I softly giggle as I look back at Emperor Cabel.

"Your majesty, it's clear to me you aren't fond of the cakes. I apologize for teasing you." I lightly laugh, watching him sip his tea to wash the confection down.
"How are you so certain?"
"Well, you don't even take sugar with your tea, and you haven't tried any other sweets. I only meant it as a joke, but please don't force yourself to eat something you don't like." I softly giggle, recalling his scowl as I offered another slice of cake.
"Playing tricks on the emperor? You're a brazen one." Staring at my expression, his majesty relaxes in his seat as his lips curl into a subtle smile.
"Ah, yes, well I apologize. I suppose I can be, but I doubt pulling a small joke counts as being brazen."
"It seems we have different opinions on what being brazen is then." He chuckles, taking a sip of his drink.


We sit and enjoy the afternoon as Emperor Cabel continues to read through documents. As I chat with Lance, the atmosphere feels more comfortable than what it initially started as.


The sun begins to set as I spend a few hours with his majesty. The daylight dimming as night approaches, Lance checks his pocket watch.

"Your majesty, it's almost time for dinner." Lance speaks up.

Emperor Cabel looks up at the clock.

"Yes, I suppose so." Emperor Cabel glances at me, his expression a bit conflicted as he thinks to himself.
"Shall I return to the golden palace then, your majesty?" I ask, confused by his expression.
"Ah... Yes, I suppose you should." He agrees, slightly dejected, "Lance, accompany her back."
"Yes, your majesty." Lance bows as he gestures for me to follow him, "Please come with me, my lady."

Giving a nod, I stand before curtsying to the emperor.

"Thank you for inviting me today, your majesty. May glory of Helios rest upon you." I give a small smile as he lounges on the sofa.


Leaving the palace with Lance, we sit in a carriage as it heads towards the golden palace's front door.

"Please forgive his majesty for today." Lance speaks up, breaking the silence.
"Why? It was nice." I cock my head to the side.
"I'm sure it was confusing... His majesty is just experimenting, I should say." Lance smiles awkwardly, lightly laughing.
"Was it about anything bad?"
"No, not at all. I think he was only curious."
"I see, but I had fun today. Though it was a bit awkward, it was nice, thank you."

A relieved smile grows on Lances lips as he nods.

Giving my goodbyes, I enter the golden palace before making my way to my bedroom.

After getting ready to sleep, I read before bed.
Except, occasionally distracted by the memory of the emperor—those deep-crimson eyes of his that watched my every move, and the sight of his wide shoulders.
Placing my hands on my cheeks as I feel my face grow hot, I shake my head trying to get the memories out of my mind.

"Perhaps, I am brazen..." I mumble, unable to stop picturing his majesty's enchanting eyes.

Hiding my flushed face into my book, I scold myself for letting such thoughts enter my mind.