The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Twenty

I sip my tea, my eyes flitting towards Lance and back to his majesty.

Emperor Cabel sits on the sofa across from me, reading a document.

"Your majesty, could I ask why you've been calling me the past week?" I ask, nervous if I've done something wrong.
"You just need to sit and enjoy your tea." He replies, without bothering to look up.

A small sigh escapes my lips; I can only gaze at the sun shining brightly as I realize I may never know the answer.
The snow settles outside, making it appear as if the trees are glistening with diamonds. A small smile grows on my lips as I can't help but admire the scenery.

"Are you bothered by me calling you?" Emperor Cabel lowers his document, his brow raising dubiously as he stares at me.
"No, not at all, your majesty. I'm honored to have tea with you." I smile, reassuring him.

Flashing a quick glance towards Lance, his majesty waves his hand to call Lance over to him. I watch confused as Emperor Cabel whispers into Lance's ear—his entrancing eyes still focused on me as I flash a small smile to hide my curiosity.

"Yes, your majesty. I'll be sure to return as quick as I can." Lance bows.

Nervous as I watch Lance leave the room, the door shutting behind him makes me feel more aware that I'm left alone with the emperor.

I sit awkwardly, watching his majesty read his document again. Unable to draw my eyes away, I can't help but admire his facial features; long thick eyelashes, a chiseled jaw, a sharp nose, and his hair soft and silky.


"Is there a reason you're burning a hole into my face?" His eyes suddenly lock with mine, making me realize he's been aware of my gaze.
"N-No, I apologize, your majesty. I was lost in my thoughts, but I guess I was staring at you..." I stammer, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I try to lie.
"Are you enjoying the golden palace?" Emperor Cabel questions, placing his documents onto the table as he raises his cup to take a sip.
"Yes, it's unbelievable how many books are in the library. I always end up reading many books, from morning until night." I softly chuckle, shy as I try to hide the full extent of how happy it makes me feel.
"I see... So, you enjoy reading?" He flashes an interested smile—yet has a hint of forced clumsy charm to it.

Holding back the laugh I feel from seeing his endearing reaction, I give a nod as I maintain a calm composure.

"Yes, I love it. I feel like the most I can do in this life, is to learn about the world that I couldn't learn about when I was younger." I honestly speak, touched that he's trying to converse.

Suddenly, Emperor Cabel pauses, thinking to himself for a moment as he tries to gather his thoughts. Patiently waiting for him to speak, his eyes cautiously meet mine.

"Would you share the story of your childhood?" He bluntly asks.

My eyes widen from his abrupt question—his expression calm as he analyzes me with his gaze.
I stammer, cut off guard.

"I-I suppose I could. Is there anything in particular that you wish to know about?"
"Why you were chained up... And why you were announced dead at a young age." He mumbles making it hard to discern what the last thing he said was.
"Pardon?" I tilt my head.
"Nothing. I'm just curious as to how you ended up locked away."
"It's a bit of a long story, your majesty."
"We have time. You don't need to speak about it if you don't wish to."

As I think over his words, lost in his expression, we stare back at each other in a moment of silence. His eyes filled with sincerity and sadness, causing a small ache in my heart. The look in his eyes, making me question why he seems to be in so much pain.
His mind almost seeming to run wild, the expression of sorrow growing more evident.

"I-I don't mind speaking about it..." I quietly answer, lost in the sympathetic emotions I feel for him.

Suddenly, the door opens abruptly.

I jump, startled as I see Lance enter. Bowing, he approaches me until holding out a book.

"Here you are, Lady Luna. I brought a book you might be interested in." Lance smiles.