The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Thirty-Four

Sitting at the dining table, Cabel and I eat dinner.
I take a sip of red wine, after swallowing a bite of roasted pork.

"Did you really learn all of that on your own?" Cabel asks, taking a bite of his food.
"I did, yes. Growing up, I could only teach myself. So, I love reading, it helps me learn about a world I couldn't learn about, when I was younger-" I pause, remembering saying the same line before, "Oh forgive me, have I said this to you already?"
"The same words exactly, yes." Cabel laughs, smiling fondly.

I smile staring at his smile, suddenly struck by memories of Hayden smiling.
Staring at Cabel, I can't help but wonder why Hayden came to my mind as I looked at Cabel's smile.
"Is something wrong?" Cabel gives a confused stare.
"Oh no, nothing's wrong. I just remembered I haven't seen a friend of mine in a while... A lot has happened I suppose." I do my best to repress the minor sadness growing inside of me.
Cabel nods as he listens.
"I see. Hayden, I assume? I can contact him to visit you when you're free." He speaks.
"No, please don't. I don't feel right about asking that of you."
"It's okay. I'll let you know when he's available. What day works for you?"
"I suppose any day... Tomorrow I was going to visit Magnolia though, but I promise you don't need to arrange anything for me."
"I said I would so there's no point in being shy." Cabel smiles at me, continuing to eat.
Giving a small nod, I take another bite of the food.

"Maggie!" I exclaim.
I run up to the bed, hugging her.
"My lady!" Magnolia calls out, excited.
"Here, these are for you." I hand Magnolia a bouquet of peach and pink flowers, "Have you been feeling well?"
"Thank you! Yes, I am! I'll be able to come back to work soon!" She takes the flowers hugging them tightly.
I smile as I see her complexion clear of injuries, with only bandages and a sling wrapped around her shoulder.

The morning goes by quickly as I keep her company.
Sitting side by side, I read her a story. Suddenly, she lightly holds my sleeve, stopping me as I move to flip the page.

"Maggie? What's the matter?" I ask.
"My lady, I'm sorry about everything." Magnolia quietly speaks.
"About what?" I close the book, confused by her actions.
"I lied... I told you his highness hurt me, when he had nothing to do with it. I was scared to disobey them." Magnolia grows saddened, looking down at her lap.
"Hey, don't worry about that. Maggie, please don't be sorry. You did it to protect me. You're such a kind hearted girl to do that. I only wish I could have protected you."
"I couldn't stand thinking about them harming you, but it hurts to think about how I lied to you."
"Maggie, you did nothing wrong, okay? You are so strong and kind for protecting me, but you should never put yourself in harm's way like that."
Magnolia nods, wiping her eyes.
"My lady... I just... I can't forgive myself though..."
"What's the matter? Talk to me, please." I gently wipe her tears, watching her think about her words.
"Will you listen to my story?" She asks, her voice so quiet I could barely hear.
"Of course. Please, tell me." I gently speak.
Fiddling her fingers, I watch as she takes a deep breath.

"When my father passed away, I was left alone with my older sister."
"You have a sister?" I ask, listening to her open up.
"Yes... She's very kind and protected me all the time... She stays right here."
Magnolia pulls out a gold locket with a small bottle filled with ashes on the chain.
She opens the locket to reveal a picture of her and her sister.
"She passed away when I was only eight. When she passed... I promised her I would live a happy life, and always be truthful... But I broke my promise with her many times after her death. I could never be happy."
"Maggie..."
"I-I remember I was alone and Mister Lance found me on the streets... He told me he'll find a shelter for me to stay, and introduced me to the captain of his highness's royal guards."
"You worked for him for a while then?"
"Yes... Mister Lance frequently checked up on me, and one day when he visited, he asked me to come to the palace to become your maid... I'm grateful he did... The day we first met, I was reminded me of my sister. You both are intelligent and kind, and you gave the same warmth she provided to me. But when I lied to you... Lying to you made me realize I broke both promises to her... I-I'm sorry I lied... I didn't know what else to do." Magnolia holds back her sobs, staring at her lap.