The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Thirty-Five

After leaving Luna's bedroom, Hayden shuts the door behind him abruptly.
Walking down the halls, he loosens the neck of his uniform. His breathing growing heavy as he quickly enters the emperor's office.

Once closing the office doors, his body heavily falls back.
Holding himself up against the door, he covers his eyes with his hand. Swiftly, he waves his hand over his chest—wincing in pain as he does.
His light golden brown hair dissipates, changing into sleek black hair. His eyes fade from the orange gold hue, transitioning to a dark wine colour.

Emperor Cabel slumps over against the door, taking a deep breath of relief.
He stares at the ceiling, his hand pressed to cover his mouth and chin.

"You lost your damn mind, fool." Emperor Cabel scowls, shaking his head.
He lifts his hand, his mind running with the image of Luna's lips. Biting his lip, he thinks about how soft they felt against his thumb.
"Control yourself." He scolds.
Pacing his office, he's deep in thought. Each step he takes, his body sways, pain running through his limbs.

The door knocks.
"What?" Emperor Cabel shouts, turning to face the door.
The door opens, and Lance enters carrying a tray.

"Did meeting her as Hayden not go well?" Lance asks.
"Silence. We don't speak of this- Ack." Emperor Cabel chokes, coughing up blood.
Lance sighs, carrying the tray up to him.
On top of the tray, Lance carries a glass of water, a saucer of pills, and serviettes.
"Your highness, I've warned you about how long you should stay as Hayden." Lance hands him a napkin.
Emperor Cabel wipes the blood off his hand and lips, sucking in a sharp deep breath.
He takes the pills and water, swallowing quickly as he grabs his chest in pain.
"Why haven't you told her yet?" Lance sighs, hiding the bloodied napkin in his pocket.
"I'm trying to tell her, but I can't find the right time. I need to make sure she has no feelings for Hayden." Emperor Cabel takes a deep breath, exhausted as he falls back onto the sofa.
"You can find out if you asked her as is. You get too side tracked when you meet her, and it could be fatal if you stay transformed while you do."
"She won't tell me as I am. If she does like him, the first person she'll tell her feelings to will be Hayden. I need to clarify and make sure, before I hurt her."
"Yes, your highness... Shall I call a healer?" Lance worries, staring at Emperor Cabel's expression.
"Not necessary. My mana hasn't begun eating at my soul just yet. I need silence, leave me."
"Yes, your highness. May glory of Helios rest upon you." Lance bows, quietly exiting his office.
Emperor Cabel rests his forearm over his eyes as he sweats, struggling to calm his breathing.

"Cabel? Are you not feeling well today?"
Luna stares at Emperor Cabel's complexion, his face drained of colour with heavy bags under his eyes.
"I'm fine, I've been busy with work and haven't rested enough." He speaks calmly, attempting to not worry her.
"I see... If it's okay, could we rest on that bench?" Luna points to a garden bench as they walk side by side through the flower garden.
Emperor Cabel nods.

Luna sits, dolled up in a pastel pink gown with trumpet sleeves. She carries a white and pink lace umbrella. Emperor Cabel slouches once he sits beside her. Taking a deep breath, he tries to compose himself.

"Are you sure you're alright? We can move inside if you'd like?" Luna worriedly looks up at Cabel.
She places her hand on his arm as she examines his face.
Flinching at her touch, the emperor suddenly pulls his arm back.
Giving a confused look to her, he looks down to where she touched, and back at her again.

"I-I'm sorry. Have I made you uncomfortable?" She asks, a tone of worry in her voice.
"No... Could you do a favour for me?"
"Yes, if it's in my power to do it."
"Stay still for a bit." He whispers.

Luna freezes her movements, evidently taken aback from his words.
Looking at Emperor Cabel's face, she watches as he cautiously moves closer, until laying his head on her lap.
A shiver jumps through his body.
Surprised as he lays down, he begins to appear more relaxed.

"C-Cabel?" Luna exclaims.
"A bit longer... Can we stay like this for a bit longer?" He quietly asks.
Luna looks down at his closed resting eyes.
She gives a small nod, leans back to stare at the swaying flowers.
Her cheeks begin to flush into a shade resembling the red amaryllis flowers growing in the garden, she sits still to not bother the emperor.

Time goes by as Luna sits on the bench with the emperor.
His expression calmed, the colour seeming to return to his pale complexion.

"Lady Luna?" Lance calls out.
He walks through the garden, approaching her.
"Have you seen his highness? He left saying he was going to take a break."
Luna points down to her lap.
Moving past the flower bushes, Lance's eyes widen slightly as he see's Emperor Cabel sleeping on her lap.
"He's been asleep for a while now. He seemed sick so I didn't want to wake him." Luna whispers.
"I see. Unfortunately, I need to wake him. Your highness... Your highness?" Lance calls out.

Stirring in his sleep, Emperor Cabel opens his eyes slowly.
Looking above him, his lips curl into a pleased smile as he focuses his gaze on Luna's gentle smile.

"Ahem, your highness?" Lance speaks up.
Emperor Cabel turns to see Lance standing idly by.
A scoff rolls off his tongue, as he begins to sit up.

"You found me?" The emperor stretches, moving to stand.
"Your highness... The knights have returned with an assassin from Xiao." Lance bows.
Emperor Cabel grins, a look of amusement in his eyes.
"I suppose I'll greet them and see if they're worthy." Emperor Cabel begins walking, until stopping to turn back at Luna, "What are you doing?"
"I can return to my bedroom if you're busy." Luna asks.
"Nonsense, this was your plan. You should meet the assassin from Xiao too. Come."
Emperor Cabel begins walking away.
Lance and Luna look at each other surprised, before following quickly behind Emperor Cabel.
They walk through the palace, Emperor Cabel striding through the halls with anticipation.