The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Forty-Five

Emperor Cabel sighs.
Sitting at his desk, he glances at the empty sofa across his office; a small pile of books sitting on the coffee table.
Lifting his hand, he attempts to grab the teacup. Suddenly, he winces in pain, gripping his chest.

"Your highness, allow me to help you." Lance rushes, handing the teacup to Emperor Cabel.
Emperor Cabel sighs as he holds the cup.
"Your highness, is it okay to remain mad at Lady Luna? I thought you wanted to see if she loved Hayden?"
"Yes, and it turned out to be true. What else would you like me to do? I can't break her to make her love me, I can't snap my fingers and have her submit to give me her love." Emperor Cabel smiles, laughing at his thoughts.
"I didn't think anything of women or love, yet she comes to my mind, lighting a new world in my eyes. A way I never thought about living like. She effortlessly comes to mind, making the world go quiet, making any pain or trouble silence themselves—a vibrant seductive calmness. I assumed love would be nervousness, overly exhausting, and annoying but somehow she makes it feel light and easy." Emperor Cabel sighs, raking his hand through his hair.
"There's a saying that some believe, that when you find a person you're most fitted with, it's not a heart rush, nervousness, or anxiousness but rather, serenity. If you love her this much, wouldn't it be worth it to try to talk to her? What did she say when she admitted to loving Hayden?"

Emperor Cabel grows quiet, averting his eyes from Lance.
Lance continues to smile as he stares back at Emperor Cabel.
"She did say it, didn't she? Your highness?"
Lance's smile exaggerates more, speaking passive aggressively as he silently judges Emperor Cabel.
"Did she say she loved him? Your highness, why won't you speak?"
"No... She didn't say it."
Lance stares blankly at Emperor Cabel, the room growing uncomfortable.
Lance sighs as he places his hand on his forehead.

"What is it?" Emperor Cabel looks away, pouting slightly embarrassed.
"You placed her back in the golden palace for saying she loved Hayden, when she never said it? What am I supposed to do? I have no words for you, your highness, I can't explain it."
"Describe what?" Emperor Cabel scoffs.
"I've forgotten... It's nothing."
"Spit it out-"
"For crying out loud, you're a fool! Forgive me for saying this but you have a beautiful and kind woman, who cares for you and you sit here sulking! How are you so blind to let your feelings decide your actions! She hasn't said the words that she loves Hayden, so why would you assume she does!" Lance shouts, tearing into Emperor Cabel as his face grows red from frustration, "Your highness, even if she does love Hayden, she would still love you then! Everything changes when you transform, but your overbearing personality remains the same, so regardless she would care about you!"
Emperor Cabel plugs his ears with his fingers as he looks away from Lance's glare.
"Alright, I get it. I don't know how to fix it now, the damage is done-"

"I can help." Cethin speaks up in a singing tone.
He sits on an open window sill, waving an envelope in his hand.
"What now?" Emperor Cabel scoffs.
"Didn't know the little guy had it in him to scold ya." Cethin snickers as he stares at Lance.
"Wha-Little guy?" Lance stutters, shocked.
"Anyways, here." Cethin throws the envelope down on Emperor Cabel's desk.
He picks it up, giving Cethin a dubious glare.
"Listen, it'll help your little drama-fest going on right now, just hurry and read it." Cethin mocks.
Emperor Cabel opens the envelope. His eyes scan the paper, beaming with happiness.

'Your highness,
You were honest with me, but I couldn't be honest with you. I promise I wasn't disappointed, it was only surprising.
I told 'Hayden' personal things and it felt as though I was betrayed to find out you were the one I told.
I wasn't upset though, rather I was embarrassed.
I spoke about my past to 'Hayden', and truthfully I'm ashamed that it was you who I told... regardless, you were the one I felt comfortable speaking to, and if you're genuine about your feelings—even after knowing my childhood— I would like to meet in person so that we may calmly talk and understand each other more.
If you can spare some of your time, I hope we can meet soon.
Sincerely, Luna.'