The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Forty-One

Adjusting my light purple gown, maids tie up the exterior corset before slipping a pair of cream high heels on.
Patiently waiting for them to finish helping me get dressed, I watch as they fix the curls of my hair before clipping a crystal barrette just above my ear.

"Wow, look at you all dolled up."

Glancing over my shoulder to the familiar voice, I see Cethin sitting on the window sill—keeping in his usual routine of always entering through an open window.

The maids jump at his voice, shocked to see a man entering through the window of a high floor.
"E-Excuse me! The lady is currently getting dressed!" A maid scolds.
"Oh come on, stop being so up-tight. She's just getting her hair done." Cethin pouts, lounging comfortably against the window frame.
"How rude! I ask that you leave right now!" She exclaims, flustered at his tone.
"It's alright. Have you not had time to introduce yourself to the staff yet?" I ask Cethin.
"Why would I? They didn't introduce themselves to me." He shrugs, giving a—rather dramatic—exasperated sigh.
Giving a small smile, I hold my hand out to gesture to him.
"Ladies, this is Cethin. He's a new captain from Xiao. Forgive his manners, I'm sure in due time he'll become more mindful of his actions." I introduce.
They all give a small bow to him, a bewildered look in their expressions.
"Oh, c'mon. Don't be so scared, I haven't hurt a soul... Yet." Cethin flashes a coy grin, winking at the maids.
My jaw drops at his 'joke'. Seeing the maids grow concerned as they flash a questioning gaze to me, I force a small laugh.
"He's quite a joker. He won't harm you though, he's been appointed to guard me." I speak, watching their expressions grow relaxed, "Could you give us a moment?"

The maids all nod, quietly exiting the room.
Standing up from the chair, I hold my forehead as a sigh escapes.
"Please stop scaring the workers." I scold.
"I did no such thing!" He exclaims, holding his hand to his chest in a dramatic manner.
Taking the jar of rose salve, I gently apply the balm to my lips.
"I didn't expect that you'd peep on me getting dressed." I look at myself in the mirror, paying no attention to Cethin.
"Oh come on, we both know I would never."
"Is it a coincidence that you entered, the moment I finished getting dressed then?"
"Well of course!" Cethin pouts, jumping to his feet, "Don't be like that, Chicky. I'm just checking up on you."
"Incase you scare the workers again, I suggest using the door."
"Alright, alright. So, what's the occasion, huh?"
"No occasion. I'm his highness' concubine, so I should dress formally."
"See? This is why nobles suck." Cethin walks to stand behind me, "They're always making sure they look their best, incase you have to please your 'master'."
"Cabel's not my 'master'. He is however, the emperor, so I should maintain a good image incase."
"Incase of what exactly?" He asks, his tone extremely playful.
I continue to finish my makeup as he begins to plays with my hair from behind. Twirling a strand of hair around his finger, he looks into my eyes through the mirror.
"Incase I run into a noble or government official. It's uncommon that anyone who's allowed in the palace, would dress informally."
"Hm, you sure you're not meeting that guard?"
My hand pauses as I meet his curious stare.
Turning around, I lightly laugh. Brushing Cethin's hand away from my hair, I walk past him.
"I am meeting him, but I dress like this everyday." I honestly say, picking up a crystal bracelet.
"You seem close with him... Does it not bother the great Emperor Cabel?"
"I don't believe so. He even helped arrange plans for Hayden and I to meet. Why do you ask?"
"Because I know he's hiding something."
"Hayden or Cabel?"
"Who's to say." Cethin shrugs, approaching closer as he takes the bracelet from my hand, "Everyone's got secrets, and Hayden sure as hell has a huge one."
He wraps the bracelet around my wrist, beginning to clasp it closed.
"His secrets don't concern me. I think everyone is allowed a few secrets, like you." I smile, giving him a curious stare, "How come you don't want to share your past?"
Cethin gives a small smile, meeting my gaze.
"Cause... Everyone's allowed a few secrets." He whispers, repeating my words.
Giving a small nod, I take my hand away from him.
"Of course they are... I'm sorry, but I should go before I'm late."
"Alright, have fun."
I watch as he walks towards the window.
"You can use the door you know." I giggle, adjusting the bracelet.
"This is more fun. See ya later, Chicky." Cethin waves before flipping out of the window.
Walking towards my bedroom door, I think about his words.
"Hayden's secret?... It's probably Cethin being weird." I whisper, leaving my room.

"Sir Hayden!" I wave to him as he sits at the garden table.
He stands, walking over to me.
Holding out his arm to assist me, he flashes a kind smile.
"Beautiful, just like the lilacs." Hayden smiles, meeting my eyes.
"Do you like the dress?" I ask, giving my clothes another look.
"I do, but you make it look more beautiful."
"Your flattery never ceases to amaze me." I giggle at his boldness.
Pushing in my chair as I sit down, I watch him sit beside me as a butler approaches. He pushes a tea trolley towards us, before bowing his head.
He sets up our table, promptly leaving as Hayden and I begin to enjoy our refreshments.

"How's your training going? I heard the assassins from Xiao are teaching you." Hayden asks, taking a sip of his black tea.
"Very well! I feel sore at times, but it's rather fun. I was told that eventually I'd learn how to use weapons, just like Jax does."
"I see, don't push yourself too much. We wouldn't want you getting hurt or bedridden from being sore."
"I'll do my best. These days I feel much more healthier so I believe it's been helping a lot."
"And have the nightmares gone away?" Hayden asks, admiring the aroma of his tea.
"Surprisingly, yes." I wrap my hands around the teacup, "Sometimes the memories of my brother will come back to me, and I'll have nightmares every now and then...but lately I've been feeling happy and calm."
"What's been making you feel happy?"
"Hm... I think the training's making me feel more secure... I don't feel weak like before, and it feels as though I'm slowly becoming a different person than who I was."
"Sometimes our own enemies can be the obstacles we set ourselves. You seem to understand how to become a better version of who you are."
"I'd like to say so... It's a long journey to know who I am or who I'll be, but I'm grateful to have his highness' patience and understanding, as well as the friends I've met—and you for helping me along the way." I smile.
I stare at the colour of my fruit tea, suddenly remembering the warmth of Cabel's hand against my cheek.
"Luna..."
Glancing at Hayden, I cock my head as I wait for him to collect his words.
"I've been meaning to ask, but haven't found the right time... How do you feel about me?"
"How I feel about you?" My eyes widen, taken aback by his question, "I feel... I feel a comfort with you... I think of you as someone important to me."
"Is it the same feeling you get with the assassins, or is it different?"
"Different?" I question, confused as I watch him try to think, "Hayden, is everything alright?"
"Yes... I want to know if you have feelings-"
Hayden abruptly cuts himself off.

In a blink of an eye he stands behind me, wielding his sword. A loud clash rings through the garden as he uses his sword to stop a black dagger aimed towards me.
I choke on my breath, shocked as I turn. A heavy, sickening aura in the air that ignites a shiver through my body.
Standing protectively in front of me, Hayden grips his sword tighter.

A black fog ahead of us, grows larger as the sky begins to darken.
My heart pounds quickly, feeling crushed by the dense aura of power emitting from the haze. My body begins shaking, watching as a familiar tall figure steps out.
Micheal stands ahead of us. His once blonde hair—a dull murky green shade. His vibrant golden eyes—now a glowing lime green colour.

"Luna, duck!"

A voice shouts.
I freeze, unable to control my body.
Haunting memories return, restricting my movements as I feel my body tremble.
In a second, Hayden quickly pushes me down, covering me with his body.