The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Seventy-Seven

Duke Oslo stands in his room. He stares at himself in the mirror, fixing his hair after his butler's helped dress him.

"Just be patient." Duke Oslo whispers, taking a sharp deep breath.
He slides on his gloves, staring at the clean pressed suit he wears.
"I wonder how his highness will react, once he see's our matching clothes." Duke Oslo chuckles, adjusting his light blue cravat.

"Fredrick, is she getting ready now?" Duke Oslo asks, walking down the hallway.
"Yes, your grace. Shall I find out how much longer it will take?"
"No, leave her be."

"Your grace?" Fredrick calls out.
"What is it?"
"Did you... Did you purchase a new suit?" Fredrick asks, shocked.
"I can always rely on your sharp eyes. It's not an issue, is it?"
"Of course not, I'm only surprised is all."
"Yes well, Madam Charmile wasn't pleased when I tried to leave without a new suit." Duke Oslo smiles, feigning ignorance.
"I suppose not..." Fredrick stares at the new suit in disbelief.

Luna sits in a chair, her hair being styled into an elegant bun. Her bangs curled swiftly as maids place a diamond head piece on. A beautician does her makeup elegantly with a vibrant lip stain.
Luna stands, slipping into the gown before stepping into matching blue diamond high heels.

Duke Oslo waits at the entrance, staring at his watch.
Maids and butlers lined at the entrance as they wait for their departure.

"I'm sorry, did I make you wait long?"
Luna's gentle voice calls out.

Duke Oslo looks up the stairs to see her descend. His lips slightly part, surprised as he looks at her breathlessly.
Her figure hugged by the silk dress as it sways with every step she takes. The train of the gown flowing down the stairs.

"Do I look odd?" Luna stares at Duke Oslo, confused.
"Not at all." Duke Oslo holds his hand out to Luna.
She smiles, placing her hand on his.
"We're off." Duke Oslo announces to the help.
They bow their heads, stealing glances at Luna who kindly smiles and waves.

Duke Oslo gets into the carriage after Luna, sitting across from her with his face flushed.
"I'm sorry..." Duke Oslo speaks up.
"For what?" Luna cocks her head.
"You don't look bad, you just looked so breathtaking, it felt like I was in a dream..." Duke Oslo smiles, his eyes softly meeting hers.
"P-Pardon?" Luna's face grows red, she stammers as she tries to process his words.
"There's no need to be shy, it's only the truth."
"T-Thank you... You look handsome as well-" Luna pauses, "Wasn't that suit at Madam Charmile's?"
"This? Yes, does it bother you to match?"
Duke Oslo stares at his suit, which matches the gown Luna ordered.
"Not at all, I just thought you didn't care to buy new suits?"
"Madam Charmile guilted me." Duke Oslo sighs.
"So even the madam can manipulate you?"
"If you say it like that, it sounds like an insult." Duke Oslo snickers.
"I didn't mean it like that, you know I didn't." Luna giggles, getting comfortable in her seat.

"If anything goes wrong, I'll be here." Duke Oslo whispers to Luna.
Luna holds his arm as they walk up the palace entry steps.
She smiles, nodding. Luna takes a deep breath looking up at the palace, her heart aching.

"His grace, Duke Arlen Oslo and Princess Luna of Avris." An announcer calls out as they enter the ballroom.
"Ready?" Duke Oslo whispers.
"Yes..." Luna places her hand in his, walking proudly by his side.
The nobles stare at them as they walk down the steps.

"So will I only know your name as Arlen?" Luna whispers.
"Yes, does it displease you?"
"Just curious as to what your middle name is." She giggles.
"You know it starts with a V."
"But, it makes me curious."
"My lady... Please, it isn't appropriate to speak about middle names in public." Duke Oslo whispers, his cheeks flushing red.
"I apologize. But I will admit, it sounds odd to hear your real name used in public."
"But you knew it was Arlen."
"Yes, but hearing it is odd. It seems the name 'Duke' suits coming before your surname." Luna giggles, joking around as she glances up at Duke Oslo.
Duke Oslo stares back at her, before he snickers.
"Yes, it does sound odd, shall I change my name to 'Duke' then? I can just be announced as 'Duke, Duke Oslo'."
"Don't be ridiculous." Luna bursts out laughing.
They laugh among themselves as they walk down the stairs.