The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-One

Standing in the middle of a room, Luna wears a weary expression as she holds her arms out—maids and seamstresses run around the room preparing different jewels and cloths.

"How did things end up like this?" She sighs, whispering under her breath as she watches the room in utter chaos.

An hour before it all began—the emperor and Luna sit in his office, enjoying their breakfast.
The door knocks.

"Your highness, I've returned." Lance calls out.

Emperor Cabel flicks his hand, causing the door to open with a shadow.

"Your highness, in a few hours maids will help Luna prepare for this evening's ball." Lance enters, bowing.

"Am I attending again?" Luna questions, confused as she looks back at Emperor Cabel and Lance.
"Yes, weren't you going to attend for the three days?" Emperor Cabel cocks his head.
"Not at all, I mean, I only just found out it would last for three days."
"That duke didn't tell you anything?" Emperor Cabel scoffs.
"No, his grace didn't say anything about attending more than once. Would it be alright to attend still?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, I don't know if there'd be enough time to get the gown cleaned for tonight..."

"My lady... Do you only have the one dress?" Lance questions, his expression dropping as thoughts go through his mind.
"Yes, his grace got me only one formal gown for the ball so I didn't think it'd be more than one day." Luna ponders, dejected as she thinks if attending would be possible.
"Oh? So, that duke chose the dress for you?" Emperor Cabel scowls, raising his brow as a gaze of jealousy appears in his eyes.
"Calm yourself. I chose the design myself, there's no need to be bitter." Luna gently takes his hand in hers, giving him a gentle smile.

His irritation quickly subsides the moment his fingers lace with hers—he scoffs defeatedly.

"I tried purchasing it myself, but he insisted it be billed to him." Luna softly giggles, giving his hand a slight squeeze.
"Shall I buy you all the gowns in the empire, so his little gift will mean nothing?" The emperor grins, raising his brows triumphantly.
"It's not a competition. I love the gown, please don't dismiss it without knowing the meaning."
"Is he involved with the meaning behind it?"
"Not at all." She reassures, interlacing their fingers as she gives a warm smile.

Taking a moment, Emperor Cabel sighs before planting a light kiss on the back of her hand—believing her words as he pulls her in for a gentle hug.

"One..."

The two are taken out of their 'own world', looking over at Lance who mutters with a pale complexion.

"Lance?" Luna calls out, worried by his complexion.

"One... One dress?" He questions, his eyes widened with shock.
"Y-Yes?"
"M-My lady... You mean to tell me, you only have one formal gown for the spring ball?"
"I-I mean, I have other gowns that would be acceptable-" Luna stammers, taken aback by his staggered reaction.
Lance's jaw drops, shocked and panicked.

"C-Call the seamstresses! Get the beauticians here now!" Lance shouts, quickly running into the hallway.

"W-What's happening?" Luna exclaims, startled by Lance.
"You're going to get dolled up it seems." Emperor Cabel reluctantly sighs, helping Luna stand as he plants a kiss on her forehead.
"Dolled up? What do you mean?"
"Yes... You know I'll do everything in my power to protect you, right?"
"Er, yes? Why? W-What's the matter?" Luna tilts her head, her stare filled with concern as she watches Emperor Cabel pause briefly.
"I apologize in advance, but I won't be able to protect you from now—no matter what happens." Emperor Cabel smiles awkwardly, averting his eyes from her stare.
"You're scaring me Cabel."
"It's not my intention, but it might be a bit overwhelming... Before you're taken, if you're comfortable, can you tell me the meaning behind the dress?"

Letting out a small chuckle, Luna cups his cheek.

"Are you really worried about that?" She asks.
"Rather, just curious."
Closing her eyes, she gives a calm smile.

"It's similar to the gown I wore on my last birthday." She whispers.
"Your birthday?..." He repeats, thinking for a moment.
A realization flickers in his eyes and he nods—recalling the light blue gown she was wearing when he found her.
"I see." He gently speaks as he kisses her hand, "Was it a good reason you chose it?"
"I believe so..." She smiles, leaning into him for a hug.