The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-Two

Sitting in a chair as my makeup and hair are being done, Magnolia feeds me some light snacks as maids massage my hands thoroughly.

"Please bear with me, my lady... I've been told I can't give you more than this, but Mister Lance said you'll be able to eat freely at the ball." Magnolia smiles, feeding me a green grape.
"It's okay, I'm just feeling a bit tired." I smile, trying to relax as my arms and hands get massaged.

I stare at the clock, the time almost four in the evening.
Feeling anxious as I think about being back at the palace again, I take a look around the room—feeling nostalgic and comforted being here once more.

"We'll be finished soon, Lady Luna." A beautician smiles, apologetic as she senses my slight change of emotion.

I nod, feigning a smile.
"Thank you for all working so hard, I'm sure it's tiring on your bodies to do this treatment for hours."
"Not at all! It's an honour to serve you." She replies.

"F-Forgive me for speaking without permission, but may I ask something?" A maid hesitantly speaks up, applying lotion to my hands delicately.
"You don't need to ask for permission to speak to me, what is it?" I say, tilting my head with curiosity.
"Well..." Quickly exchanging glances with the other maids, she looks back at me with large hopeful eyes, "Will you become the empress?"
She excitedly asks, her eyes glistening with excitement.

I stare, stunned by the maids who all gaze back at me with eagerness.

"I'm really not sure... We haven't spoke about it to that extent." I smile, taken aback by their charisma.
"Well, we think you'd make a great empress!" The maid glows giving a bright smile.
"I appreciate it, but I'm more suited to become the queen."

Feeling a bit disheartened for a moment, I quickly remind myself that if I want to stay with Cabel, I must support him—accepting that I'll support him diligently regardless of my position.

"Nonsense! We've all heard about how benevolent and smart you are. After assisting you, we know that you're deserving of such praise... And his highness seems calmer when you're by him." A seamstress speaks up.
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes! The news spread about how you were given your previous title back, but after you left his highness has been... a bit frightening." A maid sighs.
"I've heard... It's his highness decision, but his feelings shouldn't affect who he chooses as an empress." I calmly speak, trying to maintain my emotions.
"It's true that an empress should be graceful, benevolent, and an unbiased ruler. Even if there's many candidates who can be that, it's evident that the empress should be someone who'll calm his highness. We believe you would be a great empress because of how kind you are to just us maids, and the way you conduct yourself while helping his highness!"

I can't help but giggle, watching their ecstatic expressions.
"What are your names?" I ask.
"I'm Jane, this is Mila." A maid smiles, gesturing to another maid.
"I'm Lucia." A seamstress sewing on gold leaves bows her head.
"And I'm Maria, my lady." The seamstress sewing the sleeves smiles.
"It's a pleasure to get acquainted with you all. I know he'll announce the pre-engagement announcement, however I ask you to keep quiet about rumours regarding my future title. There hasn't been a discussion of what title I may take, so I assume you'll all do well to not mention it?"
"Of course, my lady!" They exclaim, promising.

The door knocks as I stand getting the final finishing touches on the dress.
"Come in." I call out.

The door opens and Cabel walks in—his outfit lacking the final touches of accessories, but making my heart skip a beat from how handsome he looks.
His eyes widen as he looks back at me.

"Your highness?" I call out, tilting my head as he stands without speaking a word.
"All of you, leave." He calls out.

At the sound of his command, the maids and seamstresses flinch. They bow, quickly leaving the room without making a sound.