The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Eighty-Three

"Cabel... Couldn't you have spoke calmly?" I whisper only for him to hear.

"It displeases me. He betrayed me and laid his hands on you, so what do I do when he chats with you as if he didn't cause you harm?" Cabel scoffs, raking his hand through his hair.
"You do nothing... If he pretends it never happened, then he isn't truly apologetic. It's best not to expect an apology from someone who doesn't see the significance of their actions."
"So, you'll play along and talk with him when the memory's still vivid in your mind?" Cabel raises a brow, in disbelief of my words.

Taking a moment to think, I sigh as a give a subtle shrug.

"Yes... If he wants to act as if he did no wrong, I won't reach out to him but if he decides to speak to me, I have no choice but to be civil with him."
"You don't need to be civil. You can cuss him out and ignore him."
"I know you'd prefer I -o that, but strictly speaking—he's your ally. If I'm to be your wife, I'll have to work with him regarding the empire's affairs, so I have no choice but to pretend."
"You seem confident you'll get along."
"Well, he's meant to support the imperial family... I'm sure I'll eventually forgive what happened, so I think you should calm your anger towards him. It is true that he did help us—without his idea, I wouldn't have left as your concubine—now it's become easier for us to be together, right?"

Cabel looks down at me for a moment before he scoffs.
Giving a resigned nod, he sighs.

"Since my future fiancée asked so sweetly, I'll listen."
"Thank you Cabel." I smile, holding his arm tighter as I give him a small hug.

Pausing for a moment, Cabel leans over as if he's about to kiss me.
I quickly back away.

"E-Everyone's staring!" I exclaim, covering my mouth with a fan.
"And? If we share saliva in public or private, would it matter?" He whispers only for my ears to hear.
"C-Cabel!" My cheeks instantly heat up as I softly swat at him.

He flashes a confident-sly grin before moving close to me. Wrapping an arm around my back, he pulls me close to force me to look up.

"Princess, did you bite your tongue? It seems you can't answer my question. Shall I kiss it better?" His deep voice whispers, causing my heart to beat faster.
"N-No!" I quietly exclaim, doing my best to keep my voice low and my face hidden, "Y-You can't say that! What if someone hears?"
"And? What would anyone do if I—the emperor—wants to share a kiss with my future wife?"

His hand rests on my waist as he tries to peer at my expression.
Just as I'm about to scold him, I'm quickly interrupted.

"Good evening, your highness. Would you spare me some of your time?"

We look to see a lady, bowing in front of us.
She wears foreign clothing, not appearing to be a guest from the empire.

"Hm... You came with Princess Safia, correct?" Cabel questions.
"Yes, your highness. Forgive me for intruding. Would you mind sparing a moment of your time?" She looks back at me and Cabel.
"Fine. Make it quick." Cabel turns to me and smiles as he gently caresses my cheek, "I'll be back."
"Okay..." I smile, my cheeks flushed by his gesture.

I watch them leave the ballroom. Taking a deep breath, I do my best to calm down my heart as I think back to his flirtatious actions.
Calming down seems almost too easy as I snap out of my daze—realizing the many eyes watching me.
I look at the crowd of guests, whispering amongst themselves as they try to subtly glance at me.

"May I have a dance?"
I turn to see a man dressed in a foreign style of clothing.

His brown hair slick back neatly, with his brown eyes piercing into me.
Questioning if he's a delegate from a different kingdom, his kind expression makes me want to avoid him at all costs.

"I apologize, but I must decline." I smile slightly, "I'm a fairly tired and would like to rest."
"I promise I don't bite." He smiles, holding his hand out, "Could you spare time for a small dance?"