His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 20: Marriage Proposal

It feels like I had a déjà vu as I woke up in the morning and Asher is no longer there again. This scene was like what he did before when we first shared our night together back in the Cabin. It felt nostalgic and it made me smile. The image of him last night was still clear to me and just thinking about it makes me blush. The window was closed; I guess he went out using that as well. He’s got a weird way of doing things until now.

I stood up and looked at my hand, the ring looked amazing. He really did propose to me last night, huh? I can’t believe that he’s really the Emperor now. Thinking about the consequences of this marriage is frustrating. He’s literally the highest member of high society right now. I can’t believe I’m marrying that person. What will be my father’s reaction when he hears about this?

I can’t believe I said yes that quickly. It must be true that love will poison your heart and decisions. I must have been out of my mind last night. My heart is happy but thinking about the odds makes my head spin.

The door suddenly popped open and I saw Maia rushing in. She looked so shocked that she forgot to lock the door. She just jumped right in front of me in shock and held my hand. “My-My lady!” she screamed.

“Why are you in such a rush this early morning, Maia?” I asked.

She was gasping for air and tried to calm down before she spoke again, “The-There’s a letter!” she said and I immediately absorbed what she was coming from.

She’s talking about the letter of marriage. I can’t believe it will come this early. Asher is really the man of his words. I am happy that he's fulfilling them but what will happen now? I know that this marriage will cause uproar in the society. Because if the marriage pushes over then I will become the Empress in just a wink of an eye. It’s like a dream come true to other families. The responsibilities are quite heavy for me to fulfil. Can I really become an Empress?

“There’s a letter from the Imperial palace and it’s addressed to you. The master wants to see you as soon as possible.” She said and I sighed. And so the confusion started this early too?

Maia helped me wash and get ready to meet father downstairs. It’s really happening now, I’m getting married off. I hope my father will not get mad about this. He requested dinner with me and most probably Raquel will be there too. My step mom will not let this thing slip. I learned from my teacher Madam Sinclair that one of the requirements to become the head of the family is to get married. Marriage makes the position stronger especially when it becomes a connection between two families. To get this straight, my position to become the next head became better since I am marrying someone who holds a great power. Now the Amaranth family will be associated with the Imperial family, our connection is doubled, not maybe tripled.

Now, I wonder what will be their reactions. I suddenly got engaged and I expected my father to be bewildered. Even I was a little lost with recent events that’s happening right now. However, I wouldn’t want it to happen in other ways. I can say that I am still happy that Asher kept his promises.

I went downstairs and Maia guided me to the dining hall. The door opened and I was welcomed with glances and I already know the reason behind it.

I was told to sit down by my father. I can feel the intensifying gaze of my step mother the moment I step inside the room. I can tell she’s pissed off. The servants started serving us food and we ate quietly.

“That’s it. Can we talk about the papers right now, Oscar?” My step mother, Raquel said and my father sighed.

“Can we finish a good meal first?” he replied.

“How can you act so calm during this situation? Your daughter is getting married!” She exclaimed. I wonder why she cares more than my biological father. She was acting stupidly strange. She suddenly cared for me now?

“The decision is for Celeste to decide.” My father said and I smiled. My father is not pressuring me, he’s acting like he’s waiting for me to decide for myself. He was calm about the situation since he’s fine with anything as long as I decide it. I appreciate that father trusts me on this matter.

“Thank you, Father.” I said and smiled at him. He nodded and continued eating.

“What do you mean? What does a child know about marriage? You know that she needs supervision and proper guidance for this matter. I cannot believe you are taking this matter so lightly.” She hissed. I can’t believe she is interested in my marriage letters.

“Raquel, we talked about this.” My father said, I can’t eat properly like this. I have to address this matter quickly. I don’t think being silent will get me somewhere. Nevertheless, the engagement has been made. I need to speak up about this matter now.

“The new Emperor and I talked about this last night, I agreed to his proposal.” I said and Raquel dropped her spoon out of shock.

“What?” she gasped, “Last night? That doesn’t make sense. You left earlier than any of us. You must take this thing seriously, Celeste!” She hissed. I almost forgot about the fact that Asher came from the window of my bedroom! I can’t tell them that!

“We met before I got home. We talked about his proposal and I accepted it.” I said and I looked at my father. He doesn’t look surprised and continues to eat while my step mother is fuming with rage. Did father know about any of this beforehand?

“Say something, Oscar.” Raquel said and father sighed.

“Celeste, do you really want this marriage? You can think about this as many times as you want, daughter. Tell me your decision.” He said and I looked him in the eye as I answered.

“I want this, father. I want to get married to Asher.” I said and he nodded.

“Then, I see no problem with it. The Imperial family is the highest among us and this marriage will surely benefit our family connections. I don’t really care about that but I am saying that this marriage has a good benefit to it. However, if my daughter doesn’t want it I will oppose this. Now that I heard about Celeste’s opinion about this marriage we shall no longer discuss this matter. The engagement shall be done soon.” Father said and I smiled. It made me feel at ease that he doesn’t oppose it. “However, if that man fails to treat you right, I will be the first one to stop it. Do you understand, Daughter?” he said and I smiled as I nodded my head.

“Yes, thank you Father.” I said.

“This is crazy. How did you charm that man? You must’ve used something to seduce him.” My step mother commented. I am getting tired of this.

“To be honest, I don’t know why Asher loves me so much. At least, I will marry someone I love, unlike someone here.” I said and stood up.

“What did you say?!” she growled.

“Father, please excuse me.” I said and she nodded.

“I’ll see you in my office later.” He said and I nodded. “Yes.” I responded.

I walked out with a deep sigh. This is just a start but it’s getting annoying. I am aware of these matters so I prepared myself. I hope I can withstand all the circumstances ahead. If you really want me Asher, you’ll fight for me right?